Warning, we went there yesterday and although the weather was great, not many people on the beach on a Friday, saw multiple dolphin pods swimming by, our walk on the beach was very nice until we realized there were "tar bombs" in and on the sand that ultimately covered the bottom of my feet. I nearly ruined my crocs on my walk back to the car. it took intensive scraping and rubbing with solvent to get most of the tar off of my feet. read more

Camping here requires a reservation a couple months in advance, make sure to plan accordingly for major holidays as it fills up quick months in advance, we stayed a couple nights and it is peaceful and lovely. The amenities include some good showers with hot water, pick up coins at the entrance before setting up. Restrooms available as well, take something to clean the seats, sometimes people leave a little mess, but overall the cleanliness is good for a campsite restroom/shower.. Great town for bike riding and some hiking along the coast. Weather can be a bit unpredictable, sometimes really windy sometimes calm, gets cold at night. If you prepare with care, the campsites are an awesome time, the beach can get windy and cold, check the weather. read more

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Beautiful beach in Santa Barbara county. There is state beach parking for $10, but there's also free street parking right next to the beach, although it's limited to two hours. There's a nice wooded walk way that runs along the entire beach right next to the sand. You can also camp out there. A great spot to spend the day, and night. read more

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I used to stay in the other Anacapa Loop about once a year until I moved to Sacramento area 6 years ago and it was way more crowded than I remebered it being. This time stayed in a Electric/Water site and it was so small and jammed right into the people on either side of you. Serviced the perpose of a place to sleep while hiking the Channel Islands, but not sure I would go back. read more

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We camp at Carpinteria State Beach at least once or twice a year, and it never disappoints. There are plenty of campsite options whether you're in a tent, RV, or camping with a big group, there's definitely something for everyone. The only catch is that it books up months in advance, so planning ahead is a must. But don't worry, they're open year-round, so there are lots of chances to enjoy everything these beautiful grounds have to offer. The beach itself is stunning, and there are some gorgeous trails nearby. While you're there, I highly recommend checking out the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary the seals are adorable, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. One of the things I really appreciate about this campground is how clean and well-maintained the bathrooms and showers are. The showers run on tokens and have hot water, which is such a nice touch especially after a long day outside. I love that we have this option because, as every camper knows, things can get dirty fast! We usually don't bring much food and instead support the local restaurants in town. It's only a short five-minute walk, and there are plenty of great spots to eat. The locals are always super friendly and helpful, which adds to the charm of this place. We truly love this beautiful town and campground. If you're an avid camper or just someone looking for a peaceful beachside getaway, definitely check this place out. Tip: They're pretty strict about extra vehicles. If you're arriving with more than one, make sure the main person who made the reservation checks in first. Everyone else should follow afterward to avoid any issues at the entrance. read more

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Environment was good. Beach was nice and chill pretty cool place over here to see too read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Great beach with free parking nearby. Pretty clean. I did notice it's a lot busier than my beach in Oxnard. Though I did like it, I prefer less peeps. I just loved seeing all the happy peeps enjoying the outdoors on a beautiful Carp day! This beach is near Downtown Carp, so you can walk anywhere to grab a bite. read more

Save your money! Yikes. I wasn't expecting much from a state park campground but I couldn't have imagined it being as bad as it is. It's a parking lot, a dirty, weed infested parking lot. Only bright spot is the beach is 'right there'. Our closest restroom building was completely closed and dilapidated. Area around the dumpsters was filthy. Picnic table was filthy and rotted. Rusty fence, rusty power box. Oh, and on top of the $70 parking space, the reservation fee adds another $8.25. To reserve online... sheesh Anyway, it was a safe place to be overnight but would never, ever stay again read more

