Z
Zach S.
Traveler
TravelerMorro Bay State Park Campground
Wonderful canoground with easy access to trails
One of my favorite CA state parks! Well maintained and spacious sites with easy access to nearby trail systems. Definitely worth a visit!
Camping near Avilla Beach, CA
95 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options around Avila Beach, California range from shoreline RV parks to hot springs and recreational lake facilities, with most campgrounds concentrated within a 10-mile radius of this Central California coastal community. The area includes Pismo State Beach campgrounds (North Beach and Oceano), which offer tent and RV camping with beach access, as well as TV Tower Road dispersed camping in nearby Santa Margarita for those seeking more primitive experiences. Developed campgrounds such as Lopez Lake Recreation Area provide amenities including electric hookups, showers, and cabin rentals, while Port San Luis RV Campground offers waterfront dry camping with ocean views.
Seasonal considerations impact camping availability, with many developed campgrounds operating year-round but experiencing high demand during summer months. Most established campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The climate remains mild throughout the year, though coastal fog can occur, especially in early summer. The terrain ranges from beachfront settings to inland lakes, with varying amenities at each location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area except at more remote dispersed camping locations. As one visitor noted, "The RV spots are spacious with many being parallel to the beach. All spots in Nobi and Wyandot are dry camping unless you're in the paved parking lot farther down."
Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the camping landscape near Avila Beach, with facilities catering to various accommodation preferences. Several visitors highlighted the area's proximity to attractions as a major benefit, with one camper reporting that "there is a bike path (5 miles round trip) that leads to the beach. The path is along a creek, surrounded by trees, and goes through a golf course." The nearby hot springs resorts receive mixed reviews, with some appreciating the soaking opportunities while noting limitations with the camping areas. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds—highway proximity affects some locations like Avila-Pismo Beach KOA, while oceanfront sites at Port San Luis provide peaceful settings with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including sea otters visible in the kelp beds during late afternoon hours. Campers seeking the best camping near Avilla Beach should consider booking well in advance, especially for waterfront campsites that offer direct beach access.
Best Campgrounds near Avilla Beach (95)
1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
"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!)"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Morro Bay State Park Campground
"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 fantastic site that has not only the fun of camping and being outdoors, but it is conveniently located walking or biking distance from the town."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability3. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
"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."
4. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park
"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."
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability5. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability6. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
"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."
7. Lopez Lake Recreation Area
"It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."
"Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability8. Morro Strand State Beach Campground
"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."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. El Chorro Regional Park
"They do charge extra for dogs, $3.50/day/dog, but was well worth it as they have beautiful large dog parks a mile behind the campsite."
"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."
from $38 - $65 / night
Check Availability10. Morro Dunes RV Park
"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!"
from $35 - $74 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 4 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 22 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Bakersfield, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Avilla Beach, CA
173 Photos of 95 Avilla Beach Campgrounds
Raf A.
Avila Hot Springs
Stanley
Flying Flags Avila Beach
Wendy S.
Flying Flags Avila Beach
Alexandra T.
North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
John Y.
Coastal Dunes RV Park & Campground
Alex M.
Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
Katie W.
El Chorro Regional Park
The Dyrt
Pacific Dunes Ranch
Teresa S.
Pismo Sands RV Park
Patrick H.
Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park
Chanel C.
TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Steve H.
Morro Bay State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Avilla Beach, CA
774 Reviews of 95 Avilla Beach Campgrounds
- BBarbara C.
ScoutOceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
Family camping
30 amp electric and water in the first 40 spaces. Close to the beach lots of kids here. Shade trees. It’s a well equipped campground, but a little crowded. Reservation through reservecalifornia.com.
Sylvia M.ScoutJalama Beach County Park
Red Rock
Camping spots were spacious clean and close to restrooms had a ball enjoyed every moment there. Wasn’t far from water either just a short drive beautiful scenery
- LLiedewei V.
GuideTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Incredible views
Awesome views, couple of other campers and people watching the sunset nearby
Vanessa C.
RangerFlying Flags Avila Beach
AMAZING Clean Campground
This was just a stop for one night for our trip to the redwoods. Honestly, I would have loved to stay longer!
