Best Glamping near San Simeon, CA

Lake Nacimiento Resort and Avila-Pismo Beach KOA house upscale glamping accommodations within reach of San Simeon, California. Lake Nacimiento's glamping sites provide waterfront views with direct lake access, ideal for visitors seeking a blend of comfort and nature. The resort's premium sites include electricity and water hookups, while maintaining a natural setting among pine trees. "We were in Pine Knoll with a great view of the lake," shared one guest. "We scored with the size of our site!" Avila-Pismo Beach KOA offers glamping yurts with comfortable beds, private decks, and climate-controlled interiors. These circular canvas structures combine traditional camping with modern comforts including electricity and nearby shower facilities. Both locations provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to market stores for essential supplies.

Cerro Alto's glamping sites sit nestled among oak forests with hiking trails directly accessible from the campground, including the popular Cerro Alto Summit trail offering panoramic views extending to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Visitors can explore nearby Morro Bay, just 20 minutes away, where wildlife viewing includes otters, sea lions, and numerous bird species in the bay's sanctuary. Lake San Antonio's glamping accommodations provide easy access to water recreation, with one visitor noting, "We launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves." Winter visitors should verify water levels, as drought conditions occasionally affect lake activities. Most glamping sites require advance reservations, especially during summer months when temperatures can exceed 100°F at inland locations like Lake San Antonio.

Best Glamping Sites Near San Simeon, California (16)

    1. Lake Nacimiento Resort

    7 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    17 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!"

    "Bathrooms were clean, campsites are really close together, we overland and need a wide campsite for the full set up. Camp sites # 313, 217, 215, 311 were the ones we like for size and view."

    2. Lake San Antonio - North Shore

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

    "New camper great experience beautiful place friendly staff great prices"

    "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."

    3. Limekiln State Park Campground — TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    40 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 / night

    "Running water nearby most camp sites and trails to explore to waterfalls and lime depository locations. Darkest night I have ever slept through."

    "Was driving down the 1 and the dog needed a run. Happened upon it day after the 4th of July. They accept a few last min walk ins!! At 2pm."

    4. Cerro Alto Campground

    15 Reviews
    Atascadero, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 - $39 / night

    "Found a location on fcf basis. Campsite #2 was nice but had to walk through campsite no. 1 In order to get to my car, which was kind of a hassle."

    "Nice sight, small campground, vault toilets and running water available. Trail head is at the back of the campground day use parking is available. Short drive to Atascadero and Morro Bay."

    5. Monterey County Lake San Antonio South Shore

    2 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 755-4899

    $35 - $45 / night

    "The first time I went to Lake San Antonio was with a birdwatching group looking for bald eagles. It was another hot summer and the water level of the lake was low."

    "You cannot fish or swim in the lake. There is no reduction in price. This may be temporary, but it has been this way for at least a year."

    6. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    64 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $25 - $40 / night

    "We checked in late evening, it was nice that the gate/entrance was open for late arrivals. Campground was walking distance to the beach."

    "We hoped to camp near Oso Flaco Lake and Creek, but this was as close as it gets."

    7. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    "Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA."

    8. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 595-7111

    $225 / night

    "Staff is really nice and bathrooms, campsites and showers are very clean. Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground."

    "The site was clean, we had full hookups, and the bathrooms were very clean too. Their store had a lot of items that you might need (groceries and alcohol) and little souvenirs."

    9. Ponderosa Campground

    4 Reviews
    Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 - $39 / night

    "The stream was running plentifully and gave a lovely background noise. Sites 1 & 2 share a parking pad which is almost level."

    "Upon checkin we found nice quiet spot and walked to the river to skip rocks. It was really clean in the restrooms and plenty of places to grab food nearby."

    10. Nacimiento Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total)."

    "So beautiful and right next to a creek with fish to play in. The views from the top of the mountain when driving to the ocean are the most beautiful views in the world!"

