Top Free Dispersed Camping near Los Olivos, CA

Camping near Los Olivos, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. It's just a short walk to the beach, making it perfect for sunbathing or beachcombing. One camper mentioned, “The beach is a short walk away,” highlighting the convenience of this location.
• Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Campers have enjoyed biking on the beach and hiking the dune trails, with one reviewer stating, “We rode our bikes on the beach. Low tide makes it very easy with wet packed sand.”
• Wildlife Watching: At Jalama Beach County Park, you can spot various birds and marine life. A visitor noted, “Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place,” emphasizing the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One review mentioned, “The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious,” which is a big plus for many.
• Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the stunning views at El Capitán State Beach Campground. A reviewer said, “Our site had an ocean view, which is why I give this campground a 4-star rating.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Wheeler Gorge Campground are great for families. One camper shared, “Great campground for kids, we always have a good time,” highlighting its suitability for families.

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, “Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms,” so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
• Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots like Lake Casitas Recreation Area can get busy. One visitor mentioned, “There were big signs all around 'NO FIRES'... it is just way too crowded for our taste.”
• Wildlife Precautions: If you're camping at places like Lopez Lake Recreation Area, be aware of wildlife. A reviewer warned, “There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities, like Jalama Beach County Park, where families can enjoy beach walks and splashing in the water. One camper said, “There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around.”
• Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at campgrounds like Wheeler Gorge Campground. A camper advised, “Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills.”
• Check for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or open spaces, like Lake Cachuma Recreation Area, which has a water park for kids during summer months.

Tips from RVers:

• Know Your Site: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, some sites have a more RV-friendly setup. One reviewer mentioned, “The sites with hookups sans sewer will actually be pull-through sites, which was nice.”
• Bring Cash for Showers: Campgrounds like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area require tokens for showers. A camper noted, “You get two tokens for a dollar and each token gets you 2 min of shower time.”
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds, such as Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, have snug spots. A visitor shared, “Spots are very snug. You can get stuck waiting for a while if your neighbors don’t know how to park their unit.”

Camping near Los Olivos, California, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.