Best Glamping near San Luis Obispo, CA

Premium glamping sites around San Luis Obispo come with many comforts you won't find at regular campgrounds. San Luis Obispo City Park Campground has climate-controlled yurts with quality bedding for a step up from tent camping. The state park in the area includes well-built glamping structures that keep you comfortable while still feeling connected to the outdoors. Safari tents with electricity and prepared food service make the San Luis Obispo Recreation Area worth checking out if you want a higher-end stay. These places all provide nicer furnishings and staff who can help with various needs during your visit. You'll notice the difference between these sites and standard camping right away. During the day, you can head out to nearby trails or go fishing before returning to your comfortable accommodations. Make sure to book ahead, particularly in summer when these spots fill quickly. Check on current fire rules before arriving since restrictions change throughout the year. San Luis Obispo County Park Campground has its own take on glamping and puts you close to national forest areas too. Most experienced glampers recommend making reservations months in advance during busy times. The glamping locations give you good access to both local towns and quiet natural settings. Ask about specific rules and how long you can stay when booking. The San Luis Obispo area lets you enjoy nature without giving up comfort.

Best Glamping Sites Near San Luis Obispo, California (14)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    64 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $25 - $40 / night

    "We checked in late evening, it was nice that the gate/entrance was open for late arrivals. Campground was walking distance to the beach."

    "We hoped to camp near Oso Flaco Lake and Creek, but this was as close as it gets."

    2. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "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"

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    3. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 595-7111

    $225 / night

    "The site was clean, we had full hookups, and the bathrooms were very clean too. Their store had a lot of items that you might need (groceries and alcohol) and little souvenirs."

    "Staff is really nice and bathrooms, campsites and showers are very clean. Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground."

    4. Cerro Alto Campground

    15 Reviews
    Atascadero, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $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."

    "Nice sight, small campground, vault toilets and running water available. Trail head is at the back of the campground day use parking is available. Short drive to Atascadero and Morro Bay."

    5. Flying Flags Avila Beach

    8 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 888-0158

    $35 - $395 / night

    "Beach is 10 minute walk and allows dogs. Near to San Luis Obispo and so much more that the lovely Central Coast has to offer. Staff were very attentive and helpful."

    "Propane fire pits at each site. Clean bathrooms and lovely, huge private shower rooms. Laundry onsite is cashless - Apple Pay. The views, I can not say enough."

    6. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. No grass, but hard packed sand and gravel."

    7. Santa Margarita KOA

    8 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 438-5618

    $40 / night

    "They only took full hookup sites because bathrooms, showers and laundry are closed. The playground was open. Fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes."

    "A bit pricy but each site has concrete patio along with patio furniture and a nice charcoal grill. Sitting out at night with a clear view of the stars was breathtaking."

    8. Le Sage Riviera RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 489-5506

    "Super clean bathrooms/showers. 

    Level sites, small rocks. 

    Quiet park.

    Close to the beach."

    9. KOA Campground Santa Margarita

    2 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 438-5618

    "Very friendly staff. Internet is slow. The lake is 1/2 mile away, so very convenient. The park is loaded with really nice hiking trails. We are enjoying our weekend stay."

    10. Lake Nacimiento Resort

    7 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 237-4924

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Overall, the privately-owned sites at Lake Nacemiento resort are good - but you'll probably want to get one of the reserved spots!"

    "Bathrooms were clean, campsites are really close together, we overland and need a wide campsite for the full set up. Camp sites # 313, 217, 215, 311 were the ones we like for size and view."

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Recent Glamping Photos near San Luis Obispo, CA

3 Photos of 14 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

178 Reviews of 14 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Margo A.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Lake Nacimiento Resort

    Camping by Lake Nacimiento

    This lake and the one up the road, San Antonio Lake , are very popular motor boating locations in north San Luis Obispo County. Camping in the summer months are very hot and crowded and not cheap. On the positive side, the lake is huge with narrow passages where you can get off the main lake and fish or just have fun. Jet skis, kayaks etc are permitted. There is a beach for kids near the marina area campground. The campground is part of the private Lake Nacimiento Resort located near the marina and extends along the shore toward the dam with various types of sites. Some sites have direct access to your temporarily moored boat. It gets a bit noisy in the evening as college students party after a long fun day on the lake. All services are available even a store. Three stars for noise and crowds and prices ( tents 35$ hookups 50$, plus pet fee, vehicle fee,etc.)

