Hearst San Simeon State Park's Creek Tent Campground sits along San Simeon Creek, managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation, and draws a mix of overnighters and coastal road-trippers working their way up or down Highway 1. The campground has two distinct sections, and the difference matters when booking. Upper sites get open sightlines toward the ocean but face consistent evening wind and have little tree cover or separation between sites. Lower sites trade the ocean views for more shade, flatter ground, and a more enclosed feel. As Soggy Bottoms Camper G. puts it, the lower area gives you "that 'true camping' in the forest feeling."
Amenities are solid for a state park campground without hookups. Flush toilets and showers are on-site, with showers running $1 for 12 minutes at decent pressure and warm temperatures. Firewood is available from the camp host during limited afternoon hours, currently 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Water is available at each site. Cell service is inconsistent: AT&T performs best, T-Mobile is marginal, and Verizon is largely unusable. The Washburn Primitive Campground is nearby for those who prefer a more stripped-down option at a lower nightly rate.
Dogs are allowed in camp but not on the beach, which is a short walk away. Cambria is the closest town for groceries and supplies. Weekend stays tend to fill the campground and bring more activity, so weeknight arrivals will find things quieter. Sites run $35 per night, and reservations are available.
Description
Creek Campground Upper Section (sites 1-35)
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Alerts: Campsite reservations are subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather because some sites are subject to seasonal flooding and may be closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Camping Alert: Note that RV electrical hookups are not available at Hearst San Simeon SP. Check with Morro Bay or Morro Strand campgrounds for available campsites with electrical hookups. Morro Bay State Park & Morro Strand State Beach
RV Rentals on the Central Coast is currently the only approved RV and trailer delivery and pick-up service permitted within the campground. No other RV and trailer delivery services are permitted within the campground. For more information on approved rental deliveries, please visit: RV Rentals on the Central Coast | RV, Trailer, Motor-Home, Event Toilets Rental in the Central Coast
Washburn Campground :
This primitive campground offers 67 reservable campsites and is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. The Washburn campground can only be accessed from the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet and there is a self-operated RV dump station available in the San Simeon Creek Campground for an additional fee. Facilities here include a fire ring, a picnic table, and a parking pad for 2 vehicles or trailers at each campsite. Additional parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Washburn Campground has no access to flush toilets or showers. Pit toilets and water spigots throughout the campground may be available.
San Simeon Creek Campground (Tent Section):
The Tent Section offers 19 campsites, available only on a walk-in, first come/first served basis - No online reservations are available. It is recommended that you call the park ahead of time to confirm if spaces are available, as they fill up quickly and we do not hold sites. Additional parking is limited, so plan accordingly. No RVs or camper trailers are permitted in the tent section due to limited space.
San Simeon Creek Campground (Upper & Lower Sections):
The San Simeon Creek Campground is adjacent to Highway 1 and the beach. It offers 115 reservable campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet and there is a self-operated RV dump station available for an additional fee. Each campsite has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a parking pad for 2 vehicles or trailers maximum. Additional parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Flush toilets, token operated shower facilities, and water spigots throughout the campground may also be available.
All campgrounds have a 10-day consecutive stay limit with a 30-day per calendar year maximum stay limit. A maximum of eight people are permitted to camp in a campsite. Although the kiosk closes at night, there is a board posted for campers with reservations that arrive late. If you do not have a reservation and arrive late, please use the Iron Ranger envelopes at the kiosk to pay for a vacant site for one night only. There is a small number of overflow parking spaces available adjacent to the campsites for an additional fee – If available, only one overflow space may be purchased per registered campsite. However, you may park outside of the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance at no cost. Camping Information & Reservations Policies
Additionally, firewood is for sale from the campground host in the San Simeon Creek Campground. Interpretive campfire and Junior Ranger programs are also regularly scheduled. Junior Ranger Program
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCreek Tent Campground is located in California near San Simeon
Public CampgroundAddress
Vangordon At San Simeon Creek
Cambria, CA 93428
Coordinates
35.599058 N
121.122464 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 8/18/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/18/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/18/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 8/18/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/18/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/18/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 37 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 4 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 1 hr 53 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 55 min from Hanford, CA
