Best RV Parks near Carpinteria, CA

Looking to find an RV campground, RV park, or private campsite near Carpinteria? Find the best sites near Carpinteria where you can park your RV with a scenic view. These scenic and easy-to-reach Carpinteria campsites are perfect for RV campers.

Best RV Sites Near Carpinteria, CA (89)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan

    1. Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan

    15 Reviews
    81 Photos
    459 Saves

    Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan is THE premier campground on the beautiful California Central Coast. Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara, Ocean Mesa is surrounded by Los Padres National Forest above the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Ocean Mesa offers the best of modern camping life including a heated pool and spa, laundry facilities, and convenience store. The Mesa is also wired for internet use and T.V. so you never have to feel too disconnected from life at home.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    2. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    12 Reviews
    8 Photos
    225 Saves

    The only RV park located in the city of Santa Barbara. We offer convenient, comfortable RV sites and friendly, dependable service. Enjoy the hospitality of our small, family owned urban RV park while you explore Santa Barbara’s countless treasures and oodles of activities. Whether you call it an RV or a caravan, a vacation or a holiday, a park or a campground, we welcome you!

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort

    3. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    97 Saves

    Ventura Beach RV Resort is located just off the 101 freeway in Ventura, California. The resort is a lush 14 acres and offers RV and tent sites ranging from standard to ultra deluxe sites. As well as travel trailer rentals, poolside yurts, and a summer studio. The resort has a refreshing heated swimming pool and inviting hot tub. A recreational room with billiard tables, a flat screen television, an ATM and vending machine. You can also enjoy our playground and half basketball court.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

    4. Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    28 Photos
    137 Saves

    Bordered by the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez River, Rancho Oso RV Camping offers acres of beautiful scenery and endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and photography. Explore 310 beautiful acres of our RV camp in California, filled with history dating back to 1845. Put on your boots and hats (spurs optional), come to our RV camp in coastal California, and experience the Western atmosphere of Rancho Oso from our RV camping sites.Have a horse? Board it with us & take advantage of our Western Village and horse camping options with spacious pasture, covered corrals and more. Visit the Western Village, adobe, stables, conestoga wagons, cabins, stone lodge and all the unique amenities we have to offer at our RV camp in California. At Rancho Oso RV Resort, we encourage you to participate in the recreation events, entertainment, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and wildlife native to our area. We are also just a scenic 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara or Solvang.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort

    5. Flying Flags RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    89 Photos
    183 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Earl Warren RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Earl Warren RV Park

    6. Earl Warren RV Park

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    43 Saves

    Earl Warren RV Park offers the convenience of RV parking in the heart of Santa Barbara. Our park is close to restaurants and blocks from the beach, only a few minutes drive from Downtown. Easily accessible off Highway 101.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    7. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    41 Photos
    157 Saves

    UPDATE as of 10/10/20 Requires military ID and only open for Active Duty for camping at this current time. People can use the Day Use with proper identification

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground

    8. Rincon Parkway Campground

    17 Reviews
    78 Photos
    235 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    • No image available

      9. Ventura Oaks RV Park

      1 Review
      10 Saves
      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • WiFi
      • No image available

        10. Fairways RV Resort

        1 Review
        6 Saves
        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Tents
      Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

      Recent RV Reviews In Carpinteria

      787 Reviews of 89 Carpinteria Campgrounds


      • AnnaEvan S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Campo Alto Campground
        Oct. 15, 2024

        Campo Alto Campground

        Great Escape!

        This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.

        There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.

        The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.

        My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!

        Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.

        We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!

      • Michelle M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
        Sep. 27, 2024

        Lake Casitas Recreation Area

        A beautiful Lake

        This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.

        There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.

        So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.

        But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.

      • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
        Sep. 21, 2024

        Wheeler Gorge Campground

        Peaceful and Calm!

        We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. 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. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.

        There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.

        Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.

