Are you in need of a campground near Los Osos, CA? Los Osos is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Los Osos, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Morro Bay State Park campground features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
$35 - $165 / night
Oceano Camp (sites 1-42)
$25 - $40 / night
The Morro Strand Campground offers over 70 campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table with water spigots and flush toilets nearby. TOKEN-operated shower facilities are available at the Morro Bay Campground with proof of registration. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available there. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.
$35 - $50 / night
The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. There are currently flush toilets and shower facilities in place. Chemical toilets are available. A dump station and pay phone are available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host.
Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available.
$35 / night
Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping.
$35 - $62 / night
Montana de Oro camping features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park's trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner's Cove, across from the campground. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.
A primitive campground in the canyon behind the Spooner Ranch House offers 47 campsites for tents, trailers, or motorhomes. The vehicle length limit for all trailers and motorhomes is 27 feet. Tables, firepits, drinking water, and primitive toilets are nearby. There are no showers or dump stations. Some campers may prefer the walk-in environmental campsites, which are secluded but campers should not be surprised to wake up to the yapping of coyotes or the rustling of other nighttime creatures.
For those who wish to bring horses to the park and camp overnight, there are six horse camps for family and group outings, complete with pipe corrals and limited parking for horse trailers. No horse rentals are available.
$25 - $150 / night
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.
Lopez Lake with its 22 miles of shoreline is the ideal year-round recreational destination for everyone. There are 377 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical, full hook-up, and group campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
$60 - $70 / night
El Chorro Regional Park Campground features 61 campsites (43 sites are full hook-up with electricity, sewer and water. 18 sites are primitive with water nearby). Each site at the campground can accommodate approximately 6-8 people and either a couple of tents or a full-sized R.V. The maximum trailer length at some of the sites is 40 feet and there are a couple of pull-through sites. Restrooms and coin-operated showers are available. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
$25 - $50 / night
Cerro Alto Campground is a well-known hiking and mountain biking paradise. It is located a short distance from the sandy beaches of Morro Bay, where visitors enjoy surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. While the campground offers a serene, relaxed environment, both Morro Bay and the nearby town of Atascadero offer numerous dining opportunities, shopping, museums and other activities. Wine Tasting in the Tempelton, Paso Robles Area is also a very popular experience.
Visitors enjoy ample hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities, along with a 360-degree view of the Central California coast and inland valleys. The 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail, which leads to the peak, begins within the campground. Morro Bay beaches are less than 10 miles from the campground, offering wide sandy stretches and swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. An 18-hole championship golf course is located in the oceanside town.
Visitors enjoy ample hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities, along with a 360-degree view of the Central California coast and inland valleys. The 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail, which leads to the peak, begins within the campground. Morro Bay beaches are less than 10 miles from the campground, offering wide sandy stretches and swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. An 18-hole championship golf course is located in the oceanside town.
The campground is situated in a mixed oak, pine and sycamore forest at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. It lies in a verdant canyon pass along a semiannual mountain creek. The roads are paved, but narrow, winding and single lane with turnouts to each site.
Paso Robles, which is quickly becoming known as a premier spot for Central Coast wines, is located 20 miles from the campground. Wine tasting tours are offered daily, or visitors can select individualized tours of numerous wineries located in the area. The campground makes a great base camp for motorcyclists or day-trippers to visit the quaint, neighboring towns of San Luis Obispo, Cayucos, Harmony and Cambria, all of which are within 35 miles of the campground. Tours of historic Hearst Castle are also available. Visitors can spend time relaxing at the many available day spas located at nearby Avila or Grover beaches. Off-road vehicle trails are available on famous Pismo Beach.
$35 - $39 / night
Morro Bay State Park campground features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
$35 - $165 / night
Oceano Camp (sites 1-42)
$25 - $40 / night
The Morro Strand Campground offers over 70 campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table with water spigots and flush toilets nearby. TOKEN-operated shower facilities are available at the Morro Bay Campground with proof of registration. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available there. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.
$35 - $50 / night
The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. There are currently flush toilets and shower facilities in place. Chemical toilets are available. A dump station and pay phone are available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host.
Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available.
$35 / night
Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping.
$35 - $62 / night
This is our second time at this location, first in dry camping, second time in the Jupe tents. As much as I was begging for this stay to be worth the $470 for two nights, it definitely wasn’t. The concept is great but really faulty when executed. 1) they disclose when booking that power to the tents may or may not work. The truth? The solar panels don’t charge whatsoever if there is fog/cloud cover in the mornings. Was told this directly by management. Soooo…. Considering this is a bay site, right on the ocean…. We didn’t have power once. Morning fog happens every single day. (Even though it was completely sunny from 12pm-5pm) this was frustrating, and we would’ve packed accordingly given knowledge that we would’ve been powerless all weekend. The blankets they provide don’t keep you warm either, so if you stay on a night below 50 without an electrical blanket or backups, prepare to freeze. During our stay we were also told that there was only one overnight maintenance man, on a Friday, during Labor Day weekend. That poor man didn’t get a break once all evening and definitely deserves a raise and to be treated better by his employers. He’s the only reason this review deserves a star. For such a beautiful location, this company is really fumbling. Disappointing.
Didn't have to go as far as GPS pin led me to believe, spot on right shortly after pavement ends. A bit trashed, wish I had a bag to clean up, some bigger stuff like a kids bike, to etc
Located on Vandenberg base which requires a membership card (military I.D.) This helps keep the camp site more private. No one goes here. It is tranquil and has trails to hike and lakes to fish in. Hunting is also allowed during select seasons. If you like quiet and keep to yourself, this is the place. There are no trash cans and a permit is required for campfire. There are a couple of port-a-pots and they are very clean. Go SpaceForce! Lastly, watch out for poison oak. Stay on the trails and all is well. Semper Fi.
We had reservations for 2 nights on an Augugst Friday / Saturday at Lopez Lake in a full-hook-up site in Bandtail (Site 38). The reviews of this place were great, and the photos were beautiful. We arrived to find a HUGE park (yes, I should have noted how many campsites there are). Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland. The park employees were nice though. There were big signs all around "NO FIRES" (more on this later) and I was also told at check in that there were no fires. We found our site easily enough, only to realize how closely packed the sites were in Bandtail. Some nice folks to our right had three sites - 11 kids and 21 people between them. The kids rode their bikes all over, and even onto our site (while also running around our van chasing a chipmunk). We had our daughter's dog, so tried sitting outside in the shade, only to find that in addition to the heat (it was mid 80s), there were biting flies. :( Poor puppy got bit or stung more than once. So we went in our van and turned on the AC (it could run on low with the 20A service there). Then, after dark, a dad and his young son arrive on our other side and had to back in their boat in the dark. We got out of our rig and helped them (twice) with our portable lights and guidance. In the morning, they spoke in very loud voices and we were right next door. We did take one of the trails in the heat, but they are not at all well maintained - basically trampled grass that could easily hold a snake. While the area is pretty, it is just way too crowded for our taste. Oh, and the bathrooms were dimily lit, had a couple of non-functioning toilets, and were dirty. We were ready to get out of there and will not be back. Lastly, though the fire danger was marked as extremely high and "NO FIRES" signs at check-in, along with verbal warnings of no fires, I saw two campsites had open fires in the fire pits. This blatant lack of regard for rules and safety didn't sit well with me. And no one was enforcing the fire ban. Sad.
We stayed here a few years ago, but on the primitive / non-hookup side. We stayed on the E/W hookup side this time and liked it as well, though it does have the more typical RV/parking lot feel as compared to the other side. There's a nice walking trail that connects the two sides. It's $50 for an E/W site, plus an $8.25 reservation fee.
