Jalama Beach
Jalama Beach
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rinkydinkla
Quartz Hill, CA107 contributions
Aug 2011
There are only a few campgrounds in California that do first come first served as opposed to having to book in MONTHS or typically a YEAR in advance. This is one of them. It's well worth the chance you take of maybe not getting a spot. The odds of that happening seem rare but could definitely happen during summer months. Show up before 3pm (we got there at Noon, put your name on the list and be at the main gate area at 3 to receive your space. This was our first time at Jalama Beach. We usually camp in Kings Canyon where the campsites are very spacious. So in comparison to that, the sites at Jalama ARE very small and on top of each other, but you are at the beach. We had spaces 26 and 25 (right next to the playground) Great spot because we have 3 kids, 8 years old and younger. The downfall to it though was that the teens would come to the playground after our kids were already asleep, to hang out and caused their typical teen noise. We had to ask them to leave a couple different times out of our 5 nights/6 day stay. Bathrooms were close enough and the fantastic store was very convenient. That store has everything a little store could think you might have forgotten or just want. Their food is great too! We are tent campers so we went knowing that it could be windy, but whoa...! Our second night was quite sleepless. The wind was relentless. Probably wouldn't phase anyone in a trailer/rig unless you are a light sleeper. The other nights were fine. We did loose one of our shade canopies to the wind another day. The wind is just so unpredictable. The beach itself it great. There was a heavy population of sand flies though. Annoying for sure, but we carried a screened shade tent down to the beach one day and, problem solved. We walked the beach every morning and evening. It's such a beautiful beach. I came back with the best tan of my life, and I'm Swedish. Take a lot of sunscreen and keep applying. You will burn if not and believe me, you WILL get color, just don't make it red. ;) We went the last week of July into the first few days of August. The weather (aside the wind) was beautiful. We are so much looking forward to going back, but not without a toy hauler or some sort of camping trailer. No more tent camping there for us. The wind is just too unpredictable. There is no internet or cell phone reception, but we could get radio stations to tune in. There are also pay phones at the store. Lastly, the showers... yikes! They are great and clean, just the hours bother me. They do not open them until 8:30am (they have a 10pm-8am quiet policy which can be challenging with kids) and there is typically a line. (They are open until sunset.) We waited until 9:30-10am but really, that's a speed bump in your day if you want to get your day going. So many things for the kids to do though. There is a train track at the back of the campgrounds, but it did not bother us. The scenery is just breath taking. The staff here was great too. Oh and for those new cabins they built.. the people staying in them are raving about them. They rent out fast and have already made the park profits. Off season, the rates are lower but peak season is a little high, but just maybe the scenery is worth it. I think the nightly campsites fees are $25, some are $40, depending on location. If you plan to tent camp, make sure you take a pop up canopy. There is very limited shade. We buy our canopies/quick shades at Sports Chalet and they offer an additional warranty for a small fee that covers wind damage to it. You just take it back and they replace it.
Written September 1, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnLinder
Santa Maria, CA93 contributions
May 2011 • Couples
An unspoiled stretch of sand curves into the northern horizon, bending beneath rolling coastal hills turned light brown by the approaching summer. Dark gray cliffs stand in sharp contrast to the sun-lit beach and run parallel to the ocean’s green edge of breaking wind-whipped waves. The cliff walls lean slightly away from the water, almost balking at the sheer eroding force applied by wind and waves that originate from an unseen Pacific source.
As we stare from a turnout on the last stretch of a 14-mile winding drive off Highway 1, Jalama Beach seems to be a stepping-stone on a path to the edge of the world. Just outside of Lompoc and near the southern boundary of Vandenberg Air Force Base, the windswept Santa Barbara County park has increased in popularity over the years but is still secluded enough to be passed over by all but the most avid wind-surfers, campers and hikers.
Jalama Creek, swollen from recent rains, flows along the park’s northern border into the ocean. The 10 to 15-feet-wide creek, though shallow, is a significant natural obstacle for visitors wishing to stay dry as they cross to explore Jalama’s northern stretch of beach.
Preceded by the mountainous drive, crossing the creek further convinces the visitor that nature’s hand is intentionally making progress up the beach difficult. Blowing sand even conspires against photography by threatening lens damage.
