Top Tent Camping near San Simeon, CA

Searching for a tent camping spot near San Simeon? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of San Simeon's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near San Simeon, CA (11)

Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In San Simeon

608 Reviews of 11 San Simeon Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground - Pismo State Beach
    Oct. 29, 2024

    North Beach Campground - Pismo State Beach

    North Beach

    Large sites with fire rings, picnic tables, some sites don’t have much shade and some do. Less than 1/2 mile walk to beach. Couple miles from Oceano dunes. Hot showers. Can get windy. Dog friendly.

  • 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 County Campground
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    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.

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    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
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

    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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park

    Nicer when it's not crowded

    We stayed here last year when the area was getting hit by severe storms and flooding - so the campground was almost empty. We loved the campground then and gave it 5 stars. This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience.

    The previous review mentions the awkward walk to the showers, and I will agree with that. You either have to go through someone's site, or walk all the way to the end of the road. We got lucky and got to cut through some vacant sites to get to the showers.

    We do still love this campground though, because of the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there. We got to visit the museum this time as well, small and cute and well worth the $3 entry fee. The restaurant is still there but we didn't go this time. Next time we go we will rent kayaks and explore the water some more. There's a golf course here adjacent to the campground as well.  The town of Morro Bay is cute and relaxed and fun to visit.

    There's a dump station here but it's not free even for campers - it's a $10 fee you pay with your credit card right at the dump.  Showers were ok, no complaints.

    This is a good, low key and decently priced campground that we'll definitely stop at the next time we're going through the area.

  • Jack W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park

    "Last resort" campground, 3 stars at best

    - PROS -

    Beautiful location <5 minute drive away from the beach and Morro rock. SLO is close, and the coast is always nice. There's a pretty boardwalk trail next to the site as well (see photos).

    - CONS -

    These aren't camp sites, they're parking spots with a fire pit on dead grass and weeds. You're packed like sardines next to adjacent campers. It's unclear where the boundary of each others' site is. For facilities, they do have big bathrooms, showers, and dumpsters… but they're all filthy and unkempt. And even though the bathrooms may be right next to your site, there's no way to get to them without walking through another person's camp site or going all the way around– down the road or around many camps. We had a crotchety old man get mad at us for walking somewhat through his site. I enjoyed my stay, but only because I wasn't the one paying for the site.

    TLDR: This site functions moreso as an overnight parking spot than it does a campsite.

  • Jack J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake San Antonio - North Shore
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Lake San Antonio - North Shore

    Weekend Trip

    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. They had clean bathrooms and showers.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park

    Great location, dirty facilities

    You can’t beat the location- across from Marina , trails and walking distance to Morro bay town. , the restrooms and shower facilities were always filthy and running out of toilet paper. Bring your own soap and TP 

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Lopez Lake Campground

    Great time with the whole family

    Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities. This site backs up into the hills and there are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that. The lake is full and lots of areas to fish.

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirk Creek Campground
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Kirk Creek Campground

    Most beautiful view

    small hill top campground with amazing sunrise and sunset view. There is a small trail to go down the beach right next to camp site #22 Avoid sites that close to the restroom as it can get very smelly. Site #7,8,9 are the best with open space for ocean views. Can get very windy at night (depending on on season) so secure down your tent tightly

  • Eva C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End, Bradley Lockwood
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

    Beautiful and peaceful

    The sites are clean and the views are lovely. We loved the fire pits and the string lights hanging from the trees. Very nice atmosphere.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground
    May. 31, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    Beautiful, but a little squirrely

    This campground is awesome. It’s very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes…and squirrels. Lots of them. But we also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds. We also saw a cute little weasel. There’s also lots of rangers, which makes for very well-mannered campers. Loved it!! You can walk to the beach or drive on the beach. Driving in the beach was fun, but it was so windy and so cold! This was the end of May. Not sure what the weather is over months. The actual campground was not as cold or windy, since it’s behind the dunes. The bathrooms have hot water and Flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained and not in the bathrooms. Tokens needed. Starting in May there’s a market night at the main pier, small but fun to visit. Lots to do, from renting dune buggies to playing at the main pier. Loved it and can’t wait to go back. Oh, and about the squirrels. They’re not afraid. They ate through my little pantry that’s canvas that’s connected under my table. Also, mosquitoes! How could I forget. Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills. They’re out and about and it’s not fun if you’re not prepared. There’s a Walmart not too far away. After the citronella incense weren’t working, we went to Walmart and it was war! Another note, campsite 68 does not look like the photo. Tree is gone and the ice plant has invaded the site and made it smaller. One tent will fit, not another.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Avila Hot Springs
    May. 25, 2024

    Avila Hot Springs

    Small hot spring pool and loud and cramped camping area

    Only one small shallow hot spring pool, usually crowded at peak hours. At the pool there is outdoor showers, lap pool, indoor bathrooms, changing rooms.

