Campground options in the Paso Robles area range from upscale RV resorts to more rustic state park facilities. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort and Wine Country RV Resort provide full-hookup RV sites and cabin accommodations approximately 2-3 miles from downtown. For those seeking more natural settings, TV Tower Road offers dispersed camping opportunities in the Los Padres National Forest about 20 miles south near Santa Margarita. Several established campgrounds including Morro Bay State Park and San Simeon Creek Campground are located within 30-45 minutes of Paso Robles, offering both tent and RV camping closer to the coast.
Most developed campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during peak wine tourism seasons. "The place was clean, super friendly and has so much more to do than one quick night would fit," reported one visitor to Sun Outdoors Paso Robles. Road conditions to dispersed camping areas can vary significantly, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Summer temperatures in Paso Robles regularly exceed 90°F, while coastal campgrounds typically remain 10-15 degrees cooler. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, typically May through October. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds but may be limited at dispersed sites in more remote locations.
RV resorts near Paso Robles feature resort-style amenities including swimming pools, hot tubs, and organized activities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the proximity to wineries is a major draw for campers staying at these facilities. "Great location for Paso Robles, pool, wine bar, clean wide level spots," noted one camper about Wine Country RV Resort. Several campgrounds offer wine tasting events or shuttle services to nearby wineries. The best camping spots in Paso Robles combine access to both wine country attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. The dispersed camping areas provide a more secluded experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Coastal campgrounds like Morro Bay State Park provide access to beach activities and cooler temperatures, though they require a longer drive to reach Paso Robles wine country. Most developed campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
$119 - $219 / night
"Stayed here in July while celebrating our wedding anniversary in Paso Robles wine country. Nice amenities, big pool, live music Saturday night. Very small store with minimal supplies."
"Downtown Paso Robles is 15 minutes away but there are wineries all around. Reservations for tastings have been required at most."
$28 / night
"Nice little gem in Paso Robles. Save some money and have a nice soak. This isn’t the prettiest place but it makes up for it with natural beauty."
"And having the opportunity to relax in the hot springs in between stretches of driving was really pleasant. I'd definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to camp in the Paso Robles 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."
"It is only 2 miles away from Morro Rock and the adorable tourist town full of shops and eateries."
$35 - $50 / night
"Located just off Highway One between Morro Bay and Cayucos, the grounds look somewhat like a parking lot with trees and shrubs separating it from the sand dunes and the ocean."
"Morro Strand is steps away from a beautiful stretch of beach filled with sand dollars and an amazing view of Morro rock looking south."
$73 - $234 / night
"Front staff big help with this Good close location to Paso Robles Have a pool and hot tub but have not used them"
"Great location for Paso Robles, sadly we're only passing through. Full hookups, flat paved or unpaved sites depending on what you select."
"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."
$35 / night
"and easy camping in Central California."
"General: Two campgrounds: San Simeon Creek, close to Highway One and the beach and Washburn Primitive, located about a mile inland."
$35 - $39 / night
"Found a location on fcf basis. Campsite #2 was nice but had to walk through campsite no. 1 In order to get to my car, which was kind of a hassle."
"Easy access to hiking trails (Cerro Alto summit) from campsite. About a 20 min drive to Morro Bay/ Morro Rock. Pit toilets. No showers."
$35 - $74 / night
"California, Morro Dunes RV Park Located right on the beach and ocean near Morro Rock. Within walking distance from Downtown Morro Bay.
Directions: From highway 1 exit at E. G."
"Great access to bike path and just a few minutes walk or bike ride to down town/harbor with harbor shops and restaurants. Amazing view of Moro rock, super close by!"
"Only about 5 min from Paso Robles. nice dog park for your dog."
"I came to the Vines in an old vintage beat up RV with quite the traumatic story trailing and I have been blessed beyond what I could imagine would be possible."
TravelerSpots are wide enough to park our truck next to our trailer. Asphalt parking with dirt yard behind the spot, including a firepit and picnic table. Trees and shrubs for privacy and shade. Run by San Luis Obispo County.
TravelerIf anyone needs a good place to stay near Morro Bay (Central CA coast), El Chorro Regional Park has 43 reasonably priced FHU back-in sites. Nothing fancy - out in nature, the way we like it, plus $1 showers, attentive rangers, and on-site camp hosts. Extremely convenient to both Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Botanical Garden, dog park, shooting range and golf course all at/near the park.
