8 am to Sunset
El Capitán State Beach
5/11/2023 UPDATE: El Capitan State Beach is temporarily closed to camping until further notice due to severe storm damage, flooding, and debris cleanup.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding while State Parks works towards reopening.
We are continuing to assess damages that have occurred in local State Parks; these assessments will inform recovery needs.
Emergency repairs have been completed on the entrance road and beach trails.
Day use in the lower part of the park is open, including one restroom.
The park remains closed to camping until further notice as work continues to restore key waterlines that provide service to the park's facilities.
State Parks is engaged with local, State, and Federal Emergency Operations to acquire the resources necessary for repairing these damages.
Channel Coast District staff is receiving support from around the state, and all efforts are being prioritized to bring back access to these beloved State Parks.
Please visit our Facebook page for progress updates and our El Capitan Entrance Improvements Project page for the latest project updates.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding while State Parks works towards reopening.
We are continuing to assess damages that have occurred in local State Parks; these assessments will inform recovery needs.
Emergency repairs have been completed on the entrance road and beach trails.
Day use in the lower part of the park is open, including one restroom.
The park remains closed to camping until further notice as work continues to restore key waterlines that provide service to the park's facilities.
State Parks is engaged with local, State, and Federal Emergency Operations to acquire the resources necessary for repairing these damages.
Channel Coast District staff is receiving support from around the state, and all efforts are being prioritized to bring back access to these beloved State Parks.
Please visit our Facebook page for progress updates and our El Capitan Entrance Improvements Project page for the latest project updates.
Phone Number
(805) 968-1033
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 42 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 42 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed in campground and day-use area. Dogs not allowed on beach.
E-Bike LocationsDriving Directions to El Capitán State Beach
The beach is located off Hwy 101 seventeen miles west of Santa Barbara. From Hwy 101 north- or southbound, take Exit 117 for El Capitán State Beach. Proceed south toward the ocean and the park entrance.Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boating
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area.
Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.
Now Hiring!
Apply Now! Job Opportunities
Your Inspiring Venue
Are you looking for a memorable wedding or event location with gorgeous ocean views? Contact our event coordinator at sbspecialevents@parks.ca.gov.
RV rental policy
Trailers may be rented from 101 RV Rental Concession. This is the only permitted business for delivery of RVs in this state park. For any questions contact 101 RV Rental 805-210-7391
Additional Visitor Services
- Parks and Recreation Management, Inc. dba Channel Coast Camp Stores
(Beach stores at Gaviota, El Capitan, Refugio SB) - D2 Global Enterprises, Inc. dba 101 RV Rentals (Camp trailer rentals)