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Best Campgrounds near San Luis Obispo, CA

666 Reviews

San Luis Obispo has many different types of camping spots to choose from. At Morro Bay State Park Campground, you'll find good views and can easily get to the bay. Morro Dunes RV Park is popular with campers because it's close to the beach and Morro Rock. Morro State Park draws many visitors who come for the nice views and things to do outside. Some camping areas don't have showers, but they're still nice places to stay because they're close to nature. You'll see lots of wildlife around, so be sure to store your food safely so animals don't get into it. It's smart to book your campsite ahead of time, especially during busy times when spots fill up fast. You can usually make reservations several months before your trip, which is helpful for planning. During dry times, there might be rules about fires, so check what's allowed before you go. Most camping areas limit how long you can stay so that everyone gets a turn. You typically don't need permits to camp, but double-check the rules for wherever you're staying. The weather in San Luis Obispo makes camping good all year, though summer gets crowded and spring or fall might be quieter. San Luis Obispo has camping options that work well for families or for people who want a quiet place to relax.

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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."

    "Morro Strand is steps away from a beautiful stretch of beach filled with sand dollars and an amazing view of Morro rock looking south."

    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

    16 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

    24 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

    17 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

172 Photos of 90 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

666 Reviews of 90 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

  • Fynn The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Morro Dunes RV Park

    Nice Location

    10/10 Location and friendly Personal. Little bit old toilet and shower

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bella Vista By The Sea

    Walk to beach, pier, trails and nice town of Cayucos.

    Accurate description in other reviews. This is a mobile home park with RV sites(FHU). This lends to a different experience, but a good one. Walking distance pretty much anything. Ride or walk out of Bella Vista to beach, pier, trails and town. Had back in site# 66. Lots of maneuvering room for our 35 feet TT. I'd go back.:-)

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Great Staff

    This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.

    Showers are available, they take quarters.

    Would absolutely stay here again.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    The views in the morning are amazing!

    I arrived on motorcycle at 10:30 at night. I hate being that guy that shows up late while everyone is in their tents, but it happens. First 90% of the road/trail is pretty easy, but the last 10% did get a little sketchy at night, while on a motorcycle and being my first time there. It was fairly crowded when I got there but was able to find a spot so quickly pitch my tend and get some well needed sleep. I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast. I would only recommend experienced riders take a large street motorcycle up there, but it is doable. I set up my tent on the first spot on the left, on the little ridge.

  • Zenaida O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Vines RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    Found my place in life here at the Vines!

    I came to the Vines in an old vintage beat up RV with quite the traumatic story trailing and I have been blessed beyond what I could imagine would be possible. Not only did the staff go out of their way to make accommodations for me, they have adjusted and readjusted and accommodated again and again just to make sure I felt like I was comfortable and my needs were met. They taught me all I know about RVing full time and have been the perfect community of people I have needed to carry me thru tough times. This may not be the best most perfect place and some may have things to complain about but as for me and my household we are filled with nothing but gratitude for the home I have found here.

    The bathrooms are always clean and the showers are hot, the pools are clean and always open, the gym has new equipment and the game room is stocked for a good time. The general store provides basic things that I've needed along the way as well as parts for the RV that I could not do without but didn't even know I needed. Teri is the manager there now and her heart for the people she serves is so evident that you can't help but to love her. All of the dogs are well behaved I don't hear all the barking that the other review complained about nor do I find that my privacy is that compromised considering how close we are I do feel like I have some sort of privacy still.

    The spaces are spacious enough to enjoy outside time with friends and family and it's a perfect place to come escape from all the noise of life and tune into what's going on inside our own minds and bodies which is why I'm here and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    If you're looking for a retreat, quiet and stable but embracing friendly and warm - this is the spot!!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Nice state parks

    Nice park. Quite busy mid Aug but not rowdy. Pretty views and close to town centre. Showers (need to pay) and firewood available

  • Tommy B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    pismo state beach

    Busy campground

    This used to be a really nice park. Now, there doesn’t seem to be any pride in taking care of it.

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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