Best Campgrounds near San Miguel, CA

The San Miguel area of California's Central Coast provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options. Campgrounds like Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort and Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional RV sites, while Williams Hill Recreation Area provides more primitive dispersed camping experiences. The region includes several developed facilities within a 30-mile radius, with most concentrated around Paso Robles and extending toward the coast near Morro Bay and San Simeon, where both tent and RV camping are widely available.

Road conditions vary significantly between developed and dispersed camping areas, with some BLM roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs, particularly at inland locations. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage at developed RV parks near highways and limited to no service in more remote areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during peak summer and fall wine country seasons. A visitor to Williams Hill Recreation Area noted, "This place is so great! It is difficult to find BLM camping in California and this is a gem!"

Campers consistently rate waterfront locations like Lake Nacimiento Resort and coastal state parks among their favorites, with many highlighting the proximity to beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Several developed campgrounds in the area feature full hookups, swimming pools, and other amenities that appeal to RV travelers, while more primitive sites attract those seeking quiet and natural surroundings. The region's campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring attractions like Hearst Castle, coastal towns, and wine country. Visitors frequently mention the contrast between crowded but amenity-rich RV parks and more spacious but basic public land camping options. A camper at Morro Bay State Park observed, "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road."

Best Camping Sites Near San Miguel, California (95)

    1. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Paso Robles, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 242-4700

    $119 - $219 / night

    "There is also a little hiking/walking trail around the campground."

    "The area is surrounded by natural grassy areas with some trails. The park was busy and a bit loud over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, but otherwise not busy and very quiet."

    2. Franklin Hot Springs

    15 Reviews
    Paso Robles, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 712-5372

    $28 / night

    "The area around the pool is covered. The lake next to the pool is used for fishing.
    The camp fee includes a fee per person to access the spa."

    "We also enjoy the surrounding wildlife and lack of noise.

    Friendly owners."

    3. Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country

    8 Reviews
    Paso Robles, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 238-4560

    $73 - $234 / night

    "The sites are very close to each other unless you upgrade but still will get to know your neighbors."

    "The surrounding streets are either small two-lane roads with no shoulder or a 65 MPH highway. There's no place to walk, hike, or safely bike."

    4. Vines RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    San Miguel, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 467-2100

    "I came to the Vines in an old vintage beat up RV with quite the traumatic story trailing and I have been blessed beyond what I could imagine would be possible."

    "The dog area isn't much, but the bathrooms near the office are nice. The bathrooms in the back weren't quite as nice. Spots are close together like any RV park, but you can tap into full hookups."

    5. San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    58 Reviews
    San Simeon, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $35 / night

    "General: Two campgrounds: San Simeon Creek, close to Highway One and the beach and Washburn Primitive, located about a mile inland."

    "This is a quaint campsite along California’s Central Coast. Not a lot at the site but in great proximity to Hearst Castle, elephant seals, zebras (no joke) and cute towns."

    6. Paso Robles RV Ranch

    5 Reviews
    Paso Robles, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 237-8685

    "There is easy access to highway 101. The park has about 70 slots big enough to fit any size rig. There is a nice pool and a very helpful staff."

    7. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Jolon, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Lots of area to explore, but this is mainly an off road vehicle area."

    "covered structure, picnic table and fire pit •A few additional overflow areas to park and camp •Pit toilet - BYO toilet paper •No trash receptacles •Great Verizon reception / Decent Sprint reception •Drive"

    8. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $35 - $165 / night

    "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road.  Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."

    "It is only 2 miles away from Morro Rock and the adorable tourist town full of shops and eateries."

    9. Lake Nacimiento Resort

    7 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    11 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!"

    "We camped right on the lake and were able to pay to have our boat docked overnight. Huge lake awesome experience, we were able to do some night wake boarding which I had never done ."

    10. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    26 miles
    Website

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Located just off Highway One between Morro Bay and Cayucos, the grounds look somewhat like a parking lot with trees and shrubs separating it from the sand dunes and the ocean."

    "Beach walks can be nice... with scenic views up and down coast. Also neighborhood walks along bluff above campground are relaxing. Restrooms clean but basic."

