Vandenberg SFB FamCamp

We stayed at this Famcamp for a few days as we meander up the coast to WA. We could have easily made it to Camp SLO but we wanted to check out this base and cut down on some costs before we headed further north. We had initially thought about reserving a hookup site but when we saw the weather was going to be in the low 70's during the day we opted for the dry camping area. This worked out well for us since the area was unshaded for our solar panels. There are 20 designated sites with picnic tables for each but no water or bathrooms in that area. These are located about a 100 yards away in the main Famcamp area. The $10 a day rate that most Famcamps seem to charge for a "parking lot" always cracks me up but I guess they have to charge something or else they would get overrun by long term RVer's. 

The rates shown are not accurate. It is 28 per day for the pull throughs and some of the back ins that now allow two spots instead of one for additional room. Weekly rate is 180. The other backins are still cramped and close to each other for 26 per day or 165 per week. I would avoid this area if I could. I really enjoyed my stay for the quiet area and the wide open spaces available for biking, walking, jogging etc. The weather is always cool and breezy. There is access to beach areas without leaving the base. The onsite staff were very friendly. The grounds were well kept. Internet was not usable and was never repaired even with constant followup. The answer seemed to revolve around one person at outdoor rec who had the password to the router but was not available. The excuse is really as stupid as it sounds. At the same time the wifi for the office was usable and it seemed that if you were connected (knew the right person) you could get the password and use that wifi as needed. wink wink nod nod, say no more. So there was really no incentive for the regulars and the office to apply any priority to fixing the camp wifi connection. Why not just make the other connection available to all if the other is not going to get repaired. This campsite has an office staff and two hosts sharing duties. I would say a bit of an overkill considering the size of the park and the reponsibilities involved. One of the hosts has dogs that are tied but pretty vicious. We decided not to walk by that area. The same host has the outdoor area around her rv looking like trailer trash. My only other observation, sorry to be so negative, was the ability for civilian contractors being able to live in their trailers. Their cost is 30 per night or 200 per week. These are civilian contractors living on base with all utilities paid for 900 per month. On the weekends the 10 o clock quiet time was not enforced as it was rotating beer time at one of the contractor sites. One of the camp hosts is directly across from this group of 4 contractors and likely never maentioned it. I will never understand any military "fam camp" which I guess is an abbreviation of family campground to allow people to stay any longer than a month. There are a group of at least three retirees that stay 6 months every summer and have been able to do so for several years running. How is this serving our active duty as a family campground. The longer people stay, the more it morphs into a trailer park and the trailer trash that generally gets too comfortable. There is no reason why anyone should not be able to drive up here and get a campsite. Too many long termers prevent family campers from being served.

Peaceful, quiet location on base. This was the first stop on a long summer tour and it set the mood for us. The site was spacious and easy to access. We ate the the dining hall (ok - not great but not bad) and used the gas station to fill up (relatively easy access even with a toad). Coming in from the Lompoc gate was a bit unsettling if you don't know the area - seems like you're driving off to nowhere... but soon enough you come to the gate and the campground isn't far ahead. Gate hours are until 1900, at least the Sunday we drove in. We'd love to stay here again for a longer time frame.

Great hidden gem! Very pleasant camping with decent-sized sites, clean facilities, friendly host. We dined @ Breakers Restaurant - inexpensive if not gourmet. Relatively easy access to gasoline and other base facilities (for our 35' MH + toad). We'll be back here again!

We stopped in for a week on a slow northbound route. The park was functional and provided a location for us to explore the area. Some very nice areas to view the surf and generally kick back. The only problems we had were being evacuated @2230HRS the first night we were there due to high winds, soggy ground and trees near the power lines over head. It was a Friday night and the camp host was very good at keeping us informed as the fire and power crews worked to ensure every ones safety. Other than that the stay was not too remarkable. The dining facility was convenient and the prices modest. All facilities such as BX and Express all close early, no "club" to speak of so socializing was limited to the Park People between rain showers. It would be nice if the RV facility received some up grades. Our pull through site had bumps where roots of the now dead pines had grown, TV reception was very limited and no WiFi. My wife started puzzles twice in the "adult" lounge and each time they were put back in the box the next day (She made me add this). The lounges and bathrooms were very well kept. The personnel in the office stayed in the office were cordial, had problems with the dryers and was told that maintenance had been notified. We stayed the first week of FEB 19, in a 32 foot motor home with tow.

