Best Camping near San Miguel, CA

Join the fun near San Miguel. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. San Miguel is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near San Miguel. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near San Miguel, California (91)

    Camper-submitted photo at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park near San Simeon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park near San Simeon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park near San Simeon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park near San Simeon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park near San Simeon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park near San Simeon, CA

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

    52 Reviews
    137 Photos
    1025 Saves
    San Simeon, California

    The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. There are currently flush toilets and shower facilities in place. Chemical toilets are available. A dump station and pay phone are available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Bay State Park Campground near Los Osos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Bay State Park Campground near Los Osos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Bay State Park Campground near Los Osos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Bay State Park Campground near Los Osos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Bay State Park Campground near Los Osos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Bay State Park Campground near Los Osos, CA

    2. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    225 Photos
    906 Saves
    Los Osos, California

    Morro Bay State Park campground features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $35 - $165 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort near Paso Robles, CA

    3. Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    80 Photos
    95 Saves
    Paso Robles, California

    Take your RV experience to the next level when you stay at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, formerly known as Cava Robles RV Resort. The inspiring wine country setting offers more than just stunning views. Discover a resort designed by nature and immerse yourself in our beautiful natural setting, whether you arrive by RV or stay in one of our villas and cottages.

    Built for relaxation, our resort is the perfect destination for vacations and RV camping on the Central California coast. Located in the gorgeous Paso Robles wine region - 30 minutes from the Pacific Coast - our resort boasts incredible amenities including two pools, a spa, fire pits, a wellness center, trails, and dog parks. You'll find something for everything at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $119 - $219 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Strand State Beach Campground near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Strand State Beach Campground near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Strand State Beach Campground near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Strand State Beach Campground near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Strand State Beach Campground near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Strand State Beach Campground near Morro Bay, CA

    4. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    34 Reviews
    137 Photos
    186 Saves
    Morro Bay, California

    Morro Strand Campground (sites 19-66)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Williams Hill Recreation Area near Jolon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Williams Hill Recreation Area near Jolon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Williams Hill Recreation Area near Jolon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Williams Hill Recreation Area near Jolon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Williams Hill Recreation Area near Jolon, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Williams Hill Recreation Area near Jolon, CA

    5. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    56 Photos
    256 Saves
    Jolon, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping near Santa Margarita, CA

    6. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    107 Photos
    724 Saves
    Santa Margarita, California

    Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Franklin Hot Springs near Paso Robles, CA

    7. Franklin Hot Springs

    13 Reviews
    32 Photos
    177 Saves
    Paso Robles, California

    Hot springs or medicinal waters with high mineral content are those which emerge spontaneously from the core of the Earth, or are caught by means of drilling and, as a result of their physical and/or chemical characteristics, Paso Robles Hot Springsmay exert therapeutical effects which relieve or restore people’s health.

    These waters may have energetic factors such as the powerful ionization, mineralization, gases and PH variations.The mineral content of the waters may increase metabolism, accelerate healing, soothe muscles, improve blood circulation and detoxify the body’s lymphatic system.

    These mineral hot springs located near Paso Robles may impart a wide range of benefits and are at times recommended for individuals who suffer from such conditions as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, burns, arthritis, poor circulation, and other disorders.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Dunes RV Park near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Dunes RV Park near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Dunes RV Park near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Dunes RV Park near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Dunes RV Park near Morro Bay, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Morro Dunes RV Park near Morro Bay, CA

    8. Morro Dunes RV Park

    21 Reviews
    44 Photos
    383 Saves
    Morro Bay, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $74 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach near Grover Beach, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach near Grover Beach, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach near Grover Beach, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach near Grover Beach, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach near Grover Beach, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach near Grover Beach, CA

    9. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    61 Reviews
    257 Photos
    72 Saves
    Grover Beach, California

    Oceano Camp (sites 1-42)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country near Paso Robles, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country near Paso Robles, CA

    10. Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country

    8 Reviews
    36 Photos
    98 Saves
    Paso Robles, California

    An All Age RV Resort in Paso Robles, California

    Welcome to Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country, formerly Wine Country RV Resort! Located in the famous Paso Robles wine country, we offer RV camping sites, one and two-bedroom cottages, and unique chalet rentals.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $73 - $234 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 91 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Miguel, California

819 Reviews of 91 San Miguel Campgrounds


  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Tent Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park
    Feb. 4, 2025

    Creek Tent Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Nice getaway

    We stayed in the upper San Simeon creek campground area - site C25. It had the best view of the ocean but was surrounded by power lines and looked down on camp hosts site/buildings. I felt like it was a little bit of a fishbowl with no privacy and we stared at the RVs in front of us. Which all RV/trailer sites are mostly parallel parking. We drove through the bottom site and it provided much more privacy due to trees and seemed to be more level as well. No view, but you get that “true camping” in the Forrest feeling. The walking trails were fun and the beach was close enough. There are camp kitties that will visit you if you are lucky enough (I think they belong to the host).