There's a cool lagoon that you can walk all the way around on, with lots of birds, and much of it accessible as well which is nice. There's a cool visitor center, open 12-4. The beach is a short walk away. There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also, Old Juan's, it's so good and has great vegan options.
The showers here are nice and clean, and $1 gets you 4 minutes. The showers are individual, private, and non-gendered. There was no host on site when we were there, but the rangers were very present. This campground, like all California State campgrounds we've been to recently, has trash, recycling, and a food compost bin which I love.
There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt and complete other challenges.
No dump station here, but there's one just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground, and it's $10 for dump and water fill there.
We love being able to camp directly on the beach, and have done so many times in Texas and in Louisiana, but wouldn't recommend it here unless you are in a 4wd. We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that.
Camping overnight is only $10, and the beach is wide open for camping. It was very busy during the day on a weekday in August, so I can imagine the weekends are packed.
This is a fun beach in a fun, low key beach town, and we love coming here.
Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there. Probably wouldn’t recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky. But I only went a little past where the directions take you, so not sure what else is up there.
Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway. It seemed like the same truck was driving up and down a couple times which was the only downfall.
Overall a good experience.
We stayed here last year when the area was getting hit by severe storms and flooding - so the campground was almost empty. We loved the campground then and gave it 5 stars. This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience.
The previous review mentions the awkward walk to the showers, and I will agree with that. You either have to go through someone's site, or walk all the way to the end of the road. We got lucky and got to cut through some vacant sites to get to the showers.
We do still love this campground though, because of the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there. We got to visit the museum this time as well, small and cute and well worth the $3 entry fee. The restaurant is still there but we didn't go this time. Next time we go we will rent kayaks and explore the water some more. There's a golf course here adjacent to the campground as well. The town of Morro Bay is cute and relaxed and fun to visit.
There's a dump station here but it's not free even for campers - it's a $10 fee you pay with your credit card right at the dump. Showers were ok, no complaints.
This is a good, low key and decently priced campground that we'll definitely stop at the next time we're going through the area.
- PROS -
Beautiful location <5 minute drive away from the beach and Morro rock. SLO is close, and the coast is always nice. There's a pretty boardwalk trail next to the site as well (see photos).
- CONS -
These aren't camp sites, they're parking spots with a fire pit on dead grass and weeds. You're packed like sardines next to adjacent campers. It's unclear where the boundary of each others' site is. For facilities, they do have big bathrooms, showers, and dumpsters… but they're all filthy and unkempt. And even though the bathrooms may be right next to your site, there's no way to get to them without walking through another person's camp site or going all the way around– down the road or around many camps. We had a crotchety old man get mad at us for walking somewhat through his site. I enjoyed my stay, but only because I wasn't the one paying for the site.
TLDR: This site functions moreso as an overnight parking spot than it does a campsite.
Along the road, there are lots of exposed options and a few camping options in the trees. I drove the entire road and would not recommend doing that without four wheel drive. Was pleased with all the options though. Stay in the trees to avoid the wind.
Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers.
Clean camp. Restroom was clean. View was beautiful. There was a 6 mile dirt road to the camp. Easy signage. Saw wild boar and dear along the way. Drove a Hyundai Accent.
You can’t beat the location- across from Marina , trails and walking distance to Morro bay town. , the restrooms and shower facilities were always filthy and running out of toilet paper. Bring your own soap and TP 
Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities. This site backs up into the hills and there are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that. The lake is full and lots of areas to fish.
A vehicle beach with unlimited things to do fishing, offroad sand dunes, hike, camp rv vehicle theres class A B C home made its awesome dogs allowed, after 10pm it's so quite
I loved walking to the ocean in the morning. Many birds and bunnies hopping around.
I would not choose my spot again.
When I saw the TV tower road sign, that marked the last paved road until the actual TV tower hill. I rode all the way to the end with some medium difficulty off roading there are some steep bits with uneven terrain. Taking the road up to TV tower are some of the best views you can get from the surrounding area. John R.'s review accurately sums up the camping experience. The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning. But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved. Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites. Would for sure camp again if in the San Luis Obispo area.
