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The string of state park campgrounds along the 101 north of Santa Barbara - El Capitan, Refugio and Gaviota - are popular destinations, and for good reason. They boast prime beachside locations, plus they are well-known, given their visibility from nearby Highway 101. That combination means it can be almost impossible to get a site sometimes.
But turn your attention across the freeway and over the rising coastal mountains. Beyond that ridgeline you'll find one of the area's hidden camping gems: Cachuma Lake.
Located off State Route 154, the lakeside county park features nearly 500 roomy campsites. More than 100 include full hook-ups, and many accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. That's something you won't find at the state parks along the beach. Trees are plentiful, so there's a good chance your site will come with shade.
The park also offers seven yurts to rent, so you can get the campground vibe without sleeping on the ground. The canvas-sided structures include beds, heaters and electricity, and will sleep anywhere from three to six people depending on the size. Some are close to the lake and offer shoreline access.
With so many lodging options to choose from, your odds of booking something are much higher than the beach campgrounds, which gives you the flexibility to make last-minute plans.
Because Cachuma features a range of amenities and activities, it is the type of place you can settle into for the weekend without having to leave. A well-stocked store carries the essentials you forgot to pack, plus a selection of campground-themed merch.
Need a break from cooking? With its waterside location and patio seating, Hook'd Bar & Grill makes for an inviting place to enjoy a tasty dinner, or unwind with a local wine, draft beer or cocktail. My son Drew and I wandered over on a Saturday evening while staying at Cachuma for a mountain bike race. A live band belted out classic rock hits as a sizable crowd relaxed outside. Our expectations for a campground grill were admittedly low, but we were pleasantly surprised. The food arrived quickly and was delicious. He had a burger and I ordered the Cuban sandwich off the specials menu.
Since Cachuma Lake is a drinking water reservoir, swimming is not allowed. But fishing is permitted, and the marina offers kayak, canoe and power-boat rentals. You can even book a 1.5-hour pontoon boat ride with a naturalist pointing out area wildlife.
On shore, an 18-hole 2.25-mile disc golf course, a nature center, bike riding and hiking will keep you busy. A variety of short trails explore the lakeshore, but if you want something more challenging, try the Tequepis Trail, a short drive from the campground. It runs 4 miles up to the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains ridgeline, where you can see the Pacific Ocean. The trailhead begins at a camp and runs along a shady canyon. It soon turns up the flank of a mountain and leaves the shade behind. The trail is steep and rocky in places, but worth the effort. Although I ran out of time and didn't glimpse the ocean from the top of the ridgeline, the views of the lake were spectacular.
The Neal Taylor Nature Center offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the area's original Chumash inhabitants, as well as local plants and animals. The outdoor native plant garden features plants labeled with QR codes so visitors can learn more about each plant and how the Chumash used them.
If you are inclined to leave the campground, Santa Ynez and Solvang are just a few minutes away by car, putting wine tasting, shopping, more restaurants, and Danish pastries within easy reach.
Cachuma may be overlooked as a Santa Barbara camping destination, but that's OK. It means less competition for booking reservations.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic.

LET'S GO
Cachuma Lake Campground
countyofsb.org/637/Cachuma-Lake
Hook'd Bar & Grill
hookdbarandgrill.com