Santa Ynez River
The Forest Service maintains several camping and day use areas within the Santa Ynez Recreation Area. For updated information, please check the Current Conditions page.
Paradise Road Sites:
- Fremont Campground
- Paradise Campground
- Whiterock Day Use Area
- Los Prietos Campground
- Sage Hill Group Campground
- First Crossing
River Road Sites:
- Lower Oso Day Use Area
- Falls Day Use Area
- Live Oak Day Use Area
- Sandstone Day Use Area
- Red Rock/Gibraltar Parking lot & Trailhead
Current River Road Conditions:
- Description: River Road is about 5.5 miles and begins at the end of Paradise Road where there is a kiosk and a gate marking the transition. River Road is seasonally closed during the winter and when water levels are high.
- Status: Driving access is currently limited due to high water levels. River Road is only open to the Santa Ynez gate at mile 3 of the road. From there it is 2.5 miles back to the Red Rock pools.
- Capacity: Limited because of the partial closure. Capacity can be reached early on weekends so please know that sites may be unavailable and please plan ahead.
Active Alerts
General Information
Sunrise to sunset
- Pack out what you pack in and Leave No Trace!
- Dogs MUST be on a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control [36 CFR 261.16(j)]. Read more info about pet ethics.
- For current Fire Restrictions: Check Current Conditions page and the Alerts page.
- Campfire Permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires, or portable gas stoves outside of designated recreation sites when conditions allow.
Day Use Areas are managed by Parks Management Company (PMC) for the Forest Service and day use fees are $10 per vehicle per day, or you can purchase a PMC Annual Pass for $50 through www.campone.com. Day use fees can be paid at the First Crossing kiosk when it is open, at each site, or from PMC campground hosts. Campgrounds are also managed by PMC and can be reserved and paid for at rec.gov.
Address: 3505 Paradise Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: 805-724-0079 or 805-967-3481
Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Highway l0l at west end of Santa Barbara turn north on Highway l54 (San Marcos Pass Road) for about l2 miles, then go east on Paradise Road to the Santa Ynez Recreation Area. Access is restricted when necessary due to high water or when deemed necessary for resource protection.
Parking
If you are not parked in a designated parking space, make sure all four tires are off the roadway. Do not block roads, gates, and driveways. Do not park in tall grass or vegetation. Pay attention to no parking signs.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream
