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Carpinteria State Park RV & Campground Guide

California

This state park, better known as Carpinteria Beach, is located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. Many people head to this park to escape the city's summer heat by playing on the beach. Surf fishing offers great family fun while others enjoy picking up shells and snails from the tide pools at this park that is located southeast of Summerland, California. Others head to this park from La Conchita, California, and other places to see the whales in the winter. There are many camping spots available, but they may fill up fast with so many people wanting to go to this beach near Santa Barbara. 

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Weather
Spring 57-74 F
Summer 67-86 F
Fall 69-82 F
Winter 56-70 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Carpinteria State Park

RVing is a wonderful way to enjoy this state park and all that it has to offer. If you do not have an RV, then consider renting one on RVshare to bring to these area campgrounds. 

Carpinteria State Park Campground

With rates starting at $35 a night during the offseason and $45 a night during the peak season, there are three campgrounds at Carpinteria State Park. Full-hookup and primitive sites are both available, and some of the sites are located directly on the white sand beach. 

• Water hookup: Yes 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: Yes 

• Wi-Fi: Yes 

• Pet-friendly: Yes, with restrictions 

• Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, picnic tables 

Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park near the ocean offers pull-through sites. Rates start at $65 per night. 

• Water hookup: Yes 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: Yes 

• Wi-Fi: Yes 

• Pet-friendly: Yes, with restrictions 

• Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, picnic tables 

Earl Warren Showgrounds RV Park

This 25-site campground in Santa Barbara offers easy access to horse shows, flower shows and more happening on the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Rates start at $60 per night for back-in sites at Earl Warren Showgrounds RV Park

• Water hookup: Yes 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: Yes 

• Wi-Fi: Yes 

• Pet-friendly: Yes, with restrictions 

• Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables 

Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

This Thousand Trails campground located about 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, California, is set up to resemble an Old West town. This 310-acre campground offers many amenities, including horseback riding, miniature golf and hiking trails. 

• Water hookup: Yes 

• Electrical hookup: Yes 

• Sewer hookup: Yes 

• Wi-Fi: Yes 

• Pet-friendly: Yes, with restrictions 

• Other amenities: Store, playground, horseshoes, dog park 

Rincon Parkway Campground

This Ventura County campground on Highway 1 offers shoulder highway access almost directly on the water. Rates start at $32 per day at Rincon Parkway Campground

• Water hookup: No 

• Electrical hookup: No 

• Sewer hookup: No 

• Wi-Fi: No 

• Pet-friendly: Yes, with restrictions 

• Other amenities: None 

RV Rentals Near Carpinteria State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Restaurants

What to Do at
Carpinteria State Park

Inside Carpinteria State Park

Swimming is a favorite activity for most campers who come to this state park. A lifeguard is usually on duty during warmer months. This is also a favorite spot to go surf fishing for perch and halibut. Many people enjoy walking along the white sand beaches to the tide pools where starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins are often seen. From December to March, this beach is often frequented by seals and sea lions, and you may get lucky to see a gray whale just offshore. 

Outside Carpinteria State Park

This area offers so many fascinating things to do, like shopping, eating and seeing attractions. Located along the Pacific Coast, the scenery is breathtaking, and it is easy to go on a scenic drive. Special events often occur in this area. 

Restaurants

Summerland Beach Café

Set inside a Victorian home located just a block from the beach, this American restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. 

Type: American

Location: 2294 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, CA 93067

The Nugget

This American steakhouse has an extensive bar, and the chefs serve great hamburgers.

Type: Steakhouse

Location: 2318 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, CA 93067

Tinker Burger

This family-friendly American restaurant serves outstanding hamburgers, patty melts, fish-and-chips, tacos and delicious shakes. 

Type: American

Location: 2275 Ortega Hill Road C, Summerland, CA 93067

Padaro Beach Grill

This American grill set right on the beach offers fresh salads, burgers and Mexican food with many vegan and non-GMO options available. 

Type: American

Location: 3765 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013

The Honor Bar

This upscale American restaurant with a dress code features steaks and salads that can be eaten in the dining room or on the patio. 

Type: American

Location: 1255 Coast Village Road, Suite 101, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Shopping

Garde

A wide variety of scents, accessories, home furnishings and other items are available in this store that features designers from around the world. 

Location: 2280 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, CA 93067

Summerland Antique Collective

This store features vendors that sell antiques and modern furniture along with fine art, architectural elements, books and outdoor items. 

Location: 2192 Ortega Hill Road, Summerland, CA 93067

Indian Summers

Find chic women's clothing at this store, which has been open since 1987. 

Location: 2275 Ortega Hill Road # D, Summerland, CA 93067

Botanik

This store sells beautiful floral wreaths and a collection of home décor, like scented candles. 

Location: 2329 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, CA 93067

Bonita Beach

If you love to wear bohemian clothing, then you will not want to pass up this store. 

Location: 2330 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, CA 93067

Sightseeing

Lookout Park

Climb the cliffs at this county park to see amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Location: 2297 Finney Street, Summerland, CA 93067

Summerland Beach Rides

Saddle up a horse and ride over the cliff trails or along the beach at this horse-riding facility located in Lookout Park. 

Location: 2297 Finney Street, Summerland, CA 93067

Young America's Reagan Ranch Center

Learn more about the life of President Reagan at this center that is divided into various galleries. 

Location: 217 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

SB Buggies

These powered three-wheel vehicles are the perfect way to enjoy a tour of Santa Barbara. 

Location: 120 East Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary

Since 2004, the Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary has been rescuing parrots that live the rest of their lives at the sanctuary. 

Location: 2430 Lillie Avenue, Summerland, CA 93067

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How to Get to
Carpinteria State Park

It is easy to get to Carpinteria State Park because it is located right off U.S. Highway 101 on California Highway 244. If you are coming from Summerland, then follow the 101 to Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria. Follow Casitas Pass Road to Palm Avenue, where you will turn left. Right after Palm Avenue turns to the right, the park will be on your right. 

By Car

Entering Carpinteria State Park

Carpinteria State Park is open for day use from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

Carpinteria State Park Per vehicle : $7.0

There is an additional parking fee for day use.

If you have been to Carpinteria State Park, then the team at RVshare would love to hear about your adventures. You can send your story and your photos to [email protected], and the site may feature them on its social media pages. RVshare looks forward to hearing about your grand experiences at this state park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpinteria State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Carpinteria State Park?

The best time of year to visit Carpinteria State Park is from April to November. The summer months are warm while offering beautiful scenery, and the fall season delivers crisp air and bright colors.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Carpinteria State Park?

While at Carpinteria State Park, you could see a variety of marine animals including seals and sea lions. You could also spot a few gray whales as they migrate. Egrets and mallards are common birds that are seen.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Carpinteria State Park?

There are multiple camping spots for RVs to park at Carpinteria State Park. These are in the four different loops that comprise the campground including Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz.

Are pets allowed at Carpinteria State Park?

Pets are welcome at the park. However, they are to be kept on a leash that is at least six feet long. They are not to be on the beach area or to be left alone.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Carpinteria State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations aren't required. However, it's advised that you make a reservation, especially in the summer as spaces can quickly get filled. Reservations can be made on the same day of arrival.