Coastal campgrounds dot the area surrounding Grover Beach, California, with options ranging from beachfront RV parks to dispersed sites in the nearby hills. Several established campgrounds like Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach and Lopez Lake Recreation Area provide access to both tent and RV camping, while some locations like TV Tower Road offer free dispersed camping opportunities. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort and Pacific Dunes Ranch also feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping, with many sites offering beach access or water views, making the region popular for weekend getaways.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round due to the mild coastal climate, though advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. The coastal campgrounds generally provide amenities like showers, drinking water, and toilets, while dispersed sites typically offer no facilities. Sites near Pismo Beach and Oceano often accommodate large RVs with full hookups, while more remote locations may have limited space or require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Great location, clean and well-run. There are both tent and RV sites of all sizes, 30/50A hookups, water & sewer, plus concrete fire rings and picnic tables at each site."
The proximity to beaches and dunes represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Grover Beach area. Several visitors mentioned that campgrounds like Pismo Coast Village RV Resort and Oceano Campground provide convenient beach access and proximity to downtown areas. Campers report mixed experiences with site spacing, with one reviewer noting that "spaces between RVs are too tight" at certain locations, while others appreciate the "large grassy area" at campgrounds like Pismo Sands. Family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, arcades, and beach access trails enhance the camping experience at several developed sites. For those seeking more solitude, the dispersed camping options provide alternatives to the more crowded beachfront RV parks, though with significantly fewer amenities.
$35 - $50 / night
"Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."
"Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"
$60 - $70 / night
"It's a nice area, multiple camp grounds throughout the lake, some having hookups and other areas undeveloped and better for tent camping."
"It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."
$35 / night
"The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance."
"Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay."
"Steps away from the ocean. We will return."
"This is a pricey rv park, but great location and very busy. It is competitive with the others around and think it was the best one in the area."
$35 - $165 / night
"Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road. Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."
"This is a busy campground and your neighbors' sites are fairly close by, limiting privacy."
"The drive up is a bit treacherous but nothing unbearable. Our car can off road quite well, but our friend had a Volkswagen Golf and it also did perfectly fine and never bottomed out."
"It’s best to have an offroader to come here, but van can do too."
"Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"
"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."
$225 / night
"Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground. Beach, trails and golfing all within 5min."
"Located just north of Pismo Beach, Avila is tucked away down a hill that is totally worth venturing off to."
$25 - $150 / night
"Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."
"It was peaceful, beautiful surroundings, and a decent amount of space between campsites. The coastal air, hills, and nearby ocean views made it a great escape."
$10 / night
"A vehicle beach with unlimited things to do fishing, offroad sand dunes, hike, camp rv vehicle theres class A B C home made its awesome dogs allowed, after 10pm it's so quite"
"We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that."
GuideSo quiet and peaceful yet close to the colleges, town, Northern beaches. Bring quarters for the showers, clean bathrooms, hook ups for those who want them, great for RVs or tent camping.
ScoutI wanted a nice stopping point on my drive from Big Sur back to LA, and thought this would be a sweet spot. Wrong. I pulled up to my site on the Upper Section Campground, and frankly was appalled they charge for this. It felt like a big parking lot. No separation between campgrounds, no privacy, super windy. mostly asphalt. Really just awful. I didn't even stay. I chose to drive back to LA instead. I can't believe they charge $43 with fees for that. Really embarrassing for the CA State Parks!
TravelerThe far end, higher number camp spots, are water only. There is also a train close by every couple hours. It is a state park so there will be an inconsiderate ass.
TravelerThis may have been seasonal for may, but midday there was an outrageous amount of flies. The campsite itself was as expected and sufficient, we parked 2 cars and had 2 tents with plenty of space. Very dusty though. The evening views were pretty and we had a great time!
GuideCamping at Jalama Beach County Park was such a fun experience and definitely one of the most beautiful beach campgrounds I’ve been to in California. The drive in alone is gorgeous, and once you arrive it feels super peaceful and secluded. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up right by the ocean was unreal.
The campground was clean, the staff was friendly, and the little store/grill was so convenient — the famous Jalama Burger definitely lived up to the hype. The beach itself is stunning and perfect for relaxing, walking, surfing, or just watching the sunset.
One thing to know before going is that it gets VERY windy, especially at night, so come prepared with extra layers and secure camping gear. Tent campers especially should expect strong winds and blowing sand. But honestly, that rugged beach atmosphere is part of what makes Jalama so special.
If you’re looking for a quiet beach camping trip that feels more off-the-grid and scenic than crowded tourist beaches, I highly recommend Jalama. I already want to go back. 🌊🏕️✨
GuideReview by: Aaron M. Scullin
Jalama Beach County Park remains one of those"bucket list" California coastal spots that never fails to deliver—especially if you come prepared for the elements. We recently returned from another fantastic stay, and as an avid RVer and the founder of Hitched4fun.com, I’m always testing how gear holds up in real-world conditions. Jalama is the ultimate testing ground.
