Camping at Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria State Beach has four year-round campground loops, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel, named after the Channel Islands. Sites range from tent and dry RV camping to full hookups, and some sit right along the beach. Book through ReserveCalifornia, up to six months ahead to the day.

The Four Loops

State Parks' camping page and the 2026 campground map describe each loop:

• Anacapa: tents, motorhomes and trailers, no hookups. Also holds the hike and bike area and three group sites (Bobcat, Fox, Raccoon).
• Santa Cruz: tents, motorhomes and trailers, no hookups, with twelve premium beachside sites and three group sites (Gull, Egret, Plover).
• Santa Rosa: every site has full hookups (water, sewer and 30-amp electric), with twenty-two premium beachside sites. Vehicle lengths run 21 to 30 feet.
• San Miguel: sites 401–419 have no hookups; 420–446 have water and electric but no sewer; 447–456 are a beach row with no hookups, no tents and back-in parking only. Lengths run 18 to 30 feet.

Site-by-site detail is on the campground map page.

Site Rules

• Up to 8 people per family campsite.
• Each site has a fire ring (except the San Miguel beach row) and a picnic table. Don't tie swings, ropes or hammocks to trees or bushes.
• Not every site takes every kind of equipment. The maximum length for motorhomes and trailers is 35 feet, and each site's limit is listed on ReserveCalifornia.
• Vehicles and equipment stay on the pavement and inside the limit lines. Park only in your assigned site or an extra-vehicle lot (Tarpits, Jellybowl or main day use).
• Tents are not allowed on paved areas or in the San Miguel beach-row sites.
• Check-in is 2 p.m., check-out noon.

Fees

The campsite fee covers one primary vehicle. Each extra vehicle is $10 a night, can't be paid in advance and is paid at the entrance station (self-registration after hours). Fees are due on entry. If the entrance station is closed, State Parks says to check ReserveCalifornia for availability.

Stay Limits

• March 1 to November 30: up to 7 consecutive days.
• December 1 to February 28: up to 15 consecutive days.
• After the limit, people, equipment and vehicles must leave the campground for 48 hours before another stay.
• No more than 30 days in any calendar year.

Group, Hike and Bike, and En-Route Camping

• Group sites: Bobcat (RVs and trailers only, 25 people, 3 vehicles), Fox (25 people, 3 vehicles) and Raccoon (40 people, 5 vehicles) in Anacapa; Gull, Egret and Plover (25 people, 3 vehicles each) in Santa Cruz. Reserve ahead.
• Hike and bike: $10 a person a night, paid before you set up; check-in 2 p.m., check-out noon; two-night limit, then a 48-hour break; 5 days a year at most. Not for anyone traveling with a motor vehicle. Shared fire pits, picnic tables, food storage and a bike rack.
• En-route: for self-contained vehicles when the campgrounds are full. Check in at 6 p.m., out by 9 a.m.; no awnings, slide-outs, tents or fires; you can't move to day use after checking out; 48 hours away before returning.

Fires, Noise and Curfew

Fires only in established fire rings or barbecues, never on the beach. Don't gather firewood in the park; State Parks says firewood is not sold on park grounds. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., generators run only 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and sound must not carry beyond your site. Anyone under 18 must be with a parent or guardian after 8:30 p.m.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome in the campground on a leash no longer than 6 feet, must not be left unattended, and must be in a vehicle or tent at night. They are not allowed on the beach or in buildings (service animals excepted). See dogs.

RV Rentals Delivered to the Park

State Parks says 101 RV Rentals is the only business permitted to deliver rental trailers to this park, (805) 210-7391. Equipment from another company may be turned away at the gate.

Annual Maintenance, 2027

From February 15 to March 13, 2027, the Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel loops (group camps too) can't be reserved. Some walk-up sites will be offered at the entrance kiosks, and reservations made for those dates are cancelled automatically, with fees.

Safety

The speed limit is 15 mph. No riding in pickup beds. Lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Don't disturb marine mammals; see harbor seals.