El Capitán State Beach to Reopen on June 23 Following Infrastructure Improvements
Contact:
Kate Wilson
Park and Recreation Specialist, Channel Coast District
Recent upgrades to the park's entrance area completed as part of the El Capitán Entrance Improvements Project. Photos from California State Parks.
GOLETA — California State Parks today announced the reopening of El Capitán State Beach on June 23, following an 18-month infrastructure improvement project. One of California’s most popular coastal campgrounds and day-use destinations will now be available for visitors to experience a transformed park entrance including features such as a new bridge over El Capitán Creek, an improved entrance road, a new accessible entrance kiosk and safer walking routes throughout the entrance corridor.
The state beach will reopen Tuesday, June 23, for day use and an initial first-come, first-serve campground access. Visitors will be able to make camping reservations beginning June 23 for dates starting June 29 or later through ReserveCalifornia.com.
Reopening Timeline
| Key Dates | What Opens / Begins |
|---|---|
|
June 23 |
|
|
June 29 |
|
|
Fall 2026 |
|
The Entrance Improvements Project, which began in January 2025, involved significant infrastructure improvements designed to enhance visitor access, improve public safety, increase the park’s climate resilience and make it easier for fish to move through El Capitán Creek.
The entrance road project was supported by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $1.78 million through a 50/50 matching fund program. The Nature Education Trail is supported by a $1.4 million Nature Education Fund grant. Additional project support was provided through State Parks infrastructure funding.
While visitors will be able to access portions of the new entrance trail upon reopening, the trail remains a work in progress with an expected completion this fall. Temporary routes and reroutes will be provided where necessary to ensure visitor safety. The completed trail project will include interpretive features highlighting the natural and cultural resources of the El Capitán area.
State Parks appreciates the patience and support of visitors, project partners, and the surrounding community throughout construction and looks forward to welcoming visitors back to El Capitán State Beach.
For the latest updates, please visit the state beach’s webpage or follow on Instagram and Facebook.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.