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Best Campgrounds near San Luis Obispo, CA

673 Reviews

San Luis Obispo offers diverse camping possibilities from coastal state parks to mountain dispersed sites. Established campgrounds like Morro Bay State Park and Montaña de Oro State Park provide amenities within minutes of beaches and hiking trails. Campers can choose between oceanfront sites at Pismo State Beach, lakeside accommodations at Lopez Lake Recreation Area, or primitive dispersed camping along TV Tower Road. Both tent and RV campers are well-served, with several locations offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region's camping areas, particularly for dispersed sites. The drive to TV Tower Road presents notable challenges as one camper noted, "The road is a bit scary with lots of large drop offs without guardrails." Many established campgrounds remain open year-round, though reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when coastal locations fill quickly. The Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures moderate throughout the year, with foggy mornings common along the coast during summer. Higher elevation sites experience stronger winds and cooler temperatures, particularly overnight. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, restrooms, and fire rings, while dispersed areas require self-sufficiency.

Spectacular views represent a consistent theme in camper experiences across the region. TV Tower Road dispersed camping delivers panoramic vistas of Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. "Looking down on the bay, San Luis Obispo and Highway 1. Can't stress how flippin beautiful it was," shared one visitor. State park campgrounds offer convenient beach access, with Morro Bay and Pismo Beach locations particularly popular for wildlife viewing and water activities. Campers frequently mention the region's stargazing opportunities, especially at higher elevation sites away from city lights. Wind exposure affects comfort at ridge-top locations, with several reviewers noting the trade-off between unparalleled views and challenging weather conditions. Proximity to town amenities while maintaining natural settings makes the San Luis Obispo area particularly appealing for weekend getaways.

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Best Camping Sites Near San Luis Obispo, California (90)

    1. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $35 - $165 / night

    "There is plenty to see and do in town, and the campground has a kayaking company within walking distance. There's also a natural history museum across the street."

    "We met a group here and camped at a couple of adjacent sites. It is a premium location very close to the Pacific Ocean, and you can walk to a little store and very casual restaurant on the water."

    2. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    64 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."

    "Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"

    3. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it."

    "I went all the way to the end as it allows some walking around room. If you’re tent camping beware the wind, gets pretty crazy. Had one wind free day out of three."

    4. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Long time campers in California are probably familiar with the feeling that the prep work required simply to get a reservation at the most popular national and state parks is more than prepping for the"

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    5. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    29 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."

    "This campground is near the beach on the central California coast . It has tent and RV sites. The only amenities are non-flushing toilets and water . There are no lights at night, so it is very dark."

    6. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Located just off Highway One between Morro Bay and Cayucos, the grounds look somewhat like a parking lot with trees and shrubs separating it from the sand dunes and the ocean."

    "Beach walks can be nice... with scenic views up and down coast. Also neighborhood walks along bluff above campground are relaxing. Restrooms clean but basic."

    7. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    22 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $25 / night

    "The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance."

    "Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay."

    8. El Chorro Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 781-5930

    $25 - $50 / night

    "This is a great campground close to San Luis Obispo. It is great for tent or RV camping and is located near a park, garden, and golf course."

    "Near San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach. When we stayed here it was for the Renaissance Faire (which has moved to San Luis Obispo proper). There were tons of loud people."

    9. Morro Dunes RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2722

    $35 - $74 / night

    "California, Morro Dunes RV Park Located right on the beach and ocean near Morro Rock. Within walking distance from Downtown Morro Bay.

    Directions: From highway 1 exit at E. G."

    "Great access to bike path and just a few minutes walk or bike ride to down town/harbor with harbor shops and restaurants. Amazing view of Moro rock, super close by!"

    10. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "This is a pricey rv park, but great location and very busy. It is competitive with the others around and think it was the best one in the area."

    "Steps away from the ocean. We will return."

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Recent Camping Photos near San Luis Obispo, CA

174 Photos of 90 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

673 Reviews of 90 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    Great

    We try to stay at this campground every chance we get. Has all the amenities you could ask for. Walking distance from the beach and town. Perfect vacation destination

  • Greg W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    El Chorro Regional Park

    El Chorro

    It's clean, quiet and your belongings are safe. The stsff takes great care of the grounds, and are friendly. I use this when I'm working locally.

  • Sophia L.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Raccoon Attack

    the overall site was nice and everything went smoothly during the day. There are no bear boxes (big metal boxes at most campsites to store food so animals can’t get to it) so we put all our food in a big cooler that we thought nothing could get into. Wake up after 30 mins of sleeping to noises outside, a whole family of raccoons are eating our food. they destroyed a good amount of our food and our camping materials and the problem was they wouldn’t leave us alone. they were aggressive and would not leave, climbing the trees above us and popping left and right out of the bushes. we have no where to put our food (since raccoons can get into your car through the engine and cause major damage). They were surrounding us, we were yelling and jumping to try and scare them away but they were persistent. We thought they might even attack us as they did not seem very scared and were very aggressive. We had no choice but to quickly pack up all our stuff while someone was on raccoon guard and leave in the middle of the night. I was very disappointed.

  • Bobbii J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Vinyl Vineyards

    GORGEOUS !

