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.
