TV Tower Road offers primitive dispersed camping on a mountain ridge near Santa Margarita, approximately 10 miles east of San Luis Obispo. Accessible via a narrow dirt road with significant elevation gain, this free camping area requires vehicles with adequate ground clearance. The mountain location creates unique weather conditions with temperature variations of 15-20°F between day and night, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Hiking at Montaña de Oro State Park: Access multiple coastal trails ranging from easy to challenging difficulty levels. "This place is 10/10... Close to one of the most beautiful beaches. The campsites in the way back are the best..much quieter," shares a camper at Islay Creek Campground.
Kayaking on Morro Bay: Rent kayaks near the harbor for wildlife viewing opportunities. "Quick walk to the harbor, cafe, waterfront and walking trails," according to a visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground, which provides convenient water access.
Beach exploration: Walk across coastal dunes to reach miles of shoreline. "Oceano CA. Wooded nice spaces with 20 amp electric and water," reports a camper, noting the convenience of sites at Oceano Campground that are "truly minutes away from the beach."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer best opportunities for spotting local fauna. One visitor to TV Tower Road noted, "Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites. Would for sure camp again if in the San Luis Obispo area."
Challenging drives: Off-road enthusiasts appreciate access to remote locations. A TV Tower Road camper shared, "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."
Natural diversity: Transition zones between coastal and inland habitats support varied ecosystems. "Lopez lake campground is a pretty area surrounding a nice lake. There is an abundance of wildlife," notes a visitor to Lopez Lake Recreation Area, which features "pretty hikes to be had and water slides if it's hot."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites deteriorate significantly after rain. One visitor to TV Tower Road reported, "Like fucking waves in the earth and just straight rocks. There was one spot that was legitimately just a fucking crater. My headlight actually popped out."
Temperature swings: Bring layers as evening temperatures drop rapidly in elevated areas. "Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too! I'd recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and any essentials for dispersed camping," advises a TV Tower camper.
Pet regulations: Most campgrounds require leashed pets and proper waste disposal. At Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, "spaces were a little tight but lots to do," making it a popular option for pet-friendly camping near San Luis Obispo despite limited space between sites.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Steep terrain requires extra vigilance with children. A visitor to El Chorro Regional Park mentioned it's "Great location and nice and quiet, for the most part. Down side is most of the campsites are on the smaller side."
Beach-adjacent options: Sites with direct beach access eliminate need for parking at public lots. At North Beach Campground, "This is the North Beach Campground at Pismo State Beach... campsite was large with a picnic table, fire ring and water hook up," providing convenient facilities for families.
Activity planning: Schedule around coastal fog which typically burns off by midday. "Foggy and cool most of day... only saw sun a few minutes," reports a visitor describing typical summer conditions at Montaña de Oro State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Reserve back row sites at beach campgrounds for maximum privacy. At Morro Dunes RV Park, "Nice RV stop for the night 55$ for 1 night. Sites are very close together but some great neighbors. Great access to bike path and just a few minutes walk or bike ride to down town/harbor."
Hook-up availability: Confirm electrical amperage before arrival as many sites offer limited capacity. "We have spent many weekends at this resort, they have great amenities. Walking distance to downtown Pismo. You can't beat the price and location. They have full hook-ups," notes a regular at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort.
Wind protection: Position RVs to shield outdoor spaces from prevailing winds. One camper at Morro Dunes observed, "The day we arrived it was fairly windy, so the tent was not that pleasant, but the view and the animal live that was ever present was a delight."
