Several campgrounds surround the small town of Los Olivos in California, giving campers different options based on what they're looking for. The State Beach Campground sits close to the Pacific Ocean, which works well for anyone who wants to spend time at the beach. Wheeler Gorge Campground in Los Padres National Forest has more trees and fewer people around. Both places have different kinds of facilities depending on what type of camping you prefer. State Beach Campground has good bathrooms and tables for eating, which many families like. Wheeler Gorge is better known for its trails and good views of the area. Getting to these campgrounds is pretty easy since the roads are paved all the way there. Some spots might need trucks or SUVs with higher clearance if the roads get rough. You'll see lots of wildlife around Los Olivos, so keep your food secure to keep animals away from your campsite. Bird watching is good here with many different species flying around. If you want to take a break from camping, you can check out Solvang town or go see vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. The weather can change quickly here - even summer nights can get cold, so bring extra clothes to stay warm. Los Olivos makes a good camping spot whether you're staying for a weekend or longer, with both beach and forest camping not far from each other.
"My dad has a small 14 ft fishing boat, and we enjoy taking the boat out on the lake to fish and sightsee. There are endless trails around Cachuma Lake in Los Padres National Forest."
"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."
"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"
$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?"
$30 - $34 / night
"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."
"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"
$45 - $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"
"If you find yourself up near Santa Barbara, this luxury RV Resort and Campground is a real splurge."
"This was the second time during our stay, where a worker came and blew the leafs away from our site. So appreciated. Hiking trails around. We like the walk to the goats and to the beach."
"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."
"This campground is right next to the beach and is well loved by the many return campers I spoke with."
"Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay. Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place."
$45 / night
"I love that the campsite is right next to the beach, less than 5 minute walk."
$30 - $34 / night
"Nira is a small, primitive campground in the San Rafael wilderness behind the Santa Ynez Valley."
"Beautiful drive to get to Nira with stunning views. Had a nice visit having the whole campground to ourselves, although the nearby trailheads had several cars."
TravelerSpots are wide enough to park our truck next to our trailer. Asphalt parking with dirt yard behind the spot, including a firepit and picnic table. Trees and shrubs for privacy and shade. Run by San Luis Obispo County.
ScoutIncredible beach camping
LegendWe stopped here for an overnight. Not at all crowded in March, which we like. It is a very large resort so during peak season will have a different feel than now. We liked the premium spaces better than the classic as those sites didn’t have a picnic table. The restrooms by the front office are very nice. Lots to do for kids with a playground and for older kids/adults, a lounge with a pool table. Guests are allowed to use the fitness room at the adjacent Sideways Inn. Would stay here again in the off season. Friendly staff.
LegendLovely state park campground with access to the beach over some dunes and waterways. Pismo Beach is a huge and beautiful beach. Even with a lot of people it cannot feel crowded. If you are willing to get your feet wet crossing some creeks that empty into the ocean you can walk to the pier along the beach. This park is a delight compared to the cramped RV Parks right next door. Clean bathrooms and showers. Shower tokens $1 for 2 will get you a 4 minute shower. Peaceful place on a Sunday in March.
GuideBooked a couple of nights here at the last minute and, while crowded, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet and tidy this campground was.
It is however the off-season and not a place I’d consider otherwise as I can only imagine how wild it must get when kids are off of school, as it is right on the beach.
The sites are pretty leveled and the facilities offer all one needs, and it’s all very clean. Spigots for free water refill are also available throughout the campground.
At $25/night, this is a wonderful and very safe campground for all.
TravelerAlways clean and friendly sites are big a lot of new attractions on site restaurant and bar and I HIGHLY recommend the Clam Chowder
RangerWe loved this BLM campground. We got lucky that the road had been graded after the storms. The blooms appeared almost magically as the sun hit those areas. We saw more already on the second day on our way east. Stunning
GuideWe didn't expect much, but we stayed one night enroute from San Diego to San Francisco.
