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Best Campgrounds near Carpinteria, CA

943 Reviews

Carpinteria on the California coast has several good camping options nearby. Malibu Creek State Park Campground is well-equipped with basic necessities like restrooms and drinking water. You can hike the trails from camp and might spot local wildlife during your stay. Wheeler Gorge Campground in Los Padres National Forest has shady sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, giving it a more back-to-basics camping feel. Spring and fall are the best camping seasons around Carpinteria when temperatures stay comfortable. Summers can get hot, while winter brings cooler weather and some rainfall. Most campgrounds are accessible via paved roads, though you might need a vehicle with higher clearance in some spots, especially after rain. Cell service can be spotty in parts of these camping areas. It's smart to reserve your site ahead of time, especially during busy periods. Both Malibu Creek and Wheeler Gorge give you a nice break from city noise. These spots work well for both quick weekend trips and longer camping stays.

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Best Camping Sites Near Carpinteria, California (143)

    1. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "Carpinteria State Beach Campground is a one of our frequently visited “staycation” spots."

    "I’ve grown up camping at Carpinteria as a SoCal native and it is definitely worth the visit."

    2. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "This campground is located in Santa Barbara County just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery. It’s great for tents and RVs.

    The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact."

    "A nice feature, (we did not take advantage of), is there is a water slide park near the entrance. As far as I know, this is a separate fee, but nothing astronomical."

    3. Emma Wood State Beach

    26 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).  

    The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    "We parked next to the sea wall great view of the ocean. Ocean almost comes to your door step"

    4. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "127 Slanted or parallel dry camp asphalt spots located along the Pacific Ocean and PCH approx 8 miles north of Ventura and 20 miles south of Santa Barbara off the Seaside Exit."

    "We had a dog and newly walking baby with us, so we REALLY had to keep an eye on both of them.  We brought little baby gates which helped. "

    5. Wheeler Gorge Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $34 - $74 / night

    "Of course fire, candles and bug spray help but because of the nice creek nearby its kind of unavoidable. With that said, the bugs go night night at dark and a big fire helps."

    "We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs."

    6. Faria Beach Park

    12 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Dolphins passing by constantly, small campground so few people around even when full. Limited hours but cute little cafe. Quarter hott showers and clean bathrooms. It was 70’ in December."

    "Location: right off the highway, don’t hear the highway though, low traffic and loud waves Cleanliness: sites and bathrooms kept very clean. Bathrooms/showers: great and clean !!"

    7. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Summerland, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 966-9954

    "We needed an overnight in Santa Barbara and chose this convenient location. Yes, there is highway noise but it is like white noise to me."

    "It's right in the city - near to the beach and zoo (biking distance for us).  Only flaw is it's right next to the freeway.  But it's ideal if you want to visit Santa Barbara!"

    8. Hobson Beach Park

    8 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $41 - $60 / night

    "Dry camping next to the rocks. Oven view. Except for the occasional train very quiet."

    "Stes close to the water are very close together. Waves can be heard all night :)"

    9. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 643-9137

    "The Ventura Beach RV Resort is very nice and a short bike ride or walk from the beach or town. Stay away from the sites in the first row closest to the freeway as those tend to flood."

    "Walking distance to beach. Taken well care of. Nice store on grounds. Pool and spa on site."

    10. Hobson Beach County Park

    5 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "The highway is close but you can’t hear it & there’s a little food joint here which for how small of a campground it is I love."

    "I was just stoked it was beachside, what’s the point if you’re not next to the waves"

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315 Photos of 143 Carpinteria Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carpinteria, CA

943 Reviews of 143 Carpinteria Campgrounds

Guide to Carpinteria

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carpinteria, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carpinteria, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Carpinteria, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carpinteria, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carpinteria, CA is Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carpinteria, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Carpinteria, CA.

What parks are near Carpinteria, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Carpinteria, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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