Name: Jalama Beach County Park Campground
Item: Jalama Beach County Park Campground
Author: Mark Koep

Jalama Beach County Park Campground near Lompoc California is one of the most unique and special places the public has available to camp in the world. The remote location was once used by native populations as a beach front camp and is now prized as a vacation destination for campers. Little known due to its secluded location and lack of marketing the campground is situated in an incredibly picturesque and quiet location along the California West Coast.

Jalama Beach is a respite from typically bustling seaside parks, yet offers many conveniences. Groceries, personal care sundries, firewood, fishing bait and tackle, ice, beer and wine may be purchased at the Jalama Store (also popular for its tasty grill). 107 total campsites and 31 with electric hookups this unique location is an amazing spot to spend a few nights camping next to the beach. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Restrooms with running water and showers are available. Also water spigots are dispersed throughout the grounds and an easy to access dump station is available.

The bulk of the sites are located at sea level with paved roads and sand/ grass parking and camping pads. The sea level campsites do not offer any hookups are better suited to smaller RVs and tent campers. The prized sites are situated on the southern loop road beach side. For small campers and tents this allows you to literally camp on the beach! In addition there are terraced camping rows with majestic views looking down on the lower camp, beach, ocean, and shoreline. These upper sites have concrete parking pads and electric hookups. Many are suitable for larger RVs.

Finally there are two group camping areas and a handful of amazingly situated camping cabins. No matter the campsite campers will find themselves in an amazing location.

Access to Jalama Beach County Park Campground is via a 15 mile long two lane country road that meanders from its start at the Pacific Coast Highway (CA 1) through farm and cattle land as it climbs, descends and rolls along the coastal hills. The road is a bit rough, twisty and slow-going making it a perfect bicycling route for cyclists and an inhibitor against crowds. The treat for first time visitors is the awe inspiring view as you emerge from the hills and look down at the campground next to the beach… amazing.

A Santa Barbara County Park, Jalama Beach County Park Campground, is staffed by camp hosts and subject to county rules on occupancy, reservations and length of stays. Jalama Beach County Park Campground is subject to strong onshore winds perfect for kite boarding or surfing. This area of the coast is also popular for shark attacks so caution and experience is advised for folks venturing into the waves. No lifeguard are available.

Jalama Beach County Park Campground is also situated below the rail-line with an occasional Amtrak Surfliner rolling by. The train passes over a large trestle bridge across the Jalama Creek bed making for a pretty picture.

Reservations can be made online at the Santa Barbara County Parks website and are strongly advised. A digital board is located near the start of the 15 mile drive advising campers if sites are available on a first come first served basis. For campers winging it your fallback campsites will be at Gaviota or Lompoc.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach. Sunsets are incredible from this location. Whales are regularly spotted swimming just off-shore. An absolute must visit campground in California.

There is no cell service at this location. Pay phones are available.