  • Crystal
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    Great location but loud

    This was our first trip in our RV and I think it worked out well. The location of this place is perfect with lots to do in the area. 1 hour south of here was Solvang and Ostrich farm, 1 hourish north is Cambria and San Simeon. There is also Avila beach about 5 minutes away and pismo about 10 min. If you need anything, San Luis Obispo is 5 minutes away.. the facility was very nice, with lots of trees that give the "escape" feeling and the people that work here are FABULOUS!! The only downside was the noise. You are really close to the highway so you hear cars zoom past all night, not great for a light sleeper like me.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Flying Flags Avila Beach

    Great place

    Views are amazing. You can hear the sea lions at Port San Luis, birds of paradise and other lovely flowers, palm trees and eucalyptus. Very well maintained. Beach is 10 minute walk and allows dogs. Near to San Luis Obispo and so much more that the lovely Central Coast has to offer. Staff were very attentive and helpful. There are areas with community fires for gathering, small store. Bocce ball and other games. I dry camped which worked out just fine. $10 dump fee when you leave is available for dry campers. Full hookups also available but they fill up so advance reservations needed.

  • D
    Jul. 11, 2020

    Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    Great KOA, especially for families

    I loved staying here. The site was clean, we had full hookups, and the bathrooms were very clean too. Their store had a lot of items that you might need (groceries and alcohol) and little souvenirs. Staff was super friendly. Would have given them 5 stars, except that the wifi doesn't work. I even went and asked one of the women who work in the office and she showed me how to set it up on my computer and phone but still nothing. I even brought my computer closer to the main office, hoping to be able to get some work done, but nothing. She mentioned that many other guests had complained about it not working but according to her, it was working. I am not sure where the "disconnect" was here! Regardless, great place, beautiful pool and lawn area and playground for kids. You are also only minutes away from the beach in Avila and great shopping (Whole Foods, Costco, Ralph's etc and lots of restaurants in San Luis Obispo (SLO).

  • Nathaniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Jenna S.
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Over night camping

    The campground was very nice, clean, campsite was easy to find. We checked in late evening, it was nice that the gate/entrance was open for late arrivals. Campground was walking distance to the beach. Other campers were courteous of quiet hours.  The only thing I did not like about the campground is that the lights were so bright at the bathrooms that it looks like a spotlight was shining on our campsite. That is a very minor dislike but it is hard to go to sleep in your tent or in the back of your truck if you have like a light on you. If the campground could somehow dim the light I would say that would be better for the 2 to 3 campsites that were next to the restrooms/showers, at site #73

  • Talia B.
    Oct. 25, 2018

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Scenic campground

    I camped in Mustang during the last weekend of September. It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season. The campsites were pretty close to each other and unfortunately we were stuck between two different groups that did not obey the quiet hours. Not a huge deal at night since they were quiet by midnight or so but one of the groups was also loud with kids early in the morning as well. This didn't make the best camping experience but we tried to make the best of it.

    The lake was within walking distance but since the water level is so low, you had to walk quite a way out. There are some decent hiking trails you can go on right from the campground. We took the Escondido trail from camp that took us to the top of a ridge and had numerous switchbacks. Great views from the top.

  • Lisa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2019

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Beautiful, Clean, Beach Access

    We hoped to camp near Oso Flaco Lake and Creek, but this was as close as it gets.

    When we arrived at Pismo State Beach, we were pleasantly surprised by how neat and tidy the campground was and how friendly and organized the rangers were. While not very private, the campground was really quiet. I think the imposed Quiet Hours facilitated this. We will definitely stay again.

    Prepare for windy, chilly nights even in July.