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Recent Glamping Photos near San Simeon, CA

4 Photos of 16 San Simeon Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near San Simeon, CA

225 Reviews of 16 San Simeon Campgrounds


  • Jenna S.
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Over night camping

    The campground was very nice, clean, campsite was easy to find. We checked in late evening, it was nice that the gate/entrance was open for late arrivals. Campground was walking distance to the beach. Other campers were courteous of quiet hours.  The only thing I did not like about the campground is that the lights were so bright at the bathrooms that it looks like a spotlight was shining on our campsite. That is a very minor dislike but it is hard to go to sleep in your tent or in the back of your truck if you have like a light on you. If the campground could somehow dim the light I would say that would be better for the 2 to 3 campsites that were next to the restrooms/showers, at site #73

  • Crystal
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    Great location but loud

    This was our first trip in our RV and I think it worked out well. The location of this place is perfect with lots to do in the area. 1 hour south of here was Solvang and Ostrich farm, 1 hourish north is Cambria and San Simeon. There is also Avila beach about 5 minutes away and pismo about 10 min. If you need anything, San Luis Obispo is 5 minutes away.. the facility was very nice, with lots of trees that give the "escape" feeling and the people that work here are FABULOUS!! The only downside was the noise. You are really close to the highway so you hear cars zoom past all night, not great for a light sleeper like me.

  • Talia B.
    Oct. 25, 2018

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Scenic campground

    I camped in Mustang during the last weekend of September. It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season. The campsites were pretty close to each other and unfortunately we were stuck between two different groups that did not obey the quiet hours. Not a huge deal at night since they were quiet by midnight or so but one of the groups was also loud with kids early in the morning as well. This didn't make the best camping experience but we tried to make the best of it.

    The lake was within walking distance but since the water level is so low, you had to walk quite a way out. There are some decent hiking trails you can go on right from the campground. We took the Escondido trail from camp that took us to the top of a ridge and had numerous switchbacks. Great views from the top.

  • Lulu A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Cerro Alto Campground

    First come first serve

    Found a location on fcf basis. Campsite #2 was nice but had to walk through campsite no. 1 In order to get to my car, which was kind of a hassle. I’m thankful the people in campsite 1 were friendly and didn’t mind me walking by their site. The site was far away from the host, and the near by neighbors partied til 1am. That sucked, it was a Tuesday and they had no respect for the nearby campers. I wish the host would do their rounds at 10pm, which is their quiet hours, and ask the campers to quiet down.

  • Lisa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2019

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Beautiful, Clean, Beach Access

    We hoped to camp near Oso Flaco Lake and Creek, but this was as close as it gets.

    When we arrived at Pismo State Beach, we were pleasantly surprised by how neat and tidy the campground was and how friendly and organized the rangers were. While not very private, the campground was really quiet. I think the imposed Quiet Hours facilitated this. We will definitely stay again.

    Prepare for windy, chilly nights even in July.

  • Rico B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Ocean front recreation

    Ocean front, off road sand dune recreation if you have a capable vehicle. It’s great. Best with an off-road capable vehicle. Bathrooms are a bit rough without running water.

    Fish, drive off-road, camp, bonfire or hunt for seashells.

    Bring a good jacket in April.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Nacimiento Campground

    Hidden jem

    If you can’t secure a spot on the coast in Big Sur, this might be a nice option for you. Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total). There really isn’t room for RV’s or campers (I think the limit is 25 feet), so most of your neighbors will be tents. Sites are set right next to the river which drowns out any road noise. Sites are also fairly close to each other, tho there is some underbrush and there is great tree cover for shade. Most sites have good hammocking trees. The vault toilet is fairly clean and each site has a picnic table and fire pit with grill. These sites are not reservable, so first come first serve. It’s only about 10 or so miles to the coast and there are lots of hiking trails nearby both in the forest and on the coast.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • P
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great place for camping. Absolutely recommend it

    Great place to camp. You pick a spot in the sand next to the beach and set up. All wheel drive is recommended . You get to make your own fire pit. Just dig a hole in the sand. Very fun place to spend a weekend at


Guide to San Simeon

Yurt camping near San Simeon, California offers diverse options in the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding county parks. The region sits at the intersection of coastal and inland ecosystems, with temperatures varying significantly between locations - coastal areas maintain moderate 60-70°F daytime temperatures year-round while inland sites can reach over 100°F in summer months. Winter visitors should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F at higher elevations.

