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Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Santa Barbara, CA

History

A small sandstone cave with Chumash pictographs in red, black and white, protected behind a grille. The access road off SR-154 is very narrow and steep, with room for only a couple of cars; not for RVs.

Nearest town
Santa Barbara, CA
Category
History & culture
GPS
34.5051, -119.7872

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Upper Oso CampgroundCampsite
    4 mi from Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park · 10 pitches
    Drinking water
  • Santa Barbara Sunrise RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    9 mi from Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
  • Rock Camp CampgroundCampsite
    13 mi from Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park · 2 pitches
  • Ocean Mesa RV & CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    14 mi from Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
  • Hike Bike CampsiteCampsite
    17 mi from Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
    TentsDrinking waterShowersToilets
  • Figueroa CampgroundCampsite
    19 mi from Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park · 33 pitches

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park?

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park is in Santa Barbara, CA, at GPS 34.5051, -119.7872. It is about 17 mi from Carpinteria.

Can you camp near Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Los Prietos Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 57 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park?

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Santa Ynez Valley: missions, wine and dunes.

What is there to see near Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park?

Places worth a stop nearby: Mission Santa Inés (21 mi), Nojoqui Falls (22 mi), La Purísima Mission State Historic Park (38 mi) and El Matador State Beach (61 mi).

When is the best time to visit Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park?

The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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