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Jalama Beach Campground
Overview
Jalama Beach Campground offers a rare, rugged coastal experience tucked away from the hustle of California's main highways. Managed by Santa Barbara County, this park is widely celebrated for its raw natural beauty and the world-famous Jalama Burger found at the on-site store. It serves as a remote sanctuary for those who appreciate the untamed Pacific coast, where the rhythmic sound of crashing waves replaces the constant hum of city life.
Location & Surroundings
Reaching the campground requires a scenic 14-mile drive down Jalama Road, a winding route that snakes through rolling ranch lands and oak-studded canyons. This isolation is its greatest charm, placing travelers in a secluded pocket of Lompoc, CA, far from urban sprawl. The park is framed by high bluffs and wide sandy beaches, offering expansive views of the Pacific where the heavy winds often create a dramatic, refreshing atmosphere for every visitor.
Amenities & Park Features
The park provides a mix of dry camping and sites with electric and water hookups, accommodating various RV sizes and travel styles. While the setting is undeniably rustic, guests have access to essential facilities including hot showers, well-maintained restrooms, and a convenient dump station. The park is characterized by its self-sufficiency, featuring:
- The Jalama Beach Store and Grill, offering groceries, firewood, and hot meals.
- Picnic tables and fire rings provided at individual campsites.
- Group camping areas designed for larger family gatherings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for surfing and kiteboarding, as the area is renowned for its consistent swell and breezy conditions. Beachcombers and nature photographers will find endless inspiration along the rocky tide pools and miles of sandy shoreline during low tide. While the location is remote, it serves as a prime vantage point for viewing spectacular rocket launches from the nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the surrounding hills offer unique bird-watching opportunities for seeing local coastal species.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for adventurous RVers who prioritize natural scenery and a sense of isolation over high-end luxury resort amenities. It is a perennial favorite for families seeking a digital detox and surfers looking for the perfect coastal break. If you enjoy a wind-swept shoreline and do not mind the occasional salt spray, Jalama Beach provides a quintessential California camping experience that feels beautifully disconnected from the modern world.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rhonda Miller
Our most favorite place to camp!!! About a 20 minute drive from Hwy 1. We camped here last week, the first week of October. Had reservations for only 3 days, because we didn't reserve months in advance. On our 2nd day we were able to add a 4th night. YAY!!! Honestly i didn't want to leave after night 4 either. Beautiful scenery, and amazing beach weather. Tables and fire pits at every site. A gift/food shop on site. Famous for the Jalama Burger 🍔, but the chorizo breakfast burrito is pretty fire too. 😋 Anything you need they have. Newly installed flush toilets, showers $1.00 for 3 minutes. (QUARTERS ONLY)We bring a roll of quarters. Some sites have electric hook ups. We tent camped with an air mattress and we're completely comfortable. Bring shade such as canopy or umbrella for day time, warm clothes and blankets for night. Lots of wood, a quality cooler. Relax, enjoy, live your best camping life at Jalama we do!!!
Kate Scott
Love the store, they have good food and a really cool selection of drinks in the cooler. They had an AMAZING apple cake. Great place to walk and watch rocket launches. The road here is a little tricky so plan extra time.
Kerry Nechodom
I've been going here for 40 years and it doesn't disappoint! It can be cold, foggy or windy, but it's always beautiful! And today was perfect! Walk far enough and you'll have the whole beach to yourself... even on a Saturday. And after that long walk, there's nothing better than a stop at the store for a cold drink and a world famous Jalama burger 😋
Artyom
Such a beautiful place to camp and we camped here multiple times before. Being able to camp right by the shore is always an amazing experience. Every evening we got to watch the sunset and each time it was a different experience. I appreciate how the restrooms were cleaned and they have running water. There’s even a playground for the kids also well stocked store at the site as which is a major plus and they certainly do make delicious hamburgers. This place is pretty isolated so you really have the beach for mainly just the camper or whoever wants to make the long drive through the mountains to get to this beach. There’s a lot of cool colored rocks and a lot of tar, which you don’t want to step on.
David Crow
Beautiful beach and the store has anything you could need plus incredible burgers. I ate here twice since it’s the best beach burger I’ve had in a while. Camp grounds are not as cozy as some others I’ve been to. Soap dispensers were empty and no electric outlets at the campsites. It’s also a commitment to come here but all in all everyone was very friendly and seemed happy to be enjoying a beautiful area.