Best Tent Camping near Pismo Beach, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Pismo Beach, California

572 Reviews of 12 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

• A

  Abe

  Scout

  

  Oct. 5, 2021

  Morro Strand State Beach Campground

  Windy Beach Camping

  Back in February, before my foot injuries hobbled me, we spent two nights here.    We chose to camp in the tent camping area, away from RVs and their generators and lights.

  The location was great.....right next to the beach, with our car conveniently parked next to our tent campsite.     

  We hadn't been tent camping for a long time before that, so we were surprised that we were one of the very few people in the tent camping area that actually camped in tents.  The rest of the people in the area just camped in the campervans, small camper trucks, or disconnected towable campers.     

  We could hear the wind all night in our tent, but during the day, the weather was perfect....cool and sunny.

  Restrooms were nearby and clean.   There were no showers, but we were told that we could (if we wanted) use the ones in another nearby State Park.

  Rangers were friendly.  

  Overall, a very nice experience.

• L

  Linda S.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 27, 2022

  Lopez Lake Recreation Area

  Something to please everyone

  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. None of the full hookup sites have a view but some of the tent sites do. 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. We’ve been to the ropes course too, which is really fun.

• S

  Shannon W.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 1, 2019

  Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

  Good base camp

  We stopped here for a few nights so we could hook up to shore power for a bit, do laundry, dump etc. The campground itself is small and old so the sites can be a little small for the larger rigs. Bathrooms and showers were clean. People who run it were extremely accommodating - it was difficult for us to access the dump hookup in our first assigned site (we have a macerater with a very short hose) so they moved us to a better site. Easy walking/biking access to Avila beach (4.8miles round trip), and quick drive from Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo. They allow leashes pets and have a small dog park and pet “walk,” and while these are great, I also like to walk my dog around the whole campground when we can’t take her walks elsewhere, and this campground is very limiting. They have several signs up where dogs aren’t allowed.

  Overall, this is a great location if you want access to the beach and nearby towns with nice basic amenities.

• 

  Nathaniel S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2021

  Lopez Lake Recreation Area

  A Gem of a County Park

  Long time campers in California are probably familiar with the feeling that the prep work required simply to get a reservation at the most popular national and state parks is more than prepping for the trip itself. This is true not just for the most famous parks, like Yosemite, but for many others as well. Wanna camp between late May and early October in a well known state park? Better book that reservation months in advance. This is especially true for RV sites, as there are even fewer of those.

  But sometimes you want to just get away on shorter notice. This is where the CA county park system comes to the rescue. County parks are numerous and much easier to get reservations at. And Lopez Lake, part of San Luis Obispo county doesn’t disappoint. The lake itself is a man made reservoir, and the campground sits right behind it. It’s got a mixture of tent sites and RV sites, some will full hookup - although some may only have 15/20A power. There’s lots to do on the lake, and Pismo Beach is a short drive away. Is a weekend at Lopez going to be like that epic 4 day trip you took to King’s Canyon or Zion or Yellowstone that you planned years in advance? No. But if you decide to take a long weekend in the late summer, there’s a good chance Lopez Lake will have spots available, especially during the week. Highly recommended.

• 

  Chanel C.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 17, 2019

  Morro Strand State Beach Campground

  Super small sites

  [ PROS ]

  • The campground is super close to the beach! You can just walk over the tiny dunes and the waves are right there.
  • Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves. So soothing and will knock you right out!
  • The beach itself is very calm and not very crowded/busy.
  • Driving distance to stores, restaurants, markets, and The Embarcadero (for a day trip)
  • Stunning view of Morro Rock 

  [ CONS]

  • This campground is basically like one giant parking lot which mostly caters to RVS and trailers.

  • Not ideal for tent camping. There is very little space to pitch a tent, don't even think about 2 tents.

  • Sites are very, very close together with very little privacy. I could hear my neighbor's whole conversations even with the sound of the surf.

  • It was super windy here at night. We were camping in our tent trailer and our entire tent was rattling for hours. The tent next to us packed up in the middle of the night and left.

