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Cuyama Badlands

99%
·
2012 reviews
· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California
164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.
3 lodging sites · 14 RV/tent sites · 2 RV sites · 2 tent sites
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Great for groups
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best legacy: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. That being said, and to maintain the balance here at home, we'd appreciate if you keep your dogs in your car until you get to your site. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you!
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Off-roading (OHV)
Natural features
Cave
Desert
Forest
Canyon

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Tent sites

2 sites
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Draw Camp in the Far West

99% (291)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Secluded away from prying eyes where no one sees you but you can see all. This single site has the best of all for the reclusive campers. Isolated away from all other sites with a commanding view of the valley below and the heavens above. It comes with our standard pergola, table, 2 chairs and fire ring with cooking grill nestled at the west end of our mesa road. ***Tub Not Included*** ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Site 2 - Songdog East Campsites.

99% (199)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Site 2 East is tucked in with the junipers bushes and well suited for two people as there is limited parking space. Like all of our sites, there is an excellent view of the night sky and sunset. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests

RV/tent sites

14 sites
Instant book

Site 3 - Songdog East Campsites.

99% (318)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
Site 3 East is open on it own little hill. There is plenty of room for your kiddos and pups to roam. You'll have an amazing view of the sunset and stars here. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No showers
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.

99% (289)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
A little further to the west, atop our 200 foot mesa, site 3 West is enjoys plenty of junipers for privacy and sits right on the edge overlooking the canyon, and valley to the west. Hawks and ravens enjoy playing in the breeze off the edge at this site. The night sky is incredible! This site is very popular for it's views. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.

99% (268)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
4 West sits atop our 200 ft mesa but is distant from the edge. This one is a favorite of campers for its overall space and views of the entire Southern Coastal and Caliente Range. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Site 1 - Songdog West Campsites.

100% (242)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
Just at the top of the mesa, on the edge overlooking the canyon and the valley to the west. You'll have a view of all the peaks in the distance. Watching the hawks and ravens play on the edge is pretty neat too! Perfect for stargazing and roasting marshmallows! ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Songdog Double Fire

100% (165)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 16 · Vehicles under 22 ft
This expanded campsite is similar to our simple Songdog Campsites only bigger! The shaded table area is twice as big and will accommodate 8 people easily. The Privacy is greater with the nearest campsite being 150 feet south. The site has more room for you and your friends to spread out. And last but not least, if features a campfire ring as well as a charcoal fired BBQ. It really is twice the site. Perfect for an overnight Pow Wow with your tribe. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.*** If you are in need of more sites to accommodate a group larger than 10, you can book campsites 1 East and 2 East and have the entire east end of the mesa all to yourself. Just book all the Songdog East Campsites at maximum capacity for a total of 32 persons and have plenty of room to wonder around and visit with your friends.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No showers
from
$80
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Site 1 - Songdog East Campsites.

99% (164)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
Located in the South East corner of the property up on the mesa, this site offers plenty of privacy among the junipers and a beautiful night sky! ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No showers
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Site 2 - Songdog West Campsites.

98% (160)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
2 West finds itself in the middle of the mesa, high off the canyon bottom, and features an amazing view of Cuyama Peak, Santa Barbara Canyon, Lyon Canyon, and Caliente Peak in the distance. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Grand View

100% (42)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
Overlooking the Cuyama Valley, this site gives you plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the view of all of the mountains and farmlands in the distance without noticing any of your neighboring campers tucked quietly in their own sites further away. You'll be amazed by the full view of the sunset and sunrise, and let's not forget the amazing night time sky! We'll provide the table and shade, 2 chairs, trash bin, and fire ring. You provide the gear, the food and the adventure! ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests

The Barbeque

100% (20)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 40 · Vehicles under 22 ft
Got friends? Come share the beauty of the sunset and stars overlooking the amazing Cuyama Valley. You bring the food and the campfire stories and we'll provide the space that includes the giant wood fired BBQ pergola, large campfire ring, and shaded tables to gather and eat and revel in the days adventures! You'll need your camping gear, or overland rigs to enjoy this space fully. You don’t need 4WD to access this site. If you have a small RV up to 22 feet, that works too, just note that there are no hookups. Pricing covers 20 people, but you can add more for $10/person per night. ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.*** For those who have made their memories in the Speakeasy Lodge, this is the same location, just without the awesome lodge. Sadly the lodge burned down in June 2023.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$150
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Base Camp site

100% (16)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
**TRAILER LENGTH LIMIT UNDER 16 FT TONGUE TO TAIL, TIGHT RADIUS** At the base of our our 200 foot mesa we've set up a medium group site.  The site is pretty isolated from other campers and is good place to setup as a base for many excursions around central California. You are within 75 miles of the coast of Santa Barbara to Morro Bay, Carrizo Plain National Monument, lower Kern River, Tehachapi wind farms, and the mountain roads of Los Padres National forest. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Dry Creek 1

90% (5)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
**TRAILER LENGTH LIMIT UNDER 16 FT TONGUE TO TAIL, TIGHT RADIUS** At the base of our our 200 foot mesa we've set up a simple site with it's own private outhouse. The site is pretty isolated from other campers and is good place to setup as a base for many excursions around central california. You are within 75 miles of the coast of Santa Barbara to Morro Bay, Carrizo Planes National Monument, Tehachipi wind farms, Mountain roads of Los Padres National forest. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Dry Creek 2

100% (3)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 22 ft
**TRAILER LENGTH LIMIT UNDER 16 FT TONGUE TO TAIL, TIGHT RADIUS** At the base of our our 200 foot mesa we've set up a simple site with it's own private outhouse. The site is pretty isolated from other campers and is good place to setup as a base for many excursions around central california. You are within 75 miles of the coast of Santa Barbara to Morro Bay, Carrizo Planes National Monument, Tehachipi wind farms, Mountain roads of Los Padres National forest. This is where the Vintage Cardinal Glamp trailer used to be. Now it's a lovely private site with it's own private privy. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests

The Barnyard

100% (3)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 35 ft
Rustic and spacious. Located just down the hill from Pupdog Hill and is a great stand alone site or as an additional site if you really want to book Pupdog Hill but have a couple of extra friends with their own camping rigs and tents. If you enjoy cooking in the outdoors, there is a small Santa Maria style BBQ here. You can fit a longer RV and fully enjoy this spot. OHV friendly, but you must stay slow and on the road until you reach Ballinger Rd to get to Ballinger Canyon OHV. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests

The Mesa

Booked 1 time
RV/tent site · Sleeps 80 · Vehicles under 22 ft
**Plan well ahead for this one so you don't miss out** Imagine you and 64 of your best friends and family having the whole mesa, 200 feet up from the canyon bottom, to yourselves, overlooking the Cuyama Valley and surrounding mountains. This listing covers The Barbeque, Double Fire, Sites 1-3 East, Sites 1-4 West, Grand View, and Draw Camp. That's 11 sites in total! You'll still have to keep the decibels under control and quiet down by 10 pm as we'd like to continue having great neighbors. There is no electricity at any of the sites, but we do have a small generator available to rent to light up The Barbeque so you can see what you're cooking and maybe charge a couple of phones. **Sorry no buses or long RV's will make it up to the Mesa. Length limited to 22' and no more that 4' overhang from the rear axle. ** **Some folks like to stick around. Individual guests are welcome and encouraged to extend their stay by booking their individual sites on Hipcamp as your event comes to an end. ** ***OHV and dirt bikes can not be accommodated at this site without prior approval. Please message the host prior to booking if you are planning to bring these vehicles.***
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$500
/ night
for NaN guests

