Hours & Fees
Carpinteria State Beach is open from sunrise to sunset for day use, according to California State Parks, and the campground map gives the day-use area's hours as 7 a.m. to sunset. Vehicle day use costs $10. State Parks says special rates may apply in peak season, on busy holidays and on weekends.
Hours and Fees at a Glance
Hours
- Day use, whole park: sunrise to sunset (State Parks park page).
- Day-use area: 7 a.m. to sunset (campground map, 2026).
- Campground: open all year. Check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out is noon.
- Campground quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Generators: only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Curfew: visitors under 18 must be with a parent or guardian after 8:30 p.m.
The campground map warns that a vehicle that leaves the day-use lot is not guaranteed reentry once the lot is full, so plan to stay put on a busy summer day.
Day-Use Fee
Vehicle day use is $10. State Parks says prices can change without notice and that special rates may apply at peak season, on high-demand holidays and on weekends. Park fees are due on entry. Statewide, State Parks charges day use per vehicle at most parks, and walking or biking in is free at most of them. Check the sign at the entrance when you arrive.
Camping Fees
Campsite fees vary by loop and hookup and are shown on ReserveCalifornia when you book. What the park itself posts:
- The campsite fee covers one vehicle.
- Each additional vehicle is $10 a night, paid at the park (not in advance). After hours, pay at the entrance station's self-registration.
- Hike and bike camping is $10 a person, a night, paid before you set up.
More on camping and reservations.
Passes Accepted
State Parks lists these passes as accepted here:
- California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass
- Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass
- Disabled Discount Pass
- Distinguished Veteran Pass
- Golden Bear Pass
- Senior Golden Bear Pass
- California State Library Parks Pass
Is It Open Year-Round?
Yes. State Parks lists no seasonal closure, and campsites are open year-round. Two seasonal things to know: lifeguard towers are traditionally staffed from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and the park has posted an annual maintenance period from February 15 to March 13, 2027, when the four camping loops cannot be reserved and only some walk-up sites are offered at the entrance kiosks.
Contact
Park phone (805) 566-2494. The Channel Coast District information line is (805) 585-1869.
Hours & Fees FAQ
How much does it cost to get into Carpinteria State Beach?
Vehicle day use is $10. State Parks says special rates may apply at peak season, on busy holidays and on weekends. Walking or biking in is free at most California state parks.
What time does Carpinteria State Beach close?
Day use runs until sunset. State Parks lists the park as sunrise to sunset, and the campground map gives the day-use area as 7 a.m. to sunset.
Does a California State Parks pass work at Carpinteria?
Yes. The park accepts the California Explorer and Golden Poppy annual day-use passes, Golden Bear and Senior Golden Bear passes, the Disabled Discount Pass, the Distinguished Veteran Pass and the State Library Parks Pass.
How much is an extra car at a Carpinteria campsite?
$10 a night. The campsite fee covers one vehicle; extra vehicles are paid at the park and park in the Tarpits, Jellybowl or main day-use lots.