Oceano's cabin accommodations sit on California's central coast near San Luis Obispo County, with elevations ranging from sea level to about 500 feet at inland locations. Winter temperatures average 45-65°F while summer ranges 55-78°F with morning fog common in coastal areas. Many cabins remain booked throughout summer when temperatures are most moderate.
What to do
Hiking trails near cabins: Lopez Lake Recreation Area offers several hiking trails adjacent to their cabin sites. "We've 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... There isn't much fishing now, because the water is so low, but there are still pretty hikes to be had and water slides if it's hot," notes a visitor to Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Beach access from camp: Some cabin sites provide direct walking routes to nearby beaches. "We have spent many weekends at this resort, they have great amenities. Walking distance to downtown Pismo. You can't beat the price and location. They have full hook-ups," explains a camper at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort.
Horseback riding: Pacific Dunes Ranch offers equestrian access directly from their property. "The staff is friendly and horse rides in the beach are available! The dunes are a great backdrop to this place and it's a little further from the railroad tracks than most other places to stay in the Pismo area," reports one visitor.
Sand dune exploration: Access to Oceano's famous dunes is available from several cabin sites. "You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations. Clean and warm showers available during the day," notes a reviewer at Pacific Dunes Ranch.
What campers like
Remote cabin experience: Camp Arroyo Grande offers a more secluded option compared to beachfront properties. "Such an awesome unique space! Looks to be an old summer camp that is recently acquired to be a campground/outdoor event space. For what it is, it's a little patch of heaven. Worth checking it out!" writes a visitor to Camp Arroyo Grande.
Wildlife viewing: Several cabin locations offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears. The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well," shares a camper at Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Hot springs access: Some properties provide mineral hot springs for relaxation. "This small hot springs resort has a unique charm about it. With not a lot of acreage, they maximize the space for sure. The main attraction is the warm pool, 25 yards with swimming lanes, and the hot pool which can accommodate 30 people," explains a reviewer at Avila Hot Springs.
Ocean views: Oceanfront cabins provide views and sounds from the Pacific. "Super friendly staff. We only stayed one night and the lady at the reception put us in her favorite spot (nr 4) overlooking the lagoon. Beautiful sunset!" notes a visitor to Pismo Coast Village RV Resort.
What you should know
Site differences: Cabin locations vary significantly in terms of layout and surroundings. "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. Many folks leave their shoes at the edge of the campground so they those shoes don't fill full of sand," advises a Pacific Dunes Ranch camper.
Amenity limitations: Some cabin sites have limited services. "Only one small shallow hot spring pool, usually crowded at peak hours. At the pool there is outdoor showers, lap pool, indoor bathrooms, changing rooms," states an Avila Hot Springs visitor.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some properties. "This was our first trip in our RV and I think it worked out well. The location of this place is perfect with lots to do in the area... The only downside was the noise. You are really close to the highway so you hear cars zoom past all night, not great for a light sleeper like me," reports a visitor at Avila-Pismo Beach KOA.
Seasonal variations: Weather patterns impact the cabin camping experience throughout the year. "A lot of shade, very green during the spring. Plenty of bathroom everywhere. Very big camp ground," observes a Lopez Lake visitor who stayed during spring break.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Multiple cabin sites offer swimming facilities for children. "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," notes a visitor to Flying Flags Avila Beach.
Playground facilities: Many camping cabins near Oceano include children's play areas. "This campground really does deserve the label 'resort'. Very clean very well kept, full service campground. Grounds are beautiful with lots of grass and trees well paved and maintained. Heated pool and spa and clean modern laundry room. Game room, library, and outdoor kids playground that has a mock pirate ship for the kids to climb through," reports a visitor at Pismo Sands RV Park.
Educational wildlife encounters: Families can observe local fauna at certain properties. "My family used to visit this campground for its easy accessibility for younger children. Deciduous trees and leafy ground cover make for a comfortable experience. Canoeing and kayak rentals available, beware of spiders!" advises a Lopez Lake camper.
Activity diversity: Some locations offer varied recreation options. "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. We generally camp in a primitive site the back of the Squirrel Loop of the park. The Squirrel Loop is not a lakeside loop (you cannot see the lake at all from here), but we have found it to be one of the quieter, less trafficked campground in the park," shares a visitor at Lopez Lake.
Tips from RVers
Spacing considerations: Cabin sites vary considerably in terms of privacy and spacing. "Nice sites, all on sand/hard pack. Lots of permanent campers or long term folks. They had horseback riding and a small playground. We came in late and it was hard to find our map and site reservations," advises a Pacific Dunes Ranch visitor.
Hookup availability: Different cabin properties offer varying levels of electric service. "We checked in on Friday (earlier than the posted 3pm time) and setup camp. The site is clean and fairly level. Very little wind and lots of shade made for a perfect weekend," notes a Lopez Lake camper.
Cabin alternatives: Some camping areas offer yurts or glamping options for those seeking cabin-like accommodations. "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," reports a visitor to Santa Margarita KOA.
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies significantly between locations. "This campground has Starlink internet, but it's kinda spotty. If you have a Cell Booster (WeeBoost), I got two bars with TMobile, but outside of that, there is no cell reception," shares a reviewer at Jalama Beach County Park.
