Best Camping near Carpinteria, CA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Carpinteria, CA has a lot to offer. Carpinteria is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carpinteria camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Carpinteria, CA (144)

    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    1. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    105 Photos
    921 Saves
    Carpinteria, California

    Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria camping offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Although dogs are not allowed on beach, we have a great picnic area where they are allowed to enjoy the outdoors as well. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round and lifeguard towers are staffed roughly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" here. This was because of naturally-occurring surface tar, which was used to waterproof the canoes.

    Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.

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

    $45 - $180 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    2. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    38 Reviews
    92 Photos
    446 Saves
    Oak View, California

    Lake Casitas camping offers over 400 sites, so you can choose the camping experience that suits you best. Some sites are lakeside, close enough to hear the lapping water, others are nestled among the trees, and still more are located on hillsides offering splendid views of the sparkling lake.

    We have sites to accommodate tents, tent trailers, campers and RVs, all with picnic tables and fire rings, and some with children's playgrounds close by. Shower houses with bathrooms are located at the front gate and towards the back of the park. We also have a convenient, fenced, dry storage facility for recreational vehicles, boats, canoes & kayaks

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    3. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    56 Reviews
    239 Photos
    851 Saves
    Santa Ynez, California

    Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.

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

    4. Wheeler Gorge Campground

    30 Reviews
    16 Photos
    24 Saves
    Ojai, California

    Overview

    Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor center. The campground provides scenic views of a nearby stream, as well as vast mountain vistas.

    Recreation

    The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground. It is a relatively short loop that leads through thick vegetation along the creek banks and to a hillside view of the area. Wildflowers often bloom along the path. The creek flows near some of the campsites and a small swimming hole is frequented near the side of the highway. Fishing is rough in the area and may produce a catch of trout, but the stream is not stocked. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended. Educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, are offered year-round.

    Facilities

    The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground. It is a relatively short loop that leads through thick vegetation along the creek banks and to a hillside view of the area. Wildflowers often bloom along the path. The creek flows near some of the campsites and a small swimming hole is frequented near the side of the highway. Fishing is rough in the area and may produce a catch of trout, but the stream is not stocked. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended. Educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, are offered year-round.

    Natural Features

    The campground is adjacent to Matilija Creek, and is bordered by a mixed forest of oak and sycamore trees and evergreen shrubbery. Most sites are shaded and summer temperatures reach up to 95 degrees. The campground was originally built by Boy Scouts nearly a century ago, as well as a historical stone home that is also on-site.

    Nearby Attractions

    Ventura and the Pacific Ocean are about 20 miles south of the campground.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets

    $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach

    5. Emma Wood State Beach

    26 Reviews
    58 Photos
    376 Saves
    Ventura, California

    North Beach is closed until further notice. Due to major damaged to the entrance road, the park will remain fully closed for repairs. All reservations through June 24th, 2024, will be cancelled and affected parties will be contacted accordingly. There is no anticipated date of reopening at this time. Emma Wood State Beach - Group Camp is open.

    Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. The Ventura River estuary is at the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park. It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons. Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore. The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach.

    Emma Wood State Beach offers family camping for self-contained vehicles only and group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp.

    Emma Wood State Beach offers primitive camping for fully self-contained vehicles ONLY. Tents are not permitted. No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, or phones or dump station are available. There are 90 campsites, which are not level and may contain a mixture of asphalt, dirt, cobble and ocean debris. Maximum vehicle length is 40 feet, due to small turnaround areas.

    High tides may close the campground at any time. Railroad tracks and Highway 101 are adjacent to the campground which can be noisy. Leashed dogs are permitted in the campground only, and are prohibited on the beach.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Trash

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground

    6. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    45 Reviews
    107 Photos
    1000 Saves
    Goleta, California

    El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area.

    Activities and Facilities Include:

    -Picnic Areas

    -Exhibits and Programs

    -Fishing

    -Guided Tours

    -Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

    -Beach Area

    -Swimming

    -Windsurfing/Surfing

    -Family Programs

    -Geocaching

    Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $45 - $320 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    7. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    78 Photos
    235 Saves
    Oak View, California

    This scenic stretch of roadway offers outstanding views of the Pacific coastline and the Channel Islands. The Parkway is located between Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park on Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $43 - $47 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park

    8. Dennison Park

    18 Reviews
    41 Photos
    202 Saves
    Ojai, California

    RV camping in lower portion of park only with 35 foot maximum length; no hook ups Maximum of 6 people per campsite allowed Length of Stay 14 days consecutively

    Dogs Allowed in campground on 6 foot leash. Fee is $2.50 per night, per dog. Maximum number of dogs allowed in a County Park per owner/campsite shall be set by the Director.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park

    9. Faria Beach Park

    11 Reviews
    80 Photos
    752 Saves
    Oak View, California

    The park lies between the Pacific Ocean and the base of the Santa Ynez mountains along Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway. The views of the Channel Islands are breathtaking, and are most notable at dusk. Campsites are highly sought after at this small picturesque park, which is footsteps away from the Pacific Ocean.