ScoutIt’s a great campground. The campground feels like you are in a forest with big pine trees. However right across the street is the Pacific Ocean with a short trail down to the beach. Campsites are ideal for tent campers or van campers. It’s a little challenging for trailers up to 30 feet since the driveways are narrow and not very level.
LegendLovely state park campground with access to the beach over some dunes and waterways. Pismo Beach is a huge and beautiful beach. Even with a lot of people it cannot feel crowded. If you are willing to get your feet wet crossing some creeks that empty into the ocean you can walk to the pier along the beach. This park is a delight compared to the cramped RV Parks right next door. Clean bathrooms and showers. Shower tokens $1 for 2 will get you a 4 minute shower. Peaceful place on a Sunday in March.
LegendThe location is great, right on a little marina. We lucked out and got a site without a reservation for a Friday night in March. The ladies at the gate were very friendly and helpful. We went to the little museum ($3/adult) and hiked the Black Hill for a view. Campground has dated bathrooms and showers but they are clean. Fun to see park structures from the CCC still around. There is a restaurant right across from the campground that gets good reviews but we didn’t try it. Also kayak rentals right across from the campground. We’d stay here again if we were passing through. Like many costal parks the attraction is the ocean, not the hiking.
LegendA lot of RV parks use resort in their names but this one deserves it! Large, well spaced sites, beautiful pools, laundry ($2 wash and $2 dry), hot tubs, outdoor common areas, dog parks, clean restrooms with hot showers. We were delighted to stay hear after checking out another RV park just a bit north on 101. Quiet and peaceful. We will be back!
GuideBooked a couple of nights here at the last minute and, while crowded, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet and tidy this campground was.
It is however the off-season and not a place I’d consider otherwise as I can only imagine how wild it must get when kids are off of school, as it is right on the beach.
The sites are pretty leveled and the facilities offer all one needs, and it’s all very clean. Spigots for free water refill are also available throughout the campground.
At $25/night, this is a wonderful and very safe campground for all.
TravelerGreat location, short walk to beach, surfing fishing, hikes, clean fascility, small store.
TravelerAlways clean and friendly sites are big a lot of new attractions on site restaurant and bar and I HIGHLY recommend the Clam Chowder
Campsites near Paso Robles, California sit at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet in the coastal mountain transition zone. Summer temperatures commonly exceed 95°F during day but can drop to the 50s at night. The region's oak woodland terrain creates varied camping conditions with coastal sites experiencing less temperature fluctuation than inland locations.
Mineral spring soaking: Franklin Hot Springs offers natural thermal pools containing therapeutic minerals. "A bit run down, campsites are pretty basic, but for me it's nice to find a hot springs that is not overly developed and will allow my dog. Water is about body temperature in and contains minerals," explains Ronald K. Campers should expect a rustic experience with basic amenities.
Beach and wildlife watching: Morro Bay State Park Campground provides access to coastal activities just 30-45 minutes from Paso Robles wine country. "You can walk across the street and see the fireworks and Morro Rock in the background. There is also a great little museum in the same place. You can also walk to rent a canoe to paddle around the bay," notes Carrie A. The natural history museum is walking distance from campsites.
Mountain hiking: Cerro Alto Campground connects directly to trail systems through oak woodlands. "Cerro Alto Trail is located right inside the campground. Day Use parking is $10. The hike is really beautiful and on a clear day you can see the ocean at peak!" reports Chanel C. The campground sits at higher elevation providing cooler temperatures than downtown Paso Robles.
Privacy levels: Sites at TV Tower Road dispersed camping offer isolation but require appropriate vehicles. "The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant," shares Caitlyn R. The road conditions deteriorate significantly after the first mile.
Waterfront locations: Morro Strand State Beach Campground places campers directly adjacent to shoreline. "You can't get any closer to the ocean, and if you are lucky enough to camp in one of the sites on the west side, you have an unobstructed view of the waves," writes Angela D. Sites 35-45 offer the best beach access via two different trails.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms matter to campers at most established campgrounds. "The bathrooms are large and sufficient, no showers. Fairly small campground so not a lot of traffic, nice for the kids to be able to ride their bikes or scooters," notes Angela D. about Morro Strand. Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds, with RV resorts typically offering the most consistent standards.
Site reservations: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "We had read reviews about the vault toilets onsite, so we mentally prepared ourselves before going. But in actuality, it is not as bad if everyone just put down the toilet seat covers after use," explains Christine O. about Cerro Alto Campground. Weekends typically require reservations 3-6 months in advance.
