Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area
Set right in San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita is a prime locale for camping thats still close to plenty of restaurants and breweries.
The site is carved into the side of a hill, covered in oaks and pines, and providing 70 acres of panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see, plus some stunning lake views.
It has 60 standard campsites in four separate sections, none have full hookups and some are tent only.
The amenities offered are not too bad, and there are so many activities such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Its an ideal retreat for any and all nature lovers. There are even boat-in campsites for all the nautical out there.
If rustic and rural are in your camping repertoire, this may just be your best bet.
If you have anything to add to this list I want to know! During the day if you want a break from camping, I recommend going on an adventure to Hearst Castle in San Simeon or checking out the beachy city of Grover Beach.
Definitely show me where you decide to camp by tagging me on Insta @wtfab! I love seeing where you all end up and looking at your pics.
Why Youll Love Pismo Coast Village Rv Resort
The owners of Pismo Coast Village RV Resort have made this RV park more than suitable for both seniors and young families. Every RV pad at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort comes with beach access, and there is a large clubhouse on site. Popular attractions such as Dinosaur Caves and Monarch Grove are nearby.
San Luis Obispo Camping Cambria/san Simeon
A lot of people stop by the area to visit Heart Castle or on their way to Big Sur.
I recommend taking a day or two to dedicate to concentrate on the area. Once again, there are coastal preserves, plenty of wildlife, and libations such as wine tasting.
I have several articles on what to do, see, and eat.
Ragged Point: The Gateway to Big Sur
Also Check: The Dyrt Tent & Rv Camping
Cava Robles Rv Resort
I will call Cava Robles a luxury RV park. With amenities such as gourmet market, on-site bistro, on-site wine tasting, wellness center, and golf cart rental, it is easy to deduce this is not the typical place where you stay with your RV.
Type of Camping: RVs, Trailers, Cottages
Number of Sites: About 300
Amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Swimming Pool, Splash Zone, Hot Tub, Picnic Tables, Spa, Fire Pits, Dog Park, Outdoor Movie, Bocce Court, On-Site Bistro, Market, Concierge, Bicycle Rental, Clubhouse
Reservations: Yes, check availability here
Fee: $84 $110 for RV sites, there was a 2-night minimum stay requirement at publication time
Notes: A banquet room is available for events such as weddings, birthdays, and meetings. Catering can be arranged through the park.
Calif State Parks Reopens Some Campsites In San Luis Obispo County Beginning Sept 19
Posted by Press Release | Sep 16, 2020
California State Parks announced Sept. 15 the reopening of some campgrounds at Morro Bay State Park, Hearst San Simeon State Park and Morro Strand State Beach with new COVID-19 guidelines. Current reservation holders can begin checking in after 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and walk-ups will not be permitted. Each campsite will allow up to eight people from the same immediate household and two vehicles maximum. Group campsites will remain closed to avoid large gatherings.
In March, all campgrounds across the State Park System were temporarily closed to support state and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Based on current data reported by the California Department of Public Health, State Parks is working with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access at park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved.
The reopening of some campgrounds does not mean things are going back to normal. Governor Gavin Newsom continues to ask Californians to stay close to home, maintain the proper physical distance, wear a face covering and avoid congregating with others outside their immediate household.
Below are some additional new COVID-19 guidelines for Morro Bay and Hearst Simeon state parks, and Morro Strand State Beach:
For camping reservations, contact ReserveCalifornia or call 444-7275. Hours of operation: 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT.
Also Check: Dispersed Camping Near Ogden Utah
What People Are Saying About Le Sage Riviera Rv Park
Visited family that was camping here. They liked it and said theyd be back. Everyone that walked by the trailer was friendly. No trees though. Its all concrete camping. Close to the railroad tracks so its probably noisy if you like to keep your windows open. Lisa, Google Review
Location
- Le Sage Riviera RV Park
- 319 CA-1,
Learn more on the locationswebsite!
Amenities
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: Contact management for rates Number of RV Sites: 170 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: No Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Strong signal Beach access Laundry facilities
Camping Around Avila Beach
595-2359 Avila Hot Springs
Avila Hot Springs offers visitors tent camping, parking for small RVs, and cabins. The resort’s facilities are available for the public, including a large fresh-water, heated swimming pool , hot mineral soaking pools, a restaurant, bike rentals and massage.