Despite the day’s lack of visitors, the park’s 110 campsites and recreational vehicle parking places are consistently filled to capacity between June and Labor Day. Jalama’s campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which often leaves campers facing a three to four-day wait for space on a 100-person waiting list during the peak summer season.
Buying groceries in the Jalama Beach Store and Restaurant, which is famous for its juicy Jalama hamburgers is an experience never to be forgotten. The concession shop has changed hands a number of times since its construction in the early 1960s, but the same family has held the lease from the county for the past several years.
With the exception of a set of railroad tracks, several lines of barbed wire cattle fences and a lone strip of power lines that span the landscape, Jalama Beach appears largely untouched by civilization. As we walk north, headlong into the wind, the blowing sand erases our footprints as quickly as they are imprinted.
We walk the same sand that Chumash Indians traversed for centuries before Spanish explorers and settlers moved them to La Purisima Mission. A Chumash settlement called Shilimazshtush used to occupy land near Jalama Creek and if you are slightly superstitious, you can feel movement about you while in this sacred area of the beach. A sign positioned at the mouth of the creek tells of an Indian stealing a knife from a visiting Spanish galleon crewman and how the entire group of Indians made him return it peacefully. The camp was renamed to signify the incident.
In 1923, less than 15 miles north of Jalama Beach, seven United States Navy destroyers ran aground in darkness and heavy fog on Sept. 8 at Point Honda, which is now part of Vandenberg Air Force Base. According to the Lompoc Valley Historical Society, 23 sailors were killed in what is considered the largest peacetime accident in Navy history. Newspaper clippings and photos on the wall of the Jalama Beach Restaurant document the disaster, which a later investigation blamed on a series of navigational errors while the battle group was traveling too fast under radio silence.
The Richfield Oil Corp. (ARCO) donated the 23.5 acres that currently make up Jalama Beach to the county in 1943 for lack of petroleum underground or nearby.
We reach an impassable rocky outcropping where the waves break directly against the cliff wall. The wind is blowing harder than ever and the sun is setting, so we turn around and head back south along the beach. The Jalama winds seem all too happy to push us back toward the parking lot, but I will be all too happy to return again.
John Linder
As we stare from a turnout on the last stretch of a 14-mile winding drive off Highway 1, Jalama Beach seems to be a stepping-stone on a path to the edge of the world. Just outside of Lompoc and near the southern boundary of Vandenberg Air Force Base, the windswept Santa Barbara County park has increased in popularity over the years but is still secluded enough to be passed over by all but the most avid wind-surfers, campers and hikers.
Jalama Creek, swollen from recent rains, flows along the park’s northern border into the ocean. The 10 to 15-feet-wide creek, though shallow, is a significant natural obstacle for visitors wishing to stay dry as they cross to explore Jalama’s northern stretch of beach.
Preceded by the mountainous drive, crossing the creek further convinces the visitor that nature’s hand is intentionally making progress up the beach difficult. Blowing sand even conspires against photography by threatening lens damage.
Despite the day’s lack of visitors, the park’s 110 campsites and recreational vehicle parking places are consistently filled to capacity between June and Labor Day. Jalama’s campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which often leaves campers facing a three to four-day wait for space on a 100-person waiting list during the peak summer season.
Buying groceries in the Jalama Beach Store and Restaurant, which is famous for its juicy Jalama hamburgers is an experience never to be forgotten. The concession shop has changed hands a number of times since its construction in the early 1960s, but the same family has held the lease from the county for the past several years.
With the exception of a set of railroad tracks, several lines of barbed wire cattle fences and a lone strip of power lines that span the landscape, Jalama Beach appears largely untouched by civilization. As we walk north, headlong into the wind, the blowing sand erases our footprints as quickly as they are imprinted.
We walk the same sand that Chumash Indians traversed for centuries before Spanish explorers and settlers moved them to La Purisima Mission. A Chumash settlement called Shilimazshtush used to occupy land near Jalama Creek and if you are slightly superstitious, you can feel movement about you while in this sacred area of the beach. A sign positioned at the mouth of the creek tells of an Indian stealing a knife from a visiting Spanish galleon crewman and how the entire group of Indians made him return it peacefully. The camp was renamed to signify the incident.