The Atmosphere& Amenities
The park is famous for its"Jalama Burger" at the onsite cafe, and it still lives up to the hype—the Jalama Burger with cheese is a must-order for dinner. The little camp store is exceptionally well-stocked; they clearly understand their audience, carrying all the necessities you might have overlooked while packing.
Pro-Tip: Managing the Wind& Connectivity
If you’ve been here before, you know the wind is a constant companion. While it makes for a chilly evening, it’s a dream for kite flying. We had a blast with our HQ Flapping Willie Worm kite, which handled the regular Jalama gusts perfectly.
For those of us who need to stay connected while off-grid, the geography here can make cell service a challenge. I utilized our Starlink RV Pole kit to get our Standard 4 X dish up high and clear of obstructions, which provided seamless speeds. To round out the setup, I deployed our Deluxe 22-foot Heavy Duty Fiberglass Flagpole. Despite the steady ocean breeze, the heavy-duty fiberglass stayed sturdy and gave our site a great sense of"home."
Final Verdict
We will definitely be back. My biggest piece of advice? Plan ahead. Reservations at Jalama fill up almost as soon as they open. If you can snag a spot, it’s a premier RVing experience that offers a true escape.
TravelerThe location makes it worth it. Steps away from the sandy beach, a view of morro rock, less than a mile walk to all the downtown shops. The area is great to branch out and visit other towns too, Los osos for montano de oro, San Simeon for Hearst castle and elephant seal, Atascadero for the zoo, etc. the campsites are nothing special, but they are a decent enough size and well maintained. Good enough to still want to eat dinner and play games by the fire. Another perk was that the campground was very quiet, even on a busy weekend. Not sure if it is because rules are enforced, or maybe that’s just the crowd it attracts.
ScoutNeeded a last minute place to stay the night. Decently clean pit toilet, good area, and nice people. Only $20 so not bad, but didn’t get service on the drive in and spotty service once at the spot.
ScoutNooone was there . Nice for a night
Grover Beach, California provides camping access to both beach environments and inland recreation areas with options for various accommodation preferences. Established campgrounds in the area include Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach and Pacific Dunes Ranch which accept tents, RVs, and offer cabin rentals. Lopez Lake Recreation Area, located about 10 miles from Grover Beach, provides boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access with tent, RV, and cabin options. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort offers full hookup amenities within walking distance to the shoreline. The region balances beach-oriented sites with inland options that provide more seclusion.
Most campgrounds in the Grover Beach vicinity require advance reservations, especially during summer months when beach access is in highest demand. Full hookup sites for RVs are common at established campgrounds like Holiday RV Park and Pismo Sands RV Park, while more primitive camping can be found further inland. Weather remains mild year-round, though coastal fog can occur in summer mornings. Most campgrounds remain open throughout the year, making this a viable camping destination regardless of season. Site availability varies significantly between weekdays and weekends, with Friday and Saturday bookings often requiring months of advance planning. A visitor noted, "Spaces are close and no pool, but the beach is a 5 minute, easy walk. We plan to return again."
Campers frequently mention the prime location and beach proximity as major advantages of camping in this area. Those seeking more space between sites often prefer campgrounds at Lopez Lake Recreation Area rather than the tightly-packed beach camping options. Sites directly adjacent to the beach consistently receive high ratings despite typically offering less privacy between camping spots. Several visitors commented on the tight spacing at beach campgrounds while still appreciating the location value. "The campground has a mixture of tent and pull-through sites. All sites have full hookups, and include a fire ring and picnic table," explained one reviewer about Coastal Dunes RV Park. Most camping areas provide basic amenities including toilets, showers, picnic tables and fire rings, though guests should verify specific amenities when booking as they vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times of year to camp at Grover Beach?
The best times to camp near Grover Beach are late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Summer brings warm days perfect for beach activities, though it can get crowded during peak season. Morro Bay State Park Campground stays relatively peaceful even during busy periods and offers services year-round. Fall provides fewer crowds while maintaining comfortable temperatures. Winter camping is possible but expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Le Sage Riviera RV Park remains popular year-round due to its proximity to water, but requires advance reservations during peak seasons.
Is camping allowed on Grover Beach?
Camping directly on Grover Beach itself is not permitted. However, you can enjoy beach proximity at nearby Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach, which is tucked behind the dunes with easy beach access. Some visitors prefer Pismo Dunes Travel Trailer Park, which offers clean grounds and convenient access to dunes and beaches. For beach camping in the general area, consider the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, which allows camping on designated beach areas (not Grover Beach specifically).
Are there designated campgrounds at Grover Beach?
While there are no campgrounds on Grover Beach itself, several excellent options exist nearby. Morro Dunes RV Park is located right on the beach with ocean views near Morro Rock and within walking distance of downtown Morro Bay. Another popular option is Pacific Dunes Ranch, which offers multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Both provide convenient beach access while offering the amenities that Grover Beach itself lacks for overnight stays.
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