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Possibly my favorite beach on the planet. Keep in mind, I don't get out too much, but this place will always have such a special place in my heart. I used to go hear as a child with my Grandparents, would go here as a teen for camping, took my dog there for her last day around... It clearly means a lot to me. It is always a clean, pleasant place to be, and the sunsets are unbeaten. Parking is easy and free, there are plenty of good food options nearby, what else could you need? read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Sunset - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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$10 parking, nice family beach, fluffy sand, clean water nice breeze. It is worth to go a little far to enjoy a day on the beach. Close there is a little downtown with many restaurants to have a dinner. Well, they said no dogs, but I think they tolerate close to the parking lot. But, it is the cutest scene of our day. We loved our day ! read more

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It's a great place to camp. Love the hike/bike trails. The town is a small walk barely used our car. Plenty of good restaurants just minutes away. The beach is very beautiful and great cliff scenery to take pictures. Some of the bad stuff. Lots and lots of tar!!! They do not allow dogs on the beach and I would not want to take my dog on it. You wil get tar on you and your furry pet. It's hard to get out. The spaces are really tight. I moved my truck a few times to let some neighbors park. Without them asking, I was more concerned then hitting my truck them parking. Don't worry they didn't even say thanks. Most people don't even look. I stayed In Santa Rosa, I did not like how much sand was on the paved area. They don't bothered sweeping it. Minus well camp on the actual beach sand. They have clean facilities with plenty of restrooms. Loved the wild life all around. I would go back but come with a shovel and leaf blower to move the sand off my camp site lol. read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Love the views! - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Campground landscape is horrible. Cattails, goat head stickers & just plain dirt are everywhere. Weeds are 6 inches high- do they ever mow? Squirrels are all over. Location is gorgeous - beautiful blue ocean water but cold. This time around, Santa Rosa bathrooms were quite dirty even though they are cleaned everyday. And 2 out of 4 bathrooms have been closed for maintenance since November, when we were there last. So disappointing. read more

Been camping here for years and have always loved it. Unfortunately over the years it has gone down hill and safety is becoming a concern. The Life guard has gone down over the years. They allow fishing to happen right on top of kids swimming, as well as surfers hitting kids with their boards. There have been dogs running around on the beach and running through peoples set ups. Life guards have been letting huge holes to be dug and have seen multiple people trip into them. read more

This is the place If you like very near beach camping in a crowded parking lot campground with no shades. We went in December so no shades was not an issue. Loved the hot water from bathroom faucets, ahhh. read more

Had a great time with the family at Carpenteria. The campground is about a 10 min walk to downtown Carpenteria with beautiful scenery, brewery, coffee shops etc... The campground is clean and restrooms were decent. The spots are very tight and The only thing I didn't like was the constant harassing from the camp rangers. They are extremely strict and come back to harass you constantly throughout your stay. I loved it here so much despite that but not sure if it's worth coming back if we have to deal with that again. Overall beautiful beach. read more

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What a great place to walk and talk and enjoy the beach, and the weather with friends and relatives! Our family took us here after lunch, to walk off the calories. We parked down the street by their favorite thrift store. We did see a parking lot closer to the beach. The weather was perfect on 12/26/22 - not too cool or hot, and we walked in the sand and on the recycled boardwalk. Some of the succulents along the way were in flower in yellows and pinks. We also passed restrooms that were closed for the season, but one or two WERE open. Unfortunately they had no soap or paper towels. Thus, 4 and not 5 stars. read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Signage - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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It is a good place to visit all year round. It is nice to walk along the shores and enjoy the view. Maybe it be to Watch the sunrise, sunset, surfers or the swimmers. There are picnic area with tables, barbecues and covered patios that offers a wonderful view of the Santa Ynez Mountains. This is a good rest stop while driving by to Santa Barbara or on your way home. There is Amtrak train service to the park. Check with Amtrak for schedules, times and fares. read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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It's a nice dry camp site. The restrooms and showers are helpful. Cool breweries nearby.