Wildlife concerns: Prepare for local wildlife interactions at camping areas. "There are TICKS TICKS TICKS. Make sure you read the warnings and stay on the trails. We actually saw ticks during our hike," warns Chanel C. about Cerro Alto. "There is poison oak EVERYWHERE so do not go wandering off into the brush," she adds. Always inspect for ticks after hiking.
Access challenges: TV Tower Road requires appropriate vehicles and driving skills. "We were going up these hills and like I've been on some bumpy roads and it started out fine so I wasn't worried about it but the farther we went, the worse the roads got. Like waves in the earth and just straight rocks," reports Silas M. High clearance vehicles recommended for dispersed camping areas.
Beginner-friendly sites: Choose campgrounds with amenities that support family comfort. "My Fiancé, two sons and I stopped here as a halfway point on our way to Huntington Beach. We're definitely going to be going back for a minimum of two nights! Dog parks, kid parks, a pool etc!" shares Cassandra R. about Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort.
Camp location selection: Research specific sites within campgrounds for best family experiences. "Our site (#18) was awesome! It was spacious enough for our 10-person tent and more. It even had a water faucet for easy cleaning," reports Christine O. about Cerro Alto Campground. Corner sites typically offer more space and slightly better privacy.
Activity planning: San Simeon Creek Campground provides nature exploration opportunities for children. "This was a beautiful campground with level, paved sites, lots of trees, great showers, and access to the beach within walking distance," notes Kelly H. Wildlife viewing includes elephant seals at nearby beaches.
Resort amenities: Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country provides full services for RV campers. "Great location for Paso Robles, pool, wine bar, clean wide level spots!" notes Jim M. The resort offers concrete pad sites as well as less expensive gravel options.
Road considerations: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. "First 90% of the road/trail is pretty easy, but the last 10% did get a little sketchy at night, while on a motorcycle and being my first time there," explains Kyle K. about TV Tower Road. Most RV sites are accessible via paved roads, but check specific campground information.
Hookup options: RV camping options range from primitive to full-service. "Nice place to stay when visiting the Paseo Robles wineries. The sites are very close to each other unless you upgrade but still will get to know your neighbors," writes James B. about Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country. Expect to pay $40-70 for full hookup sites depending on season and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Paso Robles?
Paso Robles offers several excellent camping options. Franklin Hot Springs is a unique gem where you can enjoy natural hot springs soaking while camping. For those wanting proximity to wine country, San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park is a popular choice about 30 miles northwest of Paso Robles, offering quick and easy camping access. Other notable options within a short drive include Morro Bay State Park, Plaskett Creek Campground in Los Padres National Forest, and various campgrounds along the coast. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities such as water and toilets, with varying levels of privacy and natural settings.
Are there any lakeside or riverside camping spots in Paso Robles?
While Paso Robles itself is primarily known for its wineries rather than water features, there are some options for water-adjacent camping in the surrounding area. Morro Bay State Park Campground offers camping near the bay and is less than 5 minutes from the beach, located about 30 miles from Paso Robles. Morro Dunes RV Park is situated right on the beach near Morro Rock and within walking distance of downtown Morro Bay. For hot springs enthusiasts, Franklin Hot Springs provides a unique opportunity to camp near thermal waters. The Salinas River runs through the Paso Robles area, but few developed campgrounds sit directly on its banks.
Is tent camping available in Paso Robles?
Yes, tent camping is available in the Paso Robles area, though options are more limited than RV sites. Plaskett Creek Campground - Los Padres National Forest is an excellent tent camping destination within driving distance of Paso Robles. For those willing to venture a bit further, Cerro Alto Campground offers drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in tent sites with water and toilets available. Most tent camping options are found in the surrounding state parks and national forest lands rather than directly in Paso Robles itself, which tends to cater more to RV camping. Tent campers should check reservation requirements, as many sites can be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons.
What RV camping options are available in Paso Robles?
Paso Robles features several well-appointed RV campgrounds. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort offers full hookups, free WiFi, cable, and numerous amenities including a pool, bar, bistro, gym, and miniature golf. The resort is clean, well-maintained, and just 5 minutes east of downtown. Paso Robles RV Ranch is another good option located just north of town with approximately 70 spaces that can accommodate any size rig, easy access to Highway 101, a pool, and helpful staff. Other options include Vines RV Resort and Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country, both offering clean facilities and convenient access to Paso Robles' wineries and attractions.
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