  • No shade at this campground so it's pretty awful when it's sunny. I wouldn't suggest bringing a canopy because it gets super windy here.

  Overall, this campground was very disappointing. Especially for the price! The only redeeming quality is the beach. It was super hard to get a reservation and is normally completely booked.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 20, 2023

  Avila Hot Springs

  Good for 1 Night & Quick Soak

  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. We found this rustic resort a good place to spend the night and get in a quick soak, but not exactly someplace we’d like to spend a weekend. 

  The RV lot is a large parking lot with spaces allocated on the outside of the gravel road. The tent camping section was a narrow patch of grass, with sites slotted in together along a tight corner of the property. Get to know your neighbors, because you’ll be close! Our little camper and truck rig was just small enough to fit into one of the grass camping sites at 32 feet combined, but it was a tight fit.  We were easily able to run on solar instead of paying for an electrical site.

  There's a picnic table and fire ring at each site, but the sites are so small, you are practically on top of your neighbors with zero privacy.  There are pit toilets in the campground as well as flush toilets and showers available near the bath house.  They also offer cabins for rent.

  The town of Avila Beach has restaurants and a few convenience stores, but the larger grocery stores are available in nearby Pismo Beach.  Morro Bay is definitely worth a visit as well!

• 

  David M.

  Scout

  

  May. 24, 2022

  San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

  Nice

  Nice bathrooms, ocean sounds, not that level for tent camping at c7 .

• M

  Martha G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

  Popular park

  Close to the beach within walking distance. Showers and restrooms not chemis . No hookups last time I was there both RV & tent camping .

• 

  Bob & Nancy W.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 11, 2021

  Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

  Great park

  Beautiful park. We thoroughly enjoyed our drive-in tent site, the scenery, and the abundant bird life.

• M

  Michael

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 24, 2024

  Oceano 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

• 

  Steve J.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 15, 2022

  River Park (City Park) - CLOSED

  Middle of the road

  It is a fine enough campground, the nearby park being its main selling point. There is nothing special in the way of amenities or things to do, but it is peaceful and you are mostly left alone,

  Bathrooms are closed, tent camping is closed.

• 

  Kristine B.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 14, 2022

  Morro Strand State Beach Campground

  Beautiful Location but Busy

  The location was pretty sweet right by the beach. I tent camped while my family members RVd. My site was large with a fire pit but they were slightly crammed in and had no fire pit. Did notice that some had the pits so be careful if choosing which site. Overall a nice visit.

• M

  Meredith H.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 7, 2021

  Morro Bay State Park Campground

  Covid perfection

  We looked for a beach not overly populated but clean and easy to camp. Lovely hookups if you need them and tent sites beach side are mostly protected from the winds. Cooler time of year but we knew that coming in. Would love to visit again in warmer months!

• J

  JENNIFER F.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 26, 2016

  Lopez Lake Recreation Area

  Squirrel Campsites

  The squirrel campsites for tent camping is great as they have more shade than other spots. Restrooms were clean and always had toilet paper stocked. They have been having bears coming into camp but we kept our food locked up and cleaned up all trash and didn't have any issues with them. The lake is low but they have great hiking trails and the wild turkeys are always fun to see.

• L

  Lauretta M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 17, 2020

  Santa Margarita KOA

  Friendly staff..great for kids..bathrooms clean

  Eenjoyed 2 days here with many other campers. Staff helpful..friendly..restrms clean..quiet at night..fun things for kids..lake nearby also. Only 1 pitfall...we tent camped in space #63..next to a dirt road which looped around the campground. We got nailed with dirt dust every time someone drove by. Other than that..all was well...saw wild turkey and dear right next to our site. Inwould return but not at that camp space.

• 

  Lauren H.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 8, 2019

  Manzana Campground

  Perfect site for relaxing by the water

  I have been here a few times over the years and it never disappoints! This year the swimming holes were perfect for some post hike cools downs. On the way to the site prepare for about 12 water crossings. There are roughly 6 tent sites all close together. There was a pretty rowdy crew of guys so get there early to pick your spot!

