Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan is THE premier campground on the beautiful California Central Coast. Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara, Ocean Mesa is surrounded by Los Padres National Forest above the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Visit the tide pools at near-by El Capitan State Beach, explore our 15 miles of hiking trails, enjoy a music-filled Saturday evening under the stars at El Capitan Canyon, or just relax and take in the magnificent ocean views of the Gaviota Coast.