Carpinteria State Beach

Easily my least favorite and most expensive campsite on my 2 month cross country camping trip. I camped here 10/15/2015. Tent camping was $45, for a patch of ground that was essentially a parking lot surrounded by RVs. RV camping here is even more expensive, I think it was 60 or 70. Also you are close to the road and there is a train that comes by every few hours which is likely to disturb your slumber.

Beautiful beach, but the lack of hot water showers and the 5 am train were not great.

Think "Progressive Potluck" but rather in a campground format. There's the best hike/bike, tent, flat spots, group spots, dry camping, E/W, and E/W/S sites. The day-use area is well maintained. The renovated restrooms and premium sites showcase money well invested.

This is a great location for those who are on Amtrak and want to camp for a night or those with the 5th Wheels with 12 slideouts. One comes to this campground to showcase their rig and best campsite layouts.

The campground does have a party vibe to it in the summer. In the winter - not so much. Town is right there: grocery stores, restaurants.

If you are looking for a first time camping spot: here you go.