The Santa Maria Valley offers unique glamping opportunities near Guadalupe, California, with the coastal region's moderate climate providing year-round camping conditions. Morning fog often rolls in from the Pacific, creating a misty environment at beachside campsites that typically burns off by midday. Winter temperatures range from 45-65°F while summer averages 60-75°F, ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Beach exploration: 4.8-mile round trip walk to Avila Beach from Avila-Pismo Beach KOA. As camper Deanna P. notes, "I loved staying here. The site was clean, we had full hookups, and the bathrooms were very clean too. You are also only minutes away from the beach in Avila and great shopping."
Wildlife viewing: Monarch butterfly groves near beach camping areas. Rachel A. describes Le Sage Riviera RV Park: "Sites are well maintained but hard to come by—make reservations in advance! Hop away from water and another highlight are the nearby monarch groves where the butterflies migrate to the trees and you can walk through on paths."
Fishing and boating: Lake opportunities at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. Crystal J. explains, "The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well. No cell reception, not for us on Verizon anyways, but you can drive about 1/2 mile down the road for it."
Dune exploration: Access California's coastal dunes directly from your campsite at Pacific Dunes Ranch. James O. shares, "Easy check-in experience. You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations. Clean and warm showers available during the day."
What campers like
Off-the-grid experience: No cell service at some locations creates a genuine disconnect. Samuel N. from Jalama Beach County Park says, "No phone service but the camp Wireless was actually pretty decent. Was able to make call via the connection."
Premium luxury glamping: Upscale accommodations for those seeking comfort. One camper at Flying Flags RV Resort notes, "We had a premium site at $185 a night and it was nice... Our spot had a Nice BBQ and fire pit."
Proximity to local attractions: Wine country and Danish villages within short drives. SmallRVLifestyle V. explains, "The location of Flying Flags is perfect if you are looking to venture out for an evening or you are here for the wineries. There are several museums in the area, including the Solvang vintage motorcycle museum."
Wildlife encounters: Natural habitat viewing opportunities. Mike G. at Jalama Beach shares, "Super remote campsite. I commend the RVs and Trailers that drive down the narrow road. The site has Starlink internet, but it's kinda spotty."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Coastal winds can be significant at certain times. According to Kathleen D. at Jalama Beach, "Be prepared for winds as this campground can blow at times and it's no joke when the Jalama winds kick up!"
Reservation requirements: Many sites book months ahead, especially for premium locations. Patrick J. notes about Flying Flags Avila Beach, "The place isn't cheap and it isn't easy to get reservations. You will need months of advanced notice."
Swimming restrictions: Not all lakes permit swimming. Chanel C. explains about Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, "Only downside is no swimming or SUP boarding."
Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies widely between campgrounds. Michael P. at Flying Flags Avila Beach summarizes it as, "Expensive, cramped, petty rules but what a view."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Jason M. recommends, "This park has one of our favorite locations - Buellton and Solvang in the Santa Inez Valley. We love the wading pool and kid-friendly activities."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing programs can entertain children. Garrett M. at Oceano Campground shares, "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."
Family-oriented glamping: Comfortable options for kids of all ages. Angel Q. from Santa Margarita KOA says, "Easter weekend visit. Staff was awesome. The cabin was exactly what we needed for a low impact weekend of camping. Proximity to the lake was great. The highlight for my kids was the Easter egg hunt put on by the staff."
Bug preparation: Bring insect repellent during warmer months. Barbara M. at Oceano Campground advises, "Also, mosquitoes! How could I forget. Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills. They're not fun if you're not prepared."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Levelness varies dramatically. Leonard H. notes about Oceano Campground, "Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks."
Hookup availability: Not all glamping sites near Guadalupe offer full services. Tonya C. cautions about Flying Flags, "Nice campground, but narrow spots that are close to each other. We have a 35 foot 5th wheel with sides that fit okay. Getting out was a little tighter because of the narrow roads."
Dust management: Prepare for dirt roads at some campgrounds. Lauretta M. shares from Santa Margarita KOA, "We tent camped in space #63..next to a dirt road which looped around the campground. We got nailed with dirt dust every time someone drove by."
Alternative accommodation options: Yurts and cabins for RV-free glamping. Amanda M. describes Cachuma Lake: "We have rented a yurt a couple times, and hope to do so again soon. The yurts have bunk beds inside (bring your own bedding!), an overhead light, and a heater. Outside each yurt is a picnic table, charcoal barbeque, a firepit, and a water spigot."