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End, Bradley Lockwood
    Jan. 24, 2025

    Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

    Peaceful Semi-Private Oasis

    There are two campsites (both RV accessible) about 300' apart, you can barely see the other. We stayed in January and since the other site was unoccupied we had the whole hilltop to ourselves.

    Our two dogs really enjoyed chasing after ground squirrels and significantly improved their digging skills. Since the property is fenced in (except for three vehicle accesses) we could let our dogs off leash.

    Our stay was perfect for an uber-quiet and private respite, great for reading, chilling and relishing the quiet. The hilltop is 180 degree surrounded by olive trees and vines with the owners residences on the other sides of the fences. We felt super safe in spite of our seclusion.

    Each site has 30amp electrical and water (no dump station available). There also is a shared 50amp EV charger near site #1.

    The full moon was beautiful and the last night was fantastic for star gazing (tons of stars, milky way, etc.) before the moon came up.

    A lovely place to stay, we'll be back!

  • Mike E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pismo Sands RV Park
    Jan. 22, 2025

    Pismo Sands RV Park

    Very pleasant resort

    This campground really does deserve the label "resort". Very clean very well kept, full service campground. Grounds are beautiful with lots of grass and trees well paved and maintained. Heated pool and spa and clean modern laundry room.  Game room, library, and outdoor kids playground that has a mock pirate ship for the kids to climb through. 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. The management is very accommodating and helpful and pleasant to deal with. These folks will even store and retrieve your RV for you if you wish to leave it here and come to the area periodically. We surveyed a number of campgrounds in this area before booking for an entire month. We found the vibe to be very relaxed and quiet. Everyone seemed to be happy, respectful and easy going. We feel this is well priced and one of the nicest RV campgrounds in the area.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Park
    Jan. 11, 2025

    San Lorenzo Park

    Fine place along 101

    Essentially deserted. Just us and one other camper. Very quiet from other campers, but can hear gentle highway 101 traffic in distance. Amazing farm machinery museum display. Restrooms are fine even have showers. No privacy between sites. Paved sites are on 35 foot spacing. Grass spots are a bit further apart. Might try something around site 80ish. If all sites were occupied this would be very crowded. Then again, it is a convenient stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washburn Primitive Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park
    Jan. 11, 2025

    Washburn Primitive Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Nice quiet campground

    Primitive campground ocean beach 1/2 mile walk, wave sounds all day, scenic view, sites spaced out OK, some trees but bright and airy. Nice go to site for chilling but weekends and summers can be busy. Water spickets in campground, dump station below on another campground.

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Jan. 9, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Nice campground, dog friendly

    Lots of space for campers and tents. Nice, CLEAN, showers and restrooms. 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.

  • Alexia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Jan. 6, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    A good beginner camp!

    This was my first time camping independently, so didn't know what to expect. Everyone was really nice, camp host, camp ranger, etc. A lot of good amenities and very close to the beach. Loved my site specifically as well, especially since walking down noticing others didn't have as much space, shade, etc. Will say this is a really good rv place, did not see a lot of tent campers. They also sell fire wood for $10 so be ready with cash!

  • michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort
    Dec. 8, 2024

    Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort

    Resort style park with 2 pools

    This is a resort style park with all the amenities. We used both pools and spas daily even in December. Sites are gravel with concrete pads. All have fireplaces and seemed appropriately level. We stayed for 14 days, but would have saved a BUNCH if we could have stayed for longer and gotten the monthly rate (they call it "Park and play"). 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. The check in was quick and smooth. The pleasant and helpful staff is available 24/7 in the welcome center.

  • Louis F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Great Spot In Morro Bay

    Nice Campground. RV Park Style. We have a fire ring, food locker, table and benches. It’s like being in a RV neighborhood. Location, Location, Location. Quick walk to the harbor, cafe, waterfront and walking trails. We have family in the area and bring our rig when visiting. We will definitely be back. Nice spot very comfortable.

