Carpinteria State Beach Campground
4.7029 reviews5361 Sixth Street, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Carpinteria State Beach Campground
$10.00 - $80.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range based on site type and amenities. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. Coin-operated showers require coins.
About this campground
Discover your perfect coastal retreat at Carpinteria State Beach, where over 200 family-friendly campsites await just steps from the Pacific surf. Celebrated as 'America's Safest Beach,' this treasured destination invites you to wake up to ocean breezes, spend sun-soaked days swimming in gentle waters, and create lasting memories around beachside picnics. Whether you choose a coveted beachfront spot or gather with friends at one of the spacious group sites, you'll find yourself immersed in the quintessential California beach camping experience.
Carpinteria State Beach Campground offers tent, RV, hike or bike, and group camping options. Sites cater to various setups, including tents, trailers, and RVs.
Historical SignificanceLong before modern campers discovered this coastal paradise, the Chumash people called these shores home for thousands of years. They named this place 'Carpinteria'—the carpentry shop—for the natural tar seeps that provided them with the perfect waterproofing material for their ingenious plank canoes, or tomols. These same tar seeps that once facilitated ancient maritime trade routes later attracted asphalt miners in the industrial age, adding another fascinating chapter to this beach's rich tapestry of human history.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with Southern California's enviable year-round sunshine, Carpinteria State Beach offers ideal camping conditions in every season. Daily temperatures hover in the sweet spot between 60°F and 80°F, creating perfect beach weather whether you visit in January or July. The Pacific waters tell their own seasonal story, warming from a refreshing 58°F in winter to an inviting 72°F during late summer and early fall—perfect for everything from morning swims to sunset paddles.
ElevationPerfectly positioned at sea level, Carpinteria State Beach offers effortless access to all its coastal wonders. The gentle, flat terrain makes it ideal for campers of all ages and abilities, with no challenging climbs between your tent and the tide pools.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where golden sand meets azure waters, and nature puts on a daily show. Your camping adventure unfolds against a backdrop of pristine beaches, fascinating tide pools teeming with colorful sea life, and protected sand dunes that shift with the coastal winds. Keep your camera ready for frequent visits from playful dolphins surfing the waves, harbor seals basking on nearby rocks, and an impressive cast of coastal birds from pelicans to sandpipers. The mysterious tar seeps—nature's own time capsules—add an element of geological wonder to your beachside explorations.
Geological RegionNestled in a stunning coastal plain where the mighty Santa Ynez Mountains meet the endless Pacific, Carpinteria State Beach showcases Southern California's dramatic geological diversity. This unique setting creates a natural amphitheater of beauty, with mountain vistas to the north and ocean horizons to the south. The landscape tells an ancient story through its sandy beaches, windswept dunes, and those remarkable natural tar seeps that have bubbled up from deep beneath the earth for millennia—a reminder that even the most peaceful beaches hold secrets of our planet's dynamic past.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible features include designated accessible campsites in the Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel loops. Accessible parking is available in the day-use area, and the beach wheelchair can be requested via phone.
Sites SizeSites are described as clean and spacious but tightly packed, particularly in RV areas.
Sites PrivacyLimited privacy; neighbors are close by in most camping loops, including RV sites.
Total Campsites200 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBeachfront sites are ideal for ocean views, while inland sites may offer more shade and privacy.
Best CampsitesBest campsites include 3b, 7, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, and 26; offering proximity to the beach or desirable views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Stay limits vary seasonally.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per family campsite.
Groups
Group camping sites are available in the Anacapa and Santa Cruz loops, accommodating up to 25–40 people depending on the site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour loops named Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. Each loop varies in amenities and site types.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; reservations required during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available during non-peak seasons; these fill quickly during summer.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not detailed. Contact ReserveCalifornia or park staff for specifics.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Carpinteria State Beach Campground include hiking, biking, swimming, tide pool exploration, and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to the downtown area makes it convenient for dining and shopping.
HikingWhile no specific trails are mentioned, the campground's proximity to scenic coastal areas makes it ideal for walking and casual hikes.
FishingFishing opportunities are available; however, specific details on fish types or ideal locations were not provided.
SwimmingSwimming areas are described as safe and suitable for families. However, some reviews caution about tar and sharp rocks in certain spots.
BikingBiking is possible within the campground and surrounding areas, and the campsite is close to train stations and local amenities.
Wildlife viewingVisitors report seeing dolphins, seals, and ground animals like raccoons, although raccoons have been described as problematic for campers.
Beach activitiesThe beach is described as family-friendly with opportunities for tide pool exploring and general relaxation. Some areas may have tar or sharp rocks.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms such as self-guided tours and historical sightseeing are available, highlighting the Chumash culture and the unique geology of the area.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings; beach fires prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTar deposits can stain clothing. Raccoons and squirrels are prevalent, requiring secure food storage.
Active alertsNone currently reported.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Police Department, and Carpinteria Fire Department.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch to November.
Trash and recyclingRecycling and trash facilities are available but specific details regarding pickup schedules or locations were not provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Pacific Ocean and tidepools. Seal rookery and estuary nearby.
Common complaintsSites are densely packed, leaving little privacy. Some restrooms reported as outdated or unclean.
HostCampground hosts are present year-round and offer assistance with reservations and park regulations.
Campground Map
5361 Sixth Street, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Driving directionsThe park is on Highway 224, off U.S. 101, twelve miles south of Santa Barbara.
Accessible year-round via paved roads; Highway 101 provides direct access to Highway 224 and the park entrance.Nearby places
Santa Barbara (12 miles
approx. 15 minutes), Ventura (22 miles
approx. 30 minutes), Los Angeles (85 miles
approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Carpinteria downtown (less than 1 mile) offers grocery stores, restaurants, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.7
29 reviews
Carpinteria State Beach Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the beach's serene environment, clean facilities, and convenient access to local amenities. Criticisms include maintenance issues in some restrooms and concerns about campsite overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Visitors appreciate the clean and safe beach environment, well-maintained public areas, and lovely coastal views. Accessibility features such as beach wheelchairs are also highly praised.
Critiques include overcrowding in RV sites, maintenance issues in some restroom areas, and problematic wildlife such as raccoons.
Users recommend booking early for the best sites, securing food to prevent raccoon issues, and exploring nearby tide pools and downtown Carpinteria. Some suggest avoiding summer weekends due to...
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Summer reviews frequently mention overcrowding, while shoulder seasons are noted for quieter experiences. Winter camping offers extended stay limits but with cooler weather.
"The beach is still as chill as it was 35 years ago." "Safest beach in the US ...great for kids, awesome small town vibes." "Love this place! It's first come, first served for camping sites." "The RV...
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Best campsites include #3b, #7, #14, #16, #20, #23, #24, and #26. Site-specific issues such as incorrect RV size matching during booking have been reported.
Accessible campsites are generally praised; however, there are complaints that some handicap-designated sites lack convenient access to facilities like picnic tables and fire pits.
The campground is described as dog-friendly, with campsites located near the beach allowing pets. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach itself.
Last updated July 31, 2025