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Recent Reviews near San Miguel, CA

863 Reviews of 95 San Miguel Campgrounds


  • Fynn The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Morro Dunes RV Park

    Nice Location

    10/10 Location and friendly Personal. Little bit old toilet and shower

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bella Vista By The Sea

    Walk to beach, pier, trails and nice town of Cayucos.

    Accurate description in other reviews. This is a mobile home park with RV sites(FHU). This lends to a different experience, but a good one. Walking distance pretty much anything. Ride or walk out of Bella Vista to beach, pier, trails and town. Had back in site# 66. Lots of maneuvering room for our 35 feet TT. I'd go back.:-)

  • Steffanie & Joshua The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Quiet, easy to locate spot

    Slightly bumpy dirt road to get to the campsites, but easy enough to follow. We camped here with a rooftop tent and had no difficulty parking. There were only two other campers there - 1 tent and 1 RV. Beautiful sunrise off the hill in the morning and plenty of birds hanging out to watch while making our camp breakfast.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Great Staff

    This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.

    Showers are available, they take quarters.

    Would absolutely stay here again.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    The views in the morning are amazing!

    I arrived on motorcycle at 10:30 at night. I hate being that guy that shows up late while everyone is in their tents, but it happens. First 90% of the road/trail is pretty easy, but the last 10% did get a little sketchy at night, while on a motorcycle and being my first time there. It was fairly crowded when I got there but was able to find a spot so quickly pitch my tend and get some well needed sleep. I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast. I would only recommend experienced riders take a large street motorcycle up there, but it is doable. I set up my tent on the first spot on the left, on the little ridge.

  • Zenaida O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Vines RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    Found my place in life here at the Vines!

    I came to the Vines in an old vintage beat up RV with quite the traumatic story trailing and I have been blessed beyond what I could imagine would be possible. Not only did the staff go out of their way to make accommodations for me, they have adjusted and readjusted and accommodated again and again just to make sure I felt like I was comfortable and my needs were met. They taught me all I know about RVing full time and have been the perfect community of people I have needed to carry me thru tough times. This may not be the best most perfect place and some may have things to complain about but as for me and my household we are filled with nothing but gratitude for the home I have found here.

    The bathrooms are always clean and the showers are hot, the pools are clean and always open, the gym has new equipment and the game room is stocked for a good time. The general store provides basic things that I've needed along the way as well as parts for the RV that I could not do without but didn't even know I needed. Teri is the manager there now and her heart for the people she serves is so evident that you can't help but to love her. All of the dogs are well behaved I don't hear all the barking that the other review complained about nor do I find that my privacy is that compromised considering how close we are I do feel like I have some sort of privacy still.

    The spaces are spacious enough to enjoy outside time with friends and family and it's a perfect place to come escape from all the noise of life and tune into what's going on inside our own minds and bodies which is why I'm here and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    If you're looking for a retreat, quiet and stable but embracing friendly and warm - this is the spot!!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Nice state parks

    Nice park. Quite busy mid Aug but not rowdy. Pretty views and close to town centre. Showers (need to pay) and firewood available


Guide to San Miguel

Camping near San Miguel, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are amazing trails nearby. At Pinnacles Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," highlighting the unique terrain.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One camper at Oceano County Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Beach Access: If you love the ocean, Morro Strand State Beach Campground is a great choice. A visitor shared, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Kirk Creek Campground. One reviewer said, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were generally clean."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, "Generally quiet and no road noise to speak of."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping in summer, be prepared for high temperatures. One camper at Pinnacles Campground warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have few amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "No cell service or showers."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. One camper advised, "There are black bears that roam the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities. At Oceano County Campground, a reviewer mentioned a "fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Shady Spots: Choose campsites with shade for comfort. A camper at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, "Lots of trees and shrubbery to provide cover."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Oceano County Campground warned, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy. One RV traveler at Lopez Lake Recreation Area said, "Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds have token-operated showers. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "You do need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash."

Camping near San Miguel, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it's a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near San Miguel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Miguel, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 95 campgrounds and RV parks near San Miguel, CA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Miguel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Miguel, CA is Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Miguel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near San Miguel, CA.