RV sites

2 sites

Franks Site

100% (3)
Vehicle site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 35 ft
Dubbed Frank's Site for the guy who would come and stay for a couple of weeks each year and win the regional HAM Radio competitions. It was quite the set up with an array of huge antennae set smack dab in the middle of the pasture and his Army surplus tent off to the side with all of the accoutrements of radio competion at hand. He has since moved on to a property of his own, but the name has stuck and we have many happy memories. This is one of the few sites that can fit a longer RV or Toy Hauler if you come in from the west end of the property. There are no hookups, and no dump, but you'll find a shade pergola, picnic table, trash bin, spigot and private outhouse. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$50
/ night
for NaN guests

Wellhead RV Campsite

100% (1)
Vehicle site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 40 ft
**NO TOILET HERE** MUST BE SELF CONTAINED** Pull off the road and get off the grid. This site is in the center of the ranch with a sizable spot to nestle your camping trailer or RV in a small group of trees. It is one of the few places around here where we can grow trees because, as the name implies, it is situated next to the water well that provides all the water for our little piece of heaven. This is a great spot for the kiddo's who are just learning to ride bicycles. Dirt bikes welcome in this site, however please proceed directly to and from Ballinger Cyn Rd to access Ballinger Canyon OHV. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests

Lodging

3 sites

Glamp Tank site

99% (94)
Quirky · Sleeps 6
**Firewood, kitchen utensils basket, and Tepid Tub included** Sleeps 4 on two bunks. When people go camping,  it is often an opportunity to get tanked.  We've come up with a healthier alternative to spiked libations. Come glamp in our renovated water tank. Basic essentials are provided; standard pergola, table, 2 chairs, firewood, and of course water. There is a basket of cooking utensils and paper goods and 2 queen size 4" sleeping pads on bunks. Be sure to bring your sleeping bag. **Tepid Tub is not heated. Temps range from tepid sunset soak in the summer, and polar plunge in the winter** 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
from
$150
/ night
for NaN guests

Pupdog Hill

100% (17)
Quirky · Sleeps 4
**Firewood, kitchen utensils, and Tepid Tub included** The Secret is out and the vision is clear! This hill top location offers the most rustic comfort imaginable. Its secondhand architecture was developed by your veritable host, 'Rev' and would be the envy of any westward homesteader. Its barn wood veranda looks over property and displays a wide east to west skyline where the sun, moon and stars arise and fall from their travels around the world. For an even better view of the celestial parade or to enjoy some group chatter, go gather around the fire pit to gill up some sustenance or roast some marshmallows. For a more complete food preparation, there are sinks and counter spaces inside the shelter where you can create your culinary delights. Inside are many traveler comforts for rest and relaxation while gazing out the widows of another world. 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.** *Tepid Tub not heated. Seasonal temps range from tepid sunset soak in the summer, and polar plunge in the winter* **Bedding is not provided. Please be sure to bring your sleeping bag**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
$225
/ night
for NaN guests

Nostalgic '73 Cardinal Trailer

100% (1)
Vintage trailer · Sleeps 6
*Sleeps Two* Tepid Tub, kitchen essentials and firewood included! This darling vintage trailer sits on a large deck and features wrap around windows, grand views, and amazing starry nights! You'll also find a large pergola shading your picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill attached for cooking over an open campfire. You'll also find a working 3 burner stove inside the trailer. No need to schlep all the supplies, as the kitchen tub provides all of the essentials you'll need for cooking, eating, and tidying up. You bring the food and the fun! You'll need to bring your sleeping bag, as no bedding is provided. Whether you're snuggling with your partner or starfishing solo, this site is one of the coolest on the property! Sleeps two comfortably, so if you are bringing more friends, they'll need to bring their own tents and gear. **Tepid Tub is not heated. Temps range from tepid sunset soak in the summer, and polar plunge in the winter** 2 miles east, at the end of Ballinger Canyon is home to 7000 acres of OHV designated riding. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** **Note: Riding around the ranch is to be kept at a minimum to keep the peace and serenity that is enjoyed by all who camp around the property. Please stay on the road and ride slowly while on the property to get to and from your site.**
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
Picnic table
from
$150
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

99% Recommend4319 ratings · 2012 reviews

Location

Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

Joined in August 2015
Response rate: 100%

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