Refugio State Beach Camping
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Overview
A brief introduction to Refugio SB
Refugio State Beach (Chumash: Qasil, "Beautiful") is a protected state beach park in California, United States, approximately 20 miles (32 km) west of Santa Barbara. One of three state parks along the Gaviota Coast, it is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) west of El Capitán State Beach.
The Refugio oil spill occurred just north of the park in 2015 when a pipeline carrying crude oil ruptured. The spill went into a culvert that ran under US 101 and into the ocean. The spill spread over 7 miles (11 km) of coastline, including Refugio and El Capitán state beaches. The parks were closed during the clean-up, including during the typically busy Memorial Day weekend. The pipeline which caused the disaster is no longer in service.
An update to the 1979 General Plan which included an inventory of wildlife, historic, and archeological assets and an outline of issues and concerns was started in 2024. El Capitán State Beach and Gaviota State Park will be included in the recommendations for modernizing the infrastructure, adapting to climate change impacts and providing sustainable recreational opportunities.
ARE Refugio State Beach campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Refugio State Beach, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Refugio State Beach
- California State Parks
- Booking site: https://reservecalifornia.com/Web
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Refugio SB
A California Jewel
A slice of Paradise! The plan was to split up the week between Refugio and Carpinteria, we never left Refugio, we just moved around to 3 different sites. Weather was perfect, place was clean and showers were hot! Organized activities through State Parks for the kids and adults (stargazing) made for an unforgettable experience. Truly could not have done it without Campnab, thanks!
Roman G Aguilar reviewed Refugio SB
on August 29th, 2023
Great location, beautiful beach!
The little campground has area for the kids to ride bikes and scooters around. The beach is easily accessible and has lots of space.
Sarah Starr reviewed Refugio SB
on May 30th, 2023
Tent camping
Best camping beach in Santa Barbara
Roger Fernandez reviewed Refugio SB
on May 29th, 2023
Our favorite weekend getaway!
Love refugio for warm beach days and the occasional surf spot, feels like your in Baja walking down the beach in the early morning.
Kylee Singh reviewed Refugio SB
on May 9th, 2023
Map
View a map of Refugio SB
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
Get notified when a sold-out campground has availability
Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation!
