Best Campgrounds near Grover Beach, CA

Grover Beach in California draws many campers with its diverse outdoor settings. Morro Bay State Park Campground sits about 20 miles from Grover Beach and has both tent and RV sites along with restrooms and showers. North Beach Campground within Pismo State Beach is close to the ocean and comes with picnic tables and fire rings. The Nice Campground is quieter and more basic but good for those wanting fewer neighbors. Watch out for local wildlife like raccoons and birds - store your food properly to avoid problems. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather around Grover Beach with mild temperatures. Summer can get hot while winter tends to be cool with some rain. Most campgrounds connect to paved roads, but check conditions during rainy periods when mud can be an issue. Grover Beach works well for both tent and RV camping, just pack for changing weather conditions. The central California coast location makes Grover Beach a good base for exploring the shoreline.

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Best Camping Sites Near Grover Beach, California (96)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    64 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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!)"

    2. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "It's a nice area, multiple camp grounds throughout the lake, some having hookups and other areas undeveloped and better for tent camping."

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    3. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    22 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $35 - $165 / night

    "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."

    "It is only 2 miles away from Morro Rock and the adorable tourist town full of shops and eateries."

    5. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "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."

    6. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "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."

    7. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    8. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 595-7111

    $225 / night

    "Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground. Beach, trails and golfing all within 5min."

    "Located just north of Pismo Beach, Avila is tucked away down a hill that is totally worth venturing off to."

    9. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    29 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."

    "This campground is near the beach on the central California coast . It has tent and RV sites. The only amenities are non-flushing toilets and water . There are no lights at night, so it is very dark."

    10. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $10 / night

    "A vehicle beach with unlimited things to do fishing, offroad sand dunes, hike, camp rv vehicle theres class A B C home made its awesome dogs allowed, after 10pm it's so quite"

    "We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that."

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Recent Reviews near Grover Beach, CA

746 Reviews of 96 Grover Beach Campgrounds


  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bella Vista By The Sea

    Walk to beach, pier, trails and nice town of Cayucos.

    Accurate description in other reviews. This is a mobile home park with RV sites(FHU). This lends to a different experience, but a good one. Walking distance pretty much anything. Ride or walk out of Bella Vista to beach, pier, trails and town. Had back in site# 66. Lots of maneuvering room for our 35 feet TT. I'd go back.:-)

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Great Staff

    This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.

    Showers are available, they take quarters.

    Would absolutely stay here again.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    The views in the morning are amazing!

    I arrived on motorcycle at 10:30 at night. I hate being that guy that shows up late while everyone is in their tents, but it happens. First 90% of the road/trail is pretty easy, but the last 10% did get a little sketchy at night, while on a motorcycle and being my first time there. It was fairly crowded when I got there but was able to find a spot so quickly pitch my tend and get some well needed sleep. I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast. I would only recommend experienced riders take a large street motorcycle up there, but it is doable. I set up my tent on the first spot on the left, on the little ridge.

  • Zenaida O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Vines RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    Found my place in life here at the Vines!

    I came to the Vines in an old vintage beat up RV with quite the traumatic story trailing and I have been blessed beyond what I could imagine would be possible. Not only did the staff go out of their way to make accommodations for me, they have adjusted and readjusted and accommodated again and again just to make sure I felt like I was comfortable and my needs were met. They taught me all I know about RVing full time and have been the perfect community of people I have needed to carry me thru tough times. This may not be the best most perfect place and some may have things to complain about but as for me and my household we are filled with nothing but gratitude for the home I have found here.

    The bathrooms are always clean and the showers are hot, the pools are clean and always open, the gym has new equipment and the game room is stocked for a good time. The general store provides basic things that I've needed along the way as well as parts for the RV that I could not do without but didn't even know I needed. Teri is the manager there now and her heart for the people she serves is so evident that you can't help but to love her. All of the dogs are well behaved I don't hear all the barking that the other review complained about nor do I find that my privacy is that compromised considering how close we are I do feel like I have some sort of privacy still.

