Camping at Jalama Beach County Park: A Coastal Retreat

Overview of Jalama Beach

  1. Location and Accessibility: Jalama Beach is located at the end of a scenic 14-mile road, offering a tranquil escape.
  2. Facilities Available: Various camping options, amenities, and rental opportunities are available for visitors.
  3. Important Tips: Key policies, wildlife considerations, and travel details to enhance your experience.

Located between stunning coastal cliffs, Jalama Beach is accessible via a 25-minute drive on a winding road. This serene destination is celebrated by visitors as an excellent spot for family getaways, providing an ideal respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

For those who prefer not to camp in a tent or lack an RV, renting a cabin or yurt is a viable option. Alternatively, you can contact Camptime Rentals for RV delivery and setup.

Jalama Beach Sunset
Angel McNall / Getty Images

Facilities at Jalama State Beach

Jalama Beach boasts a total of 98 camping sites, which include both RV and tent options. Various sites offer partial connections for electricity and water, while others come with full hookups, although there are no 50 amp connections available. Generator usage is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Additionally, visitors can choose from yurts or newly furnished cabins, complete with dishware and appliances. Guests are advised to bring their own linens and food.

  • Tent and RV sites are situated on terraced levels, with the top sites offering remarkable views.
  • Sites 53-64 are located right on the beach, featuring ample shrubbery for privacy.

The campground provides restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, along with an RV dump station. The on-site Jalama Beach Store offers basic necessities but has varying hours, so it’s prudent to check your supplies prior to arrival. Many online reviewers commend The Grill’s hamburgers.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching perch, cabezon, kelp bass, or halibut. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot various birds, whales, and dolphins.

While swimming is possible at Jalama Beach, visitors should be cautious due to high winds and rough surf; lifeguards are available during the summer months.

Essential Information for Jalama Beach Visitors

Pet owners can bring dogs, provided they are leashed (6 feet or shorter) and owners can show proof of rabies vaccination. A daily fee is charged to assist with park maintenance.

Reservations for tent sites, hookups, cabins, and group areas can be made online at Jalama Beach Reservations. As a county park, Jalama Beach does not adhere to the unique rules of California state parks. The reservation system allows guests to book up to six months in advance. When making a reservation, ensure you select Jalama Beach to avoid accidental booking at another location.

In addition to these reservations, Jalama Beach features 16 walk-in sites that cannot be booked online. These sites are assigned via a waitlist system, requiring physical presence to join. Detailed rules and procedures can be found here.

Due to the coastal wind and lack of trees, temperatures at Jalama Beach can drop significantly after sunset. While cell phone service may be unreliable, a pay phone is available; be sure to bring coins for usage.

Beware of wildlife such as raccoons and seagulls, which may attempt to nab your food. To prevent this, securely store food items in your vehicle when not in use.

Directions to Jalama Beach

Jalama Beach Park
9999 Jalama Road
Lompoc, CA

For more information, visit the Jalama Beach Park Website or the Jalama Beach Store Website.

The drive from Santa Barbara to Jalama Beach takes approximately one hour. Look for the sign about 4.5 miles south of Lompoc on CA Highway 1. Turn onto Jalama Road and continue for about 15 miles until you arrive at the coast.

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