Best Glamping near Coalinga, CA

We had booked a pull thru site and they asked to change our spot because they were having a party that day in that area. I was okay with it until we got there and tried to pull into the spot. We have a 35 foot 5th wheel and they put us on the far end where it was hard to turn. It took a lot of turning and backing up to get into this spot. The spot had a huge concrete barrier so people wouldn't drive up on the sand area. If that wasn't there it would have been easier to get into the spot bit we couldn't go forward anymore. There was also a chain link fence in the way. We camped with others that had smaller 25 foot travel trailers and they got into their spots okay. If you have a big trailer, don't get these spots at the end (L-28). The lady that said we would fit no problem obviously has never tried to park a big trailer there. Bring your own fire pit too. They don't have any.

This lake and the one up the road, San Antonio Lake , are very popular motor boating locations in north San Luis Obispo County. Camping in the summer months are very hot and crowded and not cheap. On the positive side, the lake is huge with narrow passages where you can get off the main lake and fish or just have fun. Jet skis, kayaks etc are permitted. There is a beach for kids near the marina area campground. The campground is part of the private Lake Nacimiento Resort located near the marina and extends along the shore toward the dam with various types of sites. Some sites have direct access to your temporarily moored boat. It gets a bit noisy in the evening as college students party after a long fun day on the lake. All services are available even a store. Three stars for noise and crowds and prices ( tents 35$ hookups 50$, plus pet fee, vehicle fee,etc.)

Overall, the privately-owned sites at Lake Nacemiento resort are good - but you'll probably want to get one of the reserved spots! They are further away from the boat launch, general store, etc, and can be much quieter (depending on who your neighbors are, of course!) If you call for reservations, the staff are quite helpful, and they can even describe some of the attributes of the sites. For example, we stayed at the Sandy Point campground, which was quite close to the water, and they helped me find a site big enough for our group. BUT! be sure to ask about which sites are more secluded - some of the sites are right next to each other, some are a bit more private.

If you’re doing the long drive from the Bay Area to LA, a nice place to stay is Mercey Hot Springs.  It takes about 20 minutes to get there from the freeway and is in the middle of nowhere.  Camping is $50 per person, but it gives you access to the pool and the hot tubs.  There are both clothing optional hot tubs and hot tubs for bathing suits.  The best campsites are the ones with no hook-ups.  They are under the trees and right next to the pool.  The RV sites with hook-ups are in an open field area with no tree cover.  There are also airstreams and cabins available to rent.  Camping gives you 24 hour access to the hot tubs.  There is no food available here and the closest town is 30 minutes away so be sure to come prepared.  There is also a sauna and a nice hike up in the hills.  Nice quiet place. Everyone is super chill and no one really bothers you about swimming after hours.

I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.