Campers heading to Arroyo Grande can find several good camping options along the California coast. Morro Strand State Beach Campground puts you right by the ocean, making morning beach walks easy. At Oceano County Campground near Pismo State Beach, you'll find basic comforts like restrooms and showers that work well for family trips. Hiking trails branch out from both areas if you want to stretch your legs. Weather around Arroyo Grande stays mild most of the year, though summer can get hot, making spring and fall better for camping. Getting to these campgrounds is simple on paved roads, but always check if they're open before you go, as some close seasonally. While camping, you can take day trips to local wineries or explore the small towns nearby. Both tent and RV campers have options here - Morro Strand and Oceano both take RVs and some spots have hookups. Booking ahead makes sense, especially on weekends and during summer when beach camping fills up fast. Many campers choose this area because you can be near the beach without going far for supplies. The mix of beach and inland camping around Arroyo Grande works for different camping styles and budgets.
$35 - $50 / 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!)"
$60 - $70 / night
"I spent the weekend at the bandtail campground at the Lopez Lake Recreation Area. The lake is about 10 miles East of Arroyo Grande."
"Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA."
$35 / night
"If you are a Boondocker type you will enjoy the experience In walking distance to downtown Pismo and a short ride to Arroyo Grande"
"The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance."
"Steps away from the ocean. We will return."
"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."
$35 - $165 / night
"Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road. Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."
"This is a busy campground and your neighbors' sites are fairly close by, limiting privacy."
"The drive up is a bit treacherous but nothing unbearable. Our car can off road quite well, but our friend had a Volkswagen Golf and it also did perfectly fine and never bottomed out."
"It’s best to have an offroader to come here, but van can do too."
"Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"
"There are two levels of this campground, I stayed at the upper level just steps from the sand dunes which will lead you to the Pacific Ocean about 1/2 mile away."
$225 / night
"Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground. Beach, trails and golfing all within 5min."
"Located just north of Pismo Beach, Avila is tucked away down a hill that is totally worth venturing off to."
$10 / night
"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"
"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."
$25 - $150 / night
"Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."
"It was peaceful, beautiful surroundings, and a decent amount of space between campsites. The coastal air, hills, and nearby ocean views made it a great escape."
TravelerThis may have been seasonal for may, but midday there was an outrageous amount of flies. The campsite itself was as expected and sufficient, we parked 2 cars and had 2 tents with plenty of space. Very dusty though. The evening views were pretty and we had a great time!
GuideCamping at Jalama Beach County Park was such a fun experience and definitely one of the most beautiful beach campgrounds I’ve been to in California. The drive in alone is gorgeous, and once you arrive it feels super peaceful and secluded. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up right by the ocean was unreal.
The campground was clean, the staff was friendly, and the little store/grill was so convenient — the famous Jalama Burger definitely lived up to the hype. The beach itself is stunning and perfect for relaxing, walking, surfing, or just watching the sunset.
One thing to know before going is that it gets VERY windy, especially at night, so come prepared with extra layers and secure camping gear. Tent campers especially should expect strong winds and blowing sand. But honestly, that rugged beach atmosphere is part of what makes Jalama so special.
If you’re looking for a quiet beach camping trip that feels more off-the-grid and scenic than crowded tourist beaches, I highly recommend Jalama. I already want to go back. 🌊🏕️✨
GuideReview by: Aaron M. Scullin
Jalama Beach County Park remains one of those"bucket list" California coastal spots that never fails to deliver—especially if you come prepared for the elements. We recently returned from another fantastic stay, and as an avid RVer and the founder of Hitched4fun.com, I’m always testing how gear holds up in real-world conditions. Jalama is the ultimate testing ground.
The Atmosphere& Amenities
The park is famous for its"Jalama Burger" at the onsite cafe, and it still lives up to the hype—the Jalama Burger with cheese is a must-order for dinner. The little camp store is exceptionally well-stocked; they clearly understand their audience, carrying all the necessities you might have overlooked while packing.
Pro-Tip: Managing the Wind& Connectivity
If you’ve been here before, you know the wind is a constant companion. While it makes for a chilly evening, it’s a dream for kite flying. We had a blast with our HQ Flapping Willie Worm kite, which handled the regular Jalama gusts perfectly.
