Santa Barbara Glamping Guide
Santa Barbara is a well-known resort destination on California’s Central Coast, nestled between the chaparral-smothered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean’s majestic blue yonder.
It’s Spanish heritage is evident from the red clay roofs, white stucco walls and mosaic-tiled accents that pepper the downtown cityscape. But venture to its outlying areas, and you’ll quickly find a glamping paradise just begging to be explored, with a mild Mediterranean climate that makes outdoor exploits practical at just about any time of year.
Best Santa Barbara Glamping
Below we highlight some of the best options for Santa Barbara glamping, from cozy cabins to yurts, RVs and safari tents.
El Capitan Canyon
Choose between cedar cabins or adventure yurts, each with a grill, firepit and picnic table. Yurts feature canvas walls with wooden lattice and a domed skylight for stargazing, plus mini fridge, microwave and shared toilet/shower.
All cabins have peak ceilings, fine linens and their own restrooms, but range in size from cozy studio-style to two-bedroom with a full-size kitchen. Ask about packages that come with barbecue kits, S’mores, excursions and a curated selection of award-winning wine (after all, Santa Barbara is home to some of the world’s best pinots).
| Address | 11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117 |
| GPS | 34.464796, -120.022141 |
| Website | https://elcapitancanyon.com/ |
| Phone | (866) 352-2729 |
1964 Retro Airstream International
Jonesing for a taste of the counterculture decade? Well, look no further than this 28-foot vintage Airstream hunkered in the foothills near SB’s kitschy East San Roque neighborhood.
This Santa Barbara glamping gem has a private gravel driveway, with a trail leading from the parking area to the trailer below. Use the provided wagon to wheel your things as you walk down. It sleeps six and has a kitchen, A/C, free Wi-Fi, washer, dryer and shower. Outside, enjoy your own private deck, Jacuzzi and hammock. It’s also just a seven-minute drive to both State Street and the beach.
| Address | Santa Barbara, CA 91305 |
| GPS | 34.446466, -119.721803 |
| Website | https://www.vrbo.com/2177690 |
| Phone | (805) 636-2776 |
Yurts at Lake Cachuma
The Santa Barbara County Parks Department maintains these seven spacious lakeside yurts, which range from 14 to 24 feet in diameter. Each is named for a California tree, herb or flower: oak, pine, poppy, sage, sycamore, redwood and lupine.
Family-friendly and smoke-free accommodations boast bunk beds, heaters and ceiling lights inside; charcoal BBQs, fire rings, porches and picnic tables outside. Get your nature fix by hiking area trails, pontoon boating or fishing for bluegill and trout.
| Address | Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 |
| GPS | 34.584694, -119.959103 |
| Website | https://www.countyofsb.org/2918/Yurts |
| Phone | (805) 568-2460 |
Jalama Campground and Cabins
Once a Chumash Indian settlement, Jalama Beach is now a quiet, hidden, county-owned gem about an hour’s drive north of downtown. The seven cabins sleep anywhere from four to six, and all have kitchens, grills, picnic tables and bathrooms. Or you can opt for any of the 100 sites open to RVs and tent campers.
The property maintains hot showers, a kids’ playground and a fully stocked general store. Dogs are welcome in the camp sites, but not the cabins. This is the ideal spot to post up if you want to be lulled to sleep each night by the sound of crashing waves.
| Address | 9999 Jalama Rd., Lompoc, CA 93436 |
| GPS | 34.511030, -120.501304 |
| Website | https://www.countyofsb.org/638/Jalama-Beach |
| Phone | (805) 568-2460 |
Caravan Outpost
One hour’s drive the other way, and you’ll find yourself in the nouveau hippie town of Ojai, where New Agers claim a vortex ley line runs. Book one of CO’s ten cool caravans to get in touch with your Bohemian side.
Each has private bathrooms with showers, Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa. They all have kitchens, but you’ll have to bring your own supplies. Explore the property’s botanical garden, lay about in lounge chairs, or take one of their bicycles for a ride. But better DVR your favorite shows, as there are no TVs.
| Address | 317 Bryant St., Ojai, CA 93023 |
| GPS | 34.446189, -119.238057 |
| Website | https://caravanoutpostojai.com/ |
| Phone | (805) 836-4891 |
Harmony’s Glamping
This eclectic mix of yurts, teepees and geo-domes rests on 90 acres of western-facing Santa Ynez mountainside near Maria Ygnacio Creek. Comfortable queen bed, hot shower, camp kitchen and propane firepit come standard with each site rental.
The forested area offers plenty of options for birdwatching, bouldering and hiking, including one trail leading to a 30-foot waterfall. And a wood-burning hot tub near the creek allows for hot/cold plunges. Property owners also offer morning yoga and massages.
| Address | 1900 N. San Marcos Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93111 |
| GPS | 34.476173, -119.797923 |
| Website | https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-harmony-s-glamping-5x5hewrr |
| Phone | (805) 698-8623 |
Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground
Choices, choices and more choices, from cabins and cottages to tents and trailers to extra-long RV sites with full hookups. Among the most unique accommodations are the tiki- and African safari-themed luxury tents with covered verandas. The property sports two pools, a hot tub, bocce ball courts, splash zone for the kids, and an off-leash dog park. The on-site eatery is popular for its brick-oven pizza and Friday night communal BBQs. Top attractions nearby include horseback rides, a 100-bird ostrich farm, and a vintage gasoline pump museum.
| Address | 180 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton, CA 93427 |
| GPS | 34.611200, -120.193515 |
| Website | https://flyingflags.com/ |
| Phone | (877) 783-5247 |
Things to Do in the Area
Santa Barbara is an Arcadia for outdoor enthusiasts, from top golf courses like Glen Annie and Sandpiper to whale-watching and sailing excursions to seaside bike paths with unparalleled vistas. Top hiking trails include San Ysidro, Cold Springs East, Lizard’s Mouth and Rattlesnake Canyon. Red Rock Trail is also a favorite during summer months, where several adjacent swimming holes provide respite from the heat.
Along CA-154 lies the Chumash Painted Cave, where steep stone steps lead to a sandstone grotto with native pictographs dating back to the 1600’s. While you’re out that way, grab dinner at saloon-style Cold Springs Tavern, known for its wild game. If slow and low is more your thing, hit up some of the area’s world-famous wineries, like Sunstone, Babcock and Alma Rosa, or pay a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo, which has been a key player in restoring the state’s diminished condor population.
For more rugged camping, check out Los Prietos Campground, which is about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara.
