Refugio State Beach State Park RV & Campground Guide
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With its palm tree-lined shores and white sand, Refugio State Beach State Park is straight out of a California postcard. The waters are calm here, making it a great spot for families to enjoy long, relaxing days of swimming and snorkeling or rent a kayak and paddle through the gentle waves. In the mornings, you can join local anglers as they cast off in the surf and keep an eye out for the whales that swim just offshore. Getting here is easy; Santa Barbara lies just 23 miles down the coast, and downtown Los Angeles is 118 miles away. With its mild winters and sunny summers, Refugio is ideal for an RV getaway any time of year.
Spring 50-70 F
Summer 65-95 F
Fall 60-80 F
Winter 45-70 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Refugio State Beach State Park
Whether you're picturing cool winter walks on the beach or summer sunbathing, an RV can help you achieve the perfect vacation to Refugio State Beach State Park. With an RV, you'll enjoy your own private bit of shade on sunny days, and you can cuddle up in the warmth of a bed on cool, misty mornings. An RV rental is an ideal way to get a feel for the motorhome travel experience.
Refugio State Beach State Park Campground
Sleep close to the action at Refugio State Beach State Park Campground. Here, the 66 sites sit a short walk from the beach. Refugio does not offer hookups, but your site will come with a fire ring and a picnic table. Nearby, hot showers and flush toilets make it easy for your whole group to camp comfortably, and a camp store sits within a short walk. Campsites at Refugio are big enough for motorhomes up to 30 feet long. Sites here start at $45, plus a $7.99 online reservation fee.
Ocean Mesa RV Park and Campground
Camp among the trees at Ocean Mesa RV Park and Campground. This beautiful park sits close to El Capitan Canyon and the Pacific Ocean, opening up a wide range of adventure activities. It's a great spot for big rigs with RV sites that accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long. Every site comes with full hookups and free Wi-Fi as well as a fire pit and a picnic table. Pets are welcome as long as they're leashed. Looking for fun? Ocean Mesa offers something for everyone: Join a movie night, attend a summer concert, hop in the heated swimming pool or bring the kids to the playground. You can even attend a docent-led hike or a wine tasting. Rates here start at $115 per night.
El Capitán State Beach Campground
Located an easy drive down the shore from Refugio State Beach, El Capitán State Beach offers a large campground that's popular with families. With more than 130 sites, this is a great alternative when Refugio is full. Sites all offer a picnic table and fire ring, and each one sits close to the beach. This is an ideal campground for bigger RVs up to 42 feet long. If you book in advance, try to secure one of the spots with a paved pad for easier parking. There are no hookups available, but the park does offer a dump station, a camp store, hot showers and bathrooms. Nightly rates start at $45; reservations are not accepted during the winter months, which have first-come, first-served sites.
What to Do at
Refugio State Beach State Park
Inside Refugio State Beach State Park
Once you're settled into your RV campsite at Refugio State Beach State Park, head straight for the beach. Bring a blanket or chairs and set up camp for the day because a few steps away, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, surf, fish or explore the tide pools. During whale migration season, keep an eye out for the telltale spouts as they rise above the waves. If you're coming in the summer, be sure to check the schedule; park lifeguards lead guided kayak tours of the coast that are suitable for novice and intermediate kayakers.
How to Get to
Refugio State Beach State Park
The easiest way to access Refugio State Beach State Park, particularly in an RV, is by taking Highway 101 from either direction. It's also possible to take Refugio Road, but it's only recommended for passenger vehicles due to tight turns and mountainous terrain.
By RV
View RV RentalsEntering Refugio State Beach State Park
Refugio State Beach State Park is open every day of the year. The park opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at sunset.
Refugio State Beach State Park Per vehicle with up to nine people : $10.0
Refugio State Beach State Park Per vehicle for seniors aged 62 and up : $9.0
Refugio State Beach State Park Disabled vehicle with state discount pass : $5.0
Refugio State Beach State Park Boat, not including kayaks or canoes : $10.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Refugio State Beach State Park
The climate of Refugio State Beach Campground is mostly warm. The high temperatures range from 73 to 84 degrees during summer and from 63 to 66 degrees during winter with winter lows in the upper 40s.
Refugio State Beach Campground is a good place to observe different species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. During your visit, you may see whales in the ocean from the beach.
Refugio State Beach Campground has 66 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long. Most campsites have ocean views and some are just steps from the beach. Full hookups aren't available but there are toilets and hot showers.
Pets are allowed at Refugio State Beach Campground. They must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and aren't allowed in buildings or on the beach. Pets must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
Beach wheelchairs are available at Refugio State Beach Campground at no cost and can be used on the beach. There are also five accessible campsites, a restroom/shower, water station, and designated parking.