Gaviota State Park Campground
17620 Gaviota Beach Rd, Gaviota, CA 93117, United States
Overview
Nestled on the beach, Gaviota Campground is located off route 101, 33 miles north of Santa Barbara, California. With a total of 39 campsites accommodating trailers up to 25 feet, RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet, and tents, each site takes up to 8 people. There are no hookups at this campground nor a dump station.
The campground is located slightly inland along the peaceful Gaviota Creek and you can enjoy fishing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, and biking. There’s also a boat ramp that can accommodate small crafts.
One of the major drawbacks of this campground is that the winds can be very strong and can wreak havoc on tents. RVs and trailers will be fine, but there have been many tents that have fallen to the powerful guests.
Pets are allowed everywhere except on the beach, and this Gaviota Campground is open from April to late October. In the off-season, it may be open on weekends depending on the weather, and you should call to confirm.
Best Campsites at Gaviota State Park Campground
Gaviota Campground is known for being extremely windy, so be sure to check the weather conditions before you go, especially if you’re intending to camp in a tent. Some of the outer sites that are more protected from wind include sites 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 25, 29, 31, 35, 38, and 39, which are located at the perimeter of the campground.
Trains will pass on the railroad trestle nearby, but they are relatively quiet and won’t disturb your sleep. If you’re sensitive to it though, keep this in mind.
Unique Experiences
- Enjoy the cool water and go swimming on the beach on a hot summer’s day.
- Adrenaline junkies up for a challenge can go windsurfing or kitesurfing at Leadbetter Beach.
- Avid hikers can hike to the top of the Gaviota Peak at 1325 feet or go see the Gaviota Wind Caves which is a sandstone formation about a mile from the ocean.
- Anglers can fish from the pier for kelpfish, perch, bass, bonito, and mackerel.
Gaviota State Park Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
25/27 FeetMax Length of Stay
12 daysMax people per site
8Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsGaviota State Park Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesYou can reserve online, preferably 6 months, prior through the California State Park’s website, or rent trailers using only 101 RV Rental Concession or the Channel Coast District office only. Reservation costs are $45 during camping season and $35 during the off-season. Hike and Bike fees are $10.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There are no group camping sites in Gaviota Campground. Each campsite can accommodate up to 8 people, so you can book multiple sites online.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
To cancel a reservation without being charged any fees, you have to cancel before 6 pm the day before your arrival. If you cancel after 6 pm, you will be charged $8 plus your first night’s campsite fee. To cancel go to ReserveCalifornia or call the number 1-800-444-PARK.
Gaviota State Park Campground Campground Cost
Standard Campsite during camping season
$45Standard Campsite during the off-season
$35Activities
Horseback Riding
Hiking
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Cell Service
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Gaviota State Park Campground
The Gaviota coast has access to 3 state beaches; the Gaviota beach, Refugio, and El Capitan. You can enter the three of them using the same $10 entry ticket. The following will compare the three beaches plus two other beaches that are close to the Gaviota beach in proximity.
Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach has 66 campsites and has a maximum length of 30 ft for RVs compared to only 39 campsites and 27 ft RV length at Gaviota. It also has group campsites while Gaviota has no group campsites, and some sites on Refugio have ocean views while Gaviota is located a few hundred yards inland along a creek. Both campgrounds have no hookups or a dump station.
El Capitan State Beach
Also located along the 101, El Capitan State Beach has 142 campsites with 42 ft maximum RV length compared to Gaviota’s 27 ft maximum. El Capitan is located on the beach with ocean view sites, while Gaviota is located inland. Both have no hookups, but El Capitan has 5 group camping sites that can accommodate between 32 to 60 people, and Gaviota has no group camping.
Carpinteria State Beach
The much-larger Carpinteria Campground has a wider beach that doesn’t feel as crowded as Gaviota’s small stretch of beach, and it is also less windy. With 216 campsites and 108 offers full hookups, in addition to 7 group camping sites, this campground would be more suited to those traveling in larger groups or in RVs that require facilities.
Pismo State Beach
There are two campgrounds in Pismo State Beach; North Beach Campground and Oceano Campground. Oceano Campground is open all year round, while Gaviota is open from April to October.
Both campgrounds in Pismo State Beach have full hookups and a dump station. Prices are $50 and $40 (off-season) for hookup sites and $35/$25 for standard sites. In contrast, Gaviota non-hookup sites cost $45/$35.
