Camping near Carpinteria with surfing
Enjoy year-round recreation and camping at this Central Coast beach town.
95% (1429 reviews)
- Carpinteria
95% (1429 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Carpinteria
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Carpinteria with surfing
81%
(29)
Firefly Ridge on Sky High Drive
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ventura, CA
Enjoy your own private, wild mountain top covered in protected California Oaks with 360° unobstructed views of nature. 10 minutes inland from the Beach in Ventura. 20 minutes from the center of Ojai. Quiet, dark skies! Off grid. Raw land. Rugged environment.
There are multiple flat areas on which to pitch a tent - one grassy area right above where you park that can fit two small 2-person size tents or a few different spots on top of the hill (although the top is a bit rocky, so you’ll be more comfortable with a sleeping pad).
The trail up to the top of the mountain from the parking spot is a bit STEEP and takes about 2-3 minutes to walk up to the top (where the best views are).
The parking spot can fit a van but no larger vehicles. Pay very close attention to not block the neighbors’ driveways at any time.
Our land comes as-is, it is a not a formal ‘campground’, so *WILD CAMPING* rules apply - respect the land, pack in-pack out, no trash left behind. No toilet, so come prepared! (Critical - you leave with *everything* you’ve come with. No digging holes to potty.)
The road up to the top of the mountain is essentially a one lane paved road, with some hairpin turns. Google Maps tells you “you have arrived” slightly before you reach the parking space that you can see in the pictures. Please also note in the pics that the parking space is flat once you’re fully in it, but there is a slight angle where you pull in, so longer vehicles may not park perfectly flat. Try to arrive *before sunset* - a few campers have had trouble finding their way in the dark as there are no street lights up there.
No open fires or BBQs!! Full fire ban in effect! Be ***extremely*** careful, this region is a High Fire Risk and needs to be protected. Protect these ancient oaks! (Enclosed gas portable stoves / pits ok when used with caution.) Dogs ok on leash but can never be left alone or allowed to bark in excess.
No parties or loud music — we have neighbors surrounding us around the mountain top, please *be respectful* and quiet by 10pm. They keep an eye on the place for us and we will hear from them if they are upset about noise, fires or dogs and they will call 911 if there is an immediate hazard or disturbance.
Please text us with any questions or issues. Thanks!
*Alas, refunds will not be given if the issue is that you didn’t read the description fully - some not-so-kind folks seem to be trying to game the system by complaining about things that are clearly stated and/or pictured - eg, that it is a mountain top / ridge, that there are neighbors at the bottom of the hill, that there is no toilet, etc.
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Arber-Moore's Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands.
Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land.
That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite.
We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink.
Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites.
The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area.
Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more.
We offer both tent and RV camping.
The Majority of our Guests love it here:
"Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts!
Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area.
The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly.
Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
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$69
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98%
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Vintage 1948 Airstream trailer
1 site · Lodging6 acres · Santa Barbara, CA
Learn more about this land:
Restored 1948 vintage Airstream Clipper trailer located on 6 acres.
Complete with a
double bed, mini
fridge, stove, full private bathroom/shower in building next to it, private gate to Elings Park, many hiking trails, a 5 minute drive to Hendry's Beach surfing, swimming. Mountain views with rural country feeling yet in the city of Santa Barbara.
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$85
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92%
(42)
Rancho de Granville
6 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Oak View, CA
Sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Nordoff (Ojai) the old bunkhouse and barn remain!
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$65
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91%
(40)
The Lodge at Deer Creek
2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Malibu, CA
At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between mountains and the pacific ocean. Surround yourself with nature and its music on this 25 acre ocean view property. Grab a surf or paddle board and head to the beach or zen out amongst the greenery. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are a beautiful drive along the coast.
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$75
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98%
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Private Beach Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Goleta, CA
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff.
We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot.
Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
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$200
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100%
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Ballard Walnut Grove
2 sites · RVs22 acres · Solvang, CA
We are a 4-generation family-owned and operated working farm, and have lived here since 1976. We are proud growers for Diamond Walnuts, and also have a busy Farm Stand with walnuts and produce, over 500 Christmas Trees, and a small event venue for rent. We love our farm and are happy to open our walnut grove to you and share the bounty and beauty that we have called home for over four decades. Ballard is 2 miles from Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez. Our Walnut Grove is nestled in the village of Ballard and in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Walking distance to two Tasting Rooms (Rideau & Lincourt), a Bakery (Bob's Well Bread), and a Fine-Dining Restaurant (Ballard Inn).
Note that the trees lose their leaves in the winter and will leaf-out in late May. We offer 2 sites the Grove: one that accommodates larger RV's with up to 6 people (called "Diamond" - which has a larger area with soft solar lighting, picnic table, fire pit, corn hole, cozy bench for two, complimentary bundle of wood and a tasty treat. (This site also accommodates two RV's -just "add on" in Extras for each night of their stay.)
