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Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.
For GPS, Input: 1 Lakeview Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
From the South: Take Highway 101 north to Santa Barbara. Take the "Cachuma Lake/Highway 154" exit and follow the signs. Drive approximately 18 miles. There is a sign for the park ½ mile before the entrance, and there is a right turn lane to use for your safety.
From the North:Take Highway 101 south to the "Cachuma Lake/Highway 154" exit. Make a left at the stop sign and drive approximately 14 miles. There is a sign ¼ mile before the park entrance, and there is a left turn lane to use for your safety.
Reservation Only
Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your arrival date, starting midnight Pacific Time, for all camping sites. There is a 2-night minimum stay on weekends and a 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.
This is pretty much self serve. Went camping. Rented a spot and pitched a tent. Brought everything up with us. There are restrooms and showers available. Showers take quarters but it’s not expensive. The view is amazing when you go see the water from the edge.
Beautiful and peaceful getaway ^_^
Humans aren't allowed to swim in the water, but boats and fishing are okay :D
It's a dog friendly big recreation area! We went biking there with my dog, and there are many outdoor activities like camping, hiking, boating and fishing. There are nice RV campgrounds and cabins,too! But avoid the weekends and holidays if you can, too crowded.
Great place to do camping year around. The Yurts are aging and it shows. Some of the roll up windows cannot be put in place as they do not have the strings attached anymore. However, what a place! Great view and great people. There are plenty of rest areas in the campground - both temporary and structured. There is a store with most supplies and also a small cafe for eating, but why buy when you can bbq? I had no luck with fishing from the shore - tried for almost 3 h, no bites. Most likely you'll be lucky if you take a boat and go towards the middle.
Came to check the lake for our next camping trip! Very clean, organized, and ample spaces. Great for one day picnic too!