    Camping area is small and it’s basically a dirt parking lot. Loud road noise all night and day from the freeway. Lots of pincher bugs infested my gear. Not peaceful. Better to just visit for a soak, they have cheaper rates for a morning or evening visit.

  • Heather K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground
    May. 19, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    Great campground, camp hosts not so much

    I’ve been coming to this campground for years with friends. It’s an awesome spot. Bathrooms are generally clean however you do need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash so make sure you have some dollars. You get two tokens for a dollar and each token gets you 2 min of shower time. They have garbage and recycling too. The camp hosts are a bit militant about the rules so don’t break them. They have zero tolerance and don’t put up with anything. Also keep your dog on a leash. Someone’s dog attacked another dog this morning and the State Park LEO were on site.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park
    May. 15, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park

    Nice, quiet location.

    Not a lot of privacy, but generally quiet and no road noise to speak of. 10-15 min bike ride to town. Only downside is that showers became coin-op some time within the past year. Bring some cash to buy shower tokens....wish I'd known!

    Note: The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level. Not too bad if you back all the way in, but still not level.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground
    May. 9, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    Great location for beach and dunes access.

    Very nice SP campground. Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm. Once in, the sites with hook ups sans sewer, will actually be pull through sites, which was nice. From there, you can walk. ride or drive on to the beach. There are paths around the camp that go around the estuary type lagoon. Dune trails are nice for hiking although some thick sand in places. We rode our bikes on the beach. Low tide makes it very easy with wet packed sand. The sites are spaced pretty well. We will be back for sure.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    May. 3, 2024

    Montaña de Oro State Park

    Beautiful, clean & quiet

    One of my favorite established campgrounds this far. Small and secluded and plenty of space between most sites. Wood and water both widely available, not sure about electric though. Short walk to Bluff Trail trailhead and Spooner’s cove.

  • Rupert C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End, Bradley Lockwood
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

    All you could ask for

    Quiet, serene and green and beautiful. i really don’t know what else you could ask for in a remote campsite. It is a 10 for the view and the setting. I will so be back….and often Rupert

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    Green grass near beach

    Green, grassy campground with well separated spaces. Most pull thru and level. All surrounded by grass for nice tent camping. Surf sound is continuous. Masks other sounds except noisy generator in next site. Nice restrooms

  • Rico B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Oceano County Campground

    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.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vinyl Vineyards
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Vinyl Vineyards

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • Simply S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Locatelli Vineyards & Winery
    Apr. 3, 2024

    Locatelli Vineyards & Winery

    I'm #o Happy to have support in my dreams

    They called me and told me they loved my story and dreams and wanted to help me with the dreams I have with my future Lifebook lifestyle



Guide to San Simeon

Camping near San Simeon, California, offers a mix of stunning coastal views and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Visit Hearst Castle: Just a short drive from the campgrounds, this historic estate is a must-see. Many campers enjoy the proximity, making it easy to explore the castle and its beautiful grounds.
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like San Simeon Creek Campground provide easy access to the beach. One reviewer mentioned, "Two campgrounds: San Simeon Creek, close to Highway One and the beach."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is known for its wildlife. Campers have spotted sea otters and elephant seals nearby, adding to the natural beauty of the region.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Kirk Creek Campground are praised for their breathtaking views. One camper said, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of places like Montaña de Oro State Park. A reviewer noted, "Small and secluded and plenty of space between most sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at San Simeon Creek Campground mentioned the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, which is always a plus.

What you should know:

  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially during summer. One visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground said, "This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kirk Creek Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper mentioned, "There are pit toilets and trash cans, but basically no other amenities."
  • Access to Showers: Not all campgrounds have showers on-site. For example, Morro Strand State Beach Campground does not offer showers, but nearby options are available.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Morro Dunes RV Park, which offers a friendly atmosphere. One local said, "Perfect location right by the rock."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan short hikes. A camper at Montaña de Oro State Park enjoyed the "short walk to Bluff Trail trailhead."
  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring your own supplies, as some campgrounds lack stores. A reviewer at San Simeon Creek Campground advised, "Bring your own soap and TP."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, "The camper pads are level, paved, and designated as either 25 - or 35-foot campsites."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Campers at Kirk Creek Campground warned about windy nights. One said, "Can get very windy at night."
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Morro Dunes RV Park mentioned, "Make reservations early for this campground. It's usually booked solid all summer."

Camping near San Simeon, California, offers a variety of experiences, from beautiful beaches to scenic views. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone in this stunning coastal area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Simeon, CA is Williams Hill Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near San Simeon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.