Top Tent Camping near Oceano, CA

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Best Tent Sites Near Oceano, CA (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Oceano

582 Reviews of 12 Oceano Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground
    September 5, 2024

    Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground

    Nice and quiet

    Located on Vandenberg base which requires a membership card (military I.D.) This helps keep the camp site more private. No one goes here. It is tranquil and has trails to hike and lakes to fish in. Hunting is also allowed during select seasons. If you like quiet and keep to yourself, this is the place. There are no trash cans and a permit is required for campfire. There are a couple of port-a-pots and they are very clean. Go SpaceForce! Lastly, watch out for poison oak. Stay on the trails and all is well. Semper Fi.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    August 20, 2024

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Not our scene: hot, crowded, buggy

    We had reservations for 2 nights on an Augugst Friday / Saturday at Lopez Lake in a full-hook-up site in Bandtail (Site 38). The reviews of this place were great, and the photos were beautiful. We arrived to find a HUGE park (yes, I should have noted how many campsites there are). Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland. The park employees were nice though. There were big signs all around "NO FIRES" (more on this later) and I was also told at check in that there were no fires. We found our site easily enough, only to realize how closely packed the sites were in Bandtail. Some nice folks to our right had three sites - 11 kids and 21 people between them. The kids rode their bikes all over, and even onto our site (while also running around our van chasing a chipmunk). We had our daughter's dog, so tried sitting outside in the shade, only to find that in addition to the heat (it was mid 80s), there were biting flies. :( Poor puppy got bit or stung more than once. So we went in our van and turned on the AC (it could run on low with the 20A service there). Then, after dark, a dad and his young son arrive on our other side and had to back in their boat in the dark. We got out of our rig and helped them (twice) with our portable lights and guidance. In the morning, they spoke in very loud voices and we were right next door. We did take one of the trails in the heat, but they are not at all well maintained - basically trampled grass that could easily hold a snake. While the area is pretty, it is just way too crowded for our taste. Oh, and the bathrooms were dimily lit, had a couple of non-functioning toilets, and were dirty. We were ready to get out of there and will not be back. Lastly, though the fire danger was marked as extremely high and "NO FIRES" signs at check-in, along with verbal warnings of no fires, I saw two campsites had open fires in the fire pits. This blatant lack of regard for rules and safety didn't sit well with me. And no one was enforcing the fire ban. Sad.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    August 17, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great Campground

    We stayed here a few years ago, but on the primitive / non-hookup side. We stayed on the E/W hookup side this time and liked it as well, though it does have the more typical RV/parking lot feel as compared to the other side.  There's a nice walking trail that connects the two sides. It's $50 for an E/W site, plus an $8.25 reservation fee.

    There's a cool lagoon that you can walk all the way around on, with lots of birds, and much of it accessible as well which is nice. There's a cool visitor center, open 12-4. The beach is a short walk away. There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also, Old Juan's, it's so good and has great vegan options.

    The showers here are nice and clean, and $1 gets you 4 minutes.  The showers are individual, private, and non-gendered. There was no host on site when we were there, but the rangers were very present.  This campground, like all California State campgrounds we've been to recently, has trash, recycling, and a food compost bin which I love.

    There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt and complete other challenges.

    No dump station here, but there's one just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground, and it's $10 for dump and water fill there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground
    August 17, 2024

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    4 x 4 recommended

    We love being able to camp directly on the beach, and have done so many times in Texas and in Louisiana, but wouldn't recommend it here unless you are in a 4wd. 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.

    Camping overnight is only $10, and the beach is wide open for camping. It was very busy during the day on a weekday in August, so I can imagine the weekends are packed. 

    This is a fun beach in a fun, low key beach town, and we love coming here.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    August 3, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Nicer when it's not crowded

    We stayed here last year when the area was getting hit by severe storms and flooding - so the campground was almost empty. We loved the campground then and gave it 5 stars. This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience.

    The previous review mentions the awkward walk to the showers, and I will agree with that. You either have to go through someone's site, or walk all the way to the end of the road. We got lucky and got to cut through some vacant sites to get to the showers.

    We do still love this campground though, because of the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there. We got to visit the museum this time as well, small and cute and well worth the $3 entry fee. The restaurant is still there but we didn't go this time. Next time we go we will rent kayaks and explore the water some more. There's a golf course here adjacent to the campground as well.  The town of Morro Bay is cute and relaxed and fun to visit.

