Residents across the South Coast will have another way to hit the beach this summer as Refugio State Beach is officially open to the public.

Months after it closed to repair February storm damage, the beach is open and honoring camping reservations for August and beyond.

“We’re excited to have folks back,” said Kate Wilson, the planning chief for California State Parks.

“We pushed really hard to open by August 1st because we know it was an inconvenience for folks to have their long-awaited reservations canceled during our closure period. So, we’re just thankful that folks were patient with us.”

Wilson said reservations made before the beach was closed are still valid and can be used. Reservations can be made six months in advance.

Visitors Excited to Be Back

Despite being open less than a week, the beach is already full. Families have flocked to the campsite to swim, barbecue, and relax by the waves.

One of the guests includes Pam Bateman from Mariposa, who was visiting the beach with her family. Bateman has been visiting Refugio and El Capitán State Beach for over 30 years and comes to the beach every August.

“When I was young, we would camp here at Refugio and stay for a month. It’s a family tradition and we love it. We have three generations here,” Bateman told Noozhawk.

Christine Lurie, another camper who visits every August, says that she does not see much difference after the storm. Lurie admitted she was worried that the yearly trip would be canceled, but found out last week that Refugio would be open in time for the family’s annual trip.

“I can’t tell the difference except they cut a bunch of trees down at the beach,” Lurie told Noozhawk.

Storm Damage

Storm damage to the beach and camping areas included debris, fallen trees, and a sinkhole near the entrance road.

According to Wilson, the sinkhole was caused by a failed culvert pipe that was installed when Highway 101 was first built through the area. Because of the failed pipe, water had been eroding the ground under the area.

Complicating the matter was the fact that the sinkhole appeared in an area that crossed into the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. To repair the sinkhole, the State Parks Department had to coordinate with the county, Caltrans, and Union Pacific Railroad.

Refugio State Beach lost several of its iconic palm trees in winter storm erosion, and State Parks removed several more that were leaning and threatening to fall.

Despite the loss of some trees, Wilson says that the area is mostly the same and visitors will still enjoy the beach.

“There are still 240 palm trees on the property and many of them are close to the edge, just not like dangling off the edge. It still has the very same vibe to me,” she said.

State Parks was able to reopen Gaviota State Park and El Capitán State Beach, also damaged in the winter storms, in April.

To learn more about California state parks, visit parks.ca.gov. Reservations can be made online or by calling the toll-free line at 1.800.444.PARK (7275).