We lucked out , found parking right away . Bathroom / shower / camp site is a short trek across the sand on the board walk . Closer to the water has lots of rocks , so watch your footings . Walking distance to many restaurants nearby . read more

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Did a last min improv style beach day and loving it! We came during the week, so not hard to find parking on the street and took a short walk to the beach...beach was not as busy as some bigger beaches, were able to find a spot and enjoy the peacefulness and the ocean breeze... read more

Stellar experience at Carpinteria State Beach! I borrowed a state park pass from my local CA library which let us park for free. Clean restrooms and super chill crowd. Hurricane Hilary passed through a few weeks ago and left debris/ wood. I saw a few people (locals?) picking up garbage and debris as they left. This beach is exactly what I imagine when I hear California Beach- clear blue skies, breezy shoreline with silky sands. A highlight of this beach is once you are on the beach, you are right near the water. No need to exhaust yourself hauling all your things a long ways to find your spot. A few families in the middle of the week, but more folks reading in chairs or blankets spread out & taking in the beauty. read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Walkway - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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i went here a few days ago and that beach has seals and if you love beaches with calming waves then go here and the only bad part of this beach is the bathrooms, the bathrooms smells really bad. i would of gave it a five if the bathrooms had a deep cleaning read more

Came here with my mom and my girlfriend it was such a pleasant time! Love that the restrooms are super close to beach! Also the walk from the car to the actual sand is very close! Get here early to reserve a good spot my family arrived here around 8am and we found a great spot, towards the afternoon it does get a little more packed but as long as you have your spot it's a great time! Will definitely be returning here soon! Also side note it is very clean they were people sweeping sand on the boardwalk which was nice ! Hope you choose to visit this beautiful beach ! And don't forget all your snacks and drinks! No dogs allowed on the actual beach! And there are grills to barbecue but the water isn't visible from that area ! read more

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This is one of my favorite beaches! My in-laws family have spent years and years camping here and visiting the beach. There is a nice bathroom, great path to the beach, and a lot of beach to roam. Very frequently you see dolphins, which so fun! read more

First off, you are going to pay $10 to park in the main parking lot and ticketing is enforced. They have you download a parking app and you pay through the app. You are out of luck if you don't have a smart phone. They are not accepting cash or cards at this time. There are public restrooms available and outside showers to rinse off. The bathrooms started off strong with being clean but then I used them 3 hours later, they were pretty disgusting and being depleted of toilet paper. Oh, and there is no hand soap in them; just a sink and a quick shot air dryer for your hands. So make sure you have your hand sanitizer close at hand. There are so many great things about this beach! For one, the location. You can walk from the beach up to several restaurants and ice cream shops and bring your food back to your spot on the beach. The beach itself is very nice. There are no dogs allowed so you don't have to worry about avoiding dog poop or any stinky smells. Hooray! There is next to no seaweed being washed up on the beach or floating in the water. So again, no stinky rotting seaweed to worry about and no sand fleas. All in all, it's a nice family beach and worth the steep parking fee. The parking is good for 5 hours. After that, the app will ask you if you need to extend your time. We stayed 4 hours. That was enough for us. read more

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We used to camp here when the kids were younger. It has always been a great experience. We brought the dogs to hike at the Nature Reserve and it was fairly busy for a week day. The view of the ocean was nice. It is worth stopping in if you're into camping and walking. read more