For those of us who need to stay connected while off-grid, the geography here can make cell service a challenge. I utilized our Starlink RV Pole kit to get our Standard 4 X dish up high and clear of obstructions, which provided seamless speeds. To round out the setup, I deployed our Deluxe 22-foot Heavy Duty Fiberglass Flagpole. Despite the steady ocean breeze, the heavy-duty fiberglass stayed sturdy and gave our site a great sense of"home."
Final Verdict
We will definitely be back. My biggest piece of advice? Plan ahead. Reservations at Jalama fill up almost as soon as they open. If you can snag a spot, it’s a premier RVing experience that offers a true escape.
TravelerThe location makes it worth it. Steps away from the sandy beach, a view of morro rock, less than a mile walk to all the downtown shops. The area is great to branch out and visit other towns too, Los osos for montano de oro, San Simeon for Hearst castle and elephant seal, Atascadero for the zoo, etc. the campsites are nothing special, but they are a decent enough size and well maintained. Good enough to still want to eat dinner and play games by the fire. Another perk was that the campground was very quiet, even on a busy weekend. Not sure if it is because rules are enforced, or maybe that’s just the crowd it attracts.
ScoutNeeded a last minute place to stay the night. Decently clean pit toilet, good area, and nice people. Only $20 so not bad, but didn’t get service on the drive in and spotty service once at the spot.
ScoutNooone was there . Nice for a night
TravelerI stayed here on a Monday. The campground is quiet, although most spots were filled. The restroom and shower amenities were fine, although hand soap is not available. Camp staff were very friendly and the squirrels loved greeting me while I cooked dinner!
TravelerThis is a busy campground and your neighbors' sites are fairly close by, limiting privacy. The restroom/shower facilities are old-- peeling paint and what appears to be mold. $1 gets you a 6 min shower. Hand soap is not provided in the restrooms. Now for the pros: camp staff are super friendly and you're near some fantastic views in central California!
TravelerLast few miles in are pretty windy, but you end up with a secluded spot away from it all
Camping near Arroyo Grande, California offers diverse terrain from coastal dunes to wooded inland settings. The area sits at approximately 120 feet elevation with campgrounds spanning from sea level beaches to the more elevated Lopez Lake at 490 feet. Winter temperatures typically stay between 40-65°F, while fall camping brings fewer crowds and temperatures in the 50-70°F range.
Beach exploration: 5-minute walk from Oceano Campground to explore dunes and shoreline. "Awesome campsite. We went in January and had no idea about the Monarch Butterflies. About 300 feet from the campsite is a grove of trees where thousands of Monarchs fly and mate. Apparently it's the end of their Northern Migration trail," notes Garrett M. at Oceano Campground.
Horseback riding: Available at Pacific Dunes Ranch for guided beach rides. "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano," shares Wutang P. who stayed at Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Wildlife watching: Observe local fauna at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears. The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow," reports Crystal J. from Lopez Lake.
Hiking to Big Falls: 15-20 minute drive from Lopez Lake campground. "The hike is through live oak trees most of the way, so most of the hike is nice and shaded. Keep and eye out for salamanders when crossing the creek beds!" advises Amanda M.
Easy beach access: Walk from your campsite at North Beach Campground. "The sites are not ocean view with the sand dunes but a short walk over and your there. Also a very easy walk on the beach to downtown," explains Ryan R. from North Beach Campground.
Protected camping environment: Sheltered from wind at Pacific Dunes Ranch. "Upper area closer to the dunes is preferred for breezes. Lots of permanent residents, but the park is well kept. The dunes were beautiful, but walking to the beach would be quite an effort," mentions Annette A.
Natural surroundings: Tree-covered sites at Montana de Oro State Park. "Sites 17-19 have a decent amount of shade and the most foliage separation. They back up to the park, and there are trails on the hillside above," notes Ryan W. from Montana de Oro State Park.
Quieter alternatives: Less crowded options during weekdays. "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," shares Elijah L. who camped at Oceano Dunes.
