Updated: Friday, June 19th, 2026
History
California State Parks acquired the land that now encompasses El Capitán State Beach between 1953 and 1967; and the State Parks Commission classified El Capitán State Beach in June of 1962. The park and campground developments remain in the original 1978 configuration, thus the park suffers from outdated and inadequate facilities.
The Project
The El Capitán Entrance Improvements Project will adapt to park access patterns by widening the entrance road to reduce wait times and increase public safety, replacing an existing culvert with a more effective bridge and removing a fish barrier, and replacing two separate antiquated park entry buildings with one functional park entry kiosk. Additionally, to safely accommodate the pedestrian traffic now accessing the State Park entry, an improved ADA trail will provide an enhanced park experience.
El Capitán State Beach is scheduled to reopen on June 23, 2026. On that date, the campground, day-use areas, entrance road, and pedestrian access will reopen to the public. Camping will initially be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations may be made beginning June 23 for arrival dates starting June 29.
Visitors will notice significant improvements, including a new bridge over El Capitán Creek, a reconstructed entrance road, upgraded visitor facilities, and a new entrance kiosk.
Please note that portions of the new Nature Education Trail remain under construction. Temporary pedestrian routes will be in place in some areas, including sections that utilize the park roadway while trail work is completed. Visitors are asked to follow all posted signs, remain within designated routes, and use caution when traveling through shared-use areas. Drivers are reminded to proceed slowly and remain alert for pedestrians throughout the park.
Project Goals
- Remove fish barrier along El Capitán Creek
- Improve public safety
- Improve accessibility and coastal access
- Improve stormwater quality per Santa Barbara
Project Clean Water guidelines - Adapt to current and future access needs at
El Capitán State Beach
Project Components
- Widen road by 4 feet or greater along entire length
- Rehabilitate existing pavement with a mill & overlay
- Construct new bridge to replace existing culvert (fish barrier)
- Increase capacity of existing secondary, high flow channel culvert with an additional culvert
- Rehabilitate trail and construct sustainable, accessible trail in its place
- Construct accessible entrance kiosk
- Stormwater treatment and BMPs per Project Clean Water guidelines
- Native American consultation (2017-present)
- State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO)
- Section 106 consultation completed
- Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 5024 and 5024.5 review and concurrence issued
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404 Nationwide Permit (NWP) 14
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - Biological Opinion (BO) issued
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Concurrence Letter issued
- Approved jurisdictional determination (AJD) issued
- NWP 14 and reverification of permit issued
- Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC)
- Permit issued
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) Agreement
- Permit issued
- Coastal Development Permit (CDP) through Local Coastal Program (LCP) - County of Santa Barbara
- Permit issued
Project documents can be found on the Santa Barbara County Planning & Development website.
channelcoastinfo@parks.ca.gov
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