Located approximately 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach sits at a modest elevation of 50-100 feet above sea level along California's central coast. The region's Mediterranean climate creates mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F and winter lows seldom dropping below 40°F. Coastal fog often blankets campgrounds during early morning hours before burning off by midday, creating unique microclimates within a small geographical area.
What to do
Beach exploration: Walk to Pismo State Beach from Oceano Campground, where campers can access miles of shoreline within minutes. "Each site has paved parking, fire ring and picnic table. Just a short walk from each site to the water," notes Keven I., highlighting the convenience for beachgoers.
Wildlife viewing: Search for Monarch butterflies at Oceano Campground during winter migration season (November-February). "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," shares Garrett M.
Hiking: Trek the Cerro Alto Trail from Cerro Alto Campground for panoramic coastal views. The 4-mile round trip climbs 1,600 feet in elevation. "The hike is through live oak trees most of the way, so most of the hike is nice and shaded. Keep and eye out for salamanders when crossing the creek beds!" reports Amanda M.
Watersports: Rent kayaks or canoes at Lopez Lake Recreation Area where the 1,000-acre reservoir offers calm waters for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. "Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well," says Crystal J., who enjoys the relatively mellow water conditions.
What campers like
Privacy: Spacious campsites at Pacific Dunes Ranch adjacent to natural sand dunes. "The dunes were beautiful, but walking to the beach would be quite an effort. Without the OHV activity, it was safe to hike or dune surf," explains Annette A., noting the unique terrain that separates the camping area from the ocean.
Ocean proximity: Beachfront sites at Jalama Beach County Park offer immediate ocean access. "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," reports Rainer M., describing the park's layout.
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple play areas at Santa Margarita KOA keep children entertained. "There is a pool, jumping pillow, playground, etc. RV spots are on flat, dusty parking areas and are easy to navigate. The park is loaded with really nice hiking trails," mentions Sherry D., highlighting amenities beyond standard glamping facilities.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers at Avila-Pismo Beach KOA enhance the glamping experience. "The site was clean, we had full hookups, and the bathrooms were very clean too. Their store had a lot of items that you might need (groceries and alcohol) and little souvenirs," says Deanna P.
What you should know
Weather patterns: Wind conditions affect comfort at coastal sites, especially at Jalama Beach County Park. "This can be an extremely windy stretch of beach. During the day it will blow onshore and at night it will blow offshore," advises Michael K., recommending wind breaks for tents.
Reservation requirements: Book sites 3-6 months in advance during summer (June-August) as coastal campgrounds fill quickly. For glamping in Grover Beach, California, last-minute availability is rare at premium sites.
Wildlife precautions: Ticks and poison oak present hazards at wooded campgrounds like Cerro Alto. "There is poison oak EVERYWHERE so do not go wandering off into the brush. TICKS TICKS TICKS. Make sure you read the warnings and stay on trails," warns Chanel C., emphasizing trail safety.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no reception. "No cell reception, not for us on Verizon anyways, but you can drive about 1/2 mile down the road for it," mentions Crystal J. about Lopez Lake Recreation Area, reflecting a common situation throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Choose Oceano Campground for gentle shorelines suitable for children. "You are truly minutes away from the beach at this campground! Facilities are nice. Sites are decently spaced," says Lindsay F., noting the convenience for families with young children.
Entertainment options: Visit Mustang Waterpark at Lopez Lake during summer months. "Lopez Lake is the home of the Mustang Waterpark, a small, but super fun water park. I believe the park is closed during the fall and winter months, but is open during the spring and summer," explains Amanda M.
Noise considerations: Avoid sites near highways at Avila-Pismo Beach KOA if traveling with light sleepers. "You are really close to the highway so you hear cars zoom past all night, not great for a light sleeper like me," cautions Crystal, highlighting a common challenge for families seeking luxury glamping in Grover Beach.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request upper-level sites at Flying Flags Avila Beach for better ocean views. "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," advises Rainer M.
Access challenges: Navigate narrow roads carefully when approaching Jalama Beach County Park. "I commend the RVs and Trailers that drive down the narrow road," notes Mike G., recognizing the driving skill required for the 14-mile access road.
Hookup availability: Check water pressure at Santa Margarita KOA before setting up. "The water pressure was a little low compared to other places. Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool. Staff is awesome very helpful," reports stacey S., providing practical insights for RV glamping in Grover Beach area.