      • Kim N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach
        Sep. 3, 2024

        Thornhill Broome Beach

        Great site with no amenities

        Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile

      • Kim N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu State Park
        Sep. 3, 2024

        Point Mugu State Park

        no wifi

        No tmobile wifi. we dropped by to fill up water since we were camping at thornhill Broome. Water refill was free. We didn't  dump there. Can't comment on anything else.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
        Aug. 30, 2024

        Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

        Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This — OOPS

        This is tragi-comedy: I was invited to a wedding in Santa Barbara. It was summer and the most fleabitten motel prices were astronomical. I began to look at campsites within driving distance, I was desperate. Booked Catchuma and thought, hoorah, I’ve defeated the tourism trap. 

        Well… from the moment I arrived . . . I really could not care less about the wedding. My god. I think I’ll leave it at that. 

        Bring binos. Boat, bring your canoe/kayak.

      • Julian M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park
        Jul. 24, 2024

        Malibu Creek State Park

        Amazing experience, beautiful sunset

        Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...

      • Elaine H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
        Jul. 16, 2024

        Dennison Park

        Great campground and host!

        I love finding a camping spot last minute and it turns out to be amazing! Dennison Park Campground did not disappoint! Although there are beautiful upper campground spots that Overlook Ojai Valley, I chose, from the choices I had, a spot that looked spacious and offered the most shade. Nestled in the middle of upper and lower campsites, I found it to be a quiet reprieve from our day's activities -- the campfire always the highlight for me. The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with. He also gave us some suggestions of other county parks to check out the next time we venture to the Ojia area! We will definitely be back to camp here!

      • merlinda M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
        Jul. 5, 2024

        Lake Piru Recreation Area

        Great campsite

        Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.

      • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Steckel Park
        Jun. 28, 2024

        Steckel Park

        Much better than I expected

        I had a giant campsite overlooking the heavily flowing creek. The creek was so clean and beautiful. The amazing thing is I brush-crashed for hours and didn’t get a single bug bite. The site was a bit messy when I arrived, but the ranger pulled up right as I got there to empty the trash bin. He said the crows scatter the garbage. A family of 2 peahens, a peacock, and 3 babies hung out near the creek. Beautiful birds. After walking around the creek for an hour, I came back to see a few bundles of wood left for me. I think the ranger found them at a site and gifted them to me. Very nice person!

      • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
        Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
        Jun. 19, 2024

        Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

        Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

        It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

      • Tippy B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
        Jun. 12, 2024

        Rincon Parkway Campground

        Million dollar view

        We are road tripping for our honey moon and are letting the gods decide on where we were van camping once a destination has been confirmed. We accidentally ran into this parkway and let me tell you…. You’d be crazy not to stay. Views were amazing to fall asleep to and wake up to.

        You can bring your own wood, have a fire where you camp. Don’t forget your campfire stove, there are porta-potties. As long as your self contained in a RV, car, bus, you are golden. Stay…. It will be a memorable trip. And you can’t beat the price.

      • t
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
        Jun. 5, 2024

        Lake Casitas Recreation Area

        Nice place but dog owners beware

        Just to be clear, I love lake Casitas. I grew up camping here with my family. The reason I’m writing this review is to warn pet owners about the abundance of foxtails and burs. We have 2 poodle mixes with med-long hair and they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails. So much that it required a vet visit. This was from a weekend camp in our RV that had a large rug and they have raised dog cots.

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan State Beach
        May. 23, 2024

        El Capitan State Beach

        Bluff-top beach-ish camping

        We spent two nights at El Capitan State Beach. Our site had an ocean view, which is why I give this campground a 4-star rating. There isn't much to do here (limited hiking), so that is why it isn't a 5-star review. Still, other than one windy day, we had a lovely time relaxing here, walking the limited beach bluff-top walk down to the beach and west toward Refugio. The path used to go all the way to Refugio, but it is closed right after the walk/bike-in campsites at El Capitan due to the ocean erroding away the cliffs the path sits on. The bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers (didn't use). Like many CA parks, the area has a run-down feel. We went into Santa Barbara on our way to and from the campsite. It is about a 20-mile drive, so a bit long. One of my photos is at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara (you can see the pier). It is a good place to park a van (up to 22 ft) or they have "motor home" spots for day parking.