What to do

Hiking at Cerro Alto: The campground features direct access to multiple trails, including the popular Cerro Alto Summit trail with an 1,600-foot elevation gain. "We fell asleep to the sound of a resident Pygmy Owl hooting and woke up to Acorn Woodpeckers, Toweys, Robins, Steller Jays, and Warblers singing," notes one visitor to Cerro Alto Campground.

Wildlife viewing at Morro Bay: Located approximately 20 minutes from several San Simeon area campgrounds, Morro Bay offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "About a 20 min drive to Morro Bay Rock where you can see otters, sea lions, and lots of marine life. Morro Bay is a bird sanctuary so you can always see Great Blue Herons, White Herons, Ospreys, Pelicans, Cormorants, Turkey Vultures, and more," reports a camper.

Water recreation at Lake San Antonio: For those seeking boating and fishing experiences, Lake San Antonio offers extensive options. A recent visitor to Lake San Antonio - North Shore noted, "Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk."

What campers like

Waterfront camping options: Multiple campgrounds offer sites with direct water access. At Lake Nacimiento Resort, visitors appreciate the waterfront views. "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," one camper shares.

Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Limekiln State Park Campground, a reviewer notes, "The camping spots are a little sparse down by the beach, but the ones up in the redwoods are beautiful." Another camper adds, "We camped up the hill in the Redwood Forrest. There's a great hike up to see the Limekilns with a beautiful waterfall."

Year-round availability: Most campgrounds in the area remain open throughout the year, though seasonal factors affect the experience. "It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. 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," advises a visitor.

What you should know

Water conditions vary seasonally: Lake levels fluctuate significantly with rainfall amounts. "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry," explains a camper at Lake San Antonio South Shore.

Insect populations: Mosquitoes and ticks are common in warmer months. A visitor to Cerro Alto notes, "TICKS TICKS TICKS. Make sure you read the warnings and stay on the trails. We actually saw ticks during our hike." Bringing appropriate insect repellent is strongly recommended.

Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have little to no cellular connectivity. A Cerro Alto visitor reports, "No reception at campgrounds (0 bars with AT&T)," while others note similar limitations at Lopez Lake and other locations.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly yurt options: For families new to yurt camping near San Simeon, Avila-Pismo Beach KOA offers structured amenities. A visitor notes, "Great KOA, especially for families. The site was clean, we had full hookups, and the bathrooms were very clean too. Beautiful pool and lawn area and playground for kids."

Best sites for larger groups: Some campgrounds have sites specifically suited for family gatherings. At Cerro Alto, a visitor recommends, "If you have a large group, I would suggest booking Sites #18 & 19. They are side by side and would be perfect for accommodating a larger party."

Seasonal temperature considerations: Inland locations experience extreme temperature variations. A visitor to Lake San Antonio notes, "It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer," making spring and fall better options for families with small children.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, a camper notes, "Lopez has full hook-ups for RVs, and a marina to launch boats. There is a small but well-stocked convenience store in the marina with food, ice, firewood, beer, fishing gear."

Leveling requirements: Many sites require equipment for leveling. One visitor observes, "Some of them have the picnic table and fire ring located some distance from the parking spot, a few are possibly suitable for RV camping but most of those would require at least some leveling."

Hookup availability: Full-service sites book quickly during peak seasons. A Lake San Antonio visitor advises, "You'll need reservations if you want a hookup. Boat ramps are available." Most campgrounds with hookups allow reservations 6 months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near San Simeon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near San Simeon, CA is Lake Nacimiento Resort with a 3.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near San Simeon, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 glamping camping locations near San Simeon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.