In 1923, less than 15 miles north of Jalama Beach, seven United States Navy destroyers ran aground in darkness and heavy fog on Sept. 8 at Point Honda, which is now part of Vandenberg Air Force Base. According to the Lompoc Valley Historical Society, 23 sailors were killed in what is considered the largest peacetime accident in Navy history. Newspaper clippings and photos on the wall of the Jalama Beach Restaurant document the disaster, which a later investigation blamed on a series of navigational errors while the battle group was traveling too fast under radio silence.
The Richfield Oil Corp. (ARCO) donated the 23.5 acres that currently make up Jalama Beach to the county in 1943 for lack of petroleum underground or nearby.
We reach an impassable rocky outcropping where the waves break directly against the cliff wall. The wind is blowing harder than ever and the sun is setting, so we turn around and head back south along the beach. The Jalama winds seem all too happy to push us back toward the parking lot, but I will be all too happy to return again.
John Linder
Written July 7, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony G
Whittier, CA2 contributions
My family has been camping at Jalama for at least 10 years now. My wife's family (my in-laws) have been camping there for at least 20 years now. I must say that it is a very nice place to stay because you are surrounded by great scenery. You are either looking at a beautiful ocean in front of view or rolling hills behind you. One of the things that I really love about this place is that nothing else is nearby to this campground. You have to drive maybe 40 minutes to get to the nearest city. The campground has a general store and a grill that cooks up the famous "Jalama Burger" which is awesome. There is a playground for kids. There are showers and restroom facilities. You can camp very close to the beach if you can get a spot there. Or you can camp away from the beach at a higher elevation. It all depends on what you prefer and the availability of the sites. The type of people that go there are general families that are generally well behaved. You don't see people there partying and acting obnoxious. During the day you get some locals that go to surf of wind surf. Alot of people bring there dogs. The beaches are beautiful. There are times when you see different marine life travel about through the ocean. I would say that it is a very nice place to just relax and unwind. It is a nice drive away from places like Solvang. You can take a trip there and do some shopping or dining. Now, here are some drawback to keep in mind. Overall the weather is usually good there throughout the year. Some days get really windy. Some people don't like that much wind. The other thing is you can't make reservations. It is first come-first serve. You may want to get there at the middle of the weekend for a better shot at getting a spot. Although the beaches are beautiful, there are spots of oil that you have to be mindful of. There was a major oil spill many years ago and the beach and sand are still showing signs of it. You just have to mindful of where you are walking as you take strolls down the beach. Don't get me wrong, it's not like oil is every where you turn. It's just kind of sad to see such a beautiful place get tainted by such an unfortunate thing. The water is always very cold and rough. Your best bet is to wear a wet suit and know how to handle rough waters. I have been there when people have drowned because of rough water. This does not bother me since I don't go swimming in the ocean anyway. Overall just a really nice place to spend time at. Take your camera; there is some great photo ops.
Written May 29, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elyse D
Ventura, CA1 contribution
Mar 2014 • Family
We still love this beach but, it has changed its policy this year 2014. It is now mostly a reservation only campground. 20% is still first come first serve(FCFS). Don't drive all the way out there if you don't have reservations.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian r
San Diego, CA36 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
We recently camped at Jalama from August 5th to the 8th and I have not felt that relaxed in a long time. We were in a large group and we had a total of 6 spots that were close to the play ground, the store, the horseshoe pits and the bathrooms. This was our first time going and it was great. Everyone warned us about the unpredictable wind and it did get windy at times but not unbearable and it tended to die down at night. Everyone also recommends the Jalama burger and for good reason, it is a really good tasting burger and at about $7 it was well worth it. All the food that we tried was good and reasonably priced and they have a really good selection. The store seemed to carry a little bit of everything so if you forget something they probably have it.
The on site showers were not bad and it cost about 75 cents to take a quick shower, they do lock them at sunset. The bathrooms never felt really dirty as most camp ground bathrooms tend to do.
The kids loved the playground and riding around the park on their bikes and scooters and of course the beach. We never had a problem with any other campers either. It felt like the camp shut down at 10 pm every night with a few campers hanging around the fire pits.
Make sure to bring your own horse shoes if that's your game.
We will definitely be coming back in the future.
