Day Use 7:00 a.m. to Sunset
Gaviota State Park
1/16/2023 UPDATE: Gaviota State Park is temporarily closed 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 seven local State Parks; these assessments will inform recovery needs.
Initial damage assessments revealed that the roads and trails in the back country have been compromised and, in some cases, have severe erosion and cannot be accessed due to these unsafe conditions.
Infrastructure was destroyed in the floods, particularly waterlines providing service to the park’s facilities.
The entry road, campground and day use facilities require significant debris and sediment removal.
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.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding while State Parks works towards reopening.
We are continuing to assess damages that have occurred in seven local State Parks; these assessments will inform recovery needs.
Initial damage assessments revealed that the roads and trails in the back country have been compromised and, in some cases, have severe erosion and cannot be accessed due to these unsafe conditions.
Infrastructure was destroyed in the floods, particularly waterlines providing service to the park’s facilities.
The entry road, campground and day use facilities require significant debris and sediment removal.
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.
Phone Number
(805) 968-1033
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed in campground and day-use area. Dogs not allowed on beach.
E-Bike LocationsDriving Directions to Gaviota SP
The park is located 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on U.S. 101.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
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
Family Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Windsurfing/Surfing
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
Now Hiring!
Apply Now! Job Opportunities
RV Rental Delivery 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 Channel Coast District office at (805) 585-1850.
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)
Gaviota State Park
The coastal bluffs at Gaviota State Park reveal a 500-foot-thick cross-section of the geographically extensive Monterey Formation. Offshore and inland, petroleum geologists have extensively explored underground for oil reservoirs within this rock sequence and probed its depths to understand the genesis of this important oil source. The naturally cemented, bluff faces resist wave erosion and are tilted to display multiple layers like the pages of a book. The geologic layers contain some nicely preserved fossils, even the complete skeleton of a halibut-like fish.
The coastal bluffs at Gaviota State Park reveal a 500-foot-thick cross-section of the geographically extensive Monterey Formation. Offshore and inland, petroleum geologists have extensively explored underground for oil reservoirs within this rock sequence and probed its depths to understand the genesis of this important oil source. The naturally cemented, bluff faces resist wave erosion and are tilted to display multiple layers like the pages of a book. The geologic layers contain some nicely preserved fossils, even the complete skeleton of a halibut-like fish.
(Photograph by Mike Fuller)