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Blue Sky Center

94%

449 reviews

· New Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

267 acres hosted by Blue Sky C.

13 lodging sites · 10 RV/tent sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at some sites.

1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents. 1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA. 1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!

Activities

Biking

Hiking

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Off-roading (OHV)

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Desert

Forest

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RV/tent sites

1 site

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Blue Sky Dispersed Camping

93% (366)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 45 ft

We welcome dry campers of all kinds here at Blue Sky Center. Whether you're in a Westy, an RV, or you're a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or tent camper, you and your adventuremobile are welcome here. The per site fee (up to 2 tents/4 people per site) entitles you to access to all of our camper amenities including clean restrooms and shower. You're welcome to relax the Khalili Cantina, socialize and cook over the fire at the main fire pit, or stretch out in one of our hammocks. Our Dispersed Camping area is set up for you! Sand covers the ground with 8 raised tent platforms made of wood, complete with tie down anchors. We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal/Venmo to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. Due to the high desert environment, we don't allow ground fires but you're welcome to bring your own fire pit or grill. We do not have hookups for RVs, so your vehicle must be self contained. If you intend to run a generator, we'll set you up in a spot where you'll have plenty of room and won't disturb the rest of camp. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve. The Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA At Blue Sky, we are striving to revitalize our local economy through our Explore Cuyama initiative. Learn more about the Cuyama Valley and seasonal activities by visiting our website: blueskycenter.org/visit

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

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$39

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10 dispersed sites

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13 sites

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Snail Hut

91% (83)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA. Please take a moment to read through the description of our Shelter Circle so that you can choose which Hut best fits your needs. Also, it's important to note that, at this time, we cannot host walk-in guests. It is necessary to make a reservation or at the very least contact us to make arrangements for your stay. We'd love to have you but need to know you're coming! Our five canvas-topped, Shelton-designed huts offer our most inclusive camping experience. Furnished with beds, furniture, linens, lighting, and electrical outlets, you're sure to be comfortable in your one of a kind hut. Circled around the main fire ring and adjacent to Khalili Cantina, you'll have opportunity for community with fellow campers, to relax in the Cantina, or in our numerous hammocks around the property. Shelter 1, the Pope, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 2, the Quonset, offers two single beds. (sleeps 2) Shelter 3, the Lunette, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 4, the Gable, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 5, the Snail, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 6, the Sheepherder Wagon, offers a double bed (sleeps 2) There is floor space in each shelter to set up your cot or a couple sleeping bags for kids. You make the call as to how many people each hut will accommodate but the max that is possible is two adults/four with kids at the very most. We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating and overhead lights. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. We require a $25 cleaning fee for all campers bringing a pet along with them on their trip. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends! All photography for commercial use must be pre-approved. Please contact us for more info. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$127

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Gable Hut

96% (67)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA. Please take a moment to read through the description of our Shelter Circle so that you can choose which Hut best fits your needs. Also, it's important to note that, at this time, we cannot host walk-in guests. It is necessary to make a reservation or at the very least contact us to make arrangements for your stay. We'd love to have you but need to know you're coming! Our five canvas-topped, Shelton-designed huts offer our most inclusive camping experience. Furnished with beds, furniture, linens, lighting, and electrical outlets, you're sure to be comfortable in your one of a kind hut. Circled around the main fire ring and adjacent to Khalili Cantina, you'll have opportunity for community with fellow campers, to relax in the Cantina, or in our numerous hammocks around the property. Shelter 1, the Pope, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 2, the Quonset, offers two single beds. (sleeps 2) Shelter 3, the Lunette, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 4, the Gable, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter, 5, the Snail, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 6, the Sheepherder Wagon, offers a double bed (sleeps 2) There is floor space in each shelter to set up your cot or a couple sleeping bags for kids. You make the call as to how many people each hut will accommodate but the max that is possible is two adults/four with kids at the very most. We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating and overhead lights. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. We require a $25 cleaning fee for all campers bringing a pet along with them on their trip. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends! All photography for commercial use must be pre-approved. Please contact us for more info. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$127

