Cabin camping near Morro Bay, California provides convenient access to both beach and inland recreation within San Luis Obispo County. The area sits at approximately 60 feet above sea level with a moderate coastal climate averaging 65-75°F during summer and 45-60°F during winter. Winter cabin rentals often require advance booking due to limited availability during the rainy season from November through March.
What to do
Beach access options: Avila-Pismo Beach KOA offers an excellent base camp for coastal activities. "Easy walking/biking access to Avila beach (4.8miles round trip), and quick drive from Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo," notes reviewer Shannon W. The campground serves as a gateway to multiple beach towns.
Hiking trails: The area surrounding Lopez Lake Recreation Area features numerous trails for all skill levels. "There are a lot of great trails to be had and water slides if it's hot. We've been to the ropes course too, which is really fun," according to Linda S. The trails wind through oak woodland and offer wildlife viewing opportunities.
Horseback riding: Pacific Dunes Ranch provides unique guided beach rides. "The staff is friendly and horse rides in the beach are available! The dunes are a great backdrop to this place," shares Esther D. Rides must be booked in advance and typically cost $50-95 per person depending on duration.
Water recreation: Cabin rentals near lakes offer alternative water activities to ocean beaches. "The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well," writes Crystal J. about Lopez Lake. Kayak rentals typically cost $20-30 per hour.
What campers like
Mineral pools: Avila Hot Springs provides unique soaking options. "In addition to natural mineral springs and heated pool, facilities have water, toilets, showers, electricity for stealth travelers. Picnic tables outside," explains Scott O. The mineral pools maintain a temperature of 104°F year-round.
Recreational facilities: Santa Margarita KOA offers numerous on-site activities. "They have yurts for tent & cabins. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet," according to Martha G. The property includes a jumping pad popular with children.
Privacy options: While many cabin accommodations position units close together, some offer more secluded settings. "This is a great location if you want access to the beach and nearby towns with nice basic amenities," notes Shannon W. regarding accommodations near Avila Beach. Some properties feature cabin units separated by natural vegetation.
Beach proximity: Many visitors appreciate cabins within walking distance to beaches. "Avila is beautiful! The camp sites are very tight but the staff is very helpful with parking. The facility is very clean. Short drive to the beach," shares Alisa K. Most coastal cabin rentals sit within 1-2 miles of beach access points.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin rentals offer different experiences than summer stays. "We have camped here many times over the last 15 years. We've tent camped on primitive sites and camped with a pop-up with electricity & water. None of the full hookup sites have a view but some of the tent sites do," explains Linda S. about Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin accommodations require advance planning. "You will need months of advanced notice. All are back in. When they designed it, they didn't really make enough room to maneuver," warns Patrick J. about Flying Flags Avila Beach.
Site selection: Choosing the right cabin location impacts your experience. "There are two levels of this campground, I stayed at the upper level just steps from the sand dunes which will lead you to the Pacific Ocean about 1/2 mile away," shares Rainer M. about Pacific Dunes Ranch. Reviewing property maps before booking helps secure preferred locations.
Cabin amenities: Standard features vary significantly between properties. "Sites have a grill and picnic table and 30 and 50 amp power," reports Laura M. Most cabins provide beds but require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Properties with diversified recreation options work best for multi-age groups. "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. We had so much fun out on the water doing some fishing," shares Angel Q. about Santa Margarita KOA.
Noise considerations: Family-friendly environments balance activity with quiet hours. "We have stayed there 3 times. All pretty good experience. It is still under construction and you sign a form saying you are aware of it. The sites are sand so if it ever rains makes it a bit messy," explains Patrick J. about Flying Flags Avila Beach.
Wildlife viewing: Several properties offer opportunities to observe local animals. "Lots of wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears. The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow," notes Crystal J. about Lopez Lake Recreation Area. Wildlife viewing is most productive during early morning or evening hours.
Safety precautions: Some areas require additional awareness. "While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/food lockers at Lopez Lake," advises Amanda M. Food storage in vehicles is recommended at many properties.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different properties offer varying levels of utilities for cabin guests. "Great location, clean wide level spots!" reports Jim M. about Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country. Many cabin units provide electric outlets but not full RV hookups.
Site surfaces: Ground conditions impact cabin access and comfort. "The roads inside the park are paved, but the sites are gravel which will invariably end up inside your RV. My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus," explains Rainer M. about Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Proximity considerations: Distance to facilities matters for planning. "There's no place to walk, hike, or safely bike. If we came to the area again specifically to do some wine tasting, I'd stay again. Otherwise, I'd probably look at alternatives," notes David W. Cabin locations at the edges of properties often provide more privacy but longer walks to amenities.
