Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach Campsite #30, 10 Refugio Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Overview
Refugio State Beach Campground is located 20 miles west of Santa Barbara off Highway 101. With a wonderful coastline full of fishing opportunities as well as hiking routes and picnic areas, this campground offers a total of 66 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, trailers, and tents.
Note that Refugio State Beach Campground doesn’t have hookups, a dump station, or wifi.
However, there is also a Hike & Bike Site and various group sites for up to 80 people at Refugio State Beach Campground. The peak season is from March to November, and the park might be closed during the rainy season which runs from December to March.
Campfires are permitted only in the allotted fire rings and no fires are permitted on the beach. Pets are permitted in the campsite and day-use area on a leash and must be accompanied at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Best Campsites at Refugio State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Refugio State Beach Campground.
Sites #34, 35, 36, 60
- Closest to the beach
- Best views of the ocean
Sites 2 and 5
- Larger sites
- Tucked away in a quiet corner away from other campers
Sites #61-#64
- Shaded
- More spacious
- Close to the ocean
- Away from day use parking lot
- Minimal foot traffic or vehicle traffic
Unique Experiences
- Go for a bike ride along several excellent paths such as the Aniso trail which connects Refugio and El Capitan beaches. This route is suitable for riders of all ability levels, just be wary negotiating your way around hikers!
- The coastal surf fishing at Refugio Beach is excellent. Anglers have reported catching perch, various rockfish, calico, lings, and other species here, so go fishing and catch your dinner!
- While the waves at Refugio State Beach aren’t the biggest, they are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers to gain some confidence. There is strong surf at all tidal levels, with the best conditions in north-northeast winds.
- Go for a paddle in Refugio Beach’s sheltered bay that offers a perfect, and generally tranquil, site to launch your canoe or kayak. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to spot sea lions, dolphins, and otters.
- Hike the Aniso Route, a five-mile trail along the sea cliffs leading to the neighboring El Capitan Beach.
Refugio State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
27/30 FeetMax Length of Stay
12 daysMax people per site
80Max vehicles per site
25Fires allowed?
No fires allowedPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsRefugio State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations are accepted at Refugio State Beach Campground all year, up to 6 months in advance of the arrival date. Online Reservations can be made at https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/ or by calling on (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM. The reservation fee during peak season (March - November) is $45, for premium sites during peak season go up to $55, and $10 for Hike & Bike site.
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
Anapamu, Yanonali, and Bouchard are the three group sites at Refugio State Beach. The first two can hold up to 32 people and 8 vehicles, while Bouchard can accommodate up to 80 people and 25 vehicles. The registration cost may not cover all vehicles.
Anapamu and Yanonali are strictly for tents and do not allow RVs or trailers. A group site must be reserved by a minimum of 9 persons. The maximum vehicle length allowed for trailers is 27 feet and 30 feet for RVs. Fees are $235 and $350 per night, respectively.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations are accepted online or by phone at (800) 444-PARK (7275). This service is accessible from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Customers who cancel after 6:00 p.m. the day before arrival will be charged a $7.99 cancellation fee and will forfeit the unit cost for one night as well as the $7.99 reservation fee.
Refugio State Beach Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$45Premium Site
$55Group Campsite
$235 - $320Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Bike Trails
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Cell Service
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Refugio State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach
The Carpinteria State Beach Campground has 191 family campsites which are far more than the 63 campsites at Refugio State Beach. Some campsites at Carpinteria have hookups whereas Refugio offers none. Carpinteria State Beach features seven group camping areas that accommodate more campers and vehicles compared to only three group campsites at Refugio.
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach Campground features 128 campsites in total, 119 of which are conventional campsites that may accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The remaining nine spots are solely for RVs or trailers.
There are also 5 Group Camps at El Capitan State Beach. Two of the group sites are traditional campsites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The other three group sites are just for tents. El Capitan, like Refugio, does not have any hookups.
Gaviota State Park
Gaviota State Park Campground is a smaller campground than Refugio, with just 38 campsites organized in a loop and no group campsites. Gaviota, like Refugio, does not provide hookups. The maximum vehicle length permitted at Refugio is 27 feet for trailers and 30 feet for RVs, whereas it is 25 feet for trailers and 27 feet for RVs at Gaviota.
Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach Campground features 86 campsites at two sites along the beach, which is bigger than Refugio's 63 campsites. Emma Wood State Beach only allows self-contained RVs or trailers to camp and doesn’t have tent sites. This campsite has no hookups, showers, or potable water, but Refugio has clean restrooms with flush toilets.