Absolutely love the Beach and town vibe, fun to walk around and go in the shops and restaurants. Even though it is absolutely beautiful, the campground is shady when you stay. The volunteers are all retired and many retired firemen with their wives, don't be deceived by their quick to disappear smiles, they all click around together, and many volunteers have unmarked sites and spy on you for the hosts who act like madams of the campground. The camp host in the Santa Rosa loop right next to site 339 has been there year-round for AT LEAST 3 years. They are supposed to rotate but these hosts treat their position like this is their second home and they are not going to let anything or anyone that they think is a threat going to disrupt their year-round beach front view. I really could care less if they didn't get so crazy on us unnecessarily, and it made me start to question what is really going on at this campground. It looks as if they are holding their positions and host sites year-round as a second beach front home and then for their children or grandchildren after they retire in the future. Don't believe me, just go spend some time at this campground and start to ask around and you'll get the picture pretty fast that they are running the place like a racket and click. And year-round "volunteers" are all over the campground unmarked so if they decide they don't like you they have spies all over the place watching you 24/7 who report back immediately to these Madam hosts. The workers all bow down to the hosts and all stick together and lie for each other so if they do something wrong, don't expect to get a fair shake. When we went we called Sargent Quick to let her know about the hosts and the workers after they flipped out unnecessarily, she attacked us, got extremely defensive and lied after I said they were acting like a click and she said she just rotated all the hosts, and she rotates them all the time. When I said they are the same hosts that were there from a year ago, she made up another excuse and got defensive and continued attacking me. Super unprofessional and obviously a part of this racket they have going on at these state beach campgrounds like Carpinteria. Why would a state employed Seargeant lie for a campground volunteer? I think that is the real question that should be asked here. Their maintenance is questionable but again don't bother mentioning anything about it, they will get super defensive and may attack you and you may be next on their radar to swarm you with their baby boomer garbage. Update: I just read all the other really bad reviews and I'm starting to think the hosts/volunteers, workers, rangers, may be doing this outrageous behavior/treatment on purpose to keep people away- maybe so they can have the place all to themselves? Update #2: To the person who couldn't reserve a premium campsite directly after midnight and was told it was because a "bot system" runs the reservation system. Consider this: It appears that these unmarked "volunteers" at the campground are there year-round and some coming and going and set up in premium sites. It also appears that these unmarked "volunteers" are taking up as much as or more than 1/4 of these campsites. Perhaps their excuse is a "bot" system causing the problem, when really, they are overriding the system which they have access to and likely have the ability to do, and reserving the spots (even selling spots and seats illegally) for their friends/family/ex-coworkers/people willing to pay them directly/etc. and calling many of them unmarked "volunteers". read more

My review is going to be for the campgrounds at Carpinteria State Beach. My Girlfriend, her parents, and myself camped out for the weekend of 9/23/2019 at Carpinteria State Beach. We traditionally have always camped out at Leo Carrillo State Beach, but because of the recent fires had to make a plan "B" and this was it. My Girlfriend and I definitely expected more or at least equal in comparison to our traditional spot. It's pretty funny as we all looked at their website, pictures, etc. and really was excited about the camping trip, green grassy areas, shady trees, nature / eco-systems by the beach. We drove up to the guard's station Friday afternoon. We looked around. We looked at each other and said "They lied!". The ranger/guards to begin with let's just say "Total lack of a personality" not personable at all. The one's we dealt with during our stay, just weren't friendly. Unlike, Leo Carrillo State Beach, they are amazing. They are always super smiles and super friendly. Now back to the grounds, nope nope nope can't go by the website. There is very little grass, mostly dirt, and it looks like trees have been cut back. At least in the A section aside from where you enter, almost no shade what so ever! The beach is a beach, but there are no natural eco-systems. The beach looks as if it has been flattened out and sterilized. However, it it still a nice beach. read more

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It's a nice parking lot next to the beach and that's pretty much it. The grounds and bathrooms are clean. The spots are very close together. The park staff is super rude. read more

