Best Campgrounds near Arroyo Grande, CA

Camping near Arroyo Grande, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene spot in the woods, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Morro Strand State Beach Campground, are right by the beach. Campers enjoy the close proximity to the ocean, making it easy to relax on the sand or take a dip. One camper mentioned, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."
• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. A visitor noted, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach love the variety of wildlife. One review highlighted, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Morro Bay State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms have hot water and flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained."
• Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offer large sites with plenty of room for tents and RVs. One camper mentioned, "Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities."
• Beautiful Views: Campers at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park rave about the stunning views. A visitor shared, "The stars here are incredible at night, all you hear are the waves crashing."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially those near train tracks. A camper at Refugio State Beach Campground noted, "There is a railroad track just east of the campground," which can be disruptive at night.
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, El Capitán State Beach Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient. One reviewer said, "There isn't much to do here (limited hiking)."
• Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of wildlife, especially at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. A visitor warned, "There are black bears that roam the area, so be sure to prepare for that."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Oceano County Campground, there's a fun scavenger hunt app for kids. One parent mentioned, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
• Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A camper at San Simeon Creek Campground advised, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."
• Plan for Beach Days: If your family loves the beach, consider Jalama Beach County Park. One reviewer said, "Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookup Availability: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "No electric hookups, but the campground is nice."
• Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is. A camper mentioned, "There's a dump station here but it's not free even for campers - it's a $10 fee."
• Space for Big Rigs: Some campgrounds are big rig friendly, like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One RV owner said, "The sites are spaced pretty well."

Camping in Arroyo Grande, CA, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to nature enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!