Carpinteria State Beach

Palm Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States

Contact: 8056842811

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=599

$45per night

RV/TrailersThis campground allows RVs or Trailers at some campsites

This campground has Electric hookups

This campground has sewer hookups

This campground has water hookups

This campground has showers on site

This campground is pet-friendly. Bring your pals!

This campground has accessibility campsites and features

Updated 2024-12-23

Overview

Beautiful dunes and bluffs line the white sand shore at Carpinteria State Beach, where campers can swim, explore tidepools, and watch wildlife. Jellybowl Vista Point offers views out to the Channel Islands and the campground is short walk to the Harbor Seal Preserve.

Children will enjoy the Tomol Interpretative Play area, which includes a play-size replica of Chumash village. Carpinteria SB is located a short drive away from both Santa Barbara and Ventura, both offering thriving downtowns with wonderful restaurants, galleries, and attractions such as the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. Carpinteria SB Campground offers 206 campsites across four loops, with most sites accepting motorhomes and trailers. Full hookups (20/30 amp, sewer, electric) are available in the Santa Rosa loop (sites 306-380). The San Miguel loop offers partial hookups (water, electric) on some campsites (sites 420-446). Otherwise, the campground offers plentiful dry camping. Tents, motorhomes, and trailers are accepted on most sites, although there are a handful of hike/bike only sites.

The maximum trailer or motorhome length is 35 feet, although many sites have shorter restrictions. The campground has six group campsites, including five that accommodate 25 campers and one that accommodates 40 campers. En route camping is available for self-contained vehicles when the campgrounds are full. Leashed pets are allowed in the campground and in the day use area but are not allowed on the beach. Carpinteria SB is open all year and is popular through spring and summer.

Best Campsites at Carpinteria State Beach

These are some great picks for Carpinteria that we’ve singled out, if you have other recommendations we’d love to hear about it in our reviews down below!

Sites 101 & 102 (Anacapa Loop)

Non-hookup sites
Excellent shade coverage and privacy due to shrubbery nearby
Nearby to visitors center and campfire center

Site 210 (Santa Cruz Loop)

Non-hookup site
No neighbors on either side
Shrubbery on all sides
Nearby to facilities
No group campsites nearby

Sites 447-456: Beach Row

Full hookup sites
Beach view and very close to access points
Tidepools and Amphitheater nearby
Showers and facilities also nearby

Unique Experiences

Just minutes from the charming coastal community of Carpinteria, the Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of stunning, white sand beach and some of the safest and most enjoyable swimming in California. Bring a picnic and watch for whales, dolphins, and seals or take a hike along the beautiful Bluff Trail.

A short walk along Carpinteria State Beach’s scenic Bluff Trail will bring you to the Harbor Seal Sanctuary and Rookery where all members of the family will delight at watching seals bask on the beach. Come between February and April to see newborn seal pups!

Soak in sublime sunsets at Jellybowl Vista Point and marvel at unparalleled views of the beach, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands.

Let your child’s imagination run wild in a replica Chumash village at Carpinteria State Beach’s Tomol Interpretative Play Area. Kids can learn about the amazing history of the Carpinteria Valley while jumping, running, and sliding all over this unique and memorable attraction.

Carpinteria State Beach Campground Rules

Max Trailer/RV Length

35 Feet

Max Length of Stay

7 days May-Sept, 14 otherwise, 30 total

Max people per site

Max vehicles per site

Fires allowed?

Only in designated fire rings

Pets allowed?

Yes, but not on beach/trails

Carpinteria State Beach Reservation Information

Reservations Allowed?

Reservations Required?

Yes

Reservations for the Carpinteria State Beach Campground may be made by phone at (800) 444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com. Developed campsites cost $45-80 per night depending on amenities and location, hike/bike sites are $10 per night, and En Route sites are available for $35 per night.

Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:

Park selections
Date you wish to start camping
Type and size of camping equipment
Number of people that will occupy the campsite
Number of nights you wish to camp
Alternative park and camping date choices
Your phone number and area code
Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
Mailing address

Group Camping Reservations

There are six group campsites available at Carpinteria SB Campground. Reservations can be made by phone at (800) 444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com. Group campsites cost $180.00 per night. The Bobcat, Gull, Egret, and Plover group sites allow 25 people and three vehicles each. The Raccoon group site allows 40 people and five vehicles.

Campsite Reservation Cancellations

To cancel your camping reservation, call 1(800) 695-2269. Your reservation fee of $7.50 is nonrefundable. Your refund will also reflect a deduction of $7.00 per night per cancelled reservation. If you make your cancellation after 5 p.m. the day before your arrival, you will forfeit the fee for the first night of your reservation.

Carpinteria State Beach Campground Cost

Standard Campsite

$40

Premium Site

$45

Full Hookup Sites

$60

Group Campsite

$250-$300

Activities

Surfing / Windsurfing

Hiking

Tide Pools

Fishing

Swimming

Photography

Canoeing / Kayaking

Volleyball

Amenities

RV/Trailers

Hookups

Pull Through Spots

Pet Friendly

ADA Sites

Showers

Trash

Campfire Rings

Cell Service

Picnic Tables

Wifi

Alcohol

Potable Water

Carpinteria State Beach Campground Map

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Directions

FAQs

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Which Are The Best Campsites At Carpinteria State Beach?

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Why is Carpinteria the world's safest beach?

Nearby Campgrounds to Carpinteria State Beach

While Carpinteria State Beach Campground is a spectacular place to camp, California’s coast is lined with breathtakingly beautiful beaches and lovely campgrounds. Here are some nearby options in case you’re looking for something a little different or just want to shop around.

Doheny State Beach

Camp just footsteps off of California’s first state beach in this seaside campground. Doheny State Beach is a favorite for beginner surfing and surf fishing. The beach isn’t the only area to play and relax— Doheny State Beach also offers five acres of greenspace, volleyball courts, and aquariums in the Visitor’s Center. ** **

El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan State Beach Campground has an ambiance that is hard to beat, and campers who do not need hookups may opt for this smaller, more private retreat. Still just a short walk from the beach, this spot has the added benefit of plentiful treecover—hang your hammock and enjoy!

Leo Carrillo State Beach

Camping at Leo Carrillo State Beach opens up endless possibility for adventure. Explore caves and reefs down at the beach, pack up your day pack for a hike in Leo Carrillo State Park, or take your pup to North Beach for a run. This campground is notable for its giant sycamore trees, relative privacy between sites, and the availability of 50 amp electrical hookups.

South Carlsbad State Beach

The campground at South Carlsbad State Beach is quite popular for its scenic location atop a giant bluff. The campground is large and well-appointed. Campers also enjoy its proximity to Carlsbad-area attractions, including ample dining options, LegoLand California, Sea Life Aquarium, the Tamarack Surf Beach, and the unique Carlsbad Sea Wall trail.