The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Point Sal is on the north end of Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. This site, covering about 77 acres, has many sea lions. Visitors often spot peregrine falcons, California brown pelicans, and California least terns at this location. From January to March, this location is a super spot to watch for California gray whales. Note that access to this location requires a 10-mile hike, and Vanderberg Space Force Base staff can deny access when launching satellites. This day-use area is about 110 miles north of Channel Islands National Park. While you cannot camp at Point Sal, you can find terrific Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby.
This trail is the only access to Point Sal Beach. The trail starts at the intersection of Brown Road and Point Sal Road. Stay to the left when you get to the Y in the path. The last 100 yards of this trail are very steep, with some rock scrambling required, but the beautiful views are worth it. Length: 10 miles Intensity: Strenuous
This trail starts behind the visitors center at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. It runs up a hill to a historic cross and beautiful views of this park that state officials established to protect one of the first missions built in California. This facility frequently hosts historical reenactments, during which this trail can get very busy. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Santa Maria Valley Multipurpose Trail at the back edge of Weller Park near Santa Maria, California and runs by a golf course, train tracks, a few backyards and an airport. This paved trail follows the Santa Maria River. Length: 5.4 miles Intensity: Easy
The Santa Ynez River is a terrific place to fish for trout and smallmouth bass, especially in the spring. The 92-mile-long river starts in the Los Padres National Forest and ends in Lompoc, California. An easy place to access this river for shore fishing is Riverbend Park in Lompoc.
Gibraltar Rock, near Santa Barbara, California, is a terrific place to climb. One of the most challenging climbs is The Nose, located on the southwest corner of the five sandstone bluffs along Gibraltar Boulevard. The University of California Santa Barbara's Outdoor Adventure Program often holds training at this location, which may be a great choice if you want to improve your skills.
The 5,368-acre Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve contains one of California's last significant stands of maritime chaparral. A loop trail runs through this facility, where hikers might see foxes, mule deer, bobcats, and various animals. In addition, this facility is home to over 300 plant species.
Jalama Beach County Park is an excellent place for a beach picnic. There are picnic tables and raised fireboxes. After your picnic, this is an ideal place to go surfing, whale watching, or bird watching. Anglers love to fish for perch, cabezon, kelp, bass, and halibut.
While there is no designated Bureau of Land Management RV camping available at Point Sal, there are outstanding options nearby. While Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are hard to find in this area, consider camping at Mt. Pinos Campground in Los Padres National Forest, which is especially a beautiful spot for hikers because of the nearby trails. Another choice is El Capitán State Beach, allowing you to camp near the Pacific Ocean. There are 102 campsites at Jalama Beach County Park, where you will love playing in the ocean near this campground.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is unavailable at Point Sal as this area is only open during daylight hours. Nearby, you can find camping on La Brea Creek's shores in the Barrel Creek Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. While camping is free, a Forest Adventure Pass, which costs $5 per day, is required. Primitive beach and dune camping is available at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, south of Post 2. While BLM camping near me is hard to find in this area, this campground features excellent hiking trails nearby.
Point Sal is near the Vanderberg Space Force Base. While exploring this area, include a visit to the Space and Missile Heritage Center, located in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features displays about the Cold War and how technology has changed the military. When exploring Point Sal, check when high tide will occur because water can rise rapidly. Before setting out on your camping trip, learn more about BLM camping by reading this blog.
Point Sal is in a remote area, so pack out what you pack in. Practice the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. You do not want your waste ruining this area for other visitors. Bringing a large trash bag and putting your trash in it can be a terrific plan.
From Santa Maria, California, head west on Main Street for about 2.9 miles. Then, turn slightly left onto U.S. Highway 16 and go one mile. Turn left on Ray Road and drive 1.4 miles. Then, veer to the right onto Brown Road. Continue for 6.9 miles, and you will see the parking lot and trailhead gate. Follow the trail for about five miles to reach the site. Address: Point Sal, Brown Road, Santa Maria, California, 93454 Ready to visit Point Sal? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