Guide to San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo camping areas sit between 200-1,000 feet elevation in California's central coast region, experiencing mild temperatures averaging 50-75°F year-round with morning fog common in summer months. The region offers camping options spanning from coastal dunes to inland lake settings, with campgrounds typically experiencing highest occupancy between June and September when advance reservations become essential.

What to do

Beach exploration near Oceano Campground: Walk directly from your site to explore the shoreline and dunes. "Awesome campsite. We went in January and had no idea about the Monarch Butterflies. About 300 feet from the campsite is a grove of trees where thousands of Monarchs fly and mate," says Garrett M. from Oceano Campground.

Hiking at Cerro Alto: Access trails directly from the campground for moderate to challenging hikes with ocean views. "We had such a wonderful time staying 3 nights at Cerro Alto campground. Most sites are spaced for privacy. Very quite & peaceful. Easy access to hiking trails (Cerro Alto summit) from campsite," notes Becbecandbunny O. from Cerro Alto Campground.

Water activities at Lopez Lake: Rent kayaks, fish, or swim at this large reservoir 15 minutes from Arroyo Grande. "The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well," shares Crystal J. from Lopez Lake Recreation Area.

Sand dune exploration: Walk through protected dune ecosystems with limited vehicle traffic. "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. Without the OHV activity, it was safe to hike or dune surf," explains Annette A.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see local animals in their natural habitat. "We've camped here many times over the last 15 years. There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears," reports Crystal J. from Lopez Lake Recreation Area.

Yurt camping options for comfort: Several San Luis Obispo campgrounds feature yurt accommodations for those seeking structure without hauling gear. Santa Margarita KOA offers well-maintained yurts with electricity that provide shelter while still feeling connected to nature.

Morning bird watching: Wake up to diverse bird species around many campgrounds. "We fell asleep to the sound of a resident Pygmy Owl hooting and woke up to Acorn Woodpeckers, Toweys, Robins, Steller Jays, and Warblers singing," shares Chanel C.

Access to local beaches: Proximity to coastal areas makes beach days easy. "This campground is right next to the beach you can walk on the beach at any moment. It's absolutely breath taking!" notes Addielynne O.

What you should know

Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience periodic water system problems. "Only issue we encountered was that campground water source was contaminated and therefore shut off. Luckily we brought plenty with us and we're able to refill in Morro Bay," warns Becbecandbunny O.

Poison oak prevalence: Watch for toxic plants throughout the region. "Just be aware of poison oak and ticks. If based on the campground alone, we would have given it 5-stars," cautions Christine O. from Cerro Alto.

Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise that might disturb light sleepers. "You are really close to the highway so you hear cars zoom past all night, not great for a light sleeper like me," mentions Crystal from Avila-Pismo Beach KOA.

Dust and dirt conditions: Many campgrounds have natural surfaces that create dusty conditions. "Dusty little place. It was the only one available since all of the surrounding spots were booked up," notes Stanley.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Select campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "This KOA has had some upgrades. It's great for trailers. They also have tent camping and some cabins. Definitely will return. Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool," writes stacey S. from Santa Margarita KOA.

Wildlife safety preparations: Take proper food storage precautions in bear country. "While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/food lockers at Lopez Lake," warns Amanda M.

Bug protection essentials: Bring proper insect repellent for coastal and woodland sites. "Also, about the mosquitoes. How could I forget. Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills. They're out and about and it's not fun if you're not prepared," advises barbara M.

Bathroom facility research: Check recent reviews about restroom conditions. "Bathrooms were clean. There are clean plumbed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers," reports Jeremy F.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling preparation: Many campgrounds have uneven parking areas. "My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus," notes Rainer M. from Pacific Dunes Ranch.

Hookup availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "We checked in on Friday (earlier than the posted 3pm time) and setup camp. The site is clean and fairly level. Very little wind and lots of shade made for a perfect weekend," reports Jeremy F.

Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. "Easy check-in experience. You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations. Clean and warm showers available during the day," states James O.

Water pressure challenges: Some sites have inconsistent utility performance. "The space has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places," observes stacey S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near San Luis Obispo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near San Luis Obispo, CA is Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 64 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near San Luis Obispo, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near San Luis Obispo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.