Camping @ Casitas vs. Carpinteria

[Zippy the Pinhead]

Planning a multi-family camping trip around the end of March somewhere north of Los Angeles. We're looking at Carpinteria State Beach vs. Refugio vs. Casitas, or possibly some other location if any of you would care to suggest something.

I'm wondering what the consensus opinion is on the better camping experience: state-owned or (semi-) private, as Casitas appears to be.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MCR]

Zippy, I have never camped at any of your mentioned choices however I have camped at Sycamore Canyon years ago in the boy scouts. Its very nice, you can walk to the ocean in two minutes just across PCH as well as hike and explore the mtns. There is a creek and several trails to hike, I would recommend it as well as Pt Mugu camping area. I have camped there as well, pretty much the same location- along the coast of the Santa Monica Mtns between Malibu and Oxnard. Another great choice that I would highly suggest checking out is Lake Cachuma. Been there several times, great place for kids and families. There is a bunch of group camping areas and good scenery. Fishing, hiking, boating, but you cant swim or make contact with the water but the Santa Ynez river is about 20 mins away and is stocked wth trout in the spring, also check out the campgrounds along the river, they look like they would make for a good spot. Hope this helps you out, good luck!

 

[MCR]

Sorry, almost forgot, all the campgronds I mentioned are state or federally owned. Cachuma seems to be the better of them, with a full time host/hostess, small store and the feeling of it being quite large, if you are looking for a campground like that. Cachuma is the largest of the areas I mentioned.