Great video review here - https://youtu.be/Anzi4H3Qxpk Carpinteria State Beach Campground is such an incredible place to kick back and unwind. The spaces are tight, but we managed to fit our 35 motorhome in a sweet little spot (348) right across from the beach. Loved this spot because 347 right next to it was being used for maintenance's golf cart so we didn't feel quite as crammed. The sites up against the sand are prime, but shorter and about 25 feet of concrete in length, but allows for maybe 4-6 feet of overhang on the sand. So really these spots are designed for 30 foot or less. Basically, from your back wheel forward you'll need to measure and if it's over 25 feet, you should look for another spot in the campground. There are 4 campground areas, some with no hook ups for tent camping, some with electric and water only, and then the Santa Rosa Loop with full hook-ups including sewer which is where we opt to stay. It is a State Campground so yes, you have to wake up 6 months in advance of your stay and play the whole internet scramble on reservecalifornia.gov, but our group of campers always seems to pull off the week and spots with some success. They do have showers, restrooms, and overflow parking available as well. The town of Carpinteria is only a short bike ride away and offers quaint small town charm. Good food and shops are worth taking an afternoon to explore. For some reason each year the guys from our group have made it a ritual to take an afternoon to eat at the local Thai restaurant and grab few pints at the local brewery. There's also a trip on bikes with the kiddos to hit the local candy shop. There is a marsh and some tidepools that are worth checking out too. Eagle rays, leopard sharks, harbor seals, star fish, sea anemones, and all sort of ocean life can be seen throughout the area. The Spanish named this area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe that originally occupied the land had created a large seagoing canoe enterprise, or "carpentry" shop here. They used the naturally occurring surface tar to waterproof the canoes. Well this surface tar still exists and is something we've had to deal with a bit. The kids will come back from playing in the surf and get spots of tar on their feet and swimsuits. Not a big deal, but make sure to bring some baby oil to help make it easier to get this tar off of skin. It'll really helps cut down on the mess. No dogs allowed on the beach past 10 or 15 feet from beach front campgrounds, but bring your pup because there are plenty of places to still walk and take your buddy on adventures. There are campfire pits at most spots, at least in the Santa Rosa Loop so bring firewood to enjoy at night. If you're looking to rent an RV there is only one outfit that is permitted to deliver an RV to the park: 101 RV Rental Concessions and you can reach them at 805-210-7391. read more

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The "state trooper" that serves this beach is so over the top ridiculous!! The quiet time of 10:00 really means bed time at 10:00. You CANNOT sit by the campfire and talk at a normal voice level without threat of jail time after 10:00 pm. I have never camped at a place so strict and will never come back. I am a grandmother of 2 beautiful babies that were sound asleep next to us. Enjoying a small campfire 2 nights in a row with no music playing and no cheering laughing or loud noise. Both nights they drove around and saw us "awake" and treated us like criminals and threatened jail time if we didn't go to bed. I have never been treated with so much disrespect! We were written up with a citation with no warning and the only thing they could say was it's only a misdemeanor don't worry you will just pay a fine... for what??? Being awake past 10:00 pm? WHY DO I NEED TO PAY A FINE? I am not the person who complains on this yelp thing. But sitting here really dumbfounded right now of what we were really doing wrong. This guy who has so much power completely ruined our trip. I am always on the side of the police department and have so much respect for what they do. This puts some serious question into whether they are all really the good guys. This officer needs more training! Let's not cut the budget of the police department and instead put more money into their training. read more

Upon arrival the parking lot was full, I get that we got there mid afternoon. The "lovely" female park ranger on the golf cart was a total bitch! She said the lot was full, cool. I asked her where to park she said she didn't care to back into town and walk, again ok. I noticed a family leaving that was parked just outside the tracks, so I signaled I was going to flip around and take it. She then thought it was ok to start to berate me, keep in mind no one else was moving and she was blocking me from flipping around. After I parked and walked in she then was harassing dome guys in a truck who where allowed in to park. They let her know in some choice words how wrong she was. So long story short, who gives you the right to talk crap and treat people like shit?! I knew I disliked this beach you just reminded me how much read more

