Carpinteria State Beach Campground California
205 Palm Ave.Carpinteria, California 93013
805 968-1033
Lat / Long:
Carpinteria State Beach features a beautiful mile-long beach and is located just 12 miles from Santa Barbara. The campground has 216 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs (up to 35 feet). About 105 have hookups, and of those there are 80 full hookups in the Santa Rosa Loop. Beach front campsites are 358-380 and 447-456. FYI – trailers/RVs will be measured so make sure your camper’s length complies with the size of the campsite’s parking area.
Group camping is also available and includes Bobcat Group Site (3 vehicles / 25 people – trailers and motor homes only), Fox Group Site (3 vehicles / 25 people), Raccoon Group Site (5 vehicles / 40 people), as well as Gull, Egret and Plover Group Sites (3 vehicles and 25 people each). Eight people and two vehicles per single-family campsite. Check out time is 12:00pm and check-in time is 2:00pm. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 6:00AM. Overflow parking is available.
The campground is comprised of 4 sections/loops. Anacapa and Santa Cruz are the only sections that allow tents. Also, if you want beachfront, request Santa Cruz for tents. If you have an RV and want to be fronting the beach, request Santa Rosa or San Miguel.
Carpinteria State Beach campground has flush toilets, hot showers, a visitor center and dump station. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill. Covered picnic areas and restrooms are also located down at the beach. Cell service is also good at Carpinteria State Beach.
Carpinteria State Beach – Area Recreation
Outdoor recreation includes surfing, swimming, beach-combing, surf-fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking and picnicking. There’s also some great wildlife viewing with opportunities to see whales, seals, sea lions and a variety of shore birds.
Two other California State Beach campgrounds in the area include El Capitan (142 campsites) and Refugio (66 campsites).
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Create Campsite Availability AlertBest Campsites
358-380 and 447-456
Regions
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- Hike/Bike
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
10
# of Campsites:
216
# of RV Campsites:
105
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - Good
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Lifeguards
- Overflow Parking
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Recycling Center
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- RV Hookups
- Showers
- Trash Collection
- Visitor Center
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating (non motorized)
- Creek
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Ocean
- Paddle boarding (SUP)
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Scuba Diving
- Skin Diving
- Snorkeling
- Surf Fish
- Surfing
- Swim Beach
- Swimming
- Tide Pools
- Volleyball
- Walking Trails
- Water Sports
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Carpinteria State Beach Photos
Carpinteria State Beach Comments & Reviews
Visited Carpinteria State Beach Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Carpinteria State Beach?
105 Replies to “Carpinteria State Beach”
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This beach had the worst lots for tent camping. We were mixed in with the RVs. The lots were small patches of dirt, next to a chain link fence, on a slope. It was shocking. With Amtrak running ALL times of day. The bright side is, it’s very close to the beach.
can you please specify in which of the 4 campgrounds/ sections you where?
As of Oct. 17, 2012 San Miguel has been renumberd so the sites you see on here are NOT correct.
Thanks for the heads up on the renumbered sites. We are going to reshoot all campgrounds at Carpinteria in 2013.
FYI – we have updated the photos (late 2013) for Carpinteria State Beach and all of the photos are current/correct.
PERFECT FOR CAMPING ON BEACH MAKE CAMPFIRE
Question- the beach front sites say there is a MAX RV length of 25 ft. Is this true? Do you know if they are pretty strict about the max rv lengths?
The beach front sites are 21 ft. from curb to the end of the white line in San Miguel & Santa Rosa so you can hang over in the back BUT you need to make sure that the site has room for you to do that as some have trees and bushes that will not allow hangover.
Beach Row in San Miguel has been changed to 18ft. NO HANGOVER allowed, the picnic tables are now chained and the chains are cemented to the ground on the pavement within your allotted camp space. You can no longer access the beach from the cliff/bluff as before. You are no longer allowed to use the dirt space as part of your campsite.
Are there photos on the site for the “group” campsites like “Gull” “Plover” “Fox” .. they have names rather than numbers
Yes I was wondering the same thing… Id there any chance you might have the group site pictures? If so that would be soooo AWESOME! I’d love to see GFOX. Thanks so much for all this kind work, I love your site!
