The best dog-friendly RV camping near Carpinteria

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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.

97% (6.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Morning coffee views

1. -G Ranch

98%
(52)
47mi from Carpinteria · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · New Cuyama, CA
The Cuyama Valley separates the Caliente Mountain Range from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Tucked away in the northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of the Los Padres National Forest is Cottonwood Canyon of the Cuyama Valley, located in northern Santa Barbara County. Cottonwood Canyon is known for its spectacular high desert landscapes offering open ranges, rolling hills, chaparral with oak woodlands, riparian and juniper-sage terrain, and seasonal wildflowers. Cottonwood Canyon is also home to our secluded 116-acre ranch. The flora and fauna are plentiful, the mountainous views are indescribable, and the night skies are unforgettable! Perfect for unplugging, wildlife watching, photography, meditation, and much more! Our ranch has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails and is just two short miles from the Los Padres National Forest. This is the true essence of wilderness meets country, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Even though we are in the middle of nowhere, we are conveniently located near many recreational sites. Just to name a few, about 20 miles east is Alison Canyon Park; About 30 miles east off highway 33 is OHV recreation area, Ballinger Canyon; About 35 miles east off Hudson Ranch Road is the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge; About 60 miles north off Soda Lake Road is the Carrizo Plain National Monument; About 12 miles west is the Chimineas Ranch Ecological Reserve; and, about 60 miles east off highway 166 is Wind Wolves Preserve. Get a peaceful night’s sleep with full bellies! Here at -G Ranch, it’s important to us that you get the most pleasant stay that you deserve. Bring your own food to grill on our communal BBQ or possibly let us cook for you! Contact us before your stay and we can discuss food details.Learn more about this land:Come spend the night under the stars at our Grant Line camp site and event center. The Grant Line campsite is situated right next to an original 1840’s Spanish Land Grant boundary line, which is intersected by Forest Route 11N01. The grant has since been divided, but large pieces of land still remain, mostly inhabited by mountainous wildlife, ground squirrels, rabbits, coyotes and cattle. This area is also rich in Chumash history. Million-dollar views of the Caliente Mountain Range await you for evening sunsets and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range await you for your morning coffee enjoyment. Don't miss the brilliance of the famous Cottonwood Canyon Wildflowers with your front row seat. For your comfort, there is a 16x20 rustic-style shade structure (which has also been used for a dance floor!), water spigot, fire pit, small BBQ, and an outhouse. We have oak firewood available for purchase and a larger BBQ capable of cooking for 200+ guests available for rent, if needed. This site also provides plenty of parking for multiple RV’s and can accommodate larger groups.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$45
 / night
Regenerative Santa Barbara Farm

2. Regenerative Santa Barbara Farm

100%
(1)
13mi from Carpinteria · 1 site · RV · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$325
 / night

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.

97% (6.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Morning coffee views

1. -G Ranch

98%
(52)
47mi from Carpinteria · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · New Cuyama, CA
The Cuyama Valley separates the Caliente Mountain Range from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Tucked away in the northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of the Los Padres National Forest is Cottonwood Canyon of the Cuyama Valley, located in northern Santa Barbara County. Cottonwood Canyon is known for its spectacular high desert landscapes offering open ranges, rolling hills, chaparral with oak woodlands, riparian and juniper-sage terrain, and seasonal wildflowers. Cottonwood Canyon is also home to our secluded 116-acre ranch. The flora and fauna are plentiful, the mountainous views are indescribable, and the night skies are unforgettable! Perfect for unplugging, wildlife watching, photography, meditation, and much more! Our ranch has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails and is just two short miles from the Los Padres National Forest. This is the true essence of wilderness meets country, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Even though we are in the middle of nowhere, we are conveniently located near many recreational sites. Just to name a few, about 20 miles east is Alison Canyon Park; About 30 miles east off highway 33 is OHV recreation area, Ballinger Canyon; About 35 miles east off Hudson Ranch Road is the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge; About 60 miles north off Soda Lake Road is the Carrizo Plain National Monument; About 12 miles west is the Chimineas Ranch Ecological Reserve; and, about 60 miles east off highway 166 is Wind Wolves Preserve. Get a peaceful night’s sleep with full bellies! Here at -G Ranch, it’s important to us that you get the most pleasant stay that you deserve. Bring your own food to grill on our communal BBQ or possibly let us cook for you! Contact us before your stay and we can discuss food details.Learn more about this land:Come spend the night under the stars at our Grant Line camp site and event center. The Grant Line campsite is situated right next to an original 1840’s Spanish Land Grant boundary line, which is intersected by Forest Route 11N01. The grant has since been divided, but large pieces of land still remain, mostly inhabited by mountainous wildlife, ground squirrels, rabbits, coyotes and cattle. This area is also rich in Chumash history. Million-dollar views of the Caliente Mountain Range await you for evening sunsets and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range await you for your morning coffee enjoyment. Don't miss the brilliance of the famous Cottonwood Canyon Wildflowers with your front row seat. For your comfort, there is a 16x20 rustic-style shade structure (which has also been used for a dance floor!), water spigot, fire pit, small BBQ, and an outhouse. We have oak firewood available for purchase and a larger BBQ capable of cooking for 200+ guests available for rent, if needed. This site also provides plenty of parking for multiple RV’s and can accommodate larger groups.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$45
 / night
Regenerative Santa Barbara Farm

2. Regenerative Santa Barbara Farm

100%
(1)
13mi from Carpinteria · 1 site · RV · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$325
 / night

Public campgrounds near Carpinteria

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The best dog-friendly RV camping near Carpinteria guide

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.