    The spaces are spacious enough to enjoy outside time with friends and family and it's a perfect place to come escape from all the noise of life and tune into what's going on inside our own minds and bodies which is why I'm here and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    If you're looking for a retreat, quiet and stable but embracing friendly and warm - this is the spot!!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Nice state parks

    Nice park. Quite busy mid Aug but not rowdy. Pretty views and close to town centre. Showers (need to pay) and firewood available

  • Tommy B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    pismo state beach

    Busy campground

    This used to be a really nice park. Now, there doesn’t seem to be any pride in taking care of it.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Perfect spot for the beach and gatherings with friends

    I love Pismo Beach! The sites are large and perfect for a group of friends. They have incredible amenities. The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Good Location Close to Beach & Lagoon

    Prior reviews accurate. Hook-up sites close together... non-hookup have more separation. 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. Nice large showers take state park tokens. Nice lagoon walking path but some parts flooded right now. Campground protected from blowing sand because dunes in front of it. Nice area to start beach walks or rent dune buggies. Close to Pismo Beach for many restaurants and pier. Classic California...

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    Beautiful Bluff Beach Walk

    Ignore CAMPGROUND FULL sign at north end near Los Osos as you drive into park about 5 miles north of campground. People cancel and sign is not updated on regular basis. Spooner Ranch House open daily 10am-4pm provides good historical background before taking scenic coastal walk along the Bluff Trail. Other more adventurous inland hike/bike trails also available. Front loop offers camping spaces slightly further apart. Pit toilets in center of loops generally clean. Asphalt paved parking slots a little sloped but can level with blocks. Very dry and brown in campground in August. Foggy and cool most of day... only saw sun a few minutes. Nice paved almost level parking lot with views of Morro Bay about half-way between entrance and campground. Beautiful beach with non-RV parking right below Ranch House.


Guide to Grover Beach

Camping near Grover Beach, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat or a spot surrounded by nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores just a short walk from your campsite. At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, one camper mentioned, “The beach is a short walk away,” making it easy to soak up the sun or take a stroll along the shore.
  • Bird Watching: If you love wildlife, head to Morro Bay State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “We got to visit the museum this time as well, small and cute and well worth the $3 entry fee,” highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, “Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area,” perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

What campers like

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near train tracks. A camper at Refugio State Beach Campground noted, “Next to train tracks (don’t run frequently at night), but could still wake tent campers,” so light sleepers might want to bring earplugs.
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Morro Strand State Beach Campground mentioned, “Sites very close together,” which might not be ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds do not have potable water. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area advised, “Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering,” so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. One family at Jalama Beach County Park enjoyed, “Great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay,” perfect for kids to explore.
  • Safety Precautions: Keep an eye on your kids, especially around wildlife. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, “There’s also lots of rangers, which makes for very well-mannered campers,” ensuring a safe environment.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy. One reviewer at El Capitán State Beach Campground said, “The area has a run-down feel,” so it’s best to come prepared.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, “The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level,” which could be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds have token-operated showers. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground reminded others, “You do need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash,” so be prepared.
  • Dump Stations Nearby: If you need to empty your tanks, check for nearby dump stations. A camper at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach mentioned, “There’s a dump station just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground,” making it convenient for RVers.

Camping near Grover Beach, California, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to nature exploration. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times of year to camp at Grover Beach?

The best times to camp near Grover Beach are late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Summer brings warm days perfect for beach activities, though it can get crowded during peak season. Morro Bay State Park Campground stays relatively peaceful even during busy periods and offers services year-round. Fall provides fewer crowds while maintaining comfortable temperatures. Winter camping is possible but expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Le Sage Riviera RV Park remains popular year-round due to its proximity to water, but requires advance reservations during peak seasons.

Is camping allowed on Grover Beach?

Camping directly on Grover Beach itself is not permitted. However, you can enjoy beach proximity at nearby Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach, which is tucked behind the dunes with easy beach access. Some visitors prefer Pismo Dunes Travel Trailer Park, which offers clean grounds and convenient access to dunes and beaches. For beach camping in the general area, consider the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, which allows camping on designated beach areas (not Grover Beach specifically).

Are there designated campgrounds at Grover Beach?

While there are no campgrounds on Grover Beach itself, several excellent options exist nearby. Morro Dunes RV Park is located right on the beach with ocean views near Morro Rock and within walking distance of downtown Morro Bay. Another popular option is Pacific Dunes Ranch, which offers multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Both provide convenient beach access while offering the amenities that Grover Beach itself lacks for overnight stays.