Visited Carpinteria campground over the Superbowl holiday weekend. Booked RV sites 407 and 408 about six months in advance. We did have full hook ups. The middle and back rows of the RV campground are truly parking lots with minimal green belt areas. The sites included a table, fire ring, and hooks ups. There are trains multiple times throughout the day and night. There are minimal areas to maneuver rigs and vehicles when parking. We arrived late in the evening and were the last party to arrive to our row, this meant mere inches of clearance on turning and getting vehicles set up. Plenty of families parked their towing vehicle in overflow, the sites are little! It was super crammed! The sites closest to the water appeared to be more spacious. Pay attention to the details of the campground in the attached trifold. The descriptions listed in the trifold would have been beneficial on the website (upojn booking). Our other family could not fit their rig in our back row, but were able to be accomadated in the middle row. The differentiation is not listed online, but very clear in the trifold you receive on arrival. The logistical and sardine feel to the campground is what keeps this place from being a 5/5 campground. The campground DID have plenty of exploring! So much so, I was able to overlook the preceding negatives to give the grounds a 4/5. There are plenty of walking and biking trails within minutes of the sites; each dog friendly as well (just no the state beach areas). The points of interests included: tar pit park, seal observation site, sculpture park, and the beach with plenty of driftwood for the children to play. There is plenty to do for families. Tar is present, just be careful. During superbowl weekend, there was a campground superbowl squares pool. How cute and creative is that? Plenty of families and retired folks enjoying the camp life. An Albertson's is near and plenty of local yummy places to dine as well. Bathrooms and showers available and clean! We didn't see critters. Carpinteria is worth adding to your list, because at the end of the day the surrounding area (beach/walking/seals) beats the asphalt jungle of the campgrounds. read more

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Paid for a "premium"'campsite not knowing we would be in a parking lot style site -only camping was behind our rv. Could not even open our awning as it would overhang the handicapped parking. Generator hours are 10-8 and no dogs on the beach - lady ranger was very abrupt and rude -we were so disappointed . Will not return- also train comes blaring at 7 am blaring its whistle the entire way. read more

LOVE the tide pool action here but HATE the tar! LOVE the camping spots in the San Miguel area of the state beach and bathrooms were pretty clean. The surrounding area of carpenteria is also fun and welcoming but damn that tar! Yuck! read more

Carpinteria State Beach - The treasures of an early morning walk. - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Damnit I can't BELIEVE I haven't written a review about this beach yet. It is AMAZING. Know why? I lived in LA where at the beach, it was too crowded. Too much going on. Too much to pay for parking. And on top of that, NO PARKING, goddamn. This beach doesn't have that drama. Or those wanna-be celebrities. Or that pain in the ass parking enforcement. This beach is just peaceful. I do everything here: think, cry, clear my mind, meditate, walk, write. Everything. This beach is truly a blessing. What a gift to be able to park and walk right out onto the sand. I will never take this for granted read more

all in all we had a nice stay here. although when busy, their wifi is very weak. lots of sand everywhere so expect to sweep a lot. if you tow a large rig its gonna be rough backing in. its a 15 min walk to town which is nice. the beach is great here !! would come back again. read more

I love this beach !!!! Only reason why I'm giving it one star is because I don't want anyone else finding out about it hahahaha!!!! Other wise it's a 10/10 !!!!! Small little beach town . It was cooler pre covid when all the restaurants were open . A lot of new construction the last couple of years . But still my favorite place to visit !!! read more

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Carpinteria State Beach has been our go to beach for the past 2 years for just a picnic day trip to relax on the beach. My friend and I wanted to get out of the Santa Barbara beaches that were filled with seaweed and sand flies. Last year we didn't know and ended up in the camping area day parking lot which we were charged $10. This year I did some research and found you can park on the street for free. We found an abundance of spots. I brought a picnic and we pitched an umbrella more near where the hotel are located. The beach was empty around this location and we spent a very relaxing day at the beach. read more

Carpinteria State Beach - Beach sightd - Beaches Near Me - Carpinteria, California

If you are camping here be aware that many sites are small and you will have to park your vehicle in a close by parking lot. Campsites are not cleaned in between stays and ours had trash. Fire pit was full to the top and was not usable. Ranger checking us in was very rigid. Came across as a parking nazi. read more