    I had such an unforgettable stay at Vinyl Vineyards! I stayed at the David Bowie trailer, and it was pure nostalgia full of vintage charm, character, and cozy vibes. Everywhere I looked felt like stepping into a different era in the best way possible. The property itself is expansive and breathtaking. I got a private UTV tour across their 120 acres of vineyards, and it was absolutely unbeatable, wide open views, rolling vines, and that peaceful Paso Robles magic. The vibe on the property was incredible, and the outdoor shower was such a unique, refreshing touch that made the stay even more memorable. And the wine? Unforgettable. Their rosé is absolutely on point, hands down my favorite. Do the tasting, you won’t be disappointed! I felt completely at home here, and I can’t wait to come back, next time with my pets and my daughter in tow. Vinyl Vineyards is such a gem, and I’m already counting the days until I return.

  • Michael S.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    Use your 4x4 for what it was intended for, but use caution

    Just spent the weekend in the Oceano SVRA, and some things I noticed:

    1. Even with the reduced number of campers, the camping area still seemed really full.

    2. The sand was very soft and deep in the camping area, and I saw multiple 4x4 trucks getting stuck, including a Lexus GX460, 2 Toyota Tacomas and 1 4Runner, and a stock Jeep Wrangler. 

    3. The dunes are ridiculously fun to drive on, but they are also dangerous. They are also very devoid of other vehicles due to the limited number of entries, so DO NOT go out alone. There are plenty of places to get lost in, and if you're at the bottom of a dune, you cannot see where you are and will be lost. 

    So much fun, even the mariachi bands blasting music until 3 in the morning was fun.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Flying Flags Avila Beach

    Great place

    Views are amazing. You can hear the sea lions at Port San Luis, birds of paradise and other lovely flowers, palm trees and eucalyptus. Very well maintained. Beach is 10 minute walk and allows dogs. Near to San Luis Obispo and so much more that the lovely Central Coast has to offer. Staff were very attentive and helpful. There are areas with community fires for gathering, small store. Bocce ball and other games. I dry camped which worked out just fine. $10 dump fee when you leave is available for dry campers. Full hookups also available but they fill up so advance reservations needed.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    The Beachhouse RV Park

    Ok if you just need a basic place and is near Beach

    Misremembered names, ended up at Morro strand RV park when meant to be at Morro dunes RV park. This one, Morro strand is in a depressing area and park itself is gravel everywhere not grass or plants. At least it's only a 10 min walk to the Morro beach, with great view of Morro Rock. It does have ok facilities including coin laundry on site

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    San Simeon Camping

    Great campground with plenty of space between sites! Sites have plenty of shade and facilities are clean and well kept! No more than two vehicles are allowed in a site, but there’s free parking on the road that runs next to the campground and it’s easy to walk up the embankment and get to your site from the road.

Guide to San Luis Obispo

Camping near San Luis Obispo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for beach access or serene forest settings, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Morro Strand State Beach Campground. Campers love the close proximity to the beach, with one reviewer saying, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro State Park. A visitor mentioned, "The views, the hike along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!"
  • Wildlife Watching: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can spot various birds and even some cute critters. One camper noted, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. For example, Mt. Figueroa Campground lacks showers, which one camper noted as a downside: "The place is beautiful...but no showers."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "It is just way too crowded for our taste."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Morro Bay State Park Campground. One camper 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 fun activities for kids, like scavenger hunts at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. A parent shared, "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 Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."
  • Plan for Early Check-In: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular sites like Morro Dunes RV Park. One camper noted, "Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. For instance, San Simeon Creek Campground has no sewer hookups, which one reviewer pointed out.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be cramped. A visitor at Morro Dunes RV Park mentioned, "Sites are tight but not overly cramped."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: At some campgrounds, showers require tokens or cash. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground reminded others, "You need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash."

Camping around San Luis Obispo is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping locations near San Luis Obispo?

San Luis Obispo offers diverse camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. El Chorro Regional Park is a popular choice close to town, suitable for both tent and RV camping. The park is conveniently located near gardens, golf courses, and is a short drive to both SLO and Morro Bay for additional activities. For those seeking panoramic views and more primitive camping, TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping offers spectacular vistas overlooking the bay, San Luis Obispo, and Highway 1. This free dispersed camping area requires some off-road capability to access, and campers should prepare for potentially strong winds. Both locations provide unique experiences that showcase the beautiful Central Coast landscape while offering different levels of amenities and accessibility.

Are there good RV camping options in San Luis Obispo?

Mathews Trailer Lodge & RV Park offers a convenient RV camping option right off Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo. Its central location provides easy access to markets, gas stations, and the city's attractions. For those seeking a premium coastal RV experience, Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is worth considering. Though sites are closely spaced with over 400 spots available, the grounds are well-maintained and the location is excellent. While pricier than other options, many campers find the facilities and beach proximity justify the cost. Both parks provide full hookups and amenities designed specifically for RV travelers exploring the Central Coast region.

Where can I find beach camping in San Luis Obispo?

For excellent beach camping near San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay State Park Campground offers a scenic coastal experience nestled among tall eucalyptus trees just a short distance from the water. The campground features a kayaking company within walking distance, making it easy to explore the bay. You can also walk to a casual restaurant and store on the water. Another option is Morro Strand State Beach Campground, which provides direct beach access with reservable sites, water, and toilets. Both locations allow you to enjoy the beautiful Central Coast shoreline while having convenient access to San Luis Obispo's attractions just a short drive away.

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