Seasonal ticks: Check yourself after hiking at Montana de Oro. "Although the location is very scenic and a 10 min walk to the beach, I wouldn't return because there are ALOT of ticks at the campground. We went with a party of 11 and found multiple ticks on 5 people," warns Val H.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage matters at Lopez Lake. "While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/food lockers at Lopez Lake," advises Amanda M. from Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Off-road requirements: 4WD needed for beach camping at Oceano Dunes. "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," suggests Laura M.
Facilities vary widely: From primitive to full-service. "The campground is pretty and ideally located right in front of a stunning beach. However... note that the toilets are dry composting toilets — so there are no standard facilities," explains Olga N. about Montana de Oro.
Amenity check: Verify bathroom availability based on timing. "Restrooms and showers close at 6p, so only potter potties are available after that," reports Stanley from Avila-Pismo Beach KOA.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for raccoons at Montana de Oro. "A beautiful spot. I was hear with a very large group where we split up into smaller group tent sites. We had a good experience but had problems with raccoons trying to get in our tents at night," warns Amanda K.
Bug protection: Bring insect repellent especially at Oceano. "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," advises barbara M.
Activities for kids: Water features at Lopez Lake. "We've camped here many times over the last 15 years. We've tent camped on primitive sites and camped with a pop-up with electricity & water. None of the full hookup sites have a view but some of the tent sites do," shares Linda S.
Site size considerations: Check length restrictions at older campgrounds. "The sites are very tight but the staff is very helpful with parking. The facility is very clean. Short drive to the beach," notes Alisa K. from Avila-Pismo Beach KOA.
Leveling needs: Bring blocks for Morro Bay State Park. "Asphalt paved parking slots a little sloped but can level with blocks. Very dry and brown in campground in August. Foggy and cool most of day... only saw sun a few minutes," advises Leonard H. from Morro Bay State Park.
Beach camping preparation: Plan for sand management when staying near beaches. "We were at site 48 and it was a very large site, could fit 3-5 tents easily and runs along a center large grassy area. The big draw back with the campground is there is very little to no shade and no privacy," explains Alexandra T. about North Beach Campground.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for services at beach locations. "Great place to rv camp. Pretty cheap considering your camping right by the water. Can get windy at times and weekends/holidays get super crowded. Downfall there's no dump station but you can call a company to empty your tanks (for a cost)," advises Scotty B. about Oceano Dunes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Arroyo Grande?
The prime camping destination near Arroyo Grande is Lopez Lake Recreation Area, located about 10 miles east of town. This well-maintained recreation area offers multiple campground loops including Squirrel Loop, which features primitive sites surrounded by nature. The campground is regularly patrolled by rangers and provides incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Each site typically includes basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. For those seeking a more remote experience, Mt. Figueroa Campground is another option in the wider area, offering sites shaded by live oaks and manzanita trees, though it's a bit farther from Arroyo Grande itself.
Are there RV parks in Arroyo Grande?
While Arroyo Grande itself has limited RV-specific facilities, several excellent options exist in the surrounding area. Le Sage Riviera RV Park is located nearby, offering well-maintained sites with proximity to water. This park is popular and requires advance reservations. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Morro Dunes RV Park provides oceanfront accommodations within walking distance of downtown Morro Bay. Lopez Lake Recreation Area also accommodates RVs, though with fewer hookup amenities. When planning an RV trip to this region, it's advisable to book well ahead, especially during peak seasons, as these coastal California RV spots fill quickly.
How do Arroyo Grande campgrounds compare to those near Pismo Beach?
Arroyo Grande campgrounds like Lopez Lake offer a more secluded, nature-focused experience with lake views and quieter surroundings. In contrast, Pismo Beach area campgrounds such as North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach and Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach provide coastal experiences with beach access. Pismo Beach campgrounds typically offer walking distance to downtown areas and ocean activities, making them more convenient for those seeking beach time and nearby amenities. The Pismo area tends to be more popular and potentially crowded, especially during peak seasons, while Arroyo Grande options provide more space between sites and a traditional outdoor camping feel with less commercial development nearby.
Keep Exploring
