River Park, a 45-acre developed site located along the Santa Ynez River in Lompoc, showcases a wide variety of recreational amenities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. The park, which lies adjacent to agricultural fields and has a picturesque river backdrop, is easily accessible via the entrance at Highway 246 and Sweeney Road, just east of Robinson Bridge.
The park serves as a regional hub for both locals and visitors, providing space for leisure, group events, and camping. Among the park’s key features are five group barbecue areas that can be reserved for gatherings. Four of these areas are sheltered, providing shaded space for picnics and cookouts.
In addition to the barbecue areas, River Park offers several other recreational facilities, including playgrounds for children, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, and a fitness trail. These amenities encourage visitors to engage in physical activities or relax outdoors.
One of the park’s highlights is Kiwanis Lake, a small, man-made fishing pond that attracts an array of wildlife, adding to the park’s natural beauty. The lake offers opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation, contributing to the park’s appeal as a nature-focused destination.
The park also includes a full hookup campground with 35 campsites, making it an ideal location for RV enthusiasts. The campground provides essential utilities such as water, electricity, and sewer connections.
For group activities, River Park features a variety of barbecue areas tailored to specific organizations. There are barbecue facilities designated for groups such as the American Legion, Kiwanis, Oddfellows, Lutheran groups, and El Concilio. These areas are designed to cater to large gatherings, offering a comfortable setting for outdoor meals. This was taken from the park’s provided list of group BBQ areas.
Additionally, individual barbecue grills are available throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy private, smaller-scale cookouts. These individual grills ensure that even those without reservations can still enjoy a barbecue experience. Information about these amenities was derived from the park’s listed features.
Originally purchased in 1975 with funding from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, River Park has become a vital part of Lompoc’s recreational offerings.
For more information about the park, visit their website here.
