Best Campgrounds near Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach provides coastal camping options along California's central coast, with several established campgrounds offering beach access and ocean views. The area includes both state park campgrounds and private RV resorts like Pismo Coast Village RV Resort and Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach. Camping accommodations range from tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with some locations like Lopez Lake Recreation Area offering cabins. Most developed campgrounds are concentrated near the shoreline, with TV Tower Road offering the primary dispersed camping option approximately 20 miles inland near Santa Margarita.
Year-round camping is available throughout the region, though summer and holiday weekends typically require reservations months in advance. Most state park and private campgrounds provide water, restrooms, and shower facilities, while the dispersed areas have no amenities. "Spots are very tight with neighbors very close," noted one visitor about Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, highlighting the compact nature of many coastal campgrounds. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the developed camping areas, and most campgrounds are accessible via paved roads without high-clearance requirements. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some locations permitting fires in designated rings while others may implement bans during dry periods.
Several visitors mention the prime location of campgrounds in relation to downtown Pismo Beach and beach access. Campers frequently highlight the walkability to restaurants, shops, and the pier from facilities like Pismo Coast Village RV Resort. A review emphasized that "it is right by the beach, downtown Pismo but far enough away that you aren't in the mix of everything." Despite the convenience, many reviews consistently note that campsites at popular locations tend to be extremely close together, particularly at the RV resorts. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at nearby Montaña de Oro State Park, while facilities at Lopez Lake Recreation Area provide more spacious sites away from the immediate coastal zone. The mix of developed campgrounds offers varying degrees of amenities, from basic state park facilities to resort-style accommodations with pools, stores, and restaurants.