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Quonset Hut

97% (64)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA. Please take a moment to read through the description of our Shelter Circle so that you can choose which Hut best fits your needs. Also,it's important to note that, at this time, we cannot host walk-in guests. It is necessary to make a reservation or at the very least contact us to make arrangements for your stay. We'd love to have you but need to know you're coming! Our five canvas-topped, Shelton-designed huts offer our most inclusive camping experience. Furnished with beds, furniture, linens, lighting,and electrical outlets, you're sure to be comfortable in your one of a kind hut. Circled around the main fire ring and adjacent to Khalili Cantina, you'll have opportunity for community with fellow campers, to relax in the Cantina, or in our numerous hammocks around the property. Shelter 1, the Pope, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 2, the Quonset, offers two single beds. (sleeps 2) Shelter 3, the Gypsy, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 4, the Gable, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter, 5, the Snail, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 6, the Sheepherder Wagon, offers a double bed (sleeps 2) There is floor space in each shelter to set up your cot or a couple sleeping bags for kids. You make the call as to how many people each hut will accommodate but the max that is possible is two adults/four with kids at the very most. We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating and overhead lights. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. We require a $25 cleaning fee for all campers bringing a pet along with them on their trip. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends! All photography for commercial use must be pre-approved. Please contact us for more info. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$131

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Pope Hut

97% (58)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA. Please take a moment to read through the description of our Shelter Circle so that you can choose which Hut best fits your needs. Also, it's important to note that, at this time, we cannot host walk-in guests. It is necessary to make a reservation or at the very least contact us to make arrangements for your stay. We'd love to have you but need to know you're coming! Our five canvas-topped, Shelton-designed huts offer our most inclusive camping experience. Furnished with beds, furniture, linens, lighting, and electrical outlets, you're sure to be comfortable in your one of a kind hut. Circled around the main fire ring and adjacent to Khalili Cantina, you'll have opportunity for community with fellow campers, to relax in the Cantina, or in our numerous hammocks around the property. Shelter 1, the Pope, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 2, the Quonset, offers two single beds. (sleeps 2) Shelter 3, the Gypsy, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 4, the Gable, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 5, the Snail, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 6, the Sheepherder Wagon, offers a double bed (sleeps 2) There is floor space in each shelter to set up your cot or a couple sleeping bags for kids. You make the call as to how many people each hut will accommodate but the max that is possible is two adults/four with kids at the very most. We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating and overhead lights. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. We require a $25 cleaning fee for all campers bringing a pet along with them on their trip. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends! All photography for commercial use must be pre-approved. Please contact us for more info. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$127

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Lunette Hut

97% (43)

Canvas tent · Sleeps 2

Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA. Please take a moment to read through the description of our Shelter Circle so that you can choose which Hut best fits your needs. Also, it's important to note that, at this time, we cannot host walk-in guests. It is necessary to make a reservation or at the very least contact us to make arrangements for your stay. We'd love to have you but need to know you're coming! Our five canvas-topped, Shelton-designed huts offer our most inclusive camping experience. Furnished with beds, furniture, linens, lighting,and electrical outlets, you're sure to be comfortable in your one of a kind hut. Circled around the main fire ring and adjacent to Khalili Cantina, you'll have opportunity for community with fellow campers, to relax in the Cantina, or in our numerous hammocks around the property. Shelter 1, the Pope, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 2, the Quonset, offers two single beds. (sleeps 2) Shelter 3, the Lunette, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 4, the Gable, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter, 5, the Snail, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 6, the Sheepherder Wagon, offers a double bed (sleeps 2) There is floor space in each shelter to set up your cot or a couple sleeping bags for kids. You make the call as to how many people each hut will accommodate but the max that is possible is two adults/four total with kids at the very most. We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating and overhead lights. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. We require a $25 cleaning fee for all campers bringing a pet along with them on their trip. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends! All photography for commercial use must be pre-approved. Please contact us for more info. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$127

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Sheepherder Wagon

100% (13)

