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Lake Information for Lake Cachuma


Map: 
Description: 

Lake Cachuma is an artificial lake located in central Santa Barbara County, California on the Santa Ynez River. It is formed by Bradbury Dam, a 201 foot (61 m) earth-fill dam built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1953. At capacity it can hold 205,000 acre-feet (253,000,000 m³) and has a surface area of 3,100 acres (13 km2). It is the site of a large campsite [1] administered by the Santa Barbara County Parks department [2]. The County Parks department offers tent, RV, yurt, and group camping and fishing, boating, hiking, lake cruises, and nature programs.

The University of California, Santa Barbara rowing team regularly practices and races at Lake Cachuma and erected a permanent boathouse there just prior to the 1982-1983 school year.

Facilities and Parks: 

Tent, Trailer and RV Camping - (All single family campsites are first-come first-serve) More than 420 campsites, 90 with full electrical, water and sewer hookups, and 38 with electrical and water hookups, can accommodate any size tent or RV. Each campsite contains a picnic table and BBQ pit, with showers, restrooms and water nearby. An RV dump station is also available.

Yurt Camping

Yurts provide a camping experience with homey comforts. A cross between a tent and tepee, the yurts at Cachuma Lake feature platform beds to sleep 5 to 6, lockable door, inside lighting and heating, and screened windows in the wood and fabric siding. Set on the bluff with access to the lakeshore, the view is spectacular.
Currently there are only 3 Yurts at Cachuma Lake, which may be reserved year-round up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $60-$70 per night depending on yurt size and season. A non-refundable $15 reservation fee will also be charged, and all reservations must be secured with a credit card. There is a 2-night minimum stay for weekends, and a 3-night minimum stay for all major holidays. For yurt information and reservations call (805) 686-5050 Monday through Friday, 10 am - 3 pm.

NEW Cabin Rentals at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Reservations can now be made for an alternative-style camping experience at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Central Coast Cabins offers private and convenient accommodations with three one-bedroom cabins and a new two-bedroom cabin all equipped with electricity, full bathrooms, kitchenettes, living rooms, private porches, picnic tables and fire pits. For your convenience, kitchenettes are fully equipped for cooking and serving. Simply pack your sleeping bags/bedding, pillows, towels/toiletries and groceries. Your effortless vacation begins the moment you arrive at your cabin.

Name: 
Lake Cachuma
Lake type: 
reservoir
State: 
California

Businesses Located Nearby

Boat Rental

Vacation Rental


Bar and Restaurant

    Meadows Restaurant & Bar
  • 420 Alisal Rd - Solvang, CA
  • (805) 688-9003
    My Back Yard Barbecue
  • 1635 Mission Dr - Solvang, CA
  • (805) 688-6904

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