Enjoyed this RV park. Had a back-in site and liked the layout. These sites are on a paved pad, so no grass between sites but do have grass at the back of the site with picnic tables and grill. If need grass then opt for the pull-thru sites. Base is very quiet and we liked the absence of activity. Could ride bikes around and not worry about traffic. We arrived after hours and in the dark. Came through the 13th street gate, is a distance from town and at first wondered if going correctly but eventually arrived at gate. We prefer this gate for RV. (Note: if entering via Lompoc/Santa Lucia Canyon gate expect a ½ mile steep up-hill climb from the gate.) Camp Host came over as we were getting settled in, gave us an information sheet with access codes for laundry, wi-fi, etc. Nice that he found us and we didn’t have to hunt the info down. We were in one of the end sites and a little distance from the FamCamp office/laundry room/Rec room but still had wi-fi access. Toward the end of our visit the temps warmed a bit and with sunshine things began to dry out, that is when the ants showed up. Very small black ants that found a way into the RV. Asked neighbor if they had an issue and she said they appeared a month ago in their RV, common problem for this park sounds like. Coyotes (not a problem for us) are nearby, can hear them at night and one afternoon one was just across the street from the RV park hunting for the many ground squirrels in the area. The coyote was unconcerned about our presence. The young man working the office is very pleasant and helpful, great attitude. Camp Hosts are great, they hosted an afternoon cake and beverages event, understand they hold an event once a month. Great bunch of folks. We would visit again.

We enjoyed our time at Vandenberg. The park is clean and well kept. Our dealings with the camp host were very friendly and helpful. Our first site had an electrical problem but they put us in a different spot (in the parking lot area) and it worked out just fine. The famcamp is toward the back end of the base so there is very little traffic and very quiet. Verizon signal was ok - not real strong (our hotspot would get real slow at times). The famcamp wifi was ok. It would also slow down at times. There is a very nice BX and a huge commissary (under remodel). We got to see a launch while we were there, which was exciting. There's a couple different sections to the famcamp. There is the section that has pull throughs in a grassy area with trees. There are a couple of sections that are in parking lots (still full hook up). It all depends on your likes - we were in the parking lot and didn't mind it at all. There was a huge field behind us where we watched a coyote (every day) try to catch ground squirrels. We would go back again.

Nice place, bathrooms are clean, very quiet base. No problems at the Lompoc gate getting in. 

The entire base could use more TLC. Vandenburg appears to be a base supporting space missions which during these days may not be the highest priority. This is my assumption. There are a lot of abandoned and unused structures that probably had purpose in the past and the quantity of downed trees that lie around waiting to contribute to the always present fire risk seems unwise. The FamCamp is filled with long term stay active Airmen, Retirees and Contractors. Homesteading retirees seem placed at the more attractive pull through sites which include some shade, grass area and a fair amount of space between sites. The back-in sites are in two parking lots which wouldn't necessarily be bad, but the space between sites is only 2-3 feet. The back-in sites are way too close! If you are traveler and attempting to enjoy things to do in the area, this is a good campground to visit Solvang and Santa Barbara for about two or three nights. Wifi is available, but can be slow if you want to stream a movie. At times, I would use my Verizon hotspot and the coverage by Verizon was three bars of LTE. The bathrooms and laundry room were clean and adequate. I visited Vandenburg FamCamp in a motorhome and won't likely return. 

we are a 45 foot motorhome towing a truck. We followed the directions and had no problem getting on base. We were asked if we had any weapons and that was it. It was possible that we were not inspected because of construction at the entrance. Check in was easy and getting into our space was a breeze. There are two lounges, one for children and one for adults, both in good condition. BX and Commissary are nice sized and easy to get to. Lompoc is the closest town. Disappointed that there did not seem to be much to the city. Santa Maria is much bigger with more things to do, but is further away. Weather here is really nice. In the 90s as we came south on the 101 and down to the 70s here at the campground.

What a lovely surprise. Yes we were required to undergo an inspection of our rig, but nothing like previously stated. We were not required to go into an enclosed room and accompanied the airman doing the inspection (looking for hidden persons). Not sure what Vandenberg has over bases like Andrews et al. This is the 41st base (AF - not including the numerous Navy and Army installations) and only the 2nd where we were required to even open the RV. The wifi has apparently been upgraded as I'm in my RV and connected. The showers are excellent and clean with an abundance of hot water. The sites are clean and well-maintained. Lots of walking paths and the BX/Commissary complex is nearby. I wish the Exchange gas station had diesel but beggars can't be choosers. I would definitely stay here again if I were ever to venture into California again. 

We didn't have any scary experience with our arrival. Everything went well. Xchange and commissary nearby. Go to Wall beach. It's worth the view. You can access it on base. There is a roped area protecting a certain bird. Stay out of that area, it will be posted. Not much near the base.