Hi Kathy,
Super glad you like the site and glad it has helped with your camping/planning. Unfortunately we don’t have photos of the group sites – sorry. We will try and get photos of those later this spring.
You are missing half of the sites in the Santa Cruz loop!
I often use sites 124-125-126 in Anacapa loop — they are beautiful and have shade trees for the afternoon. Women traveling alone may want to avoid site 126, which is next to the bike-in/walk-up site — unless you are extremely compassionate and patient, Unfortunately this site is almost always occupied NOT with bikers and hikers but with seemingly-homeless men, some of whom have mental problems.
Thank you for this tip about 126!
We are considering getting reservations but we have a 35 ft trailer and our son has a 35 ft motorhome. We would like to get beach access and our RV’s from rear wheels to front bumper measure 24 ft. Will the overhang be acceptable in some of the spots and is there a place to park an extra vehicle. One of us has a truck and the other a jeep. We do’t want to reserve if we will not fit in the spot. Of course, the big challenge is getting a reservation. We have tried and have not been successful.
Hi Linda,
CampsitePhotos.com is not affiliated with any of the campgrounds on our site. We provide the photos, camping info and reservation link. Unfortunately I won’t be able to help you regarding whether your vehicles size will be an issue at Carpinteria State Beach. You can try calling the park directly to see what they may advise:(805) 968-1033. And best of luck with trying to get a reservation!
FOR SANTA ROSA CAMP SITE R331 JUST MAKING SURE YOU CAN HAVE A TENT
Hi Jacqueline,
At Carpinteria State Beach campground is divided into 4 sections, named after the Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel. Anacapa and Santa Cruz is the only area for tents, and if you want to be fronting the beach, request Santa Cruz. Tents are not allowed on paved areas or in the campsites along the beach in the San Miguel loop.. I doubt you can have a tent in Santa Rosa campsite 331, but you can call 800-444-7275 to double check.
I DID AND THEY ADVISED IT DID NOT STATE ON SITE NO TENTS LIKE THE OTHER CAMP GROUNDS SAY
Hi, I was wondering the same thing. Were you able to have a tent okay?
Our family has been camping every summer at Carp for 40 years. This year, 2019, we have been unable to secure a spot after trying for over a week. Spots that were listed as available disappeared overnight (rolled over). There is something odd going on…
Hello, I do see that RV’s longer than 24 feet are at beach front sites. For example
361 and 365, see url below.
http://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/ca/carpinteria-state-beach/photos/carpinteria-state-beach-365
I will come this summer to this camping and my RV will be a bit longer (26 or 28 ft). It still can hang over as you can see at the pictures. Would that be a problem?
Hi Arjan,
You’re RV should be fine and most Carpinteria State Beach campsites.
I have some photos of the group sites, would you like them for this page? I was not able to find any when I looked.
Thank you Matthew!
Yes, please send me an email with the photos to campranger@campsitephotos.com.
Hi we made reservations for spot 336 at Santa Rosa and our fifth wheel is 30 ft. The lady I made my reservations with said we should be fine with length but the picture shows a really small trailer in the spot. Just want to be sure we will have plenty of room to fit our trailer?
Hi Trish,
The pad length of campsite 336 (Santa Rosa loop) at Carpinteria State Beach is listed as 21 feet (on ReserveCalifornia). There is some overhang off the back. Also, that campsite is in an area where they may allow a little overhang in the front. The ultimate call is with the camp host/ranger at the campground.
HI! I have stayed at a few sites throughout the Carpinteria State Campground with mixed results. Some of the tent sites are very, very small and close to neighbors. We have stayed in one of the beach spots which had a bit more space but people seemed to walk through constantly. I would like to return! The beach is really nice and the location is convenient.
Has anyone ever stayed at the Raccoon Group site? Does anyone have photos or overall comments? Thanks!
We have made reservations for San Miguel M417 and 418. Are they tent only or can we have trailer or RV? What is length limit for these sites?
Hi Karen,
Yes, you can park a trailer or RV in campsites M417 and M418 at Carpinteria State Beach. You can have up to 3 vehicles (including tow vehicle) and 8 people per site. The parking pad area for both sites are 19 feet wide by 21 feet long.
Can you tell the best spots for an RV that are right next to the sand, but not next to a walkway or bathroom?
