The camping scene around Carpinteria, California centers on a narrow coastal plain sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Summer temperatures average 75°F with cooling ocean breezes, while winter drops to around 65°F with occasional rain. Most camping options stretch along a 15-mile coastal corridor with varying degrees of oceanfront access.
What to do
Beach walking and wildlife viewing: The shoreline near Rincon Parkway RV Overnight offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "I had seals right below my rig," reports one camper who spotted "views of the Channel Islands, seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins" during their stay.
Surfing the local breaks: Winter storms bring prime surfing conditions to nearby beaches. "Faria Beach Park (also known as Pitas Point by surfers), is the perfect getaway for surfers and beach lovers alike. In the winter, large winter storms bring waves to Faria leading surfers to flock to its shore, and campgrounds," explains a visitor.
Hiking mountain trails: From Wheeler Gorge Campground, hikers can access several mountain paths. "Enjoyed hiking up and down the gorge. Plenty of swimming holes. Did the Rose waterfall hike just 20min drive further up the road," shares one camper who explored the trails connecting to Los Padres National Forest.
Biking coastal routes: The paved coastal path system connects several camping areas. "Great area if you plan to ride or run. You could ride up to Santa Barbara from here and run along the beach path. You could also ride up to Lake Casitas and make a loop out of it," notes a camper at Faria Beach Park.
What campers like
Easy beach access: Most campers appreciate the proximity to water at Faria Beach Park. "You are right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs," writes one reviewer. Another notes, "Clean, spacious, family and non-family friendly...near the ocean... fairly quiet."
Dining options: The ability to walk to food establishments receives frequent mention. "There is also a little cafe that serves breakfast and lunch. BEST breakfast burritos and hamburgers!!" writes one Faria Beach visitor. At Wheeler Gorge, campers appreciate being "just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery."
Kid-friendly activities: Lake Casitas Recreation Area earns praise for family amenities. "The most fun is the water park. You can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river. Also there is a disk golf course," explains one visitor. Another adds, "Camp store, cafe, and recreation area were all open."
Urban amenities within walking distance: Sites at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park offer easy access to town facilities. "Loved the convenience of this campground. It's an easy bike ride to beaches, downtown and restaurants. Very clean and showers were very nice!" mentions one reviewer.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train tracks border several coastal campgrounds. At Emma Wood State Beach, "Train tracks are 30 feet away but the trains are not overly loud since the wonderful sound of the ocean drowns it out." Highway noise affects some locations more than others—"you can hear the traffic, but that didn't bother us."
Site proximity: Most oceanfront campgrounds feature closely situated sites. "Sites are packed, but I car camp so had no issues," notes one Emma Wood visitor. Another warns, "The spaces are very tight, it's hard to back in, you need to park your tow vehicle 10 or 15 feet away from your trailer."
Weather patterns: Coastal camping experiences frequent marine layers. "50% chance you will have marine layer," explains a Rincon Parkway camper. Strong winds affect some beaches—"The wind is extremely strong especially at night" reported an Emma Wood visitor.
Beach tar: Natural petroleum seeps create sticky tar on some beaches. "Watch where you step near the tar pits," advises one Carpinteria camper. Another warns, "Check feet/shoes for TAR from beach before entering tent/RV! Baby oil helps take it off."
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration opportunities: Kids enjoy the water features at Wheeler Gorge. "Creek running through and a one way road system this little gem is a great spot for a quick trip not far from downtown Ojai," mentions one family. Another adds, "We camped here with 10 adults and 8 kids... Very kid friendly with a zipline and play ground."
Consider water activities: While Lake Casitas prohibits swimming, the adjacent water park serves as a popular family spot. "There are several campsites around the lake. Some lakefront and some wooded... The most fun is the water park. You can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river," shares a visitor.
Schedule around crowds: School breaks bring more families to Anacapa Campground. "Anacapa campground is the ideal spot for a family. The terrain/layout is easy for small kids to ride their bikes and still keep an eye on them. Walking distance to the beach, eateries and a local brewery," explains a parent.
Pet restrictions vary: Not all beaches allow dogs. At Santa Cruz Campground, "No dogs on beach. There is a dog beach further up the coast," mentions one reviewer. Faria Beach, however, gets described as "super clean and dog-friendly."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Many oceanfront sites lack full utilities. At Emma Wood, "RVs only, no tent or car camping. There are no toilet facilities here... The only 'amenity' this place offers is trash and recycling bins," notes one RVer. Another adds that Emma Wood is "completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
Reservation timing: Securing spots requires advance planning. Hobson Beach Park is described as having "Great ocean view. Dry camping next to the rocks." Some RV sites can be reserved online, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis with "security around all night so you can't try to camp for free."
Site selection strategy: At Rincon Parkway, "Sites with lower numbers have more sand in front and maybe easier access beach." Meanwhile, experienced campers recommend specific sites at other campgrounds based on shade, levelness, and privacy factors.
Maneuvering considerations: Tight turns challenge larger rigs at several campgrounds. "The drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs," cautions a Wheeler Gorge visitor about their 26-foot Class C motorhome.
