Camping near Summerland, California offers direct beach access within a 10-minute drive of town, with sites situated between elevations of sea level to 3,400 feet in the surrounding mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-75°F at the coast, while inland locations experience 15-20°F higher temperatures during peak months. The region's campgrounds span from oceanfront sites where waves reach campsites to oak-shaded canyon locations with seasonal creek access.
What to do
Beach exploration at Carpinteria State Beach: Santa Cruz Campground provides direct beach access with tide pools and wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper noted, "We love the beach access right next to our campsite and the beautiful scenery of the mountains above." Another mentioned this is a "truly unique campground" where "you can walk into town and eat at the amazing restaurants quaint Carpenteria has to offer."
Hiking near Ojai: Wheeler Gorge Campground offers access to Los Padres National Forest trails with creek crossings and oak woodland hiking. "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," reports one camper, adding there are "pit toilets, no hookups and not much cell service. So great way to disconnect for a bit."
Lake activities at Cachuma Lake: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area prohibits swimming but permits fishing, boating, and kayaking. A visitor reports seeing "abundant wildlife" and recommends "get a waterfront spot for sure." While another points out that while the "general store [is] pricey and there are yellow jackets during heat of day...gorgeous sunset and lake trails, big open campground with spacious spots."
Wildlife viewing boat tours: Daily wildlife viewing boat tours launch from Cachuma Lake's marina, offering opportunities to spot deer, bobcats, and various bird species. A reviewer described seeing "dolphins, sea lions, whales" at oceanfront campgrounds, while others mentioned excellent bird watching opportunities with "American white pelicans, cormorants" and other species visible from shoreline camping areas.
What campers like
Proximity to town amenities: Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park offers urban convenience with easy access to beaches and downtown. A camper appreciated that it's "an easy bike ride to beaches, downtown and restaurants. Very clean and showers were very nice!" Another mentioned it's "walkable to the waterfront and biking lanes and trails all around."
Oceanfront camping experience: Faria Beach Park provides sites directly on the beach with easy ocean access. "So close to the beach. For someone who needs to hear the ocean this is the spot," notes one camper. Another enthused, "Great leveled dirt/gravel space that overlooked the beautiful Pacific Ocean...I loved this campground due to the oceanfront views."
Lake recreation facilities: Lake Casitas offers various recreation options beyond camping, including a water park. One visitor mentioned, "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." Another appreciated that "There is a Park store conveniently located. There are coin showers and flush toilets at many sites."
Spacious sites at inland locations: Canyon and lake campgrounds typically offer more space than coastal sites. At Cachuma Lake, campers enjoy "big open campground with spacious spots" while Lake Casitas visitors noted "our space was F-11 and after driving through all of the campgrounds, and there are many, we felt that the Fox site was best suited for us."
What you should know
Train noise affects coastal campgrounds: The Amtrak line runs close to several beach campgrounds. At Carpinteria State Beach's Anacapa Campground, "Amtrac has 12 trains per day on the railline just across the fence from the campground; if train noise bothers you, look elsewhere to stay." At Emma Wood, "The train tracks are 30 feet away but the trains are not overly loud since the wonderful sound of the ocean drowns it out."
Reservation difficulties and timing: El Capitán State Beach Campground and other popular sites fill quickly. "Just wish it was easier to get a weekend reservation in the summer," laments one camper. Most oceanfront campgrounds require reservations 6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Variable amenities between campgrounds: Facilities range from full-hookup RV parks to primitive sites. Wheeler Gorge has "no water available" with "all the pipes capped" and only "pit toilets" available. Meanwhile, Emma Wood is "completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms" where you're "literally paying $40 for a parking spot."
Wildlife and environmental concerns: Encounters with wildlife are common at various campgrounds. Lake Casitas campers warn "there are ground squirrels in abundance everywhere here and they live without fear of humans!" One visitor "watched them approach as we sat right near the truck and they hopped up into the engine compartment."
Tips for camping with families
Best campgrounds for children: Lake Casitas offers family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and a water park. A visitor described it as "great for families with small children" noting "my son is 11 and all he could do was the lazy river." Another camper shared, "This campground is great for beginners and disabled."
Tent camping considerations: Anacapa Campground at Carpinteria State Beach offers an ideal layout for families with younger children. A reviewer explains, "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."
Beach safety factors: Ocean conditions vary between beaches, with some more suitable for children than others. At Faria Beach Park, there are "stairs to the beach" within the campground and access is relatively easy, while at Emma Wood, the shore is more exposed with "at high tide the ocean comes right up to your doorstep."
Budget-friendly options: Tent camping at inland locations typically costs $25-35 per night compared to $40-50 for oceanfront sites. Wheeler Gorge provides a more rustic experience where "each site has a picnic table and a firepit with a grate, and water spigots are available in various places around the campground."
Tips from RVers
Best oceanfront RV spots: Emma Wood State Beach offers RV camping directly on the beach without hookups. A camper advises, "Watch where you park if you don't want the waves crashing and splashing all over your rig and camp area." Another notes it's "RVs only, no tent or car camping."
Site spacing concerns: RV spaces at beach campgrounds tend to be tight. At Carpinteria State Beach, "you have to squeeze to get in or out of your RV," while at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, sites are "very close to neighbors and a tight fit" but the city has "so much to offer, we didn't need to spend much time at the RV park."
Hookup availability: Full RV hookups are available at Lake Casitas and Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, while beach locations typically offer partial or no hookups. Rincon Parkway has "no hookups but trucks come by offering sewer/water services" for additional fees. Lake Casitas offers "a big cost differential compared to a full hook up site" for those willing to use basic sites.
Size restrictions and accessibility: Many coastal campgrounds have length limitations and tight turns. At Wheeler Gorge, one camper noted their site 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."