      • Heather K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hobson Beach County Park
        May. 16, 2024

        Hobson Beach County Park

        Expensive But It’s On The Beach

        I stayed here for one night. Bathrooms were clean. They seem to have a coffee and pizza shack too but they were not open when I arrived. I didn’t use the showers but they have a shower room in addition to bathrooms. It was a quiet night.

        The only negative was the people parked next to me had moved their picnic table into my spot so it made it difficult to back in and use my spot.

      • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
        May. 9, 2024

        Flying Flags RV Resort

        Always a good stay

        Having stayed here a few times, it is always fun. Check in was nice and efficient. 

        We had a pull trough site that is on the southern part of the park. This is normally more quiet and has better maneuvering room. Friends joined us in the retro Airstream. Nothing but good reports from them. Wineries and breweries located  very close by, so slaking a thirst is never a problem. I'm sure we will be back.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Foster Residence Campground
        May. 3, 2024

        Foster Residence Campground

        Small Campground but Nice

        Small little campground, easy to get to and across from Foster Park. 

        There are not too many spaces, and it is a little tight, so larger RVs will not fit. 

        I got site 11, which is pretty big, but it's next to the road. At all times of the day, you get a lot of loud motorcycles coming through. 

        It's next to Foster Park, which allows swimming in the river during the summer months. 

        It's also near the Ojai Bike trail, which you can take all the way to Ojai or down to the beach in Ventura. 

        I road up to Lake Casitas and into Ojai, which was a nice short loop.

        There were no issues with safety; it felt pretty safe.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu State Park
        May. 2, 2024

        Point Mugu State Park

        Compact Little Campground

        Small little campground adjacent to Sycamore Canyon. This is great for trail runners and mountain bikers. 

        The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs. The facilities are Okay. I don't think there was hot water when I went there. 

        There is no reception for T-Mobile users. However, I used my WeBoost and got two bars. I was able to stream music, text and some internet. 

        It's nice to ride down PCH on this stretch towards Camarillo. You can visit the Missile Park in Point Magu or the Light House in Hueneme.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
        May. 2, 2024

        Faria Beach Park

        Beach Front Camping At Its Best

        It's a nice little site. It's not too crowded, as there aren't too many sites within the campground. You are packed in like sardines, but this is conducive to every beachfront campground. 

        The place is clean and easy to get to. There are signs to lock your stuff up so it doesn't get stolen. The person next to me said they got their bike stolen the last time they were there. 

        The view is amazing of course. There is nothing else in the area, no shopping.  

        Good 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.

      • Jenny S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Campground
        Apr. 2, 2024

        Songdog Campground

        Spacious and beautiful private property. Friendly, accommodating hosts!

        I stayed for a quick stop overnight and found the site as described. Just a table, fire pit, and water spigot.  The hosts are very accommodating and made sure I was able to find my site after dark and were very responsive to my texts!  Cell service was fine and I felt perfectly safe as a solo female!  I really enjoyed the ranch dogs coming to hang out with me! I'll be back to try one of the other sites with more amazing views!

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway Campground
        Mar. 27, 2024

        Rincon Parkway Campground

        Great Coast dry camp.

        Park parallel right on the road. You must be heading southbound. Great for last second check-in online. Best, I've ever had checking in. Sites with lower numbers. Have more sand in front and maybe easier access beach.

      • Jack J.
        Camper-submitted photo from Nettle Springs Campground
        Mar. 23, 2024

        Nettle Springs Campground

        One Night Stay

        It’s a pack in and pack out camp ground. Apache canyon trail getting is was a fun drive. I used my 4x4 but could easy done without. Not a soul was there. Could see it getting busy during the summer though.



      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

      • Which is the most popular RV campsite near Carpinteria, CA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Carpinteria, CA is Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find RV camping near Carpinteria, CA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 89 RV camping locations near Carpinteria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.