Best Tent Camping near San Luis Obispo, CA

Tent camping around San Luis Obispo includes several spots where sites are designed specifically for tents. Colson Canyon Campground's tent sites sit among trees, giving campers good privacy. The ground is smooth and level, making tent setup quick and straightforward. At Barrel Springs Campground, you'll find tent pads close to parking areas so you won't have to haul your gear very far. The sites here are wider than at some other campgrounds, with room for larger family tents. Buck Spring Campground has tent sites within short walking distance of the bathrooms - helpful for middle-of-the-night trips. Big trees provide good shade coverage over most sites, keeping tents cooler during hot afternoons. Booking these campgrounds is pretty simple through their reservation systems. Many tent sites come with lantern hooks, which are handy once the sun goes down. Keep an eye out for deer and various birds that frequently pass through these camping areas. Always store food properly to keep wildlife away from your tent. The access roads to these campgrounds are usually in decent shape for regular cars. Wet weather can turn some trails muddy, so check conditions before you go. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping in this area. Summers can get hot, so bring extra water and shade structures if camping between June and August. San Luis Obispo's tent camping works well for people who want dedicated tent areas rather than mixed-use campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near San Luis Obispo, California (12)

    1. KOA Campground Santa Margarita

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

    "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."

    2. Friis Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Santa Margarita, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    3. Colson Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Santa Maria, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-6640

    "Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."

    "Bring water. But 100% recommend."

    4. Miranda Pine Campground

    4 Reviews
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-6640

    "Picnic tables at each site. Named for the larged Pine tree at the top of the mountain. Sunset and Sunrise views are incredible. Brought my dogs and they loved it."

    "not stay at this site but I did stop on my way back into town it's well taken care of and has a 360° view literally at the top of a mountain so that's the good and that also makes it the bad too if winds"

    5. Lake San Antonio - North Shore

    5 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 472-2311

    "The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available."

    "The lake is everything. A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it’s back and better than ever."

    6. Barrel Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    Los Alamos, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes.

    We stayed here during our PCT thru hike after crossing mile 100."

    7. Brookshire Campground

    2 Reviews
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "private road that would be a great way to get to this campground if the gate was not locked talking to the US Forrest firemen across the street they said if that road was open it's about a 15 minute drive"

    8. Wagon Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Los Padres National Forest, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    9. Bates Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    New Cuyama, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "Don’t know why people are saying it’s remote when there’s a main highway only a few miles away and ranch houses near by and cell Service."

    10. Baja Campground

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    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538
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Tent Camping Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

556 Reviews of 12 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds


  • Margo A.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Riding Horses at Santa Margarita Lake

    Santa Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps. There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed. Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats. Amenities include flush toilets in main camp, picnic table, fire pits but no hook ups. Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Washburn Campground at San Simeon State Park

    Washburn Campground at San Simeon State Park

    The Washburn Campground at San Simeon State Park is our go-to campground for quick and easy camping in Central California. My boyfriend and I met at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and love visiting SLO and the surrounding areas. If we don’t want to pay to stay at a hotel and can’t crash with some friends, we like to set up our base-camp at Washburn, the primitive campground within San Simeon State Park. SSSP does have full campsites with hookups on its Creek Campground, but we prefer the views and the star gazing at the primitive Washburn sites - Washburn is on the top of a hill, with beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding hillsides and mountains. The fees for the primitive Washburn sites are $18 per night, versus $35 per night for the full campsites in the Creek Campground.

    San Simeon State Park is easy to get to, as its right off Highway 1. You can make a reservation ahead of time, but you cannot select a specific site until you arrive. The ranger will ask you to go check out the campgrounds, and compile a list of site numbers that you are interested in. Once you return, they will go over the list with you and if one that you like is available, that site is yours.

    Each primitive campsite has a fire ring and a bench, and there are pit toilets available. These are the nicest pit toilets I have seen anywhere. There are water spigots in Washburn, which have had running water for the last year or so; the water had previously been shut off due to the drastic drought. I believe there are plumbed toilets in the lower Creek Campgrounds, but we have yet to go down and confirm that.

    Some sites are on the perimeter of the Washburn are more barren, but most sites have trees for some shade. Because you are right by the ocean, it can get pretty cold at night. Each site has a picnic bench and a fire pit - I can’t recall if the fire pits have grates. We generally do not cook while we camp at Washburn, as we usually pick something up in the nearby cities. Sebastian’s Store in San Simeon has GREAT burgers and various barbecue sandwiches. There is also a Hearst Ranch wine tasting room in the same shared building that sells frozen steaks from Hearst Ranch - great quality steaks, if you will be camping for a couple nights I suggest getting some Hearst steaks to cook while you are there.

