San Luis Obispo County features multiple RV parks and campgrounds along the Central California coast. The county's terrain varies from coastal dunes to inland valleys, with elevations ranging from sea level to 2,300 feet. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F while winter temps drop to 40-60°F, making it a year-round camping destination with mild weather patterns compared to inland areas.
What to Do
Beach access hikes: At Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort, campers can walk directly through sand dunes to reach the ocean. "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," notes James O.
Horseback riding: Several parks offer equestrian activities nearby. "The staff is friendly and horse rides in the beach are available! The dunes are a great backdrop to this place," reports Esther D. about Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Biking to nearby attractions: When staying at Morro Dunes RV Park, visitors can access coastal pathways. "Great access to bike path and just a few minutes walk or bike ride to down town/harbor with harbor shops and restaurants," writes Dennis V.
What Campers Like
Resort-style amenities: Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort offers upscale facilities. "We used both pools and spas daily even in December. Sites are gravel with concrete pads. All have fireplaces and seemed appropriately level," says Michael D.
Proximity to wineries: The Paso Robles region provides easy access to wine tasting. "Lots of wineries along the road. We did the wine line and they pick up and drop off at the campground," mentions Tonya C.
Hot springs access: Some campgrounds feature thermal pools. "In addition to natural mineral springs and heated pool, facilities have water, toilets, showers, electricity for stealth travelers. Picnic tables outside," notes Scott O. about Avila Hot Springs.
What You Should Know
Site conditions vary widely: Terrain can range from hard-packed sand to gravel. "Sites are gravel with concrete pads. All have fireplaces and seemed appropriately level," reports Michael D. about Sun Outdoors Paso Robles.
Bathroom quality inconsistent: Facilities differ significantly between parks. "The billeting office where you check in is about .25 miles from the RV park. Guards at the gate did not know about the RV park at all, let alone how to direct us to it," notes Genevieve S. about Camp San Luis Obispo RV.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds sit between busy roads and train tracks. "The campground is narrow and situated directly between PCH and the railroad tracks on either side. So traffic noise was significant, and as an added bonus, every now and then Amtrack would roll past," explains John Y.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly facilities: Many RV parks San Luis Obispo offer child-specific amenities. "Dog parks, kid parks, a pool etc! The only thing was the Bistro was closed (because of covid) otherwise we can't wait to go back and bring our friends!!" exclaims Cassandra R.
Check pool availability: Swimming pools are popular amenities but may be seasonal. "They have a large pool for everyone and smaller lap pool for adults. When not in Covid there is wine tasting. No mature trees or water outside of pools," shares Candi A.B.
Playground access: Pismo Sands RV Park caters specifically to children. "Game room, library, and outdoor kids playground that has a mock pirate ship for the kids to climb through," notes Mike E.
Tips from RVers
Beach-view parking: At Port San Luis RV Campground, positioning matters. "Love this place - the views are unbeatable, rv spots are spacious with many being parallel to the beach. All spots in Nobi and Wyandot are dry camping unless you're in the paved parking lot farther down," advises Cheriana G.
Level site selection: Many parks have mixed terrain. "My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus," shares Rainer M. about Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet quality varies significantly between parks. "Their WIFI works the best of dozens of CGs we've stayed at. Streaming works well most all the time, even with lots of RVs on site," reports Mike E. about Pismo Sands.
Legend