- TTyler H.Scout
The Beachhouse RV Park
Laidback and Super Chill
About 5 mins (if that) drive from morro bay this campsite is great, the vibes are super chilled out, everyone seems friendly and inviting, it’s one of the first campsites I’ve stayed at in California which is affordable, great location, quiet, friendly, safe, it’s got what you need. Highly recommend to anyone even just for one night
- KKristopher L.Scout
Flying Flags Avila Beach
Great Value Luxury Camping
Our group stayed at this campground from August 29 to September 1, 2025. My wife booked us the four tent sites for$10 per night per camp site. The value was totally amazing for the price we paid. In comparison to various other campsites we’ve stayed at in the past, this one offered the absolute best“bang for your buck” if you’re camping at the tent sites. The check-in process was super simple and speedy. The staff we interacted with were all super friendly and helpful. The upkeep of the camp site and its common areas were superb. The bathrooms were some of the best we’ve ever seen at any campsite. They were regularly cleaned and maintained multiple times per day. The best part of our camp site(Site 10) was the sitting ocean view! We loved walking up each morning to the glorious sights and sounds of the ocean. We will definitely be back and we may even consider staying at either one of their Jupes or cottages.
- KKiari G.Guide
Jalama Beach County Park
Chill vibes
Great camp ground very clean, running water hot & cold, has a place designated just to washer your camping dishes etc, pet friendly on both the campground & the beach must be leashed though, also has a little shack that is a store just incase your forget something or decide you want to order a burger, weather can vary, so bring warm clothes and wind breakers, it gets heavily windy but also can be very hot so just come prepared 10/10 location
Whitney R.TravelerTv Tower Pull Off Dispersed
Edge of the rocks
I was looking around the previous spots on here for tv tower and they were either taken, not safe, or surrounded by bushes that also didnt seem safe. After trying out a couple spots landed on this little gem and it was PERFECT for a one night, small suv, solo camping night. Amazing views and could see Morro Rock, marine layer came in and it was gorgeous. Quiet, and not windy.
Guide to Avilla Beach
Campgrounds near Avila Beach, California provide direct beach access options within minutes of the Central Coast shoreline. The local terrain creates diverse microclimates where coastal fog regularly burns off by mid-morning during summer months, while winter temperatures rarely dip below 45°F. Trails connecting many campgrounds to beaches aren't regularly maintained after winter storms, so checking current conditions before arrival is recommended.
What to do
Beach hiking trails: 5 miles from Avila Beach: At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, campers can access nearby trails. "There is a bike path (5 miles round trip) that leads to the beach. The path is along a creek, surrounded by trees, and goes through a golf course," notes one visitor about the nearby area.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk best times: Montaña de Oro State Park offers excellent wildlife spotting. "I've lived only several hours away for 11 years without knowing this simple loop campground was even here. The state park offers days worth of outdoor activity and views forever and ever, with the ability to feel alone only miles from town," reports Ryan W.
Water activities: Rent equipment at marinas: Lopez Lake offers various water sports facilities. "The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well," notes Crystal J. The nearby marina stores often rent equipment during summer months at reasonable rates.
What campers like
Easy beach access: 2-minute walk: Oceano Campground provides quick beach access. "This campground is awesome. It's very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes…and squirrels. Lots of them. But we also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds," shares barbara M.
Moderate temperatures: Pack layers: The coastal location moderates temperatures year-round. "Weather can be fickle with cold, wind and fog even in summer. Quiet at night. A few sites have beach views," says Leonard H. about Morro Strand State Beach Campground.
Less crowded offseason camping: Late September-April: Many campsites near Avila Beach offer more availability during shoulder seasons. "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," Garrett M. says about Oceano Campground.
What you should know
Ticks present in some areas: Check regularly: Some campgrounds report tick issues. "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. about Montana de Oro State Park.
Road conditions to dispersed sites: 4WD recommended: Some remote sites require appropriate vehicles. "Wasn't sure I was going to make it even with my Subaru Forester. It's absolutely gorgeous up here! Can't set up my bathroom and have a lot of vertigo though," notes Chastity R. about TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife encounters: Secure food properly: Many campgrounds have active wildlife. "Raccoons will 100% rush your site as soon as you go to sleep to see if there are any fun goodies laying about. Put stuff away. Some sites have bear boxes, so I assume...bears," advises Ryan W.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Avilla Beach, CA?
What camping is available near Avilla Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Avilla Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 95 campgrounds and RV parks near Avilla Beach, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Avilla Beach, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Avilla Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avilla Beach, CA is Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 67 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avilla Beach, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avilla Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Avilla Beach, CA.
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