    There's a dump station here but it's not free even for campers - it's a $10 fee you pay with your credit card right at the dump.  Showers were ok, no complaints.

    This is a good, low key and decently priced campground that we'll definitely stop at the next time we're going through the area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    August 2, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    "Last resort" campground, 3 stars at best

    - PROS -

    Beautiful location <5 minute drive away from the beach and Morro rock. SLO is close, and the coast is always nice. There's a pretty boardwalk trail next to the site as well (see photos).

    - CONS -

    These aren't camp sites, they're parking spots with a fire pit on dead grass and weeds. You're packed like sardines next to adjacent campers. It's unclear where the boundary of each others' site is. For facilities, they do have big bathrooms, showers, and dumpsters… but they're all filthy and unkempt. And even though the bathrooms may be right next to your site, there's no way to get to them without walking through another person's camp site or going all the way around– down the road or around many camps. We had a crotchety old man get mad at us for walking somewhat through his site. I enjoyed my stay, but only because I wasn't the one paying for the site.

    TLDR: This site functions moreso as an overnight parking spot than it does a campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jalama Beach County Park
    July 3, 2024

    Jalama Beach County Park

    Never disappoints

    Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay. Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place. Watch for tar on the sand & pack some petroleum jelly to help remove it in case you step on it barefoot. There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around & play. Lots of driftwood & rocks pepper the shore so bring water shoes.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    June 29, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Great location, dirty facilities

    You can’t beat the location- across from Marina , trails and walking distance to Morro bay town. , the restrooms and shower facilities were always filthy and running out of toilet paper. Bring your own soap and TP 

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    June 27, 2024

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Great time with the whole family

    Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities. This site backs up into the hills and there are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that. The lake is full and lots of areas to fish.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May 31, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Beautiful, but a little squirrely

    This campground is awesome. It’s very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes…and squirrels. Lots of them. But we also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds. We also saw a cute little weasel. There’s also lots of rangers, which makes for very well-mannered campers. Loved it!! You can walk to the beach or drive on the beach. Driving in the beach was fun, but it was so windy and so cold! This was the end of May. Not sure what the weather is over months. The actual campground was not as cold or windy, since it’s behind the dunes. The bathrooms have hot water and Flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained and not in the bathrooms. Tokens needed. Starting in May there’s a market night at the main pier, small but fun to visit. Lots to do, from renting dune buggies to playing at the main pier. Loved it and can’t wait to go back. Oh, and about the squirrels. They’re not afraid. They ate through my little pantry that’s canvas that’s connected under my table. Also, mosquitoes! How could I forget. Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills. They’re out and about and it’s not fun if you’re not prepared. There’s a Walmart not too far away. After the citronella incense weren’t working, we went to Walmart and it was war! Another note, campsite 68 does not look like the photo. Tree is gone and the ice plant has invaded the site and made it smaller. One tent will fit, not another.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Avila Hot Springs
    May 25, 2024

    Avila Hot Springs

    Small hot spring pool and loud and cramped camping area

    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.

    Camping area is small and it’s basically a dirt parking lot. Loud road noise all night and day from the freeway. Lots of pincher bugs infested my gear. Not peaceful. Better to just visit for a soak, they have cheaper rates for a morning or evening visit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May 19, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great campground, camp hosts not so much

    I’ve been coming to this campground for years with friends. It’s an awesome spot. Bathrooms are generally clean however you do need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash so make sure you have some dollars. You get two tokens for a dollar and each token gets you 2 min of shower time. They have garbage and recycling too. The camp hosts are a bit militant about the rules so don’t break them. They have zero tolerance and don’t put up with anything. Also keep your dog on a leash. Someone’s dog attacked another dog this morning and the State Park LEO were on site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    May 15, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Nice, quiet location.

    Not a lot of privacy, but generally quiet and no road noise to speak of. 10-15 min bike ride to town. Only downside is that showers became coin-op some time within the past year. Bring some cash to buy shower tokens....wish I'd known!

    Note: The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level. Not too bad if you back all the way in, but still not level.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May 9, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great location for beach and dunes access.

