The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Pismo Beach, CA

606 Reviews

Tent campgrounds around Pismo Beach provide primitive camping options within the Los Padres National Forest. Miranda Pine Campground and Colson Canyon Campground offer tent-specific sites approximately 30-45 minutes from Santa Maria, with most located in mountainous terrain. Brookshire Campground and Bates Canyon Campground provide additional tent camping options, though they require longer drives on unpaved forest roads.

Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles. Miranda Pine Campground sits atop a mountain with sweeping ocean views but requires navigating rough terrain. A visitor commented, "The road gets increasingly rocky/washed out, with the top of the ridge the roughest going but I made it fine in a high clearance 2wd." Most tent sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, but amenities are minimal. Vault toilets are present at several campgrounds including Brookshire and Miranda Pine, but campers should bring their own toilet paper and water. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months.

Tent campsites in this region offer exceptional solitude compared to developed campgrounds closer to the coast. The primitive nature of these sites means campers often have entire areas to themselves, particularly on weekdays. Bates Canyon provides a secluded tent camping experience with hiking opportunities nearby. A recent review noted, "There are plenty of flat spots to set up a tent and had no problem at all. We didn't see anyone the whole weekend and we had a great time." Seasonal considerations affect the tent camping experience, with spring offering green hillsides and wildflowers, while summer brings warmer temperatures and drier conditions. Wind exposure can be significant at higher-elevation tent sites, particularly at Miranda Pine Campground where the mountaintop location provides stunning 360-degree views but limited wind protection.

Map showing campgrounds near Pismo Beach, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Pismo Beach, California (11)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Pismo Beach Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pismo Beach, CA

13 Photos of 11 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pismo Beach, CA

606 Reviews of 11 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Nira Campground

    Nira Campground

    Nira is a small, primitive campground in the San Rafael wilderness behind the Santa Ynez Valley. The campground is a bit of a haul to get back to, and is often used as a base for backpackers entering the San Rafael wilderness or the Manzana Creek trail. I myself have only tent camped at Nira, just to go somewhere different - my boyfriend and his friends have backpacked out of Nira into the San Rafael Wilderness and to the Manzana Schoolhouse on multiple occasions.

    Nira is the second, smaller campground back on Sunset Valley Road - Davy Brown Campground is up the road a little ways. Nira is small, with only 12 sites in a densely wooded live oak grove. The oaks provide a lot of shade and help separate the various camp sites. The Manzana Creek runs behind the campground; the main road leading into Nira is right above the campground, however, you’re pretty far back in the hills, so there isn’t a lot of noise from traffic.

    Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are no hook ups and only pit-toilets are available. There is NO DRINKING WATER available at Nira Campground, so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to backpack through the area.

    WARNING: You ARE in black bear country! While it is unlikely that a black bear will enter the campground, I would suggest locking your food and coolers in your car at night, as there are no food lockers in the campground. When hiking the Manzana Trail be aware of your surroundings: Black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, bob cats, and coyotes have been seen on the trail. CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $20/night (+ $10/ extra vehicle)

    Plumbed Toilets: No - vault

    Drinking Water: No

    Showers: No

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • S
    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.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2017

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    More RV campers than tent campers

    [ LOCATION -5 Stars ]

    • Walking distance to the Morro Bay Natural History Museum -- great for kids and very educational for all ages. Admission is only $3 and they have a fun Nature Shop to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
    • Bayside Cafe is adjacent to the Campgrounds. If you don't feel like going through the hassle of cooking an elaborate meal at camp, you can take it easy and eat at the cafe. It has a great view of the marina and Morro Bay Rock.
    • Campgrounds is a stone's throw from the marina. This is especially great if you enjoy being by the water. A lot of campers bring their own kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, etc.
    • Less than 2 miles from the Embarcadero where there are shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, boat tours, and water equipment rentals. It's a beautiful walk, an easy bike ride, and a quick drive into town. Best part, FREE PARKING everywhere! Also, plenty of public restrooms that are relatively clean.
    • The campgrounds is right by a large and well-manicured golf course. So that's cool…if you're into golf!