  • Michell C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Franklin Hot Springs
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Franklin Hot Springs

    So Much Potential

    When we rolled in to this property, we were almost certain we had the wrong place. The road going in was pretty sketchy right off the bat with a crumbling, concrete ‘bridge’ spanning an overflowing creek or drainage ditch. The water was running over the bridge but since we’d been driving through torrential downpours all day, we figured it was to be expected. When we pulled onto the actual property, there appeared to be several permanent tenants on property, their travel trailers and motorhomes surrounded with miscellaneous “stuff and things”. We were tired and decided that $30 to stay the night with electric hookups was worth it ($10 extra per person to swim in the hot spring). I should mention, the water provided at the site felt and smelled like it was straight out of the hot spring, so we didn’t hook that up to the RV. There was a lot of garbage and micro trash surrounding our site and I even stumbled across several large (some rusted) nails in the gravel in and around our site. Yikes! The swimming area was a bit run down but definitely serviceable. The bathrooms as a whole were pretty grimy, lots of junks built up in corners and flat surfaces, but the toilet and sink itself were clean. We ended up not using the pool in the morning as we were anxious to hit the road…

    I should mention that we never once felt unsafe at all and the area was peaceful and quiet. The people we interacted with were very friendly and welcoming as well, so that was a plus. Even so, I don’t think we’ll be staying here again. I’m not sure if the pictures posted were taken well before the trash and stuff and things were scattered about, but what we saw when we arrived was a far cry from what the photos here and on their website represented. We were just really disappointed. But, not every place you stay is going to be stellar.

    With a little cleaning, sprucing up and/or maybe some sort of privacy fence or barrier around the piles of stuff and things on the property, this could be an amazing spot.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lorenzo Park
    Nov. 25, 2024

    San Lorenzo Park

    Easy, Convenient & Pretty

    What a find! Mostly level, mostly gravel and grass, mostly pull through sites. Water, and 30 amp and 12 V available. Not sure about 50 amp. Good cell service, bathrooms, showers and a dump station round out the on-site conveniences. Firings and picnic tables with a choice of well-shaded or solar-friendly sites. A nice walking path, circles the campground and is well used in the mornings and evenings by locals running or walking dogs and babies. The first half of the park has a rustic agriculture, museum, and lots of old farm equipment on display. There are also spaces to rent for parties and events with their own parking area separate from the campground. King City has grocery, gas, some restaurants and some shops just outside of the park.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Oct. 27, 2024

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    A winner

    I skipped out on Oceano and came here hoping they might have something open. Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay. Loved this campground so much. It’s well laid out and all the sites are well spaced and clean. The evening was much quieter, with a sunset and sounds of waves. A ten minute walk to the beach and right next to the butterfly grove. I have already made another reservation to see about the butterflies when they are in season. Pismo Beach is fantastic!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    You can do better

    Probably just due to the time of year but this campground was way too rowdy for my taste, all the sites are close together and it seemed almost every site was a very large group, generators running after 10pm, amplified music and tv! If that’s your jam you’ll love it. I took off after 1 night.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country

    Very nice!

    Very well kept and clean. Shower area is very nice. Need a key code to go anywhere. Great amenities. Beautiful pool. An outdoor bar, but only open certain months. Nice group camping area. Green grass areas. Mini concrete pads though not perfectly level? Close to lots of wineries and a water park but not really safe to walk or bike to. Probably one of the most beautiful hot tub areas I've ever seen in an RV park

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Williams Hill Recreation Area
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Free established BLM campground

    We stayed here for 3 nights in the summer, arriving on a Sunday, and it was great. I was worried about the heat, but it really wasn’t too bad, even on the hot days (low 90s) it cools down in the evening and didn’t get hot until early afternoon. Just be sure to get one of the shady spots! We set up in site #1 when we first arrived because it was private and had nice views, but it was way too much direct sun. We moved to #4 and it was much better- shady and even better views. 

    There were other people here when we stayed here but everyone was very quiet and respectful, and we didn’t hear any shooting like other reviews have mentioned— this may be due to the ban on shooting (and camp fires) at this time because of fire danger, but I was still impressed and surprised that people respected the ban. There is one pit toilet that we didn’t check out, but man you can smell it if you camp in one of the sites near to it. 

    We saw one volunteer/employee come and clean things up while we were here. We were pleasantly surprised that the trash wasn’t too bad here. No trash service so please pack out your waste. Cell service is good up at the campground, though you do lose it in parts on the drive up. We made it up in our 26ft class c no problem, though the road is narrow at times and we were glad we didn’t come across any oncoming traffic. Sites are relatively flat/ fixable with levels. Two of the sites are huge/ pull throughs so would be good for bigger rigs or big groups. If you get up here and all the sites are taken, there are several spots outside of the campground where you can disperse camp. 

    This is an OHV area but we didn’t see any while we were here. We hiked along the OHV trails and there was nothing- but I could see it getting busy on the weekends. 

    There's a 14 day stay limit. No water provided up here.