The lake was pretty, the site was nice, but we couldn't see the lake from the site. We just didn't spend much time here.
GuideWe had never visited Pismo Beach before, but wanted to camp on the sand (it's allowed!)
We drove onto the beach from the Pier Avenue entrance to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and headed south. There were a few other vehicles, but we found out the area right near the ramp was day use only.
Continued south on the sand about a mile until we got out of the day use area . There is a creek you have to cross before you can overnight camp. And the internet told us that at high tide it's not passable. So we timed our crossing to be at lower tide.
There's lots of hard packed sand, but the hard packed sand is where the tide comes up to. Then inland of the hard packed sand is some medium packed sand, and inland of that is soft white fluffy sand. You want to park on the medium sand.
We tried to get a little further inland so we wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night with our camper drifting out to sea, but as soon as you get onto the soft sand, you sink like a rock. We had brought two sheets of 2'x4' OSB just in case we got stuck (to put under our dually wheels) and ended up using them since we went a LITTLE too far inland.
But once you're settled, it's a lot of fun!
We loved sitting on the beach with a campfire!
We only stayed one night, but we're likely to go again next time we go up that way!
Camping near Los Olivos, California offers access to both coastal and inland mountain experiences within the Los Padres National Forest. The region sits at elevations ranging from sea level to over 4,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates that transition from cool marine influence to warmer inland valleys. During summer months, temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night aren't uncommon, with coastal fog often burning off by midday.
Hiking on Figueroa Mountain: Access numerous trails with panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Valley from Mt. Figueroa Campground. "We brought our dog with us and she had a great time. There are TONS of awesome trails around to walk, hike, or bike," notes Bailey A., who recommends wearing layers for temperature changes as "it was definitely cold at night, so bring proper equipment for near freezing temps."
Wildlife viewing at the lake: Spot local birds and animals at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. "Cachuma Lake is a great place for wildlife viewing and birding. I am a photographer, and love seeing all of the birds that hang out around Cachuma - ducks, coots, Western and Clark's grebes, loons, osprey, hawks, turkey vultures, turkeys, quail, American white pelicans, cormorants, etc. Deer can often be viewed on the shores of the lake, and we have even seen bobcats and foxes," shares Amanda M.
Beach exploration: Walk the stretches of coastline near Jalama Beach County Park. "The beach is very big and beautiful. Sunsets are beautiful! Be prepared for winds as this campground can blow at times and it's no joke when the Jalama winds kick up!" warns Kathleen D., who has been camping there since 1975.
Secluded ocean views: The remote coastal setting at Jalama Beach creates a unique camping experience. "Gorgeous spots with fire pits and picnic tables on the sand, just before a private beach accessible via the 60 minute, winding dead-end road," describes j O., highlighting the isolation that makes this spot popular despite the drive.
Oak tree shade: Many campgrounds in the Los Olivos region feature mature oak groves that provide natural shelter. "The campground is small, with only 12 sites in a densely wooded live oak grove. The oaks provide a lot of shade and help separate the various camp sites," explains Amanda M. about Nira Campground, which sits along Manzana Creek.
Night sky visibility: The distance from urban light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "This is a really good place to camp. It's far from anything major so the night sky is very visible," notes Noah about Mt. Figueroa Campground, though he warns about seasonal insects: "In August, as other reviews mention, there are a lot of flies from sun up to sun down. Harmless but annoying."
No swimming at Cachuma Lake: Despite being on a lake, swimming restrictions apply. "Keep in mind that you CANNOT SWIM in Cachuma Lake. Silly, I know, but they justify it because Cachuma lake is Santa Barbara's drinking water source. You are allowed to boat, kayak, and fish on the lake, but no swimming!" explains Amanda M.
Wind conditions at beach sites: Coastal campgrounds experience strong, predictable wind patterns. "This is a very windy location, with offshores howling in the early morning and then offshores howling during the day," reports Megan B. about Jalama Beach County Park, suggesting campers secure their equipment properly.
