Save Cuyama Oaks Ranch

2020 was an unimaginable year for us all. To many it felt like the world was ending. Millions lost their jobs and we were all under quarantine with, what felt like, no where to go.

 

At this point, the Cuyama Oaks Ranch that we know was just a bare piece of property with a deck and a couple of empty animal pens. When all of the national campsites closed down, Nate and Ricky went to work to make Cuyama Oaks an 80 acre, everyone is welcome, safe haven. Their goal was to make a high desert oasis campsite that could be enjoyable for all ages…and they did just that!

 

Their visitors have come from all walks of life- locals, international visitors, children, seniors, and there’s been massive support from the LGBTQ community.

 

The minute that you get out of your car, you are greeted with a 360 degree view of breathtaking mountains. You look around and you see nothing but beautiful scenery and a few other campsites with people kicking their feet up, enjoying the most majestic canyon views you could ever imagine.

 

Each site has been carefully put together to make sure that every visitor has all of the amenities they could possibly need. And the esthetic?? To die for! Nate and Ricky clearly have poured their hearts into every detail. They also have their petting zoo which consists of different breeds of pigs, goats named after famous drag queens, chickens, turkeys, and even a little desert tortoise named Henry!

 

This menagerie has brought so many smiles to so many faces! Where else can you get a one on one experience feeding a brand new baby goat and eating fresh quail eggs in the morning?

 

This ranch offers a unique, unforgettable experience, that’s for sure.

 

Sadly, Cuyama Oaks has been forced to shut down!

 

Due to the changing dynamics of Santa Barbara County, they are being forced to close their gates until further notice. Nate and Ricky WILL keep fighting for the ranch that we love and are looking into legal support, but until they can welcome visitors back, their income will be highly restricted, and they are concerned about not being able to sustain the property in the meantime. The revenue from their visitors covered the cost of the feed and medical needs for all of the animals.

 

I am asking everyone to chip in whatever amount, no matter how small to help keep these boys and their animals afloat until they can reopen Cuyama Oaks. This has been a home away from home for my daughter and I, along with so many others. I don’t want to imagine a day where we are no longer able to enjoy Cuyama. I don’t want to see them lose this amazing piece of land and all of their sweet animals.

 

All are welcomed and accepted with open arms with no discrimination. Cuyama Oaks Ranch has brought so much joy to those who have stayed. We have to come together to keep it alive. All contributions are greatly appreciated.