As with all campgrounds, there are pros and cons with the pros outweighing the cons for most campers. What campers appreciate most is that there are so many campsites with excellent ocean views and the campground is within walking distance of the small town of Carpinteria, with a few good restaurants, shopping, etc. The cons include small naturally occurring accumulations of tar on the beach, campsites are very small and tight, and you can hear the sound of the nearby Amtrak train. The majority of campers, who have written reviews of Carpinteria State Beach, seem to feel that the pros outweigh the cons and would gladly visit again.