    There is a great new-ish restaurant and bar called Centrally Grown just down the road on Highway 1. This place has great, locally sourced food, and a good bar. We have been there for dinner, breakfast, and just for drinks, and have always had a great experience - the view from the upstairs restaurant is GORGEOUS. Centrally Grown is part of what looks like a compound called Off The Grid - it has a Bed and Breakfast, some goats and chickens, an event space for bands, and a very very interesting garden. Even if you want to just stop in for a coffee or pastry, I think Off The Grid is worth seeing - we like sitting in the garden with coffee.

    I am a rock hound and Central California beaches have some reach rocks! To the North is Big Sur, so small jade can be found. There are moonstones from Cambria, and lots of agate and quartz.

    The small town of Harmony (literally - it has a population of 18) is worth the visit - there is a lot of local art to be seen and purchased there at the hand blown glass shop and the pottery shop. There is also a winery and ice cream.

    The elephant seals are always fun to go watch, and individuals can sometimes be seen on San Simeon beach. This beach is open to the public, and the seals are not behind any barriers as they are at the rookery. If you see a seal on the beach, give him lots of space and don’t harass him - elephant seals are huge animals, and are quicker than you’d think.

    The Firestone Walker Brewery is in nearby Paso Robles - if you like beer, the tour is super interesting, and they have a tap room and store. The tap room restaurant is very good.

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $20/night (primitive site fee)

    Plumbed Toilets: No - pit

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: No

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: Limited

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2017

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    More RV campers than tent campers

    [ LOCATION -5 Stars ]

    • Walking distance to the Morro Bay Natural History Museum -- great for kids and very educational for all ages. Admission is only $3 and they have a fun Nature Shop to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
    • Bayside Cafe is adjacent to the Campgrounds. If you don't feel like going through the hassle of cooking an elaborate meal at camp, you can take it easy and eat at the cafe. It has a great view of the marina and Morro Bay Rock.
    • Campgrounds is a stone's throw from the marina. This is especially great if you enjoy being by the water. A lot of campers bring their own kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, etc.
    • Less than 2 miles from the Embarcadero where there are shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, boat tours, and water equipment rentals. It's a beautiful walk, an easy bike ride, and a quick drive into town. Best part, FREE PARKING everywhere! Also, plenty of public restrooms that are relatively clean.
    • The campgrounds is right by a large and well-manicured golf course. So that's cool…if you're into golf!

    [ AMENITIES -4.5 Stars ]

    • Plenty of showers and restrooms throughout the campgrounds. Some are not all operational but it's not that far of a walk to get to the next available one. PRO TIP: Exchange your shower tokens at the check-in Kiosk. A lot of the token machines were out of order. 2 tokens for $1. Each token buys you 2 minutes time.
    • Firewood & fire starters can be purchased at Camp Host sites. $7 for a bundle and $1 for firestarters. The profits go back to CA state parks :)
    • Sites are very close together and not very spacious or private. Each campsite comes with parking for 1 car, a charcoal BBQ grill, a firepit, bear box, and picnic table.
    • There are plenty of shared water spigots for potable water by every site. Make sure you turn it gently because the water pressure is super strong and you'll get a ton of splash back.

    [ CLEANLINESS -5 Stars]

    • Restrooms & showers are SO CLEAN! Most of the campers here are RV campers, so they aren't really using the public restrooms. Less foot traffic = cleaner!
    • The majority of campers here are older, retired RV campers so the campgrounds are kept-up meticulously well. Everyone is very considerate and clean up after themselves. There aren't too many pests or ants either.
  • E
    May. 24, 2019

    Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    Beautiful cove

    The best part of this campground is access to the beach. We were there in early July and the water was like ice but absolutely beautiful. The campground itself was ok, it was a bit more primitive than I’m used to, but the sites themselves were nice. Each had a picnic table and fire ring. Most of the sites were nice sized as far as I could tell. There are no showers and only vault toilets so I wouldn’t stay here for more than 2 nights. Another perk is how it feels so far removed from civilization, but it’s really not.

  • H
    May. 17, 2018

    El Chorro Regional Park

    Great Campground Close to SLO

    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. 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.

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Miranda Pine Campground

    Secluded but difficult to get to campground

    Set atop a mountain, Miranda Pine campground gives sweeping views all the way to the ocean. Beware the road is long and unpaved, not suitable for a compact car. I did it with a high clearance 4WD and made it to the top. Only a couple sites at the top, but they are free. Picnic tables at each site. Named for the larged Pine tree at the top of the mountain. Sunset and Sunrise views are incredible. Brought my dogs and they loved it. No real services up here so its especially important to pack out all your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics.