• C

  Corey L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2019

  Santa Margarita Lake

  Nice quiet campground on a great fishing lake

  This lake has a no body contact rule which makes it a great quiet fishing lake with no jet skiing, swimming etc... there is a seasonal swimming pool that is right across from the rv spots. It is a dry campground and the 7 rv spots are basically on a parking lot but are on the waters edge which is nice. The tent sites are nice and are close the the lake. There is a well stocked and surprisingly well priced store as well as a marina that rents boats and kayaks. The lake has 2 boat launches and miles of hiking trails all within a short walk to the camping area. We get a few tv channels on our antenna but there is no cell reception. We launch our kayaks 20’ from our camper and when we had a boat we would launch it when we got there and leave it in the water right next to the camper which was very convenient. This of course always depends on the water level which has been very low some years, but has been good this year. The pool, showers and restrooms are newer, clean and very close to the rv spots but a bit of a walk to most of the tent sites.

• 

  Morgan D.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 22, 2021

  Morro Bay State Park Campground

  Awesome spot!

  Super clean and great location, but docked a star because of the price. After fees when booking, it comes out to about $42.00 a night. 

  Showers and bathrooms are spread out nicely. We tent camped and the noise wasnt bad at all. Though there was some mystery animal howling/screeching through out the night haha. Super close to the water. Kayak rentals an restaurant down by the dock and a great place to load kayaks into the water! Will definitely be back. Just make sure you book in advance! Fills up fast.

• 

  Care B.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 14, 2022

  San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

  Lots of shade

  This is in a beautiful area, and a gorgeous site but I’ll tell you why I gave it a 3 Pro: friendly staff, lots of shade & some grass at what seemed like all sites, close to small food and many things to do, availability, They let my small van stay at tent only camping, firewood $10 on site, flushable clean bathrooms

  Cons: upkeep of foliage was good but walking through whole campsite saw trash and full fire pits at every site. I stayed at two sites and preferred the tent camping first come serve area as it has less vehicle traffic. C36 felt so busy.

• S

  Shawn H.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 21, 2019

  San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

  Slamming Doors

  Tent site C74 didn’t have much of a level setup site and was right across from the bathroom. We heard slamming doors all night. This particular site was practically on-top of the adjacent site. Good things is the proximity to the bathroom if you don’t mind the slamming doors. It was also close to the trashcans. We came in late and left early so we didn’t experience much of the park but it appeared well maintained and well traveled. Campsite was full so reservations are probably needed.

• 

  Bridget B.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 30, 2021

  Jalama Beach County Park

  Campground well maintained!

  GORGEOUS scenery, and wonderfully maintained campground. Would love to be back here someday, though I know it's hard to find reservations. We tent camped and there were maybe two other campers with tents. It was quiet windy, though not as windy as it can get out there! Winds were about 25 mph at the highest, which was loud in our tent and brought a lot of sand in. We were also unable to have a campfire because the fire pits were well out on the beach sand and unprotected. Though we didn't get the full camping experience with a bonfire, I can see why this campground is full through the summer time. Being right on the beach, able to swim in the ocean or tan on the beach sand and then have a fire would be absolutely wonderful.

• 

  Brian L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 31, 2021

  Morro Bay State Park Campground

  Beautiful campgrounds

  Amazing campground that has both primitive tent sites, as well as RV with full hookups. Running water, dishwashing station, hot showers, and flushing toilets. The facilities were clean, and the campgrounds are next to a golf course, and a quick drive away from the beach, Morro Rock, and downtown. Each site has a little outside “pantry” cabinet to stash your dry goods, and there is a fire ring for the must do campfire and s’mores. Wood is sold on site. This is definitely one of my favorite spots I have been to, and although far from where I live, it was well worth the trip. I would definitely go back!

