State Parks near Santa Maria, CA

Located on central California’s coastline is Andrew Molera State Park. This stunning state park covers 4,766 acres and is filled with trails and beaches for visitors to explore. The park was once a large ranch before the family sold the land to The Nature Conservancy in the 1960s. However, the family had one exception during the sale - the park was to be named after a prominent family member.Today, Andrew Molera State Park is a sought-after destination for wildlife lovers and surfers. The area tends to have very comfortable temperatures year-round, although winters can be a little chilly.

Located in the town of Carpinteria, only 12 miles south of Santa Barbara and shrouded by the towering hills of Santa Ynez, lies a modest 62-acre recreation area with more than 4,600 feet of beachfront. The original inhabitants of the land were Chumash peoples, who called the area mishopshnow, which roughly translates to “correspondence.” The Chumash used the area’s resources for crafts, such as bowls, effigies, and beads.The area also boasts rich tar deposits that were utilized for multiple purposes, one of which was paving the roads of Santa Barbara County. Santa Barbara campers and Carpinteria campers love to come here to beat the summer heat, but the park’s beauty beckons visitors from all across the state as …

Welcome to one of the most magnificent reservoirs in the U.S., with 12,658 acres to enjoy. These waters feed the local communities and attract campers and adventurers from near and far. One of the most popular reasons for visits to this dam, besides the 29 miles of shoreline, is the epically tall 425-foot Castaic Dam. The park's two bodies of water provide a bevy of options for water sports.Castaic Lake State Recreation Area caters to families, with playgrounds for children and tent and RV camping facilities. Fishing, hiking, boating, biking, and picnicking for groups as large as 600 people are a few of the other highlights at the park. The Angeles National Forest is around a two-hour drive from …

Channel Islands National Park offers a unique chance to discover the wild, rugged beauty of the Southern California coast. The park is made up of five pristine islands, each with its own unique charm. Exploring the islands takes a little enthusiasm and planning, though the payoff is access to one of the most unique and untouched coastal ecosystems in North America. Whether you're getting up close with sea lions on San Miguel, kayaking to hidden sea caves on Santa Cruz, hiking to historic lighthouses on Anacapa, strolling along sugar-white beaches on Santa Rosa, or exploring underwater kelp forests on Santa Barbara, Channel Islands National Park promises unforgettable adventures.Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Book an RV in Ventura County and …

Located between Tipton and Delano, only a few miles away from Earlimart, is Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. This 3,700-acre park was established to preserve Allensworth, a town that was founded and led by African Americans back in 1908. The central figure behind that initiative was Colonel Allen Allensworth, former slave, Union Army officer, and doctor of theology.After Allensworth's tragic death, the town was hit by drought, and in 1966, arsenic was discovered in the town’s water supply. All of these events led to the decision to demolish the town, but luckily, citizens rallied to protect Allensworth, despite the fact that it was uninhabitable. The land then became a state park in 1974.History buffs, bikers, and …

Fringed by soft sand, rolling waves, and rocky cliffs, El Capitan State Beach showcases the natural beauty of the Golden State. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this picturesque corner of Southern California, whether you're sunbathing, surfing, or enjoying a picnic under the shade of a mature oak. Throw in gorgeous weather, and camping at El Capitan State Beach is a fantastic destination for weekend getaways and cross-country road trips alike.At just 115 miles from the City of Angels, El Capitan State Beach offers a unique chance to camp in an RV near Los Angeles. You're also a stone's throw from Santa Barbara, a.k.a the American Riviera. Planning a getaway to Southern California? Book an RV in …

Set on the Santa Barbara Channel, Emma Wood State Beach lures sunseekers with golden sand, rolling waves, and stunning views of the Channel Islands. Spend the day soaking up the Golden State sunshine or throw on your hiking boots and hit one of the coastal trails. Dolphins splashing offshore and great blue herons soaring overhead add to the postcard-perfect atmosphere.Planning a spell in Southern California? Rent a camper in Ventura County and you can stay the night at Emma Wood State Beach, as well as other local gems like Crystal Cove, Leo Carillo, Thornhill Broome, and Point Mugu. The City of Angels is an hour and a half away, which makes Emma Wood State Beach a great place to …

Sitting just off Pacific Highway Route 1, somewhere between Los Angeles and Ventura, Escondido Canyon Park offers travelers a quick afternoon hiking spot during their adventures through The Golden State. At just a five-minute drive away, the scenic town of Malibu provides the easiest access to the park, as well as a scenic place to stock up on fuel, groceries, and any other necessary supplies.For such a small park, Escondido Canyon Park really does pack a punch. It’s much-talked-about rugged terrain, rolling hillsides, tranquil creek, and majestic waterfalls encourage plenty of travelers to book an RV in Los Angeles County and explore the landscapes for themselves. So, what are you waiting for, load up the family, and go …

Fort Tejon State Historic Park resides on what was once a 1800s California Army fort. The fort was originally built as a way to help protect local citizens from attacks. A few years after it was constructed, the fort survived a massive earthquake, which is now known as the Fort Tejon earthquake.Today, Fort Tejon State Historic Park still contains many of its historic structures, including barracks. There are also exhibits located around the grounds that tell more about its history and contain artifacts found on the land, such as uniforms and weapons.

Gaviota State Park is located on U.S. 101 in southern Santa Barbara County, California, about 30 miles west of the city of Santa Barbara. This area was first named Gaviota (the Spanish word for “seagull”) by soldiers who camped here in 1769 during the Portola Expedition. Spreading from the Pacific Coast to the Santa Ynez Mountains, Gaviota State Park is adjacent to Los Padres National Forest and offers sweeping vistas of the coast, Channel Islands and the Lompoc Valley from the summit of Gaviota Peak. Book an RV in Santa Barbara County and see for yourself why this beautiful region is a popular spot for both land and sea adventures.