Gaviota State Beach Camping

A little something for everyone!

If that isn’t the tag line for this campsite: it should be. The turn for the campsite is tucked off the 101 freeway. Hidden, in plain sight on the northbound side of the 101, by a perilous left turn across two lanes of high-speed oncoming traffic. However, once you make your way across the freeway and down the road about a half mile, you will find the entrance to the campsite.

It’s a relatively small campsite with only 39 sites. The sites are typical with a park bench and fire pit. Some spots appear to give you more of an opportunity to cozy-up with your neighbors than others. I had a lovely spot that backed up to a lush hill and was a quick stumble to the beach in the morning. The facilities by the entrance to campground were clean and well-maintained.

There is a lovely hike right next to the campsite. As you walk up the hill to the trail you get a lovely aerial view of the campsite. At the top, you can see the tracks for Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

Obviously, the main attraction is the beach. It has everything! Beautiful rock formations, a bird sanctuary pier, palm trees, lifeguards, and warm sandy coastline perfect for napping while listening to the waves crash.