El Capitan State Beach Campground

Who loves tidepooling? WE DO! . . . Tidepooling is a great activity to get to know your local coastal sea life.... . . . Life in the rocky tidepools is tough! Creatures that have found homes here must adapt to constant change. . . . Mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and more go from being completely submerged in cold ocean water to being exposed to the intense heat of the sun. That’s a big shock to their little bodies! . . . As visitors in their home, we need to be respectful. Empty shells and pebbles can one day be homes to a living critter, so it’s important to leave them in tidepools as they are. . . . Just like us, these animals don’t like to be poked and prodded... it can be harmful to them! Remember, it’s hard living on the rocks, so let’s do our part to make it easier for them! #RespectWildlife #NationalWildlifeWeek #RecreateResponsibly @morrobaystateparks @channelcoastca @castateparks

Is this my good side? . . . California sea lions have the rep for being silly and playful, so we tend to forget that these amazing creatures are still wild animals. ... . . . We are lucky that these speed swimmers enjoy relaxing on docks and underneath piers, so we can get a closer look at them, but it’s important that we do our part in keeping them wild. . . . Feeding sea lions changes their natural behaviors and makes them less wary of people and boats. By not feeding them and keeping your distance, they are less likely to interact closely with humans, therefore becoming less aggressive and prone to accidents! . . . So let’s work together and protect the CA sea lions! #RespectWildlife #NationalWildlifeWeek #RecreateResponsibly @morrobaystateparks @channelcoastca @castateparks Photo 2014 Mike Michael L. Baird

We love Wildlife! . . . Welcome to a week of celebrating #NationalWildlifeWeek, where we will be sharing stories of how we can all #RespectWildlife while playing in nature. ... . . . By recreating responsibly, we have the opportunity to create safe spaces to enjoy wildlife in their natural habitat. The best kind of interaction with our wild neighbors is no interaction! . . . Join us on our journey to discovering coastal wildlife as we discover how to observe wildlife respectfully. #RespectWildlife #NationalWildlifeWeek #RecreateResponsibly @morrobaystateparks @channelcoastca @castateparks Photo by Mike Baird

As evening hours approach today, on the shortest day of the longest year.. look to the skies. Tonight marks an alignment the likes of which have not been seen for nearly 800 years. Saturn and Jupiter are set to awe. #thegreatconjunction #GetOutside #wow

Maybe you have seen this on a beach walk along the Channel Coast. Many folks assume the tar on their toes is a result of nefarious industrial spills...but really, it is bubbling up from below! Better stop and take a look. For more information on Carpinteria's long history with Tar we invite you to check out the video on our You Tube Channel http://ow.ly/nBey50CGgn4

Join us for a Spooktacular Halloween filled with fun crafts, activities, ghost stories and legends from around California. Tune into @CaliforniaStateParks and @AnzaBorrego on Facebook for this fun Halloween Event!

Heads up El Capitan, Santa Barbara County Public Health has issued restrictions for the upcoming Holiday Weekend. These restrictions DO apply to campers. Follow the link from their post to read the full Public Health Order.

Friendly reminder.... wearing a face covering is very important! Know when and where to wear your face covering, while visiting State Parks. #ProtectRespect #castateparks

Well said #ProtectRespect @AsmMoniqueLimon Assemblymember Monique Limón @asmmoniquelimon

Santa Barbara County Health Order dated July 2, 2020 Effective 12:01 am July 311:59 pm July 5, 2020 State Park Campground Beaches: Only persons with reservations at County and State campgrounds will be allowed to enter and utilize those beach areas in accordance with this order.... Walk up an day use of these areas are not allowed. Day Use Parking Lots will be closed. Public Beaches in Santa Barbara County Closed to Passive Recreation The ocean remains open for water sports, you may cross the beach for to access and leave the ocean. Beaches may be used for ACTIVE Recreation including running, walking, cycling, or other forms of physical activity. No sitting, lying, standing, sunbathing, picnicking, passive , sedentary or other non-exercise activities allowed. Accessories for sitting or lying on the beach are prohibited for use or possession on beaches such as umbrellas, shade structures, tents, BBQ’s, sand or beach toys, coolers or beach chairs. Santa Barbara County Public Health Order dated July 2, 2020: https://publichealthsbc.org/health-officer-orders/

Helloooo Campers! The waiting is over, camping access has been restored to your beloved Channel Coast state park campgrounds. We want to thank you all for standing by and waiting patiently while we navigated how to provide safe access to parks during this unprecedented new time. For those of you whom have suffered one, two, or even five cancellations during this time, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We know many of you have spent months waiting for this time to come and w...e do not take that lightly. Some of you remain cancelled even in light of this new access being restored. We want you to know, we value you, and miss you. We hope to see you back again when possible. Some things are new when you visit. These are things like: 1. Wearing a mask in public spaces that do not allow for 6ft physical distance from people you do not live with. 2. Group Campsites will remain closed to comply with orders to not congregate in large groups. 3. 2PM check-in times will be strictly enforced to allow our staff to clean and keep you safe. For all COVID related modifications to your camping experience please see the www.parks.ca.gov/flattenthecurve.com website. Some things remain the same but are worth reminders: 1. Bring soap, you wanted clean hands before, and you definitely want them now... bring soap! 2. 8 people maximum per campsite. As always, please direct your specific camping reservation questions to our PIO because she has the answers! [email protected]. Longest post of the week for sure! #castateparks #getoutside photo credit to @jordan.journeys (insta) #carpinteriasb

Questions are flooding in regarding individual issues related to camping and reservations. Please send your questions to our info email for a detailed and specific reply. Yes, the first reply is automatic, but after that a real human will address your inquiry.

El Capitan State Beach is open for day-use parking! State Parks is working with Santa Barbara County to allow traditional Day Use recreation, with modifications. We’re excited to have you back and yes, you may sit, stand and lie on the beach alongside your towel, chair and umbrella as long as you maintain 6ft physical distance from others and don’t congregate with those not in your immediate household. If there are too many people to allow for the required physical distance, ...please leave the park. You can find more info on the park website:www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=601 Here’s what’s open at the park: Restrooms will be open. State Parks is operating in compliance with State and Local Health Orders and Guidelines. Day Use fees are $10 per vehicle. Kiosks will be staffed for informational services only. No cash or credit card transactions will be handled by staff. Day Use fees can be paid upon arrival through www.passportparking.com. Additionally, there is an Automated Pay Machine which accepts credit cards and an Iron Ranger which accepts cash. Guided tours, campgrounds and indoor facilities like park offices, museums and visitor centers remain closed until further notice to prevent overcrowding and maintain physical distancing.

Increasing Access to Channel Coast District State Parks is a priority for all of us, the best way to stay informed (or updated) is through the Info line at (805) 585-1869 or Email [email protected]

This just in from Sacramento: Camping cancelled through June 21st at all campgrounds. For details or changes call our information hotline 805-585-1869 or drop us a line [email protected]