Tent Camping: Picnic tables, fire pits, sites fit 1 tent, discounted swim/soak/shower passes.RV Sites for RVs 25 feet or lessCabins: 1-bedroom, 1-bath with kitchen, sleeps up to 4, cable TV, provide your own cookware and utensils.Rates: $$
Port San Luis RV Camping
RV camping by online reservations only is available for fully self-contained units at several ocean-front locations around Port San Luis. Camping is administered by the Port San Luis Harbor District. Read details at RV Camping.Most sites are dry camping, but a few have hook-ups. There is no tent camping. Camping sites include the following locations:
- Coastal Gateway Campsites – 8 full hook-up sites
- Woodyard Turnout – 13 dry camping sites
- Nobi Point Turnout – 6 dry camping sites
- Trailer Boat Campsites – must have currently registered vessel during stay
Also Check: Tent Camping At Grand Canyon
San Luis Obispo County Attractions
Southern Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County offer wonderful attractions and many scenic points of interest. Those enjoying Lopez Lake Camping have both the lake and the nearby beaches to enjoy.
- Take a splash at Ravine Water Park near Paso Robles.
- Fish from Pismo Beach’s 1370-foot pier.
- Explore the tide pools at Shell Beach.
- Head out sea kayaking through the Dinosaur Caves.
- Set out on a wine tasting tour through the San Luis Obispo countryside.
- Hike up the Valencia Peak Trail.
- Watch elephant seals at Piedras Blancas.
- Explore Montana de Oro State Park.
- Enjoy Lake San Antonio for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Find good camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Head over to nearby Lake Nacimiento with excellent camping, fishing, and boating. Waterskiing is popular on the lake along with jet skiing. Visit the Lake Nacimiento Resort.
- Take a tour of the famous Hearst Castle.
- See all the animals at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
- Spend a day at Morro Bay, visiting shops, beaches, and other attractions.
- Go stand-up paddleboarding at Avila Beach or Morro Bay.
- Visit old Mission San Miguel.
- Go cycling around Cambria, set out on scenic Highway 1 or pick a quiet country road.
El Chorro Regional Park
Located on scenic Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, the camp was initially used for training purposes during WWII and the Korean Conflict. The park offers a large number of activities to visitors and it is located across a golf course.
Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers
Number of Sites: 61
Amenities: Restrooms, Coin-Operated Showers, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Off-Leash Dog Park, Botanical Garden, BBQs, Volleyball Courts, Softball Fields, Group Campsites
Reservations: Yes, check availability in here
Fee: $25 to $36 for tents, $40 to $50 for RVs, price depends on season and day of the week
Notes: Bring all the supplies you need since there are no restaurants or markets within walking distance of the campground
Recommended Reading: Camping Near Camp Verde Az
What People Are Saying About Pismo Coast Village Rv Resort
Cute little place to go camping. Everyone was really friendly and the grounds are really nice. Easy access to the dunes and you are even walking distance to butterflies. David, Google Review
Location
- Monday Sunday 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
Learn more on the locationswebsite!
Amenities
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $60-$63/Not offered/$900 Number of RV Sites: 133 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: Yes Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Strong signal Playground Free Wi-Fi
Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreational Area
The Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreational Area is located three miles south of Pismo Beach, off Highway 1. Activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and hiking can be practiced.
The peculiarity about this campground is that sites are located in an open dune area. To reach the sites, you need to drive your vehicle over the sand. This is the only state beach in California that allows this.
People staying here look forward to driving ATVs or dirt bikes on the dunes. If you are interested in this activity, rentals are located nearby.
Type of Camping: Tents, Car Camping
Number of Sites: Information not found
Amenities: Take into consideration amenities are minimal due to the campground location. Vault toilets are available. Services like water delivery are available too.
Reservations: Yes, the phone number is 1-800-444-7275. This is a popular campground during high season and holiday weekends. Reservations are encouraged. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance, but they must be made at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
Fee: $10
Notes: It is recommended to use a 4-wheel drive while camping at this site. Other vehicles may get stuck in the sand. Access to the campground may be restricted during bad weather conditions. Dogs are permitted on leash.
Recommended Reading: Camping Near Shawnee National Forest
San Luis Obispo Campgrounds
San Luis Obispo Campgrounds
San Luis Obispo County Campgrounds
From Pismo Beach to San Miguel, San Luis Obispo County has a variety of campgrounds with camping at the beach to camping in the mountains and lakes. There are State Parks and private campgrounds that offer both tent camping and RV camping. Find campgrounds in the list below.
Location-35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1 and 2 miles north of Cambria-turn right onto San Simeon-Monterey Creek Road to the campgroun
Phone #-805-927-2020
Campsites-13 tent and RV campsites-RVs and trailers up to 35-each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring-restrooms and showers a short walk-dump station available-firewood for sale-maximum 8 people per site
Fee-$35 per night-additional vehicle $10-maximum 8 people per site
Reservations-Reservations taken peak season May 27 through September 2 with half of the campsites being first come first serve and half reservastions can be made-off peak is first come first serve-reservations can be made with
Dogs-allowed in campground but not on trails or beach
The San Simeon Creek Campground has trails to hike and the beach is a short hike away. A must see while you are there is to go see the Elephant Seal Rookery a short drive north and Hearst Castle.