    My only complaint was the BEES! They were everywhere and aggressive, and all in our face, but didn’t sting us. One of the campers said that this was unusual though. Really nice campground, amazing that it’s free! Thanks BLM!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boondocking - Coalinga
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Boondocking - Coalinga

    Waste of time

    If you aren’t sleeping in a camper or in your car, don’t waste your time. It’s a parking lot. Didn’t clearly specify

  • makenna W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags Avila Beach
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Flying Flags Avila Beach

    Second Time Staying. Disappointed

    This is our second time at this location, first in dry camping, second time in the Jupe tents. As much as I was begging for this stay to be worth the $470 for two nights, it definitely wasn’t. The concept is great but really faulty when executed. 1) they disclose when booking that power to the tents may or may not work. The truth? The solar panels don’t charge whatsoever if there is fog/cloud cover in the mornings. Was told this directly by management. Soooo…. Considering this is a bay site, right on the ocean…. We didn’t have power once. Morning fog happens every single day. (Even though it was completely sunny from 12pm-5pm) this was frustrating, and we would’ve packed accordingly given knowledge that we would’ve been powerless all weekend. The blankets they provide don’t keep you warm either, so if you stay on a night below 50 without an electrical blanket or backups, prepare to freeze. During our stay we were also told that there was only one overnight maintenance man, on a Friday, during Labor Day weekend. That poor man didn’t get a break once all evening and definitely deserves a raise and to be treated better by his employers. He’s the only reason this review deserves a star. For such a beautiful location, this company is really fumbling. Disappointing.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 20, 2024

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Spots along road when pavement ends

    Didn't have to go as far as GPS pin led me to believe, spot on right shortly after pavement ends. A bit trashed, wish I had a bag to clean up, some bigger stuff like a kids bike, to etc

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Not our scene: hot, crowded, buggy

    We had reservations for 2 nights on an Augugst Friday / Saturday at Lopez Lake in a full-hook-up site in Bandtail (Site 38). The reviews of this place were great, and the photos were beautiful. We arrived to find a HUGE park (yes, I should have noted how many campsites there are). Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland. The park employees were nice though. There were big signs all around "NO FIRES" (more on this later) and I was also told at check in that there were no fires. We found our site easily enough, only to realize how closely packed the sites were in Bandtail. Some nice folks to our right had three sites - 11 kids and 21 people between them. The kids rode their bikes all over, and even onto our site (while also running around our van chasing a chipmunk). We had our daughter's dog, so tried sitting outside in the shade, only to find that in addition to the heat (it was mid 80s), there were biting flies. :( Poor puppy got bit or stung more than once. So we went in our van and turned on the AC (it could run on low with the 20A service there). Then, after dark, a dad and his young son arrive on our other side and had to back in their boat in the dark. We got out of our rig and helped them (twice) with our portable lights and guidance. In the morning, they spoke in very loud voices and we were right next door. We did take one of the trails in the heat, but they are not at all well maintained - basically trampled grass that could easily hold a snake. While the area is pretty, it is just way too crowded for our taste. Oh, and the bathrooms were dimily lit, had a couple of non-functioning toilets, and were dirty. We were ready to get out of there and will not be back. Lastly, though the fire danger was marked as extremely high and "NO FIRES" signs at check-in, along with verbal warnings of no fires, I saw two campsites had open fires in the fire pits. This blatant lack of regard for rules and safety didn't sit well with me. And no one was enforcing the fire ban. Sad.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great Campground

    We stayed here a few years ago, but on the primitive / non-hookup side. We stayed on the E/W hookup side this time and liked it as well, though it does have the more typical RV/parking lot feel as compared to the other side.  There's a nice walking trail that connects the two sides. It's $50 for an E/W site, plus an $8.25 reservation fee.

    There's a cool lagoon that you can walk all the way around on, with lots of birds, and much of it accessible as well which is nice. There's a cool visitor center, open 12-4. The beach is a short walk away. There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also, Old Juan's, it's so good and has great vegan options.

    The showers here are nice and clean, and $1 gets you 4 minutes.  The showers are individual, private, and non-gendered. There was no host on site when we were there, but the rangers were very present.  This campground, like all California State campgrounds we've been to recently, has trash, recycling, and a food compost bin which I love.

    There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt and complete other challenges.

    No dump station here, but there's one just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground, and it's $10 for dump and water fill there.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    4 x 4 recommended

    We love being able to camp directly on the beach, and have done so many times in Texas and in Louisiana, but wouldn't recommend it here unless you are in a 4wd. We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that.

    Camping overnight is only $10, and the beach is wide open for camping. It was very busy during the day on a weekday in August, so I can imagine the weekends are packed. 

    This is a fun beach in a fun, low key beach town, and we love coming here.


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