The on site showers were not bad and it cost about 75 cents to take a quick shower, they do lock them at sunset. The bathrooms never felt really dirty as most camp ground bathrooms tend to do.
The kids loved the playground and riding around the park on their bikes and scooters and of course the beach. We never had a problem with any other campers either. It felt like the camp shut down at 10 pm every night with a few campers hanging around the fire pits.
Make sure to bring your own horse shoes if that's your game.
We will definitely be coming back in the future.
Written August 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer736675
Los Angeles, CA20 contributions
Mar 2019
35, 40 years ago it was taboo to talk about because of its hidden gem status but the word was been out for a while now so I guess we can talk about it .
Jalama is now and has allways been a very special place , expect any kind of weather because it can get gnarly.
If you are going to drive out there if you camp or not , a burger and fried pickle spears are a must .
Endless beach to walk , surf , fish or just hang out on.
Truly one of California's best beach experiences .
Cons.
Out of the way .
Pros .
Out of the way .
Jalama is now and has allways been a very special place , expect any kind of weather because it can get gnarly.
If you are going to drive out there if you camp or not , a burger and fried pickle spears are a must .
Endless beach to walk , surf , fish or just hang out on.
Truly one of California's best beach experiences .
Cons.
Out of the way .
Pros .
Out of the way .
Written March 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jmom2many
Lompoc, CA114 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
Jalama is a hidden gem. Well known by surfers near and far. Not too mention the famous Jalama Burgers at the store/restaurant. At low tides the tide pools are amazing and you can walk for a couple of miles either north or south. Camping is awesome when you can get a spot. Reservations are required for most of the camping and you must reserve 6 months in advance.
Written March 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan T
San Tan Valley, AZ34 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Pulling up to the beach is pretty awesome after traversing a poorly maintained winding road, breathtaking view. The wind was howling at 40-60 mph when we stepped out of our vehicle making the beach seem like a movie set in the Sahara desert. Apparently this sandblaster type wind is common this type of year. The host told us to expect similar gusts throughout our stay. Fortunately the wind calmed down during the day making it enjoyable. The beach is beautiful with many small shells. Surfers are plentiful. Water was chilly but pleasant after our feet turned numb. There is a store that sells pretty much everything including some phenomenal burgers. Pay showers were clean and inexpensive. Upper Rv sites offer great views. We would definitely stay there again.
Written July 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindy J
Kansas City, MO99 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
As stated in my title, this was my first time camping. Ever. I'm nearly 32 years old, and my husband finally convinced me to "rough it" overnight. We were invited by a friend and his girlfriend whom had camped at Jalama Beach before, and I was pleasantly surprised!
We arrived about 11am. There was no line, as previous reviews stated. None. We paid the $10 overnight parking fee, and drove to our site. Location was perfect. Lot 36B. Nearby the restrooms, on the corner as to not be surrounded by others, and a direct (and very short) shot to the beach/ocean. Perfect June temperatures - 60s during the day, 50s at night. (There are really cute cabins for rent, but they book a few weeks out in the summer.)
The campsite is clean, not immaculate, but it's CAMPING! The restrooms work..they're not great, but they get the job done, and there were no "issues". The beach is really beautiful. The water is lighter (and colder) than in LA. We definitely didn't get in, but there were a few people splashing around, and they seemed to be having a great time! There is a small store to buy ice, beer, snacks, toiletries. Not severely overpriced. There are famous Jalama Burgers, but I am vegetarian, so I didn't indulge. Three of my group did, and they were not disappointed!! (They do offer a veggie burger, but what's the point, right?)
All of the individual spots have fire pits, and plenty of space. There were lots of families, singles, and couples. There were never any issues with drunken people fighting, screaming, etc. Also, no uptight jerks to spoil our time, as we drank many, many beers! The rangers do a round at 10pm, and music has to be turned off. But apparently, sleep comes early during camping, so it was no big deal. Most campers were turning into their tents/cabins by 10:30/11pm. It was a very nice, quiet, cool night of sleep! The stars are gorgeous!!
This campsite is SUCH a perfect break from the city. Previous reviewers had complained about the beach, the winds, etc, but I really thought that all in all, it was a perfect camping destination!!