Camp French Event Center
Camp French Event Center is a great location for weddings and large scale events. The event center can accommodate approximately 150 people in the banquet facility. There are tables and chairs, professional kitchen with warming trays walk in refrigerator and dish washer. Camping is located close by. For more information or to schedule a walk-thru please give us a call at 805.781.2381.
Also Check: Camping Close To My Location
Why Youll Love Le Sage Riviera Rv Park
If youre a golfer, youll be thrilled to learn that Oceanfront Pismo Beach Golf Course is right next door to Le Sage Riviera RV Park. If you decide to stay at Le Sage Riviera RV Park for a while, you can enjoy stepping directly onto the beach from the door of your RV every morning. Every RV lot at this RV park features views of the ocean and the surrounding dunes.
Reserving City Parks And Facilities
All reservations must be made no less than seven working days prior to the event. All permits must be signed with all applicable fees paid no later than seven working days prior to the event. Reservations are made no more than three months in advance of the event .
Permits may be requested through the online reservation system or by contacting the reservation desk at 781-7222.
Read Also: Camping Cabins Near Colorado Springs
Top 10 Rv Campgrounds In San Luis Obispo
Our choice for the top 10 campgrounds in San Luis Obispo, CA .
San Luis Obispo County is located on the central coast and is the birthplace of RVPlusYou. From the beaches to the lakes, and hundreds of world renowned wineries, this area definitely makes it to the list of 10 RV rental destinations.
For a list of RV Rentals that deliver to these area campgrounds,
Below are the top 10 destination RV campgrounds in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Securing a campsite at Port San Luis is a unique process. There are no reservations the campground works on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning on camping here, it is recommended to have an alternative plan in case there are no campgrounds available.
The max stay at this Port San Luis RV Campground is 14 days. In order to secure a site, you must be in the campsite with your RV. Self-service payments are made at the Iron Ranger Pay Station.
Amenities:
- Dump station costs $23 and is by appointment only
- Pet-friendly
Additional Information:
San Luis Obispo Camping Avila Beach
Avila Beach is located only 7 miles away from Pismo Beach. However, I gave it its classification on the list because it is a place that is skipped by many visitors.
Guys, this place is gorgeous! This is truly a hidden gem of the Californian Coast.
Learn more about this town bu clicking on the article shown below:
Don’t Miss: Rv Camping Salt Lake City
Lopez Lake Recreation Area
Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.
Reservation Changes And/or Modifications
- To make modifications to your reservation, first re-book your new reservation dates, as applicable, using the reservation website.
- Then email your cancellation request to: to cancel any unwanted dates.
- Questions: email or
- Only two reservation cancellations and/or modifications are allowed calendar year.
Read Also: Ready To Eat Meals For Camping
Avila / Pismo Beach Koa
This private site is located 5 miles north of Pismo Beach, 3 miles from Avila Beach, and 5 miles south of San Luis Obispo.
I have stayed several times at KOA operated sites and had a phenomenal time. The only thing is that you feel like staying on-site making use of all the facilities instead of going out to explore.
Type of Camping: RVs, Trailers
Number of Sites: About 90, deluxe lodging is available
Amenities: Dog Park, Pool, Mini-Golf, Showers, Restrooms, Laundry Room, Movie Theater, Basketball Court, Game Zone, Playground, Clubhouse, Bike Rentals, Common Areas
Reservations: Yes, check availability in here
Fee: $65 to $85, rates depend on seasonality and day of the week
Notes: No tents allowed
Christmas Camping Reservations Canceled At Oceano Dunes
A new wave of camping reservations at the Oceano Dunes has been canceled.
Last month, we reported 225 reservations were canceled from November 30 to December 6 due to King Tides. Now, more people are getting cancellation notices.
If you have camping reservations at the dunes anytime between now and December 28, check your email because all reservations are canceled.
This means people who had plans to camp there for Christmas will have to make other plans.
It’s Christmas. How can you do this to people on Christmas? questioned Heather Allen of Grover Beach.
It was heartbreaking, said Josh Agah of Modesto.
Agah just learned that his reservations to stay at the Oceano Dunes from Christmas Eve through New Year’s are no longer happening.
Its been his family tradition for years.
It’s disheartening to really see because of some rain that they’re able to close down our parks that belong to us, the people, Agah said.
With Christmas reservations canceled last year due to COVID-19, many were looking forward to bringing back their annual winter vacation.
Starting to get our trailers packed because it is Christmas time and we need to still do all of our Christmas stuff and get ready for the dunes and then you know, get on Facebook and see a thing posted that our reservations are going to be canceled, said Tina Winek of Merced.
The sign outside the Grand Avenue entrance reads: Creek crossing may close suddenly.
But some say its unjustified.
Others have decided to go elsewhere.
Don’t Miss: Keystone State Park Oklahoma Camping Reservations