RV parks near Avila Beach, California sit on a narrow coastal strip along Highway 1, with most facilities located within three miles of the shoreline. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-65°F while summer averages 55-75°F with morning fog common year-round. Most RV sites are situated on hard-packed gravel surfaces with varied levels of shade depending on proximity to established vegetation and dunes.
What to do
Bike to beach access points: The paved bike path from Avila Hot Springs provides a scenic route to the coast. "The path is along a creek, surrounded by trees, and goes through a golf course. It is relatively flat and our 7yr old had a blast," notes a visitor at Avila Hot Springs.
Visit Morro Rock: Located 20 minutes north of Avila Beach, the landmark is visible from many campsites. "The view of Morro rock, super close by!" reports a camper at Morro Dunes RV Park, which offers walking access to dunes and the harbor area.
Explore dunes on foot: For families wanting sand adventures without vehicles, several parks provide direct dune access. "You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations," shares a visitor at Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort, noting the 30-minute walk to reach the ocean from the campground.
Horseback ride at coastal ranches: Some RV parks maintain on-site stables with guided rides. "The staff is friendly and horse rides in the beach are available! The dunes are a great backdrop to this place," mentions one camper about the equestrian amenities near Oceano.
What campers like
Proximity to wine country: The Paso Robles wine region is accessible from coastal campgrounds. "If we came to the area again specifically to do some wine tasting, I'd stay again," writes a guest at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country, which features concrete pad sites and decomposed granite options.
Heated pools and mineral springs: Several parks offer swimming facilities regardless of coastal weather conditions. "In addition to natural mineral springs and heated pool, facilities have water, toilets, showers, electricity for stealth travelers," explains a visitor at Avila Hot Springs, highlighting the day-use option for $28.
Direct waterfront access: Waterfront camping with unobstructed views is available year-round. "Love this place - the views are unbeatable, RV spots are spacious with many being parallel to the beach," states a reviewer at Port San Luis RV Campground, which provides dry camping at the oceanfront.
On-site dining options: Some larger resorts feature restaurants with convenient service. "The park has excellent activities, and an on-site restaurant delivers to your site," notes a repeat visitor to Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, appreciating the walkable access to downtown amenities.
What you should know
Overflow capacity limitations: During peak periods, alternative sites may be available at less desirable locations. "We got site 'W.' Stayed for one night. This spot seems to mostly cater to tent and cabin campers... had to use 4 blocks to level our trailer, the site was full of trash and dog poop too," cautions a last-minute visitor at Avila Hot Springs.
Tight spacing at premium locations: Oceanfront sites often sacrifice privacy for views. "Sites are very close to each other unless you upgrade but still will get to know your neighbors," observes a guest at Holiday RV Park, where maintenance staff may assist with parking in confined spaces.
Variable cleanliness standards: Facility maintenance can fluctuate based on staffing and season. "My only complaint is about sporadic restroom cleaning during Covid-19. Not as often as scheduled and we were camped across, so could visibly observe," reports a camper at Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort.
Environmental factors: The coastal setting introduces unique considerations. "The campground is narrow and situated directly between PCH and the railroad tracks on either side. So traffic noise was significant, and as an added bonus, every now and then Amtrack would roll past," mentions a visitor regarding noise levels at Coastal Dunes RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated activity areas: Some parks offer specific child-friendly amenities. "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. Many folks leave their shoes at the edge of the campground so they those shoes don't fill full of sand," suggests a visitor to Pacific Dunes Ranch, noting the convenience for children.
Consider distance to beaches: Walking distances vary significantly between parks. "Bike ride to the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve beach was only 10-15 minutes," reports a camper staying at the inland portion of Pacific Dunes Ranch, indicating manageable transportation for families with children.
Check pool availability: Family-friendly swimming options are available year-round at select parks. "The kids enjoyed the pool and arcade, which was a great start," notes a visitor at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, though they cautioned about inconsistent amenity maintenance.
Plan for limited privacy: Family groups should set expectations for shared spaces. "Camping area is small and it's basically a dirt parking lot. Loud road noise all night and day from the freeway. Lots of pincher bugs infested my gear," warns a tent camper at Avila Hot Springs.
Tips from RVers
Book weekday arrivals when possible: Weekend availability is consistently limited even in off-season. "We stayed for 14 days, but would have saved a BUNCH if we could have stayed for longer and gotten the monthly rate (they call it 'Park and play')," advises an RVer at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort, noting significant savings for extended stays.
Pack leveling equipment: Many sites require adjustments despite advertised level spaces. "My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus," highlights an RVer at Pacific Dunes Ranch, indicating the unusual nature of finding a naturally level site.
Consider site surface material: Different parks offer varied parking surfaces with implications for interior cleanliness. "The roads inside the park a paved, but the sites are gravel which will invariably end up inside your RV," notes a visitor to Pacific Dunes Ranch regarding debris management.
Watch for restrictive policies: Some parks have specific equipment requirements. "Require kind carpet or artificial grass because the pavement is dirt," mentions a guest at Holiday RV Park about mandatory outdoor ground coverings.