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

    $30 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    10. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    18 Reviews
    103 Photos
    267 Saves
    Oxnard, California

    Overview

    Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .

    Recreation

    With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.

    Natural Features

    The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $40 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 144 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Carpinteria

Recent Reviews in Carpinteria

924 Reviews of 144 Carpinteria Campgrounds


  • ian S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Songdog Ranch

    Politicized campground

    Not a bad campground, but driving in, the owner has large political flags flying. In these highly divisive times, I don't want to stay at places that divide our country, I want to get away from that. Not recommended.

  • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Not Worth staying here

    Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

  • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    For $70 a night we Expected More!

    Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

  • 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 — Point Mugu State Park
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    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

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Comfort Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Camp Comfort Park

    Nice Little Campground

    This is such a nice and small campground, it's low key and seems to be overlooked because there always seems to be sites available.

    We stayed in site #13, which is a weird "pull in" site, which in all the traveling we've done, we've never stayed in one before. So you pull in forward (not back in), because  all your hookups are to the left of the site, on the driver's side.  Which is fine, except that unless you have a long sewer hose, your hose won't reach from the back of your RV to the sewer connection. Luckily there were vacant spots when we left, so we backed into a vacant spot with a  traditional setup and dumped on our way out.

    The best part of this campground is the creek that runs behind it. It's so nice and refreshing on a hot day, and safe for little kids to splash around in. There's also a park, day use area, playground, and some sort of meeting spot adjacent to this campground. The showers were nice (coin operated) and as a full timer I always love to see laundry machines at campgrounds.

    Pricey, but that's just the norm now.  I think our one night was about $50.  Great little place.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Faria Beach Park

    Beachy casual

    I'm giving this place 5 stars, because even though it's cramped and packed and awkward to maneuver through, it's got the casual and fun beach vibe that we love about this area.

    You're right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs. This campground is very close to Rincon, but the setup is totally different. Rincon is basically just a parking space on the road, while Faria is a regular campground. The drive down from the main road is pretty steep with a sharp turn, I'm surprised more RVs don't scrape and cause damage on the way down.

    The sites here are very close together, but it doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood. The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers riding along Hwy 1. We love it here.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Danielson Group Multi-Use Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Danielson Group Multi-Use Area

    Haven't stayed, looks a little run down

    I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.

    I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    protected campground in middle of the island

    Both upper and lower campgrounds get almost total shade, which provides a relief from the direct sunlight throughout the rest of the island. The vault toilets were clean. Each site comes with its own table and metal food box. Some sites are closer together, but if you get lucky you can nab one towrds the outskirts.

    According to my Alltrails, lower sites were about 0.3 mile from the dock, and upper sites were about 0.6 mile.

    I recommend packing dramamine, in case you get motion sickness on the 1-1.5 hour boat ride in both directions. In January, the ride out to the island was pretty chopping. The ride back was calmer, and we boated along a pod of HUNDREDS of dolphins, it was spectacular.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    Love it here

    We come here often, whenever we are in the Ventura area. I used to be crabby about the high cost for just a parking spot along the freeway, but I've grown to love it. You're right on the beach, the weather is always perfect here and the ocean sounds drown out your neighbor's generator.

    No amenities other than trash dumpsters and the occasional recycle bin. Self contained RVs only, no tents.

    Cost is $47 during peak season, plus a $10 reservation fee and $2.50 per day per dog. Sigh - it adds up but it's kind of worth it. No check in required when you arrive, just pull into your reserved spot. No host on site, but rangers do come by often.

    You have to scramble down rocks to get to the beach, or you can walk to Faria campground and access the beach via their stairs.

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

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    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 RV Overnight
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    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.

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Flying Flags RV Resort

    A lot of amenities and great for family with kids

    Very tight space, lots of amenities like pools, playgrounds for kids, restaurants, activities, performances on weekends but can get quite busy and crowded. Close by solvang town and many pretty hiking trails

  • 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.

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    May. 30, 2024

    Oak Flat Campground

    Everything I needed

    Free with the purchase of the adventure pass. I was here during the week and it was quiet and uneventful. Plenty of shade and simple. A bit of traffic noise but not too bad.

    I stayed here as part of my 2 month camping journey through SoCal. Really easy site to find.

    Toilets were clean. Bring your own water.



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