Group Campsite

Saltwater
Beach

Group Campsite

Saltwater
Beach

Sq. miles: 0
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 2

Group Campsite at Refugio State Beach offers a classic Southern California surf fishing experience on a picturesque, remote-feeling beach located 22 miles west of Santa Barbara. This is a shore-based fishery where anglers can cast directly into the Pacific Ocean from the sand. The beach is known for its breathtaking sunsets and tropical island ambiance, providing a quiet and scenic backdrop for fishing. The site is part of a state park that includes 66 standard campsites and three designated group campsites, making it an ideal destination for angling groups or families combining camping with surf fishing.

California licenses and regulations6 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Group Campsite and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

California Sheephead

Bodianus pulcher

Leopard Shark

Triakis semifasciata

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Group Campsite. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Tackle Hogans

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Know where you can legally fish on Group Campsite

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

California licenses and regulations

California Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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California Coastal & Inland Waters

California's ocean sport fishing regulations govern marine and coastal waters, while separate inland regulations cover rivers, lakes, and bays above tidal influence. A single CDFW sport fishing license covers both environments, but species-specific rules, seasons, and report card requirements differ depending on where you fish. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife defines the boundaries and publishes the applicable rules for each zone in its regulations booklets.

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California Federal Waters & Offshore Rules

Once you fish beyond state waters, NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council take over management under federal law. Federal rules govern species such as West Coast groundfish, tunas, and other highly migratory fish in those offshore zones, and permit or registration requirements may apply depending on the species and gear you use. Check NOAA Fisheries for current federal permit requirements before targeting offshore species.

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California Saltwater Fishing License

Anyone 16 or older needs a California sport fishing license to take fish, shellfish, or other invertebrates from ocean or inland waters, whether resident or nonresident. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife issues the license, and anglers can buy it online, by phone, or at authorized agents. Fishing from a public pier that meets the state definition does not require a license, and CDFW designates Free Fishing Days each year when the requirement is waived.

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California Saltwater Size & Bag Limits

Size and bag limits apply to every marine species and can change throughout the year based on stock assessments and management decisions. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets these limits, and the current figures for species such as rockfish, California halibut, lingcod, yellowtail, and spiny lobster are published in the ocean sport fishing regulations. Always check the current regulations before you head out, as limits are updated and closures can be added mid-season.

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California Shellfish Closures & Advisories

Recreational harvest of mussels, clams, oysters, and other shellfish requires a California sport fishing license, and bag and size limits apply by species. The California Department of Public Health monitors the coast year-round for paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid, and can close areas or issue consumption advisories at any time due to biotoxins, harmful algal blooms, or other contamination. Current closures and health advisories are posted by CDFW and CDPH, and you should check both before harvesting.

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Take Group Campsite with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Group Campsite to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Group Campsite to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Group Campsite and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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