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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Gaviota
State Beach Camping
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Gaviota
State Beach
is the last stop on Highway 101 before it turns inland
toward Buelton. The Southern Pacific train trestle travels
over the canyon which forms the beach. Amtrak and a few
freight trains roll over the bridge daily. Other that
the occasional train the only noise you will hear is the
waves crashing on the beach.
Gaviota pier is very popular for fishing and scuba divers
enjoy the surrounding waters. There is a small snack bar
with restrooms and the life guard tower is manned during
the summer season. Activities including hiking, fishing,
swimming, boating and camping.
There are e 41 developed campsites that can accommodate
tents, trailers up to 25 feet and Recreation Vehicles
up to 27 feet. Between October 1 and March 31, the campground
is open Friday through Sunday only. Camping reservations
can be made up to seven months in advance through Reserve
America. During the summer and holiday weekends camp sites
fill up fast so reserve early for best locations.
Gaviota Beach campground is next to the train trestle,
the beach is a short walk away. There is a hiking trail
near the parking lot where you can head inland and explore
Gaviota State Park inland areas.
Gaviota Hot Springs is about a three mile hike from the
campgrounds. Gaviota Peak Fire Road trail leads uphill
to two small sulfur springs which are open to the public.
Nude bathing is discouraged but it still happens at the
springs. |
Gaviota
State Park is located 33 miles west of Santa
Barbara, California along U.S. 101. Boating and fishing
are popular activities at Gaviota Beach. There is a public
fishing pier which is is equipped with an electric boat
hoist launching facility.
Check with park staff for rules on the use of the hoist
and if the hoist is working. Trails and dirt fire roads
and hiking trails lead into more than 2,000 acres of oak
woodland and chaparral back country. Check with park rangers
before starting your hike, conditions change frequently.
Gaviota State Park is mountain lion country and watch for
snakes in summer. Safety tips are available from the rangers.
Gaviota State Park offers hiking on
both sides of the pass. Eastside trail attractions include
a hot springs and connections to Los Padres National Forest
footpaths.
On the west side of the pass, the parks trail network winds
its way through the back country and offers hikers loops
of varying distances.
The campground at Gaviota is on the small size better suited
for tents and smaller RV's (see picture below). The nearest
large campground is Refugio
State Beach about 11 miles down the coast toward Santa
Barbara. |
Tent Camping Gaviota State Beach |
Gaviota State Beach Coast |
Adjacent to the Gaviota
State Park is a large region of private ranches known as
Hollister and Bixby Ranches, which extends for almost the
entire distance to Point Conception. Access to the ranch
is closed to the public however California law allows public
access to all land below the mean high tide line.
Surfers and fisherman boat in or walk in from Gaviota and
Jalama beach to enjoy this secluded section of the coast
being careful not to pass the high tide line. The Ranch
is home to some spectacular surfing spots including: Razor
Blades, Drake's, St. Augustine, Cojo Point and Perko's Point.
Famous residents of the Ranch include Singer Jackson Browne
owns a ranch adjacent to the park on the west.
You can travel along the Hollister Ranch road for about
a mile which gives you access to several secluded beaches.
Once you get to the Hollister Ranch gate house its time
to turn around unless your an invited guest.
The California Coastal Commission is slowing waging a battle
with Hollister Ranch to open up a trail from Gaviota Beach
into the ranch and allow coastal access. So far the ranch
is winning but one day this beautiful section of California
coast will be open to everyone to enjoy.
Gaviota
State Park is located 33 miles north
of Santa Barbara. About a two hour drive from Los Angeles
depending on traffic.
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Each
campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table.
The campground is a short walk to the beach. Gaviota State
Beach campground is on the small side with only 39 campsites.
Tent camping is popular at this campground.
A fishing license is not required when fishing from the
pier.
Camping reservations can be made seven months in advance
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places to camp on the beach in Southern California:
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Doheny
Beach popular for day use and over
night beach camping. Bike rentals available. Adjacent
to Dana Point Harbor. |
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Point
Mugu State Park two campgrounds, Thornhill
Broom, and Sycamore Canyon, both feature views of
the ocean. |
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Leo
Carrillo State Park
is a perfect destination for day use or an overnight
camping trip. Beach is 5-10 minute walk from the campsites |
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Bolsa
Chica State Beach north of Huntington
Beach . RV camping only. All campsites are in paved
parking area steps form beach. |
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