Best Campgrounds near Carpinteria, CA

Camping near Carpinteria, California, offers a fantastic mix of beachside relaxation and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

• Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."
• Beach Access: Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach is just steps from the beach. A camper shared, "Great location, spots are so close to the beach with no bluff and stairs."
• Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers at El Capitán State Beach Campground rave about the beautiful ocean views. One reviewer said, "First night unobstructed views of sunset over the ocean."
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A camper at Jalama Beach County Park mentioned, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Casitas Recreation Area are great for families. One reviewer stated, "This is a huge place, with lots to do."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, lack basic amenities like drinking water and showers. A visitor noted, "No running water available; fire ban... a lot of the sites are very close together."
• Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "These are often booked out so plan ahead."
• Noise Levels: Some sites near highways may have noise from traffic. A camper at Point Mugu State Park said, "The campground was full but not too noisy."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, which is close to the beach and has fun activities. One family shared, "The beaches are always nice."
• Pack for the Beach: Bring water shoes and sunscreen for beach days. A camper at Jalama Beach County Park advised, "Bring water shoes... lots of driftwood & rocks pepper the shore."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have games or activities for downtime. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground is broken down into a bunch of different camping loops."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites not suitable for larger RVs. A reviewer at Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park noted, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
• Be Prepared for Fees: Campgrounds like Lake Casitas Recreation Area may charge extra for pets. One camper said, "We paid online... getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."
• Use Solar Power: If you’re camping at places without hookups, consider solar panels. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "You can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system."

Camping near Carpinteria, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for beach fun, hiking, or just a peaceful getaway.