**Driving distance from West Hollywood: 3 hours and 20 mins with a couple of short breaks
We arrived about 11am. There was no line, as previous reviews stated. None. We paid the $10 overnight parking fee, and drove to our site. Location was perfect. Lot 36B. Nearby the restrooms, on the corner as to not be surrounded by others, and a direct (and very short) shot to the beach/ocean. Perfect June temperatures - 60s during the day, 50s at night. (There are really cute cabins for rent, but they book a few weeks out in the summer.)
The campsite is clean, not immaculate, but it's CAMPING! The restrooms work..they're not great, but they get the job done, and there were no "issues". The beach is really beautiful. The water is lighter (and colder) than in LA. We definitely didn't get in, but there were a few people splashing around, and they seemed to be having a great time! There is a small store to buy ice, beer, snacks, toiletries. Not severely overpriced. There are famous Jalama Burgers, but I am vegetarian, so I didn't indulge. Three of my group did, and they were not disappointed!! (They do offer a veggie burger, but what's the point, right?)
All of the individual spots have fire pits, and plenty of space. There were lots of families, singles, and couples. There were never any issues with drunken people fighting, screaming, etc. Also, no uptight jerks to spoil our time, as we drank many, many beers! The rangers do a round at 10pm, and music has to be turned off. But apparently, sleep comes early during camping, so it was no big deal. Most campers were turning into their tents/cabins by 10:30/11pm. It was a very nice, quiet, cool night of sleep! The stars are gorgeous!!
This campsite is SUCH a perfect break from the city. Previous reviewers had complained about the beach, the winds, etc, but I really thought that all in all, it was a perfect camping destination!!
**Driving distance from West Hollywood: 3 hours and 20 mins with a couple of short breaks
Written June 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belindalnv
los angeles21 contributions
almost a 3 hr drive from los angeles...
this is in the middle of nowhere practically so if you need something from the nearby wal mart, it will take about 20 mins to drive out of the campsite area & unto civilization (lompoc is the nearest city)
but no worries;; theres a little shop that has everything!
& i mean everything! for it being so tiny, you'll find everything!
just dont trust their can opener; it broke before i was able to use it!
the beaches may be a bit rough for new swimmers (me) but the sand makes up for it (it gets hot!)
we went in august & our 3rd day there, it sprinkled in the morning!
& it was overcast! we left before noon so not sure if it cleared up..
but it did get hot while here. & very cold at night...
my husband had to drive out here 3 days before we left for our trip to book a campsite & his 1st morning there, they did a raffle & he wasnt called. so the campsite director advised him to return the next morning.
so my poor but amazing hubby stayed at the worst ever motel in lompoc & showed up the following morning, 1st in line! & he snagged us 2 sites!
i dont rememeber how much each site cost per day, but i know it was not alot..
i am a cheapskate & i would rememeber any ridiculous prices..
completely dog friendly; dogs can run free on the beach!
& the showers are clean!
4 quarters per 5 mins .. or something like that.
can not wait to go back this aug!
this is in the middle of nowhere practically so if you need something from the nearby wal mart, it will take about 20 mins to drive out of the campsite area & unto civilization (lompoc is the nearest city)
but no worries;; theres a little shop that has everything!
& i mean everything! for it being so tiny, you'll find everything!
just dont trust their can opener; it broke before i was able to use it!
the beaches may be a bit rough for new swimmers (me) but the sand makes up for it (it gets hot!)
we went in august & our 3rd day there, it sprinkled in the morning!
& it was overcast! we left before noon so not sure if it cleared up..
but it did get hot while here. & very cold at night...
my husband had to drive out here 3 days before we left for our trip to book a campsite & his 1st morning there, they did a raffle & he wasnt called. so the campsite director advised him to return the next morning.
so my poor but amazing hubby stayed at the worst ever motel in lompoc & showed up the following morning, 1st in line! & he snagged us 2 sites!
i dont rememeber how much each site cost per day, but i know it was not alot..
i am a cheapskate & i would rememeber any ridiculous prices..
completely dog friendly; dogs can run free on the beach!
& the showers are clean!
4 quarters per 5 mins .. or something like that.
can not wait to go back this aug!
Written April 1, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you still have first come camping?
Written June 26, 2018
What is the weather like in early February?
Written December 23, 2014
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