Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

With 127 sites accommodating RVs up to 35 feet, Anacapa Campground operates as a walk-in facility within Carpinteria State Beach where campers select their spot after checking in with rangers. The campground charges $45-290 per night and accepts reservations, though March operates on a first-come basis according to recent visitor reports.

Sites sit in an open layout without privacy barriers, creating a parking lot atmosphere that some campers find less appealing. Highway traffic and Amtrak trains running 12 times daily along the adjacent rail line generate consistent noise throughout the day and night. Site 103 lacks shade entirely, while other spots offer varying coverage. Water spigots provide foot-washing stations for beachgoers returning from the nearby shore.

Bathrooms and shower facilities receive mixed reviews, with several campers noting cleanliness issues and describing them as "dirty" and "gross." Dish-washing sinks sit directly next to dumpsters. The flat terrain works well for families with young children riding bikes, and downtown Carpinteria's restaurants and brewery remain within walking distance.

Recent visitors can drive through the campground to select available sites during slower periods. For campers wanting different coastal options, Carpinteria State Beach offers additional camping areas nearby.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

From March 1 through November 30, park visitors may camp for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. From December 1 through February 28, park visitors may camp for a maximum of 15 consecutive days. When the maximum consecutive stay has been reached, the person(s), equipment, and vehicle(s) must vacate the campground for a period of 48 hours before returning for another stay. The maximum stay limit for camping at Carpinteria State Beach is a total of 30 days in any calendar year.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach is located in California

Detail location of campground

Address

5361 6th St
Carpinteria, CA 93013

Coordinates

34.3935415596 N
119.52184862 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 24 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 44 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 33 users
    Last on 4/3/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 24 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 44 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 33 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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29%

3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere and easy beach access within walking distance to Carpinteria amenities. However, recurring complaints addressed noise from trains and traffic, lack of privacy, and mixed facility conditions that some felt didn't justify the pricing.

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2026

Its okay

The bathrooms and showers are very dirty. That’s probably related to the fact that it’s a huge campground, but when you pay $50 you also expect more than that. We’ve definitely seen much nicer places for $50. I certainly wouldn’t take a shower there.

On top of that, they gave us a campsite that didn’t exist. After that, we were offered to sleep in a parking spot that was some kind of late parking. Someone came and knocked the next morning saying we had to leave right away, even though our slip said 12:00 checkout.

I definitely won’t be coming back.

Sitedrive in
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2026

In March its GREAT!

Weather was cool, a little rain, and they do not take reservations in the Month of March and we had our pick as the ranger let us drive around and pick our spot. That kind of Thing rarely happens at Carpinteria CGs so it was Fun and few people, very weird and COOL, the town is with in walking distance and tones of drinks and food places

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach by Kevin M., January 27, 2026
  • Review photo of Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach by Kevin M., January 27, 2026
  • Review photo of Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach by Kevin M., January 27, 2026
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2025

Clean and easy access

I love Carp State Beach campground. The proximity to everything Carpinteria is within a short walking distance. Staff and venue are amazing.

Siteday use
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2025

Busy but kind of clean

Good for what it is. There’s not a lot of trash but some. It’s nice to be able to walk to the beach and there’s water spouts to clean your feet. The bathrooms are pretty clean, didn’t use the showers though. It’s a bit noisy with highway traffic and the occasional train. It’s pretty open so there’s no privacy to any site. I stayed at 103 which was a big mistake because there is no shade at that site.

Site103
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Mar. 24, 2025

Nice park

Spent a sunny weekend in site A116. There are showers available in the bathhouses. Amtrac has 12 trains per day on the railline just across the fence from the campground; if train noise bothers you, look elsewhere to stay. Easy access to the beach. Overall a nice family oriented place to camp and enjoy the beach.

Reviewed Nov. 3, 2024

For $70 a night we Expected More!

Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach by Spicy  N., November 3, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2023

Beautiful and convenient

Anacapa campground is the ideal spot for a family. The terrain/layout is easy for small kids to ride their bikes and still keep an eye on them. Walking distance to the beach, eateries and a local brewery. Love it.

Site108
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach by Loni , July 17, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different campground areas at Carpinteria State Beach (Anacapa, San Miguel)?

Carpinteria State Beach features distinct camping areas including Anacapa and San Miguel. Anacapa campground offers a family-friendly environment with an open layout that's easy to navigate, particularly good for children riding bikes. Sites are arranged in a parking lot style with designations like A116. San Miguel offers a similar camping experience within the state beach property. Both areas provide access to beach facilities, though they have an open configuration with limited privacy between campsites.

What activities and amenities are available at Carpinteria State Beach Campground?

Carpinteria State Beach Campground offers easy beach access with convenient foot-washing stations. The facility includes bathhouses with showers and restrooms that are regularly maintained. For recreation, the beach is the main attraction, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The campground's flat, open layout is ideal for bike riding, especially for children. You'll find food options within walking distance, including local eateries and a brewery. Water spigots are available throughout the grounds. Be aware that the campground sits near both highway and train tracks, so some noise is to be expected.

Where can I find a map of Carpinteria State Beach Campground?

Maps of Carpinteria State Beach Campground are available at the entrance station or ranger office when you check in. You can also find official maps on the California State Parks website or Reserve California portal. For planning purposes, know that Anacapa is laid out in a parking-lot style configuration with numbered sites (like A116). The campground has an easy-to-navigate layout that makes it simple to get around, especially for families with children on bikes.

How do I make reservations for camping at Carpinteria State Beach?

Reservations for Carpinteria State Beach can be made through the Reserve California system online or by phone. The campground is popular, especially during summer months, so booking well in advance is recommended. When making reservations, you can select specific sites like A116 in the Anacapa section if you have preferences for location within the campground. For the most up-to-date reservation policies and availability, check the California State Parks website or contact the park directly.