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campground

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

1 Lakeview Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA

Introduce

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful destination nestled near Santa Barbara, California, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Known for its serene lake views and diverse amenities, this park is ideal for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quick dip in the lake or spend the day hiking, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area provides an unforgettable experience.

  • Easy Access and Parking: The recreation area offers free access for 15 minutes, making it a great spot for quick visits. For longer stays, a $10 daily fee is charged, providing ample parking space for visitors.
  • Hiking Trails: With easy to moderate hiking trails, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area caters to all fitness levels. The trails wind through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hillsides.
  • Scenic Views: Renowned for its stunning vistas, the park is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers who want to capture the beauty of California's natural environment.

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is a must-visit location when exploring Santa Barbara. Its proximity to other attractions like Solvang makes it an ideal addition to any itinerary. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a moment to connect with nature, this park offers something for everyone.

Customer Feedback

The park has received glowing reviews from visitors who have appreciated its natural beauty and recreational opportunities:

  • "Impressive body of water with easy access. Perfect for photography and short visits. Highly recommend!"
  • "Great spot for a quick dip or a longer hike. Very clean and well-maintained."
  • "Stunning views of California’s landscape. Well worth the visit!"

Gallery

Service options

Onsite services

Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings

RV camping

RV electric hookup

RV water hookup

Activities

Hiking

Payments

Camping fee

Credit cards

Debit cards

Children

Good for kids

Good for kids birthday

Kid-friendly hikes

Playground

Parking

Free parking lot

On-site parking

Paid parking lot

Pets

Dog park

Dogs allowed

Ariadna Setentaytres Feb 13
★★★★★5

This is an impressive body of water with an access fee of $10 for the day, or free for 15 minutes. I took the free option and was able to snap a few spectacular shots of the lake. It is a nice drive on the way to Solvang, and very recommendable to soak in the majesty of the loved state of California.

Arvind Kalyan Dec 31
★★★★★5

We visited the location a few times during our stay in a nearby town. It’s free if you just want to dive in for less than 15 minutes but $10 you want to park for longer. Hikes were easy to moderate.

Alex Epstein Dec 29
★☆☆☆☆1

Pulled over here for a rest stop. $10 entry. The shop at the gas station does not have a bathroom. After circling the property looking for a bathroom (0 signage) and getting incorrect directions, we asked the front gate attendant. Her response to “where can I find the bathroom” was “have you paid yet” (despite just paying her). Bottom tier. Avoid.

Greg Senff Aug 21
★★★★☆4

Took our travel trailer to Cachuma Lake. We were so fortunate to get the last full hookup site. Had a wonderful time camping and fishing there. The main RV campgrounds are being completely overhauled and will not be done for several months. Probably early next year so for now RV campsites are pretty limited.

Teresa Spoon Jan 02
★★★★★5

The prime sights are right on the water but you have a view from almost all sites. Very spacious sites also.

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