    [ AMENITIES -4.5 Stars ]

    • Plenty of showers and restrooms throughout the campgrounds. Some are not all operational but it's not that far of a walk to get to the next available one. PRO TIP: Exchange your shower tokens at the check-in Kiosk. A lot of the token machines were out of order. 2 tokens for $1. Each token buys you 2 minutes time.
    • Firewood & fire starters can be purchased at Camp Host sites. $7 for a bundle and $1 for firestarters. The profits go back to CA state parks :)
    • Sites are very close together and not very spacious or private. Each campsite comes with parking for 1 car, a charcoal BBQ grill, a firepit, bear box, and picnic table.
    • There are plenty of shared water spigots for potable water by every site. Make sure you turn it gently because the water pressure is super strong and you'll get a ton of splash back.

    [ CLEANLINESS -5 Stars]

    • Restrooms & showers are SO CLEAN! Most of the campers here are RV campers, so they aren't really using the public restrooms. Less foot traffic = cleaner!
    • The majority of campers here are older, retired RV campers so the campgrounds are kept-up meticulously well. Everyone is very considerate and clean up after themselves. There aren't too many pests or ants either.
  • E
    May. 24, 2019

    Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    Beautiful cove

    The best part of this campground is access to the beach. We were there in early July and the water was like ice but absolutely beautiful. The campground itself was ok, it was a bit more primitive than I’m used to, but the sites themselves were nice. Each had a picnic table and fire ring. Most of the sites were nice sized as far as I could tell. There are no showers and only vault toilets so I wouldn’t stay here for more than 2 nights. Another perk is how it feels so far removed from civilization, but it’s really not.

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Miranda Pine Campground

    Secluded but difficult to get to campground

    Set atop a mountain, Miranda Pine campground gives sweeping views all the way to the ocean. Beware the road is long and unpaved, not suitable for a compact car. I did it with a high clearance 4WD and made it to the top. Only a couple sites at the top, but they are free. Picnic tables at each site. Named for the larged Pine tree at the top of the mountain. Sunset and Sunrise views are incredible. Brought my dogs and they loved it. No real services up here so its especially important to pack out all your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Mt. Figueroa Campground

    Figueroa Mountain

    Figueroa Campground is a 33-35 site campground behind Los Olivos, CA. It is surrounded by live oaks and gorgeous manzanita trees, so there is a lot of shade available.

    Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are no hook ups, and only pit-toilets are available. Note that there is NO DRINKING WATER available at Figueroa Campground, so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike or backpack through the area.

    There is a a lot of hiking trails available in the nearby area. Both Figueroa Mountain and nearby Grass Mountain are extremely popular hiking spots, especially in early spring when the wildflowers bloom in late March or early April . During the wildflower bloom, the sides of the hills and mountains can look solid vibrant ORANGE from afar - the wild California poppies grow dense in this area. Purple mountain lupine flowers are also found during the wildflower bloom.

    If you or anyone in your party does not want to/cannot hike, the top of Figueroa Mountain is completely assessable by car - all of the big lookout points for optimal wildflower viewing are accessible by car, so the wildflowers are essentially accessible to everyone, hikers or not.

    The Davy Brown Creek and Manzana Creek trails are also accessible from the Figueroa Mountain area; the area is popular for cyclists and off-road cyclists.

    WARNING: You ARE in black bear country! While it is unlikely that a black bear will enter the campground, I would suggest locking your food and coolers in your car at night, as there are no food lockers in the campground. When hiking be aware of your surroundings: Black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, bob cats, and coyotes have been seen on the trails.