Hi Ricky,
The beach/sand front campsites are 358-380 and 447-456. Beach access/trails are next to 368 and 369, 374 and 375, 447 and 448, and 456. With that said, most of these campsites are pretty similar in size/layout.
Hi! We have made reservation for San Miguel spot M454. Will I be able to park a 22ft class C RV? Thanks.
Hi Albert,
Campsite M454 is 18 feet deep and 19 feet long. There is overhang off the back of the campsite. The camp host/ranger may let you park there if you can back it up so that the rear tires hit the back curb. I’d say you have a good chance of fitting your 22ft RV.
Spots that were listed as available disappeared overnight.
I rented R332 for august 21ft says the max length RV, but I can’t find trailer or RV that length what the max length I can put there?
Hi Marcello,
You can click on our ‘RV RENTAL’ tab (up top). From there you can search for trailers/RVs to rent in any location, size, how many it sleeps, etc. Hopefully you can find one that will work in site #R332.
Is there a site 364 or is that spot always vacant?
Can a tent fit at the back of San Miguel M402?
Hi Arlene,
Yes, you can move the table over to the side and fit a tent in that campsite. I’d guess you have a tent pad area of about 8×10 to work with.
Hi, I love your site. Santa Rosa has been renumbered AGAIN due to the resent construction. Can you update.
Thanks Jeff – for your support and heads up on the campsite renumbering. We are scheduled to reshoot/photograph the entire campground this year (probably November).
Hello — I had this same question. It looks like they’ve gotten rid of sites 301-305. When I look at Google Maps (link below) it appears that they may have done some construction there. Any idea what they put in?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carpinteria+State+Beach/@34.3903309,-119.5183097,231m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf9228f6a4df1825c!8m2!3d34.3930467!4d-119.5242547
Hi Enzo,
Not sure what they did with where campsites 301-305 use to be. We are hoping to reshoot the entire campground later this year though – updating the photos.
Can we tent camp on the pavement in Santa Cruz? Can 2 cars fit side by side in campsite C214?
Hi Darouny,
Yes, two cars can fit side by side in campsite #C214. You can also tent camp on the pavement within your site’s parking area.
We will be camping at site #452, with a little Coleman pop up. Can we set up an enclosed canopy next to our trailer?
Hi Debra,
Yes – if it first within your campsite.
Are there any sites that would allow 2 tents and 2 RVs? Thanks!
Hi Breanna,
Unfortunately there are no campsites that would fit 2 RVs. There are some that will fit 1 RV and a few tents though.
Hello,
We are trying to tent camp in mid-march 2022. The website says during that time campgrounds are first come first serve only. What are the odds we drive 2 hours and every single spot is filled?
Thank you.
Good question! There are a number of tent campsites at Carpinteria State Beach and they are first-come, first-serve in March. I’d say your chances are very good to get a site if you can arrive mid week, or early Friday. With that said, I doubt they will fill up on the weekends – except around Spring break time.
On site M 417 how many small tents are you allowed? Are you allowed 2 or 3 cars at this site. Thanks for helping clear this up for me.
Hi Trisha,
Campsite #417 can have up to 3 vehicles and 8 people. There isn’t much room for tents at that site – I’d say maybe two small tents will fit.
I have a reservation in August for my travel trailer in Space 319 at the Santa Rosa loop. Will they allow me to have a small tent as well?
Hi Gabe,
There isn’t much room, but yes – you can pitch a tent in campsite #319 (Santa Rosa Loop) at Carpinteria State Beach.
Thanks CampRanger! You rock!
You’re welcome Gabe! Have fun at the beach!
Hi…will my 29’ Class C motorhome fit in R359 Santa Rosa Campground?
Hi Laurie,
The parking pad length for campsite R359 is 21 feet and you have some overhang out the back – maybe 4 feet before you nudge up against a tree (but you may be able to miss it – can quite determine the width between the hookup pedestal and tree).
Good afternoon – we have reservations for spot 426 in Carpinteria State Beach, will our 24 foot class C fit with a slide out? Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
#426 is a nice (end unit) campsite. The parking area is listed as 21 feet long (deep) and it’s about 30 feet wide. You also have some room out back and to the left. You should be able to angle it in to the campsite and fit your 24′ class C camper (with slide out).
