Best Campgrounds near Atascadero, CA

We just returned from a stay at Pismo Coast RV Resort, and unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. Check-in was fast and easy, and on our first full day, the weather was perfect. The kids enjoyed the pool and arcade, which was a great start. However, several advertised amenities were either missing or in poor condition. We went looking for the mini golf course that’s promoted on their website, only to find it completely ripped out and blocked off— very disappointing since it was one of the reasons, we booked this resort. We also searched for the ping pong tables, which appear to have been left outside and are badly warped and unusable. Another letdown. The basketball and tennis are combined into one court, so only one activity can be played at a time, and we never did find the horseshoe area. Our group included eight people and two travel trailers. We had told the kids all about the resort's amenities, which played a big part in our decision to book. It was disheartening to find that many of the features we looked forward to simply weren’t available. Dinner at the on-site restaurant was equally frustrating. Service was extremely slow, and there weren’t enough umbrellas to provide shade— we ended up sitting with the sun in our faces. One of our guests wasn’t even asked for their drink order before the server walked away. When we finished eating, it took over 25 minutes just to get our bill, despite the restaurant being nearly empty(maybe 4 tables outside, 2 inside). We felt completely ignored. The first night was peaceful, as it should be. But the following day, large RVs surrounded us and parked so close they encroached on the grass behind our spot. Some opened their toy haulers, making it feel like we had no privacy— just 5 feet from their setup. That night was extremely loud until 11:30 PM, even though quiet hours start at 10 PM. With on-site security, we expected better enforcement. It wasn’t just one or two campsites being loud— it was several, with shouting and laughter like it was a private party. If you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly place where you can count on the advertised amenities, this is not it. We had high hopes that this would become an annual trip, but based on this experience, we won’t be returning. Really disappointed.

This campground is fairly open and trees are sparse, but the sites are spaced sufficiently apart that they afford privacy. No hookups, but there’s water at each site and conveniently located flush toilets, sinks and showers.

Right off Highway 1 for a bike ride and walking distance to a beautiful rugged beach. We nerded out on birds and wildflowers.

The campground was full during our stay, but we found the campground quiet at night.

Directly behind the campground is a large, unattractive human-made pond. Lots of fencing, plastic sheeting and a herd of sheep who may have been put there to graze down the grass and weeds. A little jarring in the context of the natural beauty, but nbd. The sheep were actually kind of entertaining.

Rangers and camp host were super friendly. Host sells firewood. Cambria is the best bet for groceries and other necessities. San Simeon is more limited and fancy.

Extremely limited Verizon service here: 1 bar flitting on and off.

Stayed in the non electric spots in our camper. The site next to ours was occupied which made parking the trailer a little tricky- almost like parallel parking and the sites are close together like a parking lot. Could not see the ocean from site 1 but had a little more space/privacy since it was a corner spot. Bathrooms were clean enough and a short walk to the beach! Some scattered litter, but nothing too crazy. We loved walking along the beach and watching the wild life. Our dog at the campsite kept the squirrels away, but they were definitely looking for food at other sites.

This is just a glorified parking lot with tons of aggressive and loud chirping squirrels. We were in sites 19 and 10. Site 19 faced the beach but it was really the shrubs. Some sites that face the beach do have a nice view of the ocean but 19 did not. Site 10 is literally a parking space with a strip of dirt and table and fire ring. You are right next to your fellow campers and it at least makes for some great people watching because you are literally right in the middle of the street.

The beach is another story. I am from SoCal and my husband is from SoFlo and we were not impressed with the beach at all. It smells, has lots of unsightly and strange looking seaweed that I wouldn’t want to ever encounter if I was in the ocean. Morro Rock was there but the fog covered it up most of the time. Come if you want to but there are much better places out there. I hear that Point Magu State Park is way better.

I was extremely disappointed with my experience at Franklin Hot Springs. The property looks nothing like the pictures on their website. When I arrived, I was shocked to find that the‘campsites’ consisted of nothing more than a post in the ground with a picnic table nearby, all set in an area that resembled a junkyard. The facilities were in terrible condition—the bathrooms, showers, and swimming pool were dirty and had an overwhelming mildew smell. I couldn’t bring myself to use any of them. The overall atmosphere made me feel unsafe, and I didn’t feel comfortable staying overnight in my van next to them. I ended up leaving immediately after taking some photos. I hope my$50 can at least go toward improving the cleanliness of the facilities, but I would not recommend this place to anyone