Carpinteria State Beach Campground along the Santa Barbara coast is one of the most popular camping destinations along the Santa Barbara coast. Especially popular with families, the campground features a variety of amenities and attractions.
Carpinteria State Beach is within easy driving distance of Santa Barbara and Ventura. Beach visitors enjoy a wonderful, mile-long sandy beach with tidepools, wading and swimming, and good surf fishing. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Along the coast are attractions such as Jellybowl Vista Point and the Harbor Seal Preserve. Jellybowl Vista provides nice views of a tranquil cove, the ocean, and the Channel Islands. The Harbor Seal Preserve is a protected area where, from an observation point, visitors can view seals basking on the beach. Birthing season occurs from December through May.
Back at the main section of the beach is the Tomol Interpretive Play Area. The play area features a replica Chumash Village where children can climb, play, and explore while at the same time learning about life in an early Chumash community. At the foot of Ash Avenue, and adjacent to the state beach, is Carpinteria City Beach, 500 yards of ocean front with a safe swimming beach, lifeguards, and restrooms.
Carpinteria State Beach Campground features 191 family sites in four adjacent sections - Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. Some campsites are spread out a little more than others; some are designated for RVs or trailers only. Each campsite has a picnic table and (except for San Miguel) a fire-ring.
Full hook-up or partial hookups are available at a portion of the campsites, including a number of beach-front sites designated as premium. Amenities such as hot showers, full hook-ups, an on-site store, a visitor center and summer interpretive programs make Carpinteria's campsites among the most sought-after on the Santa Barbara coast. All are within easy walking distance of the beach and other facilities.
Carpinteria State Beach Campground also includes a Hike & Bike Site, Enroute camping, and several Group Camps.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Carpinteria State Beach Campground Location: | Palm Ave. in Carpinteria, 12 miles south of Santa Barbara |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round, weather permitting |
| Number of Sites: | 191 |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 3 |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | California State Parks |
| Carpinteria State Beach Information: | (805) 684-2811 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | Carpinteria State Beach Campground reservations are available year-round up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. Some sites may be available first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 35 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | #5, 15, 38, 52, 64 |
| Fees: | Developed campsites $45 - $70
Hike & Bike site $10 Enroute sites - $35 |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Carpinteria State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, Check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Carpinteria State Beach Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill (except San Miguel), some sites with hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, amphitheater, store |
| Showers: | Yes |
| Dump Station: | Yes |
| Campground Map: | Carpinteria State Beach Campgrounds Map |
| Attractions near Carpinteria State Beach Campground: |
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| Updates | Last Updated April 2025 |
Enroute camping is available for self-contained vehicles when the campgrounds are full. Check-in is 6 PM, check-out is 9 AM. Awnings, slide-outs, tents, and fires are not permitted. Vehicles may not move to day use after checking out. A 48-hour absence is required before returning to enroute camping.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach has 7 group campsites. Five of the sites (Bobcat, Fox, Egret, Gull, and Plover) can accommodate up to 25 people. Raccoon holds 40 people, and Heron provides camping for up to 65 people. Bobcat and Fox have accessible facilities. The group sites are included as parts of the standard family campgrounds. None of group sites has hook-ups.
Reservations from ReserveCalifornia:
Carpinteria State Beach Group Campsite Reservations
| 1No tents allowed at Bobcat Group Campsite
Always confirm campsite configuration and fees with the reservation website since campgrounds are sometimes reconfigured or specifications changed. |
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| Campground Area | Max. # of People | Max. # of Vehicles | Fee per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat1, Fox, Egret, Gull and Plover | 25 people | 3 Vehicles | $180 |
| Raccoon | 40 people | 5 Vehicles | $290 |
| Heron | 65 people | 8 Vehicles | $430 |
Carpinteria State Beach Campground
Visitors to Southern California beaches have so many places to explore and enjoy. Campers at One of the Carpinteria State Beach Campgrounds can enjoy many nearby attractions as well as exploring up and down the coast.
Check for any campground or beach updates:
Check Carpinteria State Beach for any campground updates.
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2024