97 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"This is my go to spot when traveling between Northern and Southern California. Conveniently located near to the town of Morrow Bay, but just far enough to feel away from it all."
"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."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"The dense vegetation off the road and the compact soils can makes a bathroom situation difficult. Please be prepared and responsible and don't leave TP or trash like some others did."
"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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."
"Beach walks can be nice... with scenic views up and down coast. Also neighborhood walks along bluff above campground are relaxing. Restrooms clean but basic."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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
TravelerWe love the convenience of having our 5th wheel stored by Pismo Coast Village. We purchased our 5th wheel across the street from Pismo Coast Village at Sky River RV. The resort is well maintained and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The general store and restaurant located at Pismo Coast Village are superb.
TravelerLove this Park. This was our first time camping here. The Park has only 60 spaces and was less than 1/3 full. Perfect location walking distance to the Ocean. Numerous restaurants and a Vons grocery store less than a mile away on Grand Avenue. Very clean and quiet. We're looking forward to staying here again. We had our 5th wheel towed here by Pismo Coast Village Resort's RV Storage. Fin's Bar & Grill is fantastic. Francisco's Country Kitchen is awesome for breakfast and lunch.
GuideOur site was site 31 i wasn't great and spacious sight. Is that a little extra privacy? Because it is an end space, and there are no campers to our starbord/ passenger side. The view was awesome. looking over the Bay, the sunset was spectacular. Just over the ridge. From the staff greeting to departure, the experience was absolutely chill and kind. We can't wait to return
TravelerThis campground is a dry camping location. Sites usually are spacious, especially for a “beach” campground. We like it here. Very quiet and easy to get into town for dinner and supplies.
GuideThis is one of the better managed state parks we’ve been to. Each site is very well maintained, and having pull through sites is great. It’s a diverse campground where you can be right by the bay, or further in with more trees. The picnic tables are stone and are very nice, you also get a fire pit and a cooking pit. Bathroom and showers are well maintained. The dump station is in a great spot and you won’t be in the way if there’s a line, it’s $10 but people share.
ScoutLocated at the base of the foothills in Nipomo, the original, founding family-ranch. The camping location in located in the avocado/lemon orchard with a 20’ camper, full sized bed, and lounge chair with mini fridge, ac, heater, smart tv, WiFi, and 240 v plug ins. Comfortable and also getting a full multi-thousands renovation; but renting out as it’s being planned.
On site, next to camper and parking spot, bathroom, laundry, and outdoor/greenhouse style shower with views of the hills. Sunsets are amazing purloin/orange/red views. Extremely quiet at night and peaceful. Occasional sound of coyotes, but it’s a wonderful spot.
GuideThe beach like it was in the old days. No developments other than the campground. Extremely family friendly and carefree. Beautiful beaches for long walks and great surf.
ScoutFirst time here with our 5th wheel. It was a great stay and we had a fantastic site. All the amenities you could need and easy access to beach, stores and freeway!
TravelerFriendly staff and nice park. We found the sites to be roomy in the section we were in with a 10ish foot stretch of grass between the us and the people behind us. Park is dog friendly and has plenty of amenities and a really good section of RV needs in the shop. Best part is a really short walk to the beach (dog friendly) and a short walk to Pismo which has awesome shops, food, pier, beach, and atmosphere. Definitely a fav of ours!
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.
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.
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.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Avilla Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Avilla Beach, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Avilla Beach, CA.
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