Shepherd's hut · Sleeps 2

Private one room enclosed cozy wagon. Includes a full size lofted bed, and small indoor and outdoor seating area. The one of a kind wagon is furnished with linens and a heated mattress warmer on the lofted bed. Blue Sky Center is an innovative rural community design and development non-profit organization located just outside the small high-desert townsite of New Cuyama, CA. If you are staying with friends or family please be sure to check out our other listings we have available. Our five canvas-topped, Shelton-designed huts and Sheepherder Wagon offer our most inclusive camping experience. Named after their shapes you can find the other listings under Snail Hut, Gable Hut, Pope Hut, Lunette Hut, and Quonset Hut. All our huts/wagon are furnished with beds, furniture, linens, lighting, and electrical outlets, you're sure to be comfortable in your one of a kind hut. Shelter 1, the Pope, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 2, the Quonset, offers two single beds. (sleeps 2) Shelter 3, the Gypsy, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 4, the Gable, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter, 5, the Snail, offers a double bed. (sleeps 2) Shelter 6, the Sheepherder Wagon, offers a double bed (sleeps 2) Please take a moment to read through the description of our Shelter Circle so that you can choose which Hut best fits your needs. Also, it's important to note that, at this time, we cannot host walk-in guests. It is necessary to make a reservation or at the very least contact us to make arrangements for your stay. We'd love to have you but need to know you're coming! We have firewood for purchase here - $5/bundle (deposit into the wood box or send via PayPal to @blueskycenter). There are multiple fire rings, so feel free to share with other guests or build your own. We have picnic benches for eating and overhead lights. A large BBQ grill is available for cooking. We require a $25 cleaning fee for all campers bringing a pet along with them on their trip. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends! All photography for commercial use must be pre-approved. Please contact us for more info. Situated on 267 acres in the high desert, the Blue Sky Center is a great place to relax, stargaze, explore, or perhaps watch a few small planes come and go. It is an ideal basecamp for your activities in the area, which include the nearby Los Padres National Forest, Sierra Madre mountain range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Wind Wolves Preserve.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$118

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Wasioja Room

100% (2)

Cabin · Sleeps 4

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Wasioja Room - 2 Twin size beds and 1 Full size bed (first picture, Full size bed not shown) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Juniper Room

100% (1)

Cabin · Sleeps 2

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Juniper Room - 1 Full size bed (first picture) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall. Keyed entry, across from Alta Room.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Sespe Room

100% (1)

Cabin · Sleeps 2

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Sespe Room - 2 Twin size beds, 1 of which is lofted (first picture) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Aliso Room

Cabin · Sleeps 2

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Aliso Room - 2 Twin size beds, 1 of which is lofted (first picture) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Caliente Room

Cabin · Sleeps 4

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Caliente Room - 4 Twin size beds, 2 of which are lofted (first picture) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Kayum Room

Booked 2 times

Cabin · Sleeps 2

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Kayum Room - 1 Full size beds, lofted (first picture) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall. Key code entry.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Instant book

Flagship Suites - Quatal Room

Cabin · Sleeps 2

***OPEN FOR SOPHIE SHANNAHOFF WEDDING GUESTS ONLY*** If you are not with this group, you are not able to book this unit. Quatal Room - 2 Twin size beds, 1 of which is lofted (first picture) Dorm-style room in the main building. Shower and bathrooms down the hall.

No campfires

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Picnic table

from

$85

/ night

for NaN guests

Reviews

94% Recommend724 ratings · 449 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Enchanting piece of heaven

Tent ·

Blue Sky Center

Select a site

RV/tent sites

Blue Sky Dispersed Camping

Lodging

Snail Hut

Gable Hut

Quonset Hut

Pope Hut

Lunette Hut

Sheepherder Wagon

Flagship Suites - Wasioja Room

Flagship Suites - Juniper Room

Flagship Suites - Sespe Room

Flagship Suites - Aliso Room

Flagship Suites - Caliente Room

Flagship Suites - Kayum Room

Flagship Suites - Quatal Room

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