Question on Spot 443 San Miguel, space shows 30ft. – will a Travel Trailer (26ft) and a full size P/U fit in this space or is their other parking in same area for your truck?
Thanks for your reply
Hi Frank,
Campsite San Miguel #443 has a few feet of overhang out the back, so I’m thinking if you back your trailer as far back as possible you’ll have room to diagonally park your full size P/U. There is also overflow parking available over by the day-use area / Anacapa loop.
We have a reservation for site 336 in Santa Rosa. Will a 25ft class c motorhome fit?
Hi James,
The parking pad length for site #336 is 21 feet, but there is a foot or two out the back (overhang). Not sure if it’ll fit. The final call comes from the camp host/ranger. If you’re hanging to far out front (into road), they probably will not allow.
Hi there, we are staying at Santa Rosa 324. Will we have enough room for our popup tent trailer and a 6 person tent? Also, is there a space to park the cars if we’d like to keep the extra space in our site for the kids to play vs keeping our car there. Thank you!
Hi Darla,
Your pop-up trailer and towing vehicle will fit fine in Santa Rosa Loop Campsite #324. There isn’t enough room for a large/6-person tent though. You may be able to fit a 2-3 person tent on the dirt area. Also, there is overflow parking available at Carpinteria State Beach.
Thank you for your quick reply! I was thinking of parking our car in the parking lot to make space for the tent. Would that be ok?
Yes, you can put your tent up in your campsite’s parking space too. Have fun!
HI there, I have booked M423 in the San Miguel loop. I have a 24ft Class C RV. Wondering if it will fit and additionally if we are able to put a tent on the site also? Thank you! Been trying to reach someone via phone but surely everyone is busy for the holiday weekend!
Hi Farrah,
The parking space for campsite M423 is 21 feet deep/long with a few feet of overhang off the back. Not sure if the camp host/ranger will give you the okay to try parking your 24ft Class C. The camp host has the final say and they are generally pretty strict. You can pitch a small tent in that campsite.
Are there fire rings for beachfront sites in the Santa Rosa Loop, specifically site R363?
Yes there are – including campsite R363 (has a fire ring). You can barely see it just on the other side of the table.
Hello
Are you able to have a roof top tent in San Miguel? It’s not on the pavement
Yes you can!
Hi there, we have 2 spaces, San Miguel 420 and 421, rented. Because the pads are pretty short at 21 feet, would we be able to park the two trailers horizontally between the two sites? We have a 26 foot and 27 foot trailer. Thanks!
Hi Kara,
I’ve seen that done in the past (and your trailers would fit parking horizontally across the two campsites), but not sure if it is still okay. The camp host/ranger would make final call. I recommend trying to talk to someone at the campground/State Beach. The phone # we have is: 805 968-1033
We love Carpinteria. We have booked San Miguel #444 which is an RV site. Can we put up tents on this site. The information seem to say fine but wanted to make sure. Appreciate the information.
Hi J. Josehee,
Yes, you can pitch a tent in the dirt area of campsite #444 but the dirt area is very small. I’d say you have maybe an area about 8 wide x 6 deep at the most.
Thank you for your reply. Can we put tents in the parking space if we park our cars in the extra parking areas.
I just snagged a beach front site for this weekend by chance, it is site 376. I am confused by the website. It states that the site length is 35 feet, but the pad length is 21 feet. Do they allow over hang? My fifth wheel is 34 feet.
Good job Melanie!
That’s a nice campsite. And ReserveCalifornia.com can be confusing. The parking ‘pad’ length looks to be closer to 34 feet (based on the 8 foot table that is in the photo). The ReserveCalifornia ‘pad length’ generally refers to the ‘tent pad’ length – which would be on the sand. And they do allow overhang. Your 34′ 5th wheel will fit in that site.
The size of Santa Rosa campsite is listed as 30’x30′ and yet the photos show barely enough room for a truck and a trailer. I would give 8′ for trailer and another 8′ gor the truck. That should leave another 14′ of space. I don’t see that in photos . So is that measurement just for depth and maybe the other measurement is for something else? Please clarify. Thank you.
Good point Ed. We did not measure the sites when we took the photos last year. Unfortunately ReserveCalifornia.com has been known to have incorrect site pad measurements.
This is a great platform and thanks for helping us understand the campground dynamics. We reserved Santa Rosa site 367. I noticed trailers overhanging a good bit last time I visited in Santa Rosa so thought our 29 ft travel trailer would be fine (back wheel to front only 18 ft). However, just noticed 367 has a tree close by where trailer would overhang. Do you think we will fit?
Thanks Paul! Glad we can be of service.
You have about 5 feet from the curb to the trunk of the tree (left side), but I’m not sure if that one limb (to the right) is angling toward the parking spur. FYI – we just reshot the campground last year so all pictures are current. Here is a higher resolution photo of campsite #367:
Thanks for the info and quick response. A couple more questions, do you know how wide this 367 spot is and do you think that picnic table is movable or bolted down?
Does Carpinteria allow front end parking
HI Dana,
Yes, you can back in or pull in (front ways) to the parking spurs at Carpinteria State Beach.
Hi was wondering if a 35 ft rv will fit in spot 369 in Santa Rosa
Hi Rodrigo,
ReserveCalifornia shows the pad length at 21 feet long, which is not correct. It’s closer to 25-26 feet. There is also a few feet overhang out the back (over the sand). Not sure if your 35 foot RV would fit unless you angle it. Carpinteria SB hosts are pretty strict so not sure if it’d work.
What is the max length of trailer that can fit in San Miguel 426 if it’s angled and over hands the back dirt? I noticed it’s on the end and looks to be some extra space to make a bigger trailer fit.
Hey Camper,
San Miguel #426 measures about 21 feet deep by 25/26 feet wide, with a diagonal measurement of about 32 feet. As you mentioned, you have a couple feet of overhang to play with. I’m guessing you could probably fit a 27-28 foot vehicle in there diagonally.
Hi there! I have site 405 for an upcoming trip. The dirt area looks very small and uneven. Am I able to set up a few tents on the asphalt?
Hi Jessica,
You may find a level piece of dirt to pitch a tent at site 405, but you can also set up tents in the parking area.
Hello,
We have a trip planned and have site 323 and 332 for the family. Will 25ft trailers fit in these sites and which one is better do you think? Thanks for your help!
Hi Amir,
The State Park lists both campsites 323 and 332 as having a vehicle/trailer length maximum of 21 feet. With that said, you would have 1-2 feet of overhang out the back. Both sites are full hookups and are pretty much the same. Campsite 332 may be a tad closer (walk) to the beach.
Hi I am in urgent need of info. We have reservations for Santa Rosa loop site R379 arriving on Dec 22. We are tent camping but want the electric so we were paying more. We have a 14’ tent. Now there saying due to high surf we have to move. What would be a comparable site in the back rows of any loop?
Hi April,
Sorry you have to move. Your options (on available sites) are limited. Your best bet (that will fit your tent) is Anacapa #126, but it does not have electric. Santa Rosa sites 306 and 324 are open – have electric, but I don’t think there is room for your tent. Miguel 4132 and 423-425 are also available, but again – doubt there is room for your tent. Best of luck!
Hi, I have site 456 reserved for a couple of nights next week. The description states it’s okay to have a fire but I must provide my own fire pit. Is this correct? Thank you.
Hi Jason – Campsite #456 is a nice site! And yes, you’ll need to bring your own portable fire pit to have a campfire at that site.
How strict are they with the beach front sites? I have a 27 foot trailer. Our overhang would be approx. 4ft. I would hate to do the 1 1/2 drive up and be turned away.
Hi Kate,
Beach front campsites Santa Rosa Loop 358 – 380 have a pad length listed as 21 feet. Santa Rosa Loop sites 447-456 (also beachfront) have a pad length of 18 feet. All of these have an overhang out the back and you are permitted to extend your RV/trailer beyond the curb (into the overhang). All wheels need to be on the paved surface. Most of the sites have an overhang of at least 6 feet, but some do have obstructions (trees, etc.). Your hitch (or front of your RV) must fit within the campsite parking space (behind the line). It can not extend beyond the line / out into the camp road. They are pretty strict about that and would as you to leave/move if your trailer/RV does not fit.