  • J
    May. 17, 2018

    El Chorro Regional Park

    Near San Luis Obispo

    Nice 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.

  • Julia M.
    Jun. 16, 2021

    Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    Direct access to beach; great amenities

    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. There are over 400 sites and so you are very, very close to your neighbor and tight parking at your rv, but the grounds are kept very nice and there are lots of things to do at the RV park. 

    Direct access to the beach and can stroll the beach all the way to downtown. Also walkable to state park with walking trails by the water. 

    Wifi worked excellent and had good AT&T cell service so easy to work remote here. Laundry on site and pricey, but machines worked well and very clean facilities with plenty of washers and dryers.$2.75/wash,$1.75/dry 

    Close to San Luis Obispo. Awesome food at Oasis Mediterranean, the Honeymoon Cafe and Talay Thai!

  • Kari T.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Navajo Flat Campground

    Great place to get away from reality

    If you want to escape, this is the place. No signal, hardly ever see any other people and tons of open space and trails for motorcycles and quads. Dry camping only. No water available but there is a vault toilet and picnic tables.


Guide to San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Whether you're looking for family-friendly amenities or a more rustic experience, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The KOA Campground Santa Margarita features picnic tables, showers, and water hookups, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • At Colson Canyon Campground, you can enjoy a primitive camping experience with fire pits and plenty of space to set up your tent, though be prepared to bring your own water.
  • Brookshire Campground offers a secluded setting with picnic tables and toilets, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Enjoy hiking and breathtaking views at Miranda Pine Campground, where you can explore the scenic trails and take in the stunning landscapes.
  • The American Canyon Campground is nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, providing access to various trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • For a unique experience, visit Barrel Springs Campground, where you can teach youth camping skills while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and nearby hiking trails.

Tent campers should check out these campgrounds

  • Wagon Flat Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, allowing for quiet nights under the stars, with opportunities for fishing and horseback riding nearby.
  • At Buck Spring Campground, you can enjoy a more rustic experience with basic amenities, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity in nature.
  • The Lazy Campground offers a tranquil setting for tent camping, ideal for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites near San Luis Obispo?

The San Luis Obispo area offers several exceptional tent camping options. Miranda Pine Campground sits atop a mountain with sweeping ocean views, though you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to navigate the unpaved road. For a more rustic experience, Colson Canyon Campground provides a beautiful bare-bones setting with streams, caves, and plenty of oak trees. The sites feature fire rings and tables, perfect for traditional tent camping. Both campgrounds offer peace and tranquility in natural settings, though facilities are minimal. If you're seeking more amenities, look toward the KOA near Santa Margarita or campgrounds at Lake San Antonio, though these may be busier.

What are the differences between regular camping and glamping in San Luis Obispo?

Regular camping in San Luis Obispo typically means bringing your own gear to places like Bates Canyon Campground or Barrel Springs Campground, where you'll find basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and perhaps vault toilets. You'll need to pack all essentials including water, sleeping gear, and cooking equipment. Glamping, on the other hand, offers elevated comfort with pre-set accommodations. The KOA Campground Santa Margarita represents this middle ground, providing amenities like bathrooms, showers, and occasional special events like stargazing with an astronomer. Glamping sites typically include comfortable bedding, furnished tents or cabins, and may offer electricity, while regular camping requires more self-sufficiency but provides a more authentic outdoor experience.

Can you camp on the beaches in San Luis Obispo?

Beach camping directly in San Luis Obispo is limited, as most coastal areas don't permit overnight camping on the beach itself. Instead, consider nearby options like Lake San Antonio - North Shore, which offers water access camping about an hour from SLO. While not directly on the ocean, it provides a waterfront experience with boat ramps and ample camping space. For those seeking coastal camping, you'll generally need to venture north to areas like Morro Bay or south toward Pismo Beach, where some regulated beach camping exists. Always check current regulations before planning beach camping, as permits may be required and some areas restrict overnight stays to designated campgrounds only.

What campgrounds in San Luis Obispo offer the best facilities for tent campers?

For tent campers seeking quality facilities near San Luis Obispo, KOA Campground Santa Margarita stands out with bathrooms, showers, and organized activities like stargazing events. The campground offers great views and hiking trails while maintaining proximity to town amenities. Friis Campground near Santa Margarita provides toilet facilities in a more natural setting. Most public campgrounds in the area like Colson Canyon and Miranda Pine offer more primitive experiences with picnic tables and fire rings but lack running water or flush toilets. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Lake San Antonio provides more developed facilities with boat ramps and hookup options (with reservations). Always bring your own water for campgrounds with limited facilities.