Cachuma Lake Campground - A Great Camping Experience

If you are looking for a great place to go camping, whether it is tent camping or you have and RV, you should check out Cachuma Lake Campground in Santa Barbara County. Located off Hwy 154, it is a beautiful lake that offers many activities year round. Widely known for fishing, this campground/recreation area also offers wildlife tours, hiking, boat rentals, a swimming pool, miniature golf, and so much more. There is no swimming or skiing allowed on the lake however, so keep this in mind when you go. The lake hosts fishing tournaments through-out the year, and is home to the UCSB Rowing Team.

So, now you know what the park has to offer, let me tell you a little more about it. The campground is a County run park, camping is first come first served. They do not take reservations. They have a large number of full hook-up sites for Rvers as well as partial hook-up sites. They have an even larger number of tent sites. In most cases, when you arrive they will give you a map of the campground, tell you which sites are available and you can drive around, choose the one you want and go back and pay for it. Most of the campground is dirt, they do allow campfires year-round, and they have a wonderful little store in case you forgot or run out of something. There is also a wildlife museum in the park and they occasionally host special events for kids. Prefer hiking? Try out one of the many trails available around the lake. They range from short walks to longer hikes. Maps are available at the park.

Want to see wildlife? This is the place to do it. Because the park is located in the mountains you will most definitely see raccoons and probably a skunk. Keep your trash picked up at night and the raccoons won't be a problem. Skunks? Don't do anything to scare them and they will leave, they are just passing through anyway. You will also see squirrels, birds, and other small wildlife. Go down by the boat launch ramp and you can feed the ducks, carp will come and eat with the ducks too if you're lucky! You can wear yourself out riding your bike around the park on the roads leading to the various campsites. They also have Yurts for staying in if you don't want to stay in a tent.

Cachuma Lake is located only half an hour from the Santa Ynez Valley. Day trips into Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez are a must. There are a variety of fun shops, wine tasting, and excellent restaurants in the Valley. If you would rather go to Santa Barbara, you can head the other direction from the lake and it is about forty-five minutes or so depending on traffic. The most important thing to remember about camping there is to have a great time! Roast some marshmallows, make new friends, and catch a big fish! Enjoy Cachuma Lake and you will want to return.

By: Christy Tuller
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and enjoys camping. For more tips, ideas, and photos check out my blog Camping In The Western States at http://mrstscampwest.blogspot.com