    Very nice SP campground. Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm. Once in, the sites with hook ups sans sewer, will actually be pull through sites, which was nice. From there, you can walk. ride or drive on to the beach. There are paths around the camp that go around the estuary type lagoon. Dune trails are nice for hiking although some thick sand in places. We rode our bikes on the beach. Low tide makes it very easy with wet packed sand. The sites are spaced pretty well. We will be back for sure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park
    May 3, 2024

    Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    Beautiful, clean & quiet

    One of my favorite established campgrounds this far. Small and secluded and plenty of space between most sites. Wood and water both widely available, not sure about electric though. Short walk to Bluff Trail trailhead and Spooner’s cove.

  • Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    May 1, 2024

    KCL Campground

    Quiet rolling hills

    Small campground for 12 smaller than 30 ft rigs or tents. Most are much smaller. Rough bumpy road for miles ether direction on a first come, first serve campground. Has vaulted toilet with no water or other services. If full, would seek off road area on right just as you approach. Has older building of interest. There was a great horned owl in one of the few eucalyptus trees at the campsite. Quiet and nice area to take a hike or two with pretty nice views if you like the high desert landscape. Warning not to travel dirt roads after a rain as you’re likely to get stuck. Better if you come in from the north side(58) on paved roads, but would limit you to boondocking likely because unable to get to this or Selby campgrounds. Selby is another first-come site to the NW

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    April 24, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Green grass near beach

    Green, grassy campground with well separated spaces. Most pull thru and level. All surrounded by grass for nice tent camping. Surf sound is continuous. Masks other sounds except noisy generator in next site. Nice restrooms

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    April 21, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Ocean front recreation

    Ocean front, off road sand dune recreation if you have a capable vehicle. It’s great. Best with an off-road capable vehicle. Bathrooms are a bit rough without running water.

    Fish, drive off-road, camp, bonfire or hunt for seashells.

    Bring a good jacket in April.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Locatelli Vineyards & Winery
    April 3, 2024

    Locatelli Vineyards & Winery

    I'm #o Happy to have support in my dreams

    They called me and told me they loved my story and dreams and wanted to help me with the dreams I have with my future Lifebook lifestyle

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    February 23, 2024

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Awesome Beach - Weird Campground

    Being so close to this awesome beach is definitely a hook, but something is off about this place. The staff are on top of you from the time you pull in to if you are a couple minutes late leaving. Little to no shade. Said hello to other campers with no so much of a nod.  

    Not my scene for sure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park
    February 8, 2024

    San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    What a delight

    A GREAT find, can't say enough good things about this place.  We stayed in the Washburn campground (up the hill/less expensive/better views/less people, more space, less trees and a clear view of the sky in every campsite (visited in February, we have Starlink and solar). The stars here are incredible at night, all you hear are the waves crashing, and beautiful views in every direction.  The camp host, Shelby, was delightful and very accommodating when we wanted to switch sites.  Lots of bathrooms, very clean, lots of dumpsters and water spigots, all conveniently located.  Rangers regularly drive through and we felt safe and attended to; a sketchy situation had materialized in one of the sites and the Ranger stood in the pouring rain for two hours, ensuring these folks left.  A well run and maintained area. RV water and dump station at bottom of hill. automated, $10.

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    January 16, 2024

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Good for overnight stay

    Stopped here for a quick overnight stay on the way to Big Sur over New Year’s Eve weekend. Bathrooms were clean, campground seemed well maintained. Sites very close together with limited to no shade.



Guide to Oceano

Camping near Oceano, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, one reviewer mentioned, "The beach is a short walk away," making it easy to enjoy the sun and surf.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "We loved the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and fishing are popular at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One camper shared, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Refugio State Beach Campground mentioned, "There is a railroad track just east of the campground... could still wake tent campers."
  • Limited Privacy: Campsites can be close together, which may affect your experience. One reviewer at Morro Strand State Beach Campground said, "Sites very close together. Many squirrels. Mostly RV sites."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds do not have potable water. A visitor at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach advised, "Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities for kids. A reviewer at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach mentioned, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy. One camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area noted, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground warned, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacells."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to choose a campground that fits your RV needs. A reviewer at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The lovely county run park... offers a wide variety of camping experiences from full hookups to grass-covered spaces."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground said, "The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds have token-operated showers. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "You get two tokens for a dollar and each token gets you 2 min of shower time."

Camping near Oceano, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to wildlife enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oceano, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oceano, CA is Colson Canyon Campground with a 3-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Oceano, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Oceano, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.