The other smaller space (called "Chandler") is designed for a single RV or conversion van. Sprinkled with lighting, we include a picnic table, campfire pit with 3-4 pieces of split wood (you can add-on additional bundle for $10), Weber BBQ, bistro table and romantic bench swing. We include a treat for both our guests and their doggies.
The two sites are 200 yards apart (that's two football fields) assuring your privacy. Please note in your request what you will be traveling in (RV, Trailer, Sprinter, etc).
(** Please note that because we are a food-producing farm, we are only allowed to accept fully self-contained units (with built-in water and waste water tanks - sorry, no portable toilets ). No tents unless they are accompanying a self contained RV).
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$85
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Leap Lab Farm
1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Santa Paula, CA
15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.
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$60
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Saved 1 time
Regenerative Santa Barbara Farm
1 site · RV3 acres · Santa Barbara, CA
Welcome to our three-acre regenerative oasis, a certified organic urban working farm nestled just six minutes from the vibrant heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Here, amidst the bustling city life, discover a serene haven where the harmony of nature invites you to unwind and reconnect with your inner self.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our biodiverse sanctuary, where the gentle hum of bees, the fragrant aroma of lavender and citrus, and the sight of lush greenery coalesce to create a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery as you indulge in forest bathing amidst our verdant surroundings, enjoy leisurely picnics amid the natural beauty, and wander through our fragrant lavender and citrus gardens. Engage in interactive meditation sessions along our oak forest trails, allowing the serene ambiance to soothe your mind and nourish your soul.
Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and experience the transformative power of nature at our hidden oasis. Come, explore, and rediscover the essence of inner peace and serenity amidst the beauty of our certified organic farm.
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$250
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93%
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Lisa S.’s Land
4 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Solvang, CA
This is Glamping at its best! We have two cabins that have kitchens with mini frig, microwaves and sinks. Complimentary coffee and tea as well. Very comfortable queen beds. Each cabin has a living room and table area along with gas fireplaces inside and A/C. Outdoor courtyard area with firepit, picnic tables and string lights to enjoy the days or evenings. Each cabin sleeps two but both can be rented to sleep four. Both cabins are historic to the area. All of this is in the center of the Santa Ynez valley close to Los Olivos , Santa Ynez and Solvang.Wine tasting, bike riding and hiking. Great restaurants and wineries within walking distance.
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$85
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Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!
1 site · Lodging6 acres · Ojai, CA
Tucked away at the outskirts of Ojai, Caravan Outpost offers an unique experience hosted in one of our 10 Airstreams or 1 Tiny House on Wheels.
Learn more about this land:
This listing is for one of our 10 Airstreams located in a plush, beautiful Oasis in Ojai, California.
Caravan Outpost is a garden filled with Airstreams in Ojai, CA. One of the most unique places to stay in all of America. The Outpost is family-friendly and located on the Ojai Valley bike path. Ride one of our complimentary bikes, enjoy the beautiful botanical garden, eat at a local delicious restaurant, hike one of the many trails, listen to our vinyl collection - Relax and enjoy!
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$336
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Zela G.’s Sky Mountain
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Santa Barbara, CA
Our land is unique in the variety of vegetation: pines, oaks, palms, citrus, chaparral. We are conveniently centrally located to many daily adventures. The Chumash painted cave is near by as well as the rock playground Lizards Mouth. We are on the old stage coach trail, and only five minutes from Cold Springs Tavern.
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$200
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Carpinteria
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Carpinteria with surfing guide
Overview
On California's Central Coast, a 15-minute drive from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a quiet community that claims to be home to the "world's safest beach." Carpinteria State Beach is a major draw for visitors and overnight stays, offering day-use access to the bluff-flanked beach, as well as a California state park beachfront campground home to four loops: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. While the San Miguel Loop has water and electricity, the Santa Rosa Loop offers full hookups. Sites often fill up months in advance, but there are plenty of private alternatives in the surrounding area.
Where to go
California's Central Coast
It's hard to deny the beauty of the Central Coast, whether it's the cliff-lined stretches of Big Sur or the Mission-style architecture of Santa Barbara. Carpinteria is an excellent base from which to explore the entire region and its forest-filled inland areas.
The Channel Islands
Off the coast of Ventura, accessible only by boat, this chain of eight islands is a must for lovers of the natural world. Here you’ll be able to see all sorts of plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else on the planet. Five of the islands comprise Channel Islands National Park, each with a single campground.
Southern California
From Carpinteria, it's not far to Southern California, where campers can find quiet coastal communities and lively big cities. While the region is known for its beaches, it's equally fabulous for inland exploration, including Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park.
When to go
Carpinteria is a year-round destination, with pleasant, moderate weather throughout the year. If coming to surf, summer and fall are ideal, despite summertime getting major crowds. To see wildlife—notably sea and sea lions—come between December and May or visit when the tide is low, revealing tide pools full of colorful sea creatures.
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