The drive up has around five miles of very well maintained dirt road, but very much worth it. Some dispersed camping areas and a campground with 5 spots with a shelter and a picnic table at each one. Bathroom was very clean.
Views are magnificent.
The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant, but again, others would probably be fine. There were lots of people going up the road until very late at night, then turning around and coming back down (I assume because there were no spots?) The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool. Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping. Honestly such a beautiful place, next time I'd like to find a space to set up my tent. Loved it!
This campground is awesome. It’s very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes…and squirrels. Lots of them. But we also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds. We also saw a cute little weasel. There’s also lots of rangers, which makes for very well-mannered campers. Loved it!! You can walk to the beach or drive on the beach. Driving in the beach was fun, but it was so windy and so cold! This was the end of May. Not sure what the weather is over months. The actual campground was not as cold or windy, since it’s behind the dunes. The bathrooms have hot water and Flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained and not in the bathrooms. Tokens needed. Starting in May there’s a market night at the main pier, small but fun to visit. Lots to do, from renting dune buggies to playing at the main pier. Loved it and can’t wait to go back. Oh, and about the squirrels. They’re not afraid. They ate through my little pantry that’s canvas that’s connected under my table. Also, mosquitoes! How could I forget. Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills. They’re out and about and it’s not fun if you’re not prepared. There’s a Walmart not too far away. After the citronella incense weren’t working, we went to Walmart and it was war! Another note, campsite 68 does not look like the photo. Tree is gone and the ice plant has invaded the site and made it smaller. One tent will fit, not another.
Only one small shallow hot spring pool, usually crowded at peak hours. At the pool there is outdoor showers, lap pool, indoor bathrooms, changing rooms.
Camping area is small and it’s basically a dirt parking lot. Loud road noise all night and day from the freeway. Lots of pincher bugs infested my gear. Not peaceful. Better to just visit for a soak, they have cheaper rates for a morning or evening visit.
I’ve been coming to this campground for years with friends. It’s an awesome spot. Bathrooms are generally clean however you do need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash so make sure you have some dollars. You get two tokens for a dollar and each token gets you 2 min of shower time. They have garbage and recycling too. The camp hosts are a bit militant about the rules so don’t break them. They have zero tolerance and don’t put up with anything. Also keep your dog on a leash. Someone’s dog attacked another dog this morning and the State Park LEO were on site.
It is a nice place, little noise from kids and a bit expensive.
Not a lot of privacy, but generally quiet and no road noise to speak of. 10-15 min bike ride to town. Only downside is that showers became coin-op some time within the past year. Bring some cash to buy shower tokens....wish I'd known!
Note: The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level. Not too bad if you back all the way in, but still not level.
Very nice SP campground. Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm. Once in, the sites with hook ups sans sewer, will actually be pull through sites, which was nice. From there, you can walk. ride or drive on to the beach. There are paths around the camp that go around the estuary type lagoon. Dune trails are nice for hiking although some thick sand in places. We rode our bikes on the beach. Low tide makes it very easy with wet packed sand. The sites are spaced pretty well. We will be back for sure.
One of my favorite established campgrounds this far. Small and secluded and plenty of space between most sites. Wood and water both widely available, not sure about electric though. Short walk to Bluff Trail trailhead and Spooner’s cove.
Love this place in central California. Lots of shade from the redwoods. Great down town area and farmers market.
Camping near Los Osos, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for beach access, hiking trails, or a peaceful spot to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Los Osos, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities, there's something for every camper to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Los Osos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Los Osos, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Los Osos, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Los Osos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Los Osos, CA is Morro Bay State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 57 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Los Osos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Los Osos, CA.
What parks are near Los Osos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Los Osos, CA that allow camping, notably Carrizo Plain National Monument and Los Padres National Forest.
