Best Tent Camping near Jolon, CA
Looking for the best Jolon tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Jolon, including sites, reviews, and tips. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Jolon campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Jolon, CA (10)
1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Big Sur, California61 Reviews•182 Photos•1199 SavesPfeiffer Big Sur Campground features 189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.
Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.
All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$75 / night
2. Lake San Antonio - North Shore
Bradley, California5 Reviews•10 Photos•45 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Cabins
3. Ventana Campground
Big Sur, California23 Reviews•93 Photos•568 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$85 - $105 / night
4. Nacimiento Campground
Lucia, California4 Reviews•16 Photos•313 SavesTemporarily closed. Small campground with 9 campsites located among oak trees. Located near a running creek. Recreational Vehicles no longer than 25 feet.
- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Picnic Table
5. Alder Creek Camp
Fort Hunter Liggett, California3 Reviews•9 Photos•70 SavesLarge oak-shaded camp on the banks of Alder Creek. Contact the Monterey Ranger District for more information on this campground at 831-385-5434 X 0.
- Tents
- Alcohol
7. A Place to Stay in Big Sur
Lucia, California1 Review•4 Photos•72 SavesRead ENTIRE LISTING DESCRIPTION before requesting to book.
CURRENTLY - Because of major road repair - this land is ONLY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE SOUTH - THROUGH CAMBRIA - in San luis Obispo County. Highway 1 is completely impassable to the north in between Limekiln and Lucia. The only way to exit is also to return south.
-ONLY booking within 2 weeks or less - NOT accepting reservations more than 14 days out. Arrive Before Dark to find your site.
Find a place to set up your own tent, pads and bedding near the creek or on the hill. Most sites require walking away from your car. There are some flat spots to sleep in a vehicle.
A homestead at the bottom of a canyon where the creek meets the ocean. It is off-the-grid with no Wi-Fi, cell service or electricity.
A great place for families and children to experience nature. A Young child and baby live here, as well as three dogs, a cat and chickens/ducks. Dogs are welcome off-leash, unless they attack chickens/ducks, cats or other dogs. Please bury/cover dog poop.
This is a remote area with beautiful beaches, creeks and hiking trails throughout. Some areas can be very dangerous with steep cliffs and loose rocks. Be aware that things like spiders, snakes, raccoons, mice, poison oak, etc.. exist in natural areas like this.
Structures on the land are very rustic, A small communal guest kitchen is available with a two-burner stove and sink. Fresh water is available for drinking. There is a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers.
In the Fall of 2020 a huge fire burned the entire canyon followed a few months later by a massive flood that brought down gigantic redwood trees and boulders smashing through everything in it's path including the main living quarters and farm animals. The rains of 23’ also had a significant impact. The land is in the process of restoration and many areas are being worked on.
Alcohol is discouraged. It is not intended as a place to party or get drunk. A casual drink is okay. No stereos or electronic music devices. Acoustic instruments are fine. Fires can be made in designated pits near the creek only. Please do not bring excessive waste into the forest and Pack it Out. There are garbage and recycling cans if necessary.
TO BE ACCEPTED - please write “My party and I have read and understand the description” at the top of your booking request followed by a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from.
Because there is no Wi-Fi on the land - the internet may only be checked once daily - unless we are in town. Responses will come from Gene or Elle. It is advisable to check the weather before booking, especially in the winter - as there may be unsafe road conditions.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Glamping
$30 - $60 / night
8. Andrew Molera State Park Campground
Big Sur, California7 Reviews•13 Photos•95 SavesThere is no access to the campgrounds, beach trail, or any trails on the South side of the Big Sur River due to storm and flood damage.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a hike-in campground. Campers park in the day use parking lot and hike about 1/4 mile to the campground. Trail Camp contains 22 standard tent sites and two (2) hike-and-bike campsites. The campground is situated in a meadow near the Big Sur River. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and food storage container. Trail Camp offers potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.
Standard campsites are available for reservation. Reservations fill up six months in advance.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
$50 / night
10. Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP Environmental Campsite
Be the first to review!Big Sur, California•22 SavesTwo Environmental Campsites are located on the west side of Highway 1 south of McWay Cove. Both sites are hike-in only and no vehicle access is permitted. These sites are extremely popular year round and usually fill up six months in advance. Reservations are required and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275.
No dogs are permitted in the campground or on park trails.
PLEASE NOTE: Camping in the two designated sites is the only camping permitted in the park. Camping or sleeping inside a vehicle in the parking lot or on the highway is not allowed.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$30 - $38 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Jolon
632 Reviews of 10 Jolon Campgrounds
Louis F.
Scout
Morro Bay State Park Campground
Great Spot In Morro Bay
Nice Campground. RV Park Style. We have a fire ring, food locker, table and benches. It’s like being in a RV neighborhood. Location, Location, Location. Quick walk to the harbor, cafe, waterfront and walking trails. We have family in the area and bring our rig when visiting. We will definitely be back. Nice spot very comfortable.
- Michell C.
Ranger
Franklin Hot Springs
So Much Potential
When we rolled in to this property, we were almost certain we had the wrong place. The road going in was pretty sketchy right off the bat with a crumbling, concrete ‘bridge’ spanning an overflowing creek or drainage ditch. The water was running over the bridge but since we’d been driving through torrential downpours all day, we figured it was to be expected. When we pulled onto the actual property, there appeared to be several permanent tenants on property, their travel trailers and motorhomes surrounded with miscellaneous “stuff and things”. We were tired and decided that $30 to stay the night with electric hookups was worth it ($10 extra per person to swim in the hot spring). I should mention, the water provided at the site felt and smelled like it was straight out of the hot spring, so we didn’t hook that up to the RV. There was a lot of garbage and micro trash surrounding our site and I even stumbled across several large (some rusted) nails in the gravel in and around our site. Yikes! The swimming area was a bit run down but definitely serviceable. The bathrooms as a whole were pretty grimy, lots of junks built up in corners and flat surfaces, but the toilet and sink itself were clean. We ended up not using the pool in the morning as we were anxious to hit the road…
I should mention that we never once felt unsafe at all and the area was peaceful and quiet. The people we interacted with were very friendly and welcoming as well, so that was a plus. Even so, I don’t think we’ll be staying here again. I’m not sure if the pictures posted were taken well before the trash and stuff and things were scattered about, but what we saw when we arrived was a far cry from what the photos here and on their website represented. We were just really disappointed. But, not every place you stay is going to be stellar.
With a little cleaning, sprucing up and/or maybe some sort of privacy fence or barrier around the piles of stuff and things on the property, this could be an amazing spot.
- SSusan C.
Guide
San Lorenzo Park
Easy, Convenient & Pretty
What a find! Mostly level, mostly gravel and grass, mostly pull through sites. Water, and 30 amp and 12 V available. Not sure about 50 amp. Good cell service, bathrooms, showers and a dump station round out the on-site conveniences. Firings and picnic tables with a choice of well-shaded or solar-friendly sites. A nice walking path, circles the campground and is well used in the mornings and evenings by locals running or walking dogs and babies. The first half of the park has a rustic agriculture, museum, and lots of old farm equipment on display. There are also spaces to rent for parties and events with their own parking area separate from the campground. King City has grocery, gas, some restaurants and some shops just outside of the park.
Amy M.
Traveler
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Amazing
Camped with family over Memorial Day weekend. Park was busy , but amazing. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Our camp neighbors were awesome. Bathroom and showers clean. We camp here at least twice a year. Can’t wait to come back.
- SSusie B.Traveler
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
The Off Season Love Affair in Big Sur
I know we all rant here about how, “if you can go outside school holidays, you’re in for a real treat!” The most popular places, like Pfeiffer, can be nuts in the high season, although socially, that can be fun, too.
However, I have had the nicest times in the Winter here, truly. Christmas, Thanksgiving, special moments. The winter sun and sunsets are extraordinary. The Big Sur community, chill and awesome without all the tourist pressure.
Another fun fact… sometimes, when I have come back from a backpacking trip in the area, I will book a day or night, even if I don’t SPEND the whole night, because the showers are SO GOOD. And you know what’s it like to want a decent shower after you’ve been in the muck a few days.
- SSusie B.Traveler
Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
The Pinnacles are Other-Worldly - this is your launchpad
I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia.
I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.
Brittanie F.Scout
Big Sur Campground & Cabins
Staff are awful
Long story short the staff were unhelpful and lied about there being multiple spots open. When we arrived the people in the spot next to us had completely blocked our spot with one of their cars and were using our table. Had to asked a second time to be moved spots and only found out there were available spots when someone without a reservation showed up to registration when I was up there complaining.
- Julia H.Traveler
Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
Great
Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you’ll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will). i went early August and there was only one other camper van. very quiet. AMAZING sunset view. one of the best i’ve seen. just wished there was signal , for safety reasons.
Laura M.
LegendMorro Bay State Park Campground
Nicer when it's not crowded
We stayed here last year when the area was getting hit by severe storms and flooding - so the campground was almost empty. We loved the campground then and gave it 5 stars. This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience.
The previous review mentions the awkward walk to the showers, and I will agree with that. You either have to go through someone's site, or walk all the way to the end of the road. We got lucky and got to cut through some vacant sites to get to the showers.
We do still love this campground though, because of the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there. We got to visit the museum this time as well, small and cute and well worth the $3 entry fee. The restaurant is still there but we didn't go this time. Next time we go we will rent kayaks and explore the water some more. There's a golf course here adjacent to the campground as well. The town of Morro Bay is cute and relaxed and fun to visit.
There's a dump station here but it's not free even for campers - it's a $10 fee you pay with your credit card right at the dump. Showers were ok, no complaints.
This is a good, low key and decently priced campground that we'll definitely stop at the next time we're going through the area.
Jack W.RangerMorro Bay State Park Campground
"Last resort" campground, 3 stars at best
- PROS -
Beautiful location <5 minute drive away from the beach and Morro rock. SLO is close, and the coast is always nice. There's a pretty boardwalk trail next to the site as well (see photos).
- CONS -
These aren't camp sites, they're parking spots with a fire pit on dead grass and weeds. You're packed like sardines next to adjacent campers. It's unclear where the boundary of each others' site is. For facilities, they do have big bathrooms, showers, and dumpsters… but they're all filthy and unkempt. And even though the bathrooms may be right next to your site, there's no way to get to them without walking through another person's camp site or going all the way around– down the road or around many camps. We had a crotchety old man get mad at us for walking somewhat through his site. I enjoyed my stay, but only because I wasn't the one paying for the site.
TLDR: This site functions moreso as an overnight parking spot than it does a campsite.
Jack J.Traveler
Lake San Antonio - North Shore
Weekend Trip
Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers.
- BBoberto R.Traveler
Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Don’t go after June
Campground is fine. Very hot and very dry after June. No camp fires after June bear gulch caves are also closed after June. Seen a ton of wildlife and over all wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing.
- JJoanne C.Scout
Morro Bay State Park Campground
Great location, dirty facilities
You can’t beat the location- across from Marina , trails and walking distance to Morro bay town. , the restrooms and shower facilities were always filthy and running out of toilet paper. Bring your own soap and TP 
Tammy P.Traveler
Kirk Creek Campground
Most beautiful view
small hill top campground with amazing sunrise and sunset view. There is a small trail to go down the beach right next to camp site #22 Avoid sites that close to the restroom as it can get very smelly. Site #7,8,9 are the best with open space for ocean views. Can get very windy at night (depending on on season) so secure down your tent tightly
Eva C.Scout
Road's End, Bradley Lockwood
Beautiful and peaceful
The sites are clean and the views are lovely. We loved the fire pits and the string lights hanging from the trees. Very nice atmosphere.
