El Capitán State Beach

10/25/2023: After sustaining significant damage to park infrastructure during the winter storms of 2022/2023, El Capitan State Beach is now open for day use and limited camping.
Camping will be first-come, first-served in B and C Loops until March 2024.
Advance reservations will not be available on ReserveCalifornia.
Due to staffing shortages, camping will be limited to B & C Loops at this time with potential for A Loop and Group Camp usage if warranted.
We appreciate your support and understanding during this unprecedented time.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the park!
For the latest updates on all our parks, please visit our park web pages and social media pages.

Phone Number

(805) 968-1033

Max. Trailer Lengths

Trailer: Up to 42 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 42 Feet

Park Hours

8 am to Sunset

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs allowed in campground and day-use area. Dogs not allowed on beach.

Driving 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.

View on Map

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.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access

TRAIL USE
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

OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
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 Delivery Policy

ATTENTION: Trailers may be rented and delivered to the park from 101 RV Rentals. This is the only business permitted for delivery of RVs in this state park. It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Renting from a business other than 101 RV Rentals may leave you without accommodations as the RV/camping equipment may be turned away upon arrival at the park. 101 RV Rentals can be contacted at (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)