Fire restrictions and water availability: Always check current fire regulations and bring sufficient water. "There is NO DRINKING WATER available at Nira Campground, so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to backpack through the area," cautions Amanda M., who also notes you're in "black bear country" and should secure food properly.
Campgrounds with amenities: Flying Flags RV Resort offers extensive facilities for families. "Free WiFi, a full laundry facility, pools, and a hot tub, every aspect of your stay is covered. For a relaxing time, they have poolside cabanas, a communal fire pit, picnic areas, and a communal TV lounge with pool and foosball tables. If you have children there is a playground as well as bocce and horseshoes," shares SmallRVLifestyle V.
Beach access options: Find family-friendly coastal sites with easy beach access. "A spacious, clean campground right by the beach. Just north of Goleta and a good relaxing pitstop or place to stay for a couple nights," writes Mike N. about Refugio State Beach Campground, noting it has a "big beach area with plenty of space to stretch out."
Activities during temperature extremes: Plan around midday heat and evening chill with appropriate activities. "We will often bring an easy-up to use in the day-camp areas in the upper-level of the park. There are oak trees all over the park, but if day use site with a table under a tree gets snagged, it's nice to have the easy-up for shade," suggests Amanda M. about Cachuma Lake.
Electrical hookup locations: Several campgrounds offer powered sites with varying amenities. "Our site 96 had 30 amp Hookup but had to get water from the spigot by the bathrooms before we hooked up. Also easy dump site on way out," notes Samuel N. about Jalama Beach County Park, mentioning the no-cell-service but "camp Wireless was actually pretty decent."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose appropriate sites based on your RV size and preferred amenities. "We have a 35 foot 5th wheel with sides that fit okay. Getting out was a little tighter because of the narrow roads. It was okay, just smaller than other campgrounds," reports Tonya C. about Flying Flags RV Resort, which offers "wifi and cable, 2 pools and a park for the kids too."
Weather preparedness: Pack for significant temperature swings and coastal wind conditions. "We stayed in site 86 for 3 nights. It was a huge site (most in this loop were) with great trees for a hammock, our dogs line, and tent. Because of all the trees it's shaded for most of the day," shares Venice G. about El Capitán State Beach Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official Los Olivos campground, and what amenities does it offer?
Los Olivos itself doesn't have an official town campground, but nearby Flying Flags RV Resort serves as a popular alternative with upscale amenities. For a more rustic experience close to town, Fremont Campground in the Los Padres National Forest provides basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Most campers visiting Los Olivos stay at these nearby options or at Cachuma Lake facilities, then make day trips into town for wine tasting and dining. The lack of an in-town campground is offset by the quality options within a short driving distance, making it easy to enjoy Los Olivos while having a comfortable base camp nearby.
Where are the best camping locations near Los Olivos?
The best camping near Los Olivos includes Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, just a short drive away, offering tent sites, yurts, cabins, and full RV hookups on a bluff overlooking the lake. The recreation area features immaculate bathrooms, showers, and a disc golf course. Another excellent option is Mt. Figueroa Campground, located behind Los Olivos with 33-35 sites surrounded by live oaks and manzanita trees providing ample shade. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table, though amenities are limited to pit toilets with no hookups available. Both locations offer easy access to Los Olivos' wine tasting opportunities while providing beautiful natural settings for camping.
What are the camping options between Los Olivos and Oceano County?
Between Los Olivos and Oceano County, several excellent camping options exist. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach offers sites tucked behind dunes with beach access, some breathing room between campsites (especially if you avoid the middle rows), and is popular with families. For those seeking more amenities, Lopez Lake Recreation Area provides lakeside camping with various facilities. Other options include North Beach Campground with large sites perfect for groups and nearby restaurants within walking distance, and several private RV parks like Le Sage Riviera that offer proximity to water activities and local attractions including monarch butterfly groves.
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