Best Campgrounds near Paso Robles, CA

Camping near Paso Robles offers a fantastic mix of beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat or a serene forest escape, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at Morro Strand State Beach Campground. Campers love the close proximity to the beach, with one reviewer saying, “We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice.”
• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Morro Bay State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “There are paths around the camp that go around the estuary type lagoon,” making it a great spot for nature walks.
• Wildlife Watching: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can spot various birds and even some cute critters. A camper shared, “We also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Morro Bay State Park Campground. One review noted, “The bathrooms have hot water and flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained.”
• Friendly Atmosphere: Many enjoy the welcoming vibe at Morro Dunes RV Park. A local camper said, “The staff are friendly and helpful,” which adds to the overall experience.
• Great Views: The stunning scenery at Kirk Creek Campground is a big hit. One camper exclaimed, “Absolutely heavenly views, staff was great, A+ experience.”

What you should know:

• Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially during peak season. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, “Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland.”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Kirk Creek Campground has no showers or drinking water, so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
• Wildlife Encounters: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at San Simeon Creek Campground. One camper warned, “There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities for kids. At Oceano County Campground, there’s a scavenger hunt app that kids can enjoy.
• Private Spaces: Choose sites that offer some privacy. A family at Plaskett Creek Campground appreciated the “big trees, grass, good sized sites” for a more comfortable stay.
• Plan for Bugs: Be ready for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. One camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, “Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacells.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Morro Dunes RV Park noted, “Sites are tight but not overly cramped FHU with cable.”
• Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds, like Morro Bay State Park Campground, require tokens for showers, so bring cash.
• Dump Station Availability: Check for dump stations nearby. A camper mentioned, “There’s a dump station here but it’s not free even for campers,” at Morro Bay State Park Campground.

Camping around Paso Robles is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!