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.
$35 - $165 / night
"We met a group here and camped at a couple of adjacent sites. It is a premium location very close to the Pacific Ocean, and you can walk to a little store and very casual restaurant on the water."
"There is plenty to see and do in town, and the campground has a kayaking company within walking distance. There's also a natural history museum across the street."
$25 - $40 / night
"It started raining cats and dogs during the night, 7am the rangers advised that evacuations could be in store....3pm we had to leave the campground and we were directed further down the coast to Oceana"
"Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."
"We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it."
"I went all the way to the end as it allows some walking around room. If you’re tent camping beware the wind, gets pretty crazy. Had one wind free day out of three."
$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."
$25 - $150 / night
"You can camp just steps from Spooners Cove (great place for swimming!) in Islay Creek Campground. It’s in the Montana De Oro State Park."
"Sorry for the alliteration...we really enjoyed this CA State Park campground that is so close to the Pacific you can walk from your site to Spooner’s Cove Beach (dog-friendly)."
$35 - $50 / night
"Dogs are not allowed on beach to protect endangered species but walking the camp road up to the main road gives enough elevation you can see the ocean and Morro rock in the distance, and the houses have"
"The site next to ours was occupied which made parking the trailer a little tricky- almost like parallel parking and the sites are close together like a parking lot."
$25 / night
"The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance."
"Staying here gives free access to driving onto the beach.
Lots of families and dogs. Noise wasn't a problem other than generators constantly running."
$25 - $50 / night
"This is a great campground close to San Luis Obispo. It is great for tent or RV camping and is located near a park, garden, and golf course."
"Near San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach. When we stayed here it was for the Renaissance Faire (which has moved to San Luis Obispo proper). There were tons of loud people."
$35 - $74 / night
"It was a very nice place got a great spot next to bathrooms and dog park."
"California, Morro Dunes RV Park
Located right on the beach and ocean near Morro Rock. Within walking distance from Downtown Morro Bay.
Directions: From highway 1 exit at E. G."
"This is a pricey rv park, but great location and very busy. It is competitive with the others around and think it was the best one in the area."
"Very dog friendly. Closed to downtown Pismo. Easy access to the beach. Will go again."
ScoutWe 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.
TravelerOk so my first encounter with this road (TV Tower Road) was after 10 p.m. in mid-July. We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it.
It was dark, and we had to anticipate the road off 101 S, because it comes quickly and the signs are easy to miss. We were able to exit and follow the one-lane road (it’s narrow) as it began to wind up the hillside. We weren’t counting on gaining so much elevation, but we were pretty stoked because after two switchbacks we had an amazing view of the sky. The pavement ended and we continued on a packed dirt road.
It is quite narrow at parts, but there are spots along it where 2 cars can pass each other. There are bumps and rough patches, but nothing you haven’t encountered if you do much backwoods driving. Anyways.
That night was a Friday, and it was also a peak viewing night for the comet, and there were SO many (like 8) cars that we had to pass/maneuver around. In the dark, without knowing the road, it was pretty high pressure, and we chose to turn around about halfway up, without knowing how the road ended.
So, disappointment. However, after a fun day in Los Osos and Morro Bay, we decided to tackle the road in the daylight. We got there around 6, in full summer light, and only encountered one driver coming down.
When you reach the top of the ridge, the road opens up. It’s the bumpiest here, but there’s a lot of space to spread out & set up. We saw probably 12 other cars (vans, SUVs, RVs) there, and some people had set up tents. The views are incredible. It’s a super peaceful place to spend a night or two.
We had binoculars for stargazing, but with them we could explore the details of the hills and landmarks. If you’re into radio, reception is very clear. The temperature was overall very comfortable, and we had a great night car camping.
The biggest caution is driving—expect to have to deal with some cars going the other way. Also, keep an eye out for hikers and mountain bikers who also use the road. If you’re down to try it, this spot is so worth it!!
Bring food, water, a flashlight...the regular. There are no bathrooms, so be warned.
TravelerThis is a great campground close to San Luis Obispo. It is great for tent or RV camping and is located near a park, garden, and golf course. It is a short drive to San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay where you can hike, shop, relax on the beach, and eat great food.
TravelerNice camp site. Near San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach. When we stayed here it was for the Renaissance Faire (which has moved to San Luis Obispo proper). There were tons of loud people. We definitely need to return to give this an honest review. It can't be as bad as I'm remembering it.
GuideThis 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.)
LegendConvenient location right off the 101 in a very lovely little central coast city. Nearby markets, swap meet, drive-in and gas stations. Location is really what this grounds has going for it as San Luis Obispo is such a treasure
GuideSuper spectacular views! I went all the way to the end as it allows some walking around room. If you’re tent camping beware the wind, gets pretty crazy. Had one wind free day out of three. Looking down on the bay, San Luis Obispo and HW 1. Can’t stress how flippin beautiful it was. Just. Wow.
ScoutWhen I saw the TV tower road sign, that marked the last paved road until the actual TV tower hill. I rode all the way to the end with some medium difficulty off roading there are some steep bits with uneven terrain. Taking the road up to TV tower are some of the best views you can get from the surrounding area. John R.'s review accurately sums up the camping experience. The wind was shaking my tent all night until the morning. But thankfully I had bugspray the insect problem was solved. Nightsky was amazing! I saw a shooting star and many satellites. Would for sure camp again if in the San Luis Obispo area.
TravelerViews 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.
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near San Luis Obispo, California, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near San Luis Obispo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near San Luis Obispo, CA is Morro Bay State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near San Luis Obispo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near San Luis Obispo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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