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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.

Camping  reservations
Click here to reserve a camping site at Gaviota State Beach. Reserve early for summer and weekend Camping. Bring along some good hiking shoes and enjoy the miles of trails Gaviota State Park. Campsite check in time 2:00 pm Check out time 12:00 noon. More information.
Gaviota State Beach Train Trestle
Train Trestle Gaviota State Beach
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.
Gaviota State Park Campground
Tent Camping Gaviota State Beach
Gaviota State Park
Gaviota State Beach Coast
 
Santa Barbara Coast
 
Gaviota State Tide Pools
 
Gaviota Beach
 
Gaviota State Lifeguard Tower
 
Gaviota State Park Fishing Pier
 
Adjacent to the park on the west is a large region of private ranches known as Hollister Ranch, which extends for almost the entire distance to Point Conception (where the California coast turns to the north).

Access to this portion of the coast is tightly secured, and possible only by water for non-residents. 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.
Gaviota State Park is located 33 miles north of Santa Barbara.

More Southern California Beach Campgrounds
San Clemente State Beach
Bosla Chica Camping
San Elijo State Beach
Jalama Beach Cottages
San Onofre State Beach
San Clemente State Beach popular for day use and overnight beach camping trips.
Bosla Chica Camping Beach camping is limited to RVs only. No tent camping allowed.
San Elijo State Beach Bluff top camping with views of the Pacific Ocean. North San Diego
Jalama Beach 30 miles north of Santa Barbara. RV camping and beach cottages.
San Onofre State Beach two campgrounds. Camp along old Pacific Coast Highway.
 
 
 
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