El Capitan State Beach to Close for About a Year for Upgrades Set to Start in September Parks officials plan to keep Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park fully open during that time to accommodate visitors The front entrance to El Capitan State Beach will be part of an upgrade project set to start in September. (Brooke Holland / Noozhawk photo) By Brooke Holland, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @BT_Holland May 1, 2021 | 5:54 p.m. A popular camping site and area for outdoor activities in Santa Barbara County is scheduled to close for about a year to allow for major upgrades. El Capitan State Beach will shut down for about one year starting Sept. 1 for construction of a new entrance road, bridge, kiosk and trail, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation website.