The long days and warm months of summer and fall are high time for beach camping in Santa Barbara. From Carpinteria to Jalama, the coast is calling, and its five public campgrounds are among the most popular across the state, for out-of-towners and locals alike.
For the four California State Beach campgrounds along the South Coast — Carpinteria, El Capitán, Refugio, and Gaviota — make reservations at reservecalifornia.com. For Jalama, which is part of the Santa Barbara County Parks Division, visit sbparks.org or call (805) 568-2460. Here’s a quick primer.