Experience Airstream Camping in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is a dream destination for Airstream enthusiasts, offering a mix of scenic beauty, luxurious amenities, and unique experiences. Whether you’re new to Airstream camping or a seasoned traveler with your own trailer, this county offers a variety of destinations that cater to all types of adventurers. From renting stylish Airstreams at high-end resorts to towing your own to scenic campgrounds, Santa Barbara County combines the best of coastal charm, wine country, and outdoor recreation. Just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, you have several options in the Santa Barbara region for Airstream camping. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots for Airstream camping in this beautiful region.
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Locations With Vacation Ready Airstream Trailers
Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground
- Address:Â 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, CA 93427
- Website: https://flyingflags.com/room/superior-airstream/
Flying Flags in Buellton is a gem for Airstream enthusiasts, whether you’re renting one of their stylish trailers or bringing your own. Their rental Airstreams are beautifully outfitted with cozy interiors and outdoor seating areas, providing a luxurious camping experience.
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, this resort offers easy access to some of California’s finest wineries and restaurants. Guests can enjoy on-site amenities like a pool, bocce ball courts, and a fire pit for evening relaxation. As far as RV parks go, this place is at the resort level, with plenty of amenities for a fantastic stay. Flying Flags combines the charm of wine country with the joys of Airstream living, making it an excellent choice for families and couples. In nearby Solvang, you have access to wonderful wine tasting and the unique old-world environment of California’s Danish village.
Flying Flags offers renovated vintage Airstreams with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and private patios. Here, the Airstreams give a nod to classic travel trailer culture while providing modern amenities. Available in lengths ranging from 22 to 28 feet, the Airstream trailers offer A/C, cable TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Each provides a private yard complete with a gas-powered grill and fire pit. Also included with your reservation are the linens, towels, and community amenities.
We stayed here for a couple of nights, renting one of their vintage Airstream trailers. Not having stayed in this type of trailer previously, we were curious to get a feel for how we would do over a few days in the small trailer space. Even though our friends warned us that a trailer without slides would feel claustrophobic, we were hooked. It was a great way to dip our toes in the water of the Airstream chic experience. Shortly after this stay, we purchased our very own 27-foot Airstream trailer.
AutoCamp Santa Barbara
- Address:Â 2717 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Website:autocamp.com
AutoCamp Santa Barbara was a place in Santa Barbara to experience Airstream camping in an urban yet tranquil setting. Unfortunately, this location is permanently closed.
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Locations To Bring Your Own Airstream in Santa Barbara County
Lake Cachuma
- Address:Â 2225 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Website: https://reservations.sbparks.org/cachuma-lake/campsites
Lake Cachuma offers a peaceful, nature-focused camping experience for Airstream owners. Set against the Santa Ynez Mountains backdrop, this campground features spacious sites, full hookups, and serene lake views. It’s an ideal spot for those who love outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The campground’s location is also a great base for exploring nearby Santa Barbara attractions or venturing into the Los Padres National Forest. If you’re seeking a blend of tranquility and adventure in the great outdoors, Lake Cachuma delivers.
El Capitán State Beach
- Address:Â 10 Refugio Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
- Website: El Capitan State Beach Reservations
El Capitán State Beach is a stunning coastal destination for Airstream camping. Located just north of Santa Barbara, this campground offers direct beach access, making it perfect for sunbathing, tide pooling, or simply relaxing by the waves. Campers can enjoy a cool and comfortable stay with shaded sites nestled among sycamore trees. This spot is ideal for nature lovers who want to wake up to ocean breezes and explore nearby hiking trails with spectacular views of the coastline.
We’ve camped here with our personal Airstream overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The experience here is more rustic as you won’t find electric hookups. That made for our very first boondocking learning moment when we drained our battery and had to connect back to our truck to get power to close our electric awning. Still, this beach campground is one of our favorite Airstream camping spots near the city of Santa Barbara.
Gaviota State Park
- Address:Â 17620 Gaviota Beach Rd, Gaviota, CA 93117
- Website: Gaviota State Park Reservations
Gaviota State Park offers a unique camping experience that combines coastal beauty with rugged charm. This campground is perfect for Airstream owners who enjoy the outdoors and prefer less crowded settings. The park is known for its hiking trails, including the scenic trek to the Gaviota Wind Caves, and its stunning ocean views. Whether you’re exploring the cliffs or relaxing by the beach, Gaviota provides a memorable camping experience with a rustic twist.
Where To Purchase An Airstream Trailer in Santa Barbara County
Visit Santa Barbara Airstream
- Address:Â 404 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427
- Website: weareairstreamsuperstore.com
For anyone interested in exploring the world of Airstream trailers, Santa Barbara Airstream in Buellton is a must-visit. This dealership showcases a variety of new and pre-owned Airstream models and offers expert advice on everything from purchasing to maintenance. Whether you’re a prospective buyer or simply curious, their knowledgeable staff will make your visit worthwhile.
Top 3 Things to Do in Santa Barbara County
- Explore Wine Country:Â The Santa Ynez Valley is home to world-class wineries, offering wine tastings and vineyard tours in a picturesque setting.
- Visit Historic Landmarks: Don’t miss the Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” and the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
- Enjoy Outdoor Recreation: From hiking trails in the Los Padres National Forest to coastal adventures along the Pacific, Santa Barbara County is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
The Airstream Life
We have fallen in love with Airstream Life. Our 27-foot trailer is also known as Ty Arian (or silver house in Welsh). We’ve enjoyed camping at national parks, from Joshua Tree to Death Valley in Southern California, and Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks in Utah. The Airstream has become our companion for adventure of the great American road trip.
Final Thoughts
Airstream camping in Santa Barbara County offers something for everyone, from luxurious rentals to serene campgrounds for Airstream owners. If you’re looking for a unique lodging experience, add an Airstream adventure to your bucket list. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal beauty of El Capitán, the tranquility of Lake Cachuma, or the wine-country charm of Flying Flags, why not make your next adventure an Airstream experience? Start planning your Airstream journey in Santa Barbara County today!
Happy travels!
Julie & Art
