PARADISE CAMPGROUND
Los Padres National Forest, CAParadise Campground sits in oak woodland along the Santa Ynez River, designed primarily for equestrian groups but welcoming tent and RV campers alike. The dozen-plus sites offer river access through a tunnel under Paradise Road, with Santa Barbara just 18 miles away. It's a solid base camp for exploring Los Padres trails and nearby Cachuma Lake.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,450 ft
- 📍GPS
- 34.54222, -119.81278
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 805-434-1996
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Paradise spreads across level ground in the Santa Ynez Mountains, with oak trees providing shade over most sites. Each site comes with a table, fire ring with grill, and pedestal grill. The paved parking spurs handle most RVs, though there are no utility hookups. An open field gives kids and groups room to spread out.
The Santa Ynez River runs alongside the campground, accessible via a tunnel beneath Paradise Road. Flush toilets and drinking water are on-site, with firewood available from the campground host. The nearest dump station sits 11 miles away at Cachuma Lake County Park.
The Trails
The Aliso National Recreation Trail starts near camp — a 2.5-mile loop that's popular with day hikers. More ambitious adventurers can tackle the 18-mile Santa Cruz Trail, which connects to other trail systems throughout the area. The Camuesa OHV Route and connecting trails lie within 10 miles for those bringing dirt bikes or ATVs.
Water Access
The Santa Ynez River offers swimming, fishing, and general water play right from camp. White Rock Day-Use Area, less than half a mile away, provides another river access point. For bigger water, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area sits 10 miles northwest — a no-contact reservoir stocked annually with trout, plus resident populations of carp and bass. Boating and kayaking are popular there.
Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean are 18 miles south when you need a beach day.