• 

  Margo A.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 8, 2020

  Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

  Tent and Group Horse Camping

  Montana de Oro is a beautiful treasure located along a wild coastline, sand dunes, tall peaks and high cliffs above beautiful beaches. Tent camping is limited but the availability of group horse camping is a rare treat. With pipe corrals, pit toilets and trails to the ocean, these site are primitive but worth it. The park has plenty of sun and shade, with mostly eucalyptus trees, great hiking trails and a beach with car parking that is popular with tourists and a few secret beaches locals know. Wildflowers abound in the spring and a car friendly paved road takes to the end and back with plenty of bathrooms and a State Park office/store you can get maps and tips.

• 

  Anne O.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2017

  Morro Strand State Beach Campground

  Beautiful...but pick your site wisely!

  Morro Strand is steps away from a beautiful stretch of beach filled with sand dollars and an amazing view of Morro rock looking south. It gets windy starting around 2pm into the evening - right when you are setting up camp. If you are tent camping on the beach side, bring some extra long tent pegs as you are staking into sand. We had to go to Ace hardware while we were there to get extra long tent pegs. We also had a few ropes that came in handy to tie the tent down further.

  If you are tent camping, make sure to get a spot on the beach side. Beach side sites are: A-D (30-40ft long) and odd numbered sites 1-45 (24ft or less). The middle sites (even numbered sites 2-46) are in a narrow parking median and pretty tight on space. Our site D was far and away the largest site with the highest view (meaning we could see Morro rock from our tent) and had the most distance from other campers. Snag that one if you get a chance. Not all beachside sites have views of the oceans since some sit further down. Odd sites 35-45 have a better view of the beach.

  All the RV hook up sites are on the east side of the campground/parking lot.

  The bathrooms are centrally located, but there are no showers. Luckily your parking pass gets you into Morro Bay State Beach Park and you can buy tokens there and shower.

  I would definitely return. This location is beautiful and peaceful with amazing long empty stretches of beach to walk on. It stayed pretty cool, even in June. Downtown Morro Bay is delightful to spend the day walking through with amazing seafood, cute shops and even a skateboard museum. We even saw sea otters playing in the bay!

  The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that it seems like an old beach parking lot that was converted into a campsite, so not all the sites are great. But the location can't be beat and if you get a beachside spot you are good to go!

• 

  Robert T.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 10, 2020

  Mt. Figueroa Campground

  Great Tent Camping

  The family went up and enjoyed FigMtn campgrounds. The site is large but has a lot of flies. I would not recommend trailers or fifth wheels. This is mainly tent camping. 

  Cost:$20 

  Size: Good 

  People allowed per site: 6 

  Vehicles allowed per site: 1 

  Hookups: No water, no electric, no dumping 

  Includes: Bonfire pit, Grill, Table 

  Bathrooms: Non-flush toilets(three locations) 

  Camp host: Yes, Amber is great 

  Bugs: Lots of flies. Did not have any issues with mosquitos  

  Cellphone Service: Verizon has spotty service, but works better than most other big name companies. 

  First Come First Serve: Yes, but they fill up fast on weekends during spring, summer and fall. I would recommend getting a reservation.

  *Notes: 

  1. Fires are only allowed in camping grounds. 

  2. Website says you have to stay two nights, but camp host does not require that.

• 

  Amanda R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Morro Strand State Beach Campground

  Small sites

  We had a bigger family tent and it just barley fit. It was nice that it was close to the water. Bathrooms were okay. This trip was planned for quading at pismo beach and we just needed to came some were close.

• 

  Jeannie B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 30, 2020

  Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

  Nice stopover on the 101 with Electricity

  We stayed there one night while traveling. It was ok. Campsites are very close together. The beach is just a short walk over the dunes but we were not allowed to take pups off leash on the sand. There was an abundance of Rangers patrolling the beach, we were stopped to give a warning even with pups on leash. Glad it was just one night. The best electric hook up with the most privacy was site #20. The best tent sites were 71 and 81. This campground is close to the beach and got very damp overnight. There is a level trail around the lagoon but warning the east side of this lagoon trail is slathered in poison oak. On the positive, great campground for bird watching on the lagoon.