Best Campgrounds near San Luis Obispo, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near San Luis Obispo. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near San Luis Obispo, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near San Luis Obispo, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near San Luis Obispo, California (85)

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Recent Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

629 Reviews of 85 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds



Guide to San Luis Obispo

Camping near San Luis Obispo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for beach access or serene forest settings, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores 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 Montaña de Oro State Park. A visitor mentioned, "The views, the hike along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!"
  • Wildlife Watching: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can spot various birds and even some cute critters. One camper noted, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. For example, Mt. Figueroa Campground lacks showers, which one camper noted as a downside: "The place is beautiful...but no showers."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "It is just way too crowded for our taste."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Morro Bay State Park 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, like scavenger hunts at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. A parent shared, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."
  • Plan for Early Check-In: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular sites like Morro Dunes RV Park. One camper noted, "Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. For instance, San Simeon Creek Campground has no sewer hookups, which one reviewer pointed out.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be cramped. A visitor at Morro Dunes RV Park mentioned, "Sites are tight but not overly cramped."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: At some campgrounds, showers require tokens or cash. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground reminded others, "You need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash."

Camping around San Luis Obispo is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near San Luis Obispo, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, San Luis Obispo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near San Luis Obispo, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near San Luis Obispo, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Luis Obispo, CA is Morro Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 58 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Luis Obispo, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near San Luis Obispo, CA.

  • What parks are near San Luis Obispo, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near San Luis Obispo, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.