Hannah F.Traveler
Laguna Mountain Campground
Great location
Got there around noontime on the Friday of Memorial Day and grabbed the last designated lot. Really awesome area. Beautiful sunset over the mountains. Hiked Laguna Mountain and the Falls. Highly recommended. Toilet was also nice.
- MMichael U.Scout
Morro Bay State Park Campground
Nice, quiet location.
Not a lot of privacy, but generally quiet and no road noise to speak of. 10-15 min bike ride to town. Only downside is that showers became coin-op some time within the past year. Bring some cash to buy shower tokens....wish I'd known!
Note: The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level. Not too bad if you back all the way in, but still not level.
- CClaudia H.Traveler
Morro Bay State Park Campground
Beautiful state park.
Love this place in central California. Lots of shade from the redwoods. Great down town area and farmers market.
Rupert C.ScoutRoad's End, Bradley Lockwood
All you could ask for
Quiet, serene and green and beautiful. i really don’t know what else you could ask for in a remote campsite. It is a 10 for the view and the setting. I will so be back….and often Rupert
Jake C.Legend
Vinyl Vineyards
New to the Dyrt!
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Lady D.TravelerLaguna Mountain Campground
BLM
Nice Campsites. Only 5 sites. Bathrooms. Free. First come first serve
Simply S.Traveler
Locatelli Vineyards & Winery
I'm #o Happy to have support in my dreams
They called me and told me they loved my story and dreams and wanted to help me with the dreams I have with my future Lifebook lifestyle
- Lady D.Traveler
Laguna Mountain Campground
Well Maintained
Free and well maintained campsite. I only saw 5 marked campsites. There's a small parking lot and bathroom. Some spots are more convenient for travel trailers, others are not
James N.RangerPfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
It's Big Sur...
I first stayed in this campground in 1975 while on break from collage. 49 years later it is still just a beautiful as I remember, even though they were recovering from some very heavy rains, most all of the campsites were open.
Great location to base out of when exploring the central coast. If you are coming from the south be sure to check that Highway 1 (PCH) is open, otherwise you will have to backtrack inland.
Friendly staff, general store, lots of things to do.
- James N.Ranger
Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Beautiful, and secluded spot
They have had some flood damage, so repairs are going on. Beautiful spot, great trails, showers, general store. Didn't get to see any condors. I'll stay here again. AT&T was acceptable coverage.
Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the maintenance going on, once that is complete it's a 5 Star.
Robert G.GuidePinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Fun Drive, Far Out
Just driving here was worth the visit, but get out on the trails to really appreciate the diversity.
dakota B.TravelerPinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Great views
Bathrooms were a bit of a distance apart. Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing. Good distance from any other stores and the camp store closes promptly at 5.
Guide to Jolon
Tent camping near Jolon, California, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Lake San Antonio - North Shore provides drinking water, picnic tables, and clean showers, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- Nacimiento Campground features picnic tables and toilets, nestled along a serene creek, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground offers well-maintained restrooms and a general store, ensuring convenience during your stay.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40
- A Place to Stay in Big Sur has affordable rates for tent sites, making it a great option for budget-conscious campers.
- Ventana Campground offers a range of pricing, with amenities like showers and firewood available for an additional fee.
- Carmel River Backcountry Camp is a free option for those looking to experience backcountry camping without the cost.
Tips for tent camping near Jolon
- At Alder Creek Camp, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to off-road access, ensuring a more adventurous camping experience.
- When visiting Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP Environmental Campsite, be prepared to hike in, as this site offers a more secluded and natural setting.
- For a family-friendly atmosphere, Military Park Fort Hunter Liggett Primitive Campground provides a quiet environment with spacious sites, perfect for enjoying quality time together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jolon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jolon, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jolon, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Jolon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.