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Rincon Parkway
Overview
Rincon Parkway offers one of the most iconic camping experiences found anywhere on the California coast. Located directly along a scenic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, this park consists of a long line of asphalt spaces reserved exclusively for RVs. Unlike traditional campgrounds with divided sites and wooded perimeters, this is a linear roadside park where your front door opens to the sights and sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the rocks. It serves as a scenic gateway for those exploring the Central Coast, providing a sense of freedom that only coastal highway travel can offer.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled between the coastal cities of Ventura and Carpinteria, the park stretches along a narrow strip of land between the hillside and the sea. Travelers enjoy unobstructed views of the Channel Islands on clear days, which sit prominently on the horizon. The proximity to the water is the primary draw here, as the sites are positioned just feet from the shoreline, making it a prime spot for watching sunsets or spotting dolphins playing in the surf. The sound of the surf becomes your constant soundtrack, providing a natural rhythm to your stay along the Pacific.
Amenities & Park Features
This is strictly a dry camping destination, meaning there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at the sites. All visitors must arrive in a fully self-contained RV to stay here. The park provides basic necessities to ensure a clean and functional environment for travelers:
- Portable toilets located at convenient intervals along the parkway.
- Dedicated trash receptacles for easy waste disposal.
- Paved parallel parking spaces designed for easy access.
Because there are no hookups, it is essential to monitor your tank levels and battery power throughout your stay to maintain comfort.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do within a short drive of their campsite. The area is famous for world-class surfing at Rincon Point, which is located just a few miles to the north. To the south, the city of Ventura offers a historic pier, a vibrant downtown district with local boutiques, and the Channel Islands National Park visitor center. For those interested in local history, the San Buenaventura Mission is a short trip away, offering a glimpse into the region's deep cultural roots. The nearby coastal bike paths are also popular for scenic rides between beach communities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for experienced dry campers who value location and views over resort-style luxury. It is perfect for those who want to wake up to the ocean breeze and do not mind the ambient sounds of passing traffic on the nearby highway during the day. It appeals most to travelers who prioritize immediate proximity to the sand and those who enjoy a no-frills, authentic road trip vibe. If you possess a self-sufficient rig and desire a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean, Rincon Parkway provides an unforgettable and rugged California coastal experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Gary Chapman
Great place to RV. Few feet from the ocean. Awesome sunsets and views. No hookups so charge your batteries or have solar.
Michele Farrar
Camping in a parking space parallel to the beach. $45 a night, must reserve online. Trains run next to the road but the sound of the ocean waves 24/7 is worth it. Fantastic sunsets. No frills but exciting to be so close to the beach.
Dave
Having lived in Carpinteria in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s the Rincon “Parkway” was a forlorn spot on the coast that no one bothered to stop at, much less want to spend a night at. Just a funky stretch of highway 1 next to the railroad tracks and dismal beach area. Every 4 AM the freight train blasts through guaranteed to wake you up! But now that the masses have invaded California it’s considered a “slice of Heaven”, just because it’s on the water and it’s equated with Malibu homes that go for millions. It’s fine… I get the fantasy folks have created in their minds over this stretch of Highway 1… the trouble is the area is over-run with thieves that will steal anything that isn’t brought inside, ground squirrels with the plague and when I camped their with my RV for 4 days (only because every other campground was full), my RV was overrun with ants. Millions of ants. Lower your expectations folks and bring bug spray and sun screen. Who knows, you might be front and center for the Big One… the earthquake and tsunami that is overdue by 50 years !
eileen edgerton
We were so looking forward to camping “at the beach” in Sept 2025, after having driven along 101 for years and looking down at all the RVs parked along the “beachfront camping.” We finally made a reservation and were so disappointed! There is a 4 foot wall of boulders along the road between the campsites and the beach… and if (IF) you manage to scramble UP and over the wall, there would be about a 5 foot drop to the beach!!!! I can’t even imagine how this public campground would be ADA compliant! As for the view: When we set up our camp chairs alongside our RV, all we could see was a wall of boulders!!!! No ocean view at all! We drove about 1 mile along the “campground/road” up one direction and then in the other direction to see if there was some break/public access to the beach. NOPE! You would think that they could have a break/gap in the wall where the porta potties and dumpsters are but NOPE! No access whatsoever. Some campers may get lucky if the boulder wall is low where they are but for the rest of us: NO ACCESS. Again, I can’t see how this public campground is at all ADA compliant or even accessible as a courtesy accommodation for older or mobility challenged people. Very disappointing.
Melissa Stewart
Oceanfront camping. Climb down a few rocks and you are steps from the sand. Bring your own everything -fire pit, table, lighting, etc. No hookups. Just an asphalt parking spot with excellent ocean views.