    While the campground is fairly remote in the the hills, you are only 20 minutes away from Los Olivos, and 30 minutes away from Santa Ynez. Los Olivos has a great market with groceries, a bakery/coffee shop, a deli, and beer and local wine. There are many local vineyards, wineries, and breweries nearby. The Firestone Walker brewery, taproom, and Resturant is close-by - we highly recommend their food and beers!

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $20/night (+ $10/ extra vehicle)

    Plumbed Toilets: No - vault

    Drinking Water: No

    Showers: No

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Beach access and dunes

    If beach access while camping is your thing, this campground may be the ticket. Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!), sites are not entirely on top of each other (but avoid the two middle rows if you want a little breathing room), and all have decent access to the clean bathhouses. There is a nice trail that goes around the outer edge of the campground through the dunes out to Hwy 1 and on to Pismo Beach. It also connects to the Monarch Butterfly Grove on the other side of the creek. Each campsite has the usual picnic table and fire ring. Go buy your firewood from the camp hosts, it’s a big no-no yo gather firewood in the park. I was also warned about locking up my car with valuables hidden; apparently there have been some thefts from cars in the campground in past years (the hosts said it hadn’t happened in a while, but rangers are of the belief of using an ounce of prevention). The best sites are 20,22, 24, 25, 27, 29, and 31 if you want to be next to the dunes and have good beach access.

  • Kari T.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Navajo Flat Campground

    Great place to get away from reality

    If you want to escape, this is the place. No signal, hardly ever see any other people and tons of open space and trails for motorcycles and quads. Dry camping only. No water available but there is a vault toilet and picnic tables.

Guide to Pismo Beach

The Pismo Beach region offers diverse tent camping opportunities within the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding areas. Many campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,000-3,500 feet, providing cooler temperatures during summer months. The region receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal creeks and diverse plant communities that campers can explore.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds near Pismo Beach provide access to mountain biking opportunities. At Miranda Pine Campground, visitors can access nearby trails with ocean views. "We drove back down the road back to Miranda pines and everybody had left, we had the whole campground to ourselves. There was a full moon that night that lit up everything beautifully," reports Antonio C.

Stargazing: The higher elevation campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "We had some great views, great trails for hiking and I enjoyed the fact that they had an astronomer one of the evenings to star gaze," notes Genie N. about her stay at KOA Campground Santa Margarita.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "You can hunt fish hike horse back riding and wake up to the sound of birds. I have seen bears and mountain lions so be prepared for that. Never been attacked by them," shares Bear G. about Wagon Flat Campground.

What campers like

Remote locations: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of campgrounds in this region. At Colson Canyon Campground, Josh M. notes it's a "Primitive typical National Forest campground" with "few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria."

Panoramic views: The elevated terrain provides exceptional vistas. Dani P. describes Miranda Pine Campground: "Set atop a mountain, Miranda Pine campground gives sweeping views all the way to the ocean. Beware the road is long and unpaved, not suitable for a compact car."

Access to hiking: Most tent camping areas near Pismo Beach connect to trail networks. "There's a nice trail that leads to the creek but unfortunately wasn't flowing right next to camp but it was just upstream. Plenty of firewood to gather from fallen trees nearby," reports Antonio C. about Bates Canyon Campground.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "The dirt road to get to camp is about 10 miles. The road is bumpy but in good condition overall, we made it on a stock height 2wd truck," notes Antonio C. about Brookshire Campground.

Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas near Pismo Beach have minimal facilities. At Colson Canyon Campground, Nathan M. explains: "This is a nice bare-bones campground with a few tables and fire rings. You will need a truck to get here, but Colson Canyon is a beautiful area that has streams, caves and plenty of oak trees. Just know that there is no faucets or toilets here."

Wind exposure: Higher elevation sites experience significant wind. "Went on a Saturday night in the spring, and it was incredibly windy all day/night. Like... too windy to cook, hang out, relax," warns Danielle M. about her Miranda Pine Campground experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pismo Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pismo Beach, CA is KOA Campground Santa Margarita with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pismo Beach, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Pismo Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring