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Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area.
Tips & Rules
• Do not hike along the beach without first consulting a tide chart or talking with a lifeguard. The beach that exists at low tide may disappear when the tide comes in, trapping you against the cliffs. Current tide tables can be found at the entry station/kiosk and on information boards found within the park unit.
• Stay away from the cliffs. They are dangerously unstable and may collapse.
• Keep dogs on leashes no longer than six feet, and in a tent or enclosed vehicle at night. Only registered service dogs are allowed in park buildings, on trails or on the beach.
• A parent or guardian must accompany youths under 18 years of age. Any unaccompanied youth must present written consent from the parent or guardian stating the dates of the authorized stay and the name of the park.
• Do not hike along the beach without first consulting a tide chart or talking with a lifeguard. The beach that exists at low tide may disappear when the tide comes in, trapping you against the cliffs. Current tide tables can be found at the entry station/kiosk and on information boards found within the park unit.
• Stay away from the cliffs. They are dangerously unstable and may collapse.
• Keep dogs on leashes no longer than six feet, and in a tent or enclosed vehicle at night. Only registered service dogs are allowed in park buildings, on trails or on the beach.
• A parent or guardian must accompany youths under 18 years of age. Any unaccompanied youth must present written consent from the parent or guardian stating the dates of the authorized stay and the name of the park.
Park News Alert
Please Note: For the current status of this park, please call 805-968-1033.
Please Note: For the current status of this park, please call 805-968-1033.
Getting There
Refugio SB is located 20 miles West of Santa Barbara on Highway 101 at Refugio Road.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Refugio SB is located 20 miles West of Santa Barbara on Highway 101 at Refugio Road.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from 8am to sunset.
For a recorded message about this park, please call (805) 968-1033.
The park is open from 8am to sunset.
For a recorded message about this park, please call (805) 968-1033.
Camping
This 70 site campground is open year-round. Camping reservations are accepted between April 1 – November 30. During the remainder of the year campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Three vehicles maximum per site and occupancy limited to 8 people.
Three of the 70 sites are group sites and are available for reservation.
Make Online Reservations
Max Camper Length: 30 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 27 Feet
A beach store/concession operates during peak camping season and during holidays.
This 70 site campground is open year-round. Camping reservations are accepted between April 1 – November 30. During the remainder of the year campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Three vehicles maximum per site and occupancy limited to 8 people.
Three of the 70 sites are group sites and are available for reservation.
Make Online Reservations
Max Camper Length: 30 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 27 Feet
A beach store/concession operates during peak camping season and during holidays.
Accessible Features
Camping: Many sites are fairly level and may be usable in fair weather. Restroom with showers: A combination restroom with shower, #5, is accessible and has adjacent accessible parking. Restroom #4 in the east campground is usable. Toilets permit front transfers. Designated accessible parking is adjacent to the building.
Trails: Visitors to Refugio State Beach can enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands from a bluff-top bike trail/walkway. Part of the trail has been closed because of coastal erosion so it is no longer possible to travel between El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches, but parts of the trail remain open. The trail has fairly level sections, and parts of it may be usable, and challenging, for strong wheelchair users. For additional information, call (805) 968-1033.
Beach/Shore Access: Contact lifeguard or Camp Host to reserve beach wheelchair. A restroom at the west end of the day use parking lot is accessible.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Camping: Many sites are fairly level and may be usable in fair weather. Restroom with showers: A combination restroom with shower, #5, is accessible and has adjacent accessible parking. Restroom #4 in the east campground is usable. Toilets permit front transfers. Designated accessible parking is adjacent to the building.
Trails: Visitors to Refugio State Beach can enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands from a bluff-top bike trail/walkway. Part of the trail has been closed because of coastal erosion so it is no longer possible to travel between El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches, but parts of the trail remain open. The trail has fairly level sections, and parts of it may be usable, and challenging, for strong wheelchair users. For additional information, call (805) 968-1033.
Beach/Shore Access: Contact lifeguard or Camp Host to reserve beach wheelchair. A restroom at the west end of the day use parking lot is accessible.
Nearby Community Trips
This is a somewhat new trail that opened in December of 2010. It winds its way through an active agricultural ranch and is open for public use on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. It is only open for hiking. No bikes, dogs, horses or motor vehicles at this point. There are also 29 geocaches along the trail. I got 28 of the 29 on this hike.
