Best Campgrounds near Lompoc, CA

Lompoc, California has several good camping spots within driving distance. Morro Bay State Park Campground gives you access to hiking trails and views of Morro Bay. State Beach Campground sits close to the shoreline where you can swim and play in the water. Both places have basic facilities like bathrooms and tables for eating. You can camp here most of the year thanks to the mild weather, though many people think spring and fall feel the best. Make sure to check current fire rules and get permits if you need them for your trip. Some campsites have trees for shade while others are more open. It's smart to book ahead, especially during busy times when sites fill up quickly. When you're not at camp, you can visit nearby Solvang or drive through the Santa Ynez Valley. The area has good fishing in various lakes and streams. Many campers enjoy watching for local wildlife around their sites. The Los Padres National Forest isn't far away and has more trails and places to camp. Remember to take all your garbage with you and follow outdoor ethics to keep these places nice. Lompoc's nearby camping works well whether you want to relax by the beach or hike through nature.

Best Camping Sites Near Lompoc, California (78)

    1. Jalama Beach County Park

    38 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 736-3504

    "The road winds for 14 miles through farms and the California coastal sage scrub ecosystem which when we were there, April, was just going off with wild flowers.  Gorgeous sunsets to boot!"

    "This campground is right next to the beach and is well loved by the many return campers I spoke with."

    2. Flying Flags RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Buellton, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 783-5247

    "Thus is a roadside RV park that is a nice size and super friendly. We stayed here on Valentines weekend. It was mostly quiet and the camp host was delivering breakfast to the campsite, super cheap."

    "Close by solvang town and many pretty hiking trails"

    3. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    57 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."

    "As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"

    4. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    46 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1869

    $45 - $320 / night

    "It's convenient, easy drive-up and set up tent camping. The campground and the bathrooms are well taken care of and clean. It's also nice that the beach is nearby."

    "This campground doesn’t feel too much like you’re out in the wilderness, but it is on a cliff above the beach on California’s central coast so who’s to complain?"

    5. Gaviota Campground — Gaviota State Park

    11 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    18 miles

    $35 / night

    "I love that the campsite is right next to the beach, less than 5 minute walk."

    6. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    63 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $40 / night

    "Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"

    "Sites far apart, easy access to garbage disposal, flush toilets, showers and nice grassy sites. It is a short walk to the beach."

    7. Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Lompoc, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 606-8579

    "Located on Vandenberg base which requires a membership card (military I.D.) This helps keep the camp site more private. No one goes here. It is tranquil and has trails to hike and lakes to fish in."

    8. Refugio State Beach Campground

    25 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $350 / night

    "Low key but nice beach side campground along California’s Central Coast. Not to far from Santa Barbara. A bit of a surfers paradise because of some of the spots not far from the campsite."

    "This is the furthest spot away from the ocean we’ve ever stayed, but the site was large and exposed, which meant our solar panels were able to get all the charge they needed each day to easily power everything"

    9. Mt. Figueroa Campground

    21 Reviews
    Los Olivos, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "While visiting Los Padres National forest on a Valentines Weekend, we unfortunately couldn’t do much camping near the higher altitudes due to high wind gusts so we headed toward the other camps, Davy Brown"

    "Figueroa Campground is a 33-35 site campground behind Los Olivos, CA. It is surrounded by live oaks and gorgeous manzanita trees, so there is a lot of shade available."

    10. Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area

    9 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    "This is a California Highway rest area right off the 101 just north of Goleta/Santa Barbara. As the sign says, one is allowed to park their 8 hours."

    "The entrance and exit are build for traffic going south, so you have to be comfortable doing a freeway u-turn if you're going north."

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Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lompoc, CA

636 Reviews of 78 Lompoc Campgrounds



Guide to Lompoc

Camping near Lompoc, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the stunning coastline at Jalama Beach County Park. One camper mentioned, "Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay."
  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Explore the trails at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "We loved the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for fishing and boating. One reviewer shared, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. At El Capitán State Beach Campground, one guest said, "Our site had an ocean view, which is why I give this campground a 4-star rating."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy well-maintained amenities. A reviewer at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Refugio State Beach Campground are great for families. One camper noted, "This place is magnificent... children riding scooters, children riding bicycles... it was chaotic but fun."

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area said, "Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together. A camper at Morro Strand State Beach Campground mentioned, "Sites very close together. Many squirrels. Mostly RV sites."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or train tracks. A reviewer at Refugio State Beach Campground noted, "There is a railroad track just east of the campground... could still wake tent campers."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Water: Many campgrounds, like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, recommend filling up tanks before arriving. One camper advised, "Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. A family at Jalama Beach County Park enjoyed, "There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Morro Strand State Beach Campground said, "You can park your car on the next loop over, but you will barely have enough space to sit in your chair."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds, like Morro Bay State Park Campground, have coin-operated showers. One camper noted, "Showers were ok, no complaints."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Keep noise levels down to respect fellow campers. A visitor at Morro Strand State Beach Campground mentioned, "Campers play loud music way beyond the scope of their campground."

Camping around Lompoc, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to serene nature spots. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lompoc, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lompoc, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Lompoc, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lompoc, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lompoc, CA is Jalama Beach County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lompoc, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lompoc, CA.

What parks are near Lompoc, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Lompoc, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.