The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Glamping near Santa Margarita, CA

177 Reviews

Santa Margarita KOA houses several upscale glamping options including luxury yurts and well-appointed cabins along with canvas tent accommodations, all situated near Santa Margarita Lake. The glamping accommodations feature comfortable beds, electricity, and private outdoor spaces while offering easy access to the lake just a half-mile away. Lake Nacimiento Resort and Cerro Alto Campground also provide glamping experiences, with the former adding lakeside yurts to its accommodation mix. The sites typically include picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grills, and access to clean shower facilities. Many units offer climate control for year-round comfort regardless of Central California's varied temperatures. A visitor noted, "Beautiful campground with nice private sites. Our site was on the side of a large hill overlooking everything. We were king of the mountain."

Hiking trails accessible directly from the glamping sites provide scenic views of the Santa Margarita mountains, with several guests mentioning wildlife sightings including wild turkeys and deer. Santa Margarita KOA features a swimming pool, jumping pillow, playground, and frisbee golf course particularly appealing to families with children. According to a camper, "We had so much fun out on the water doing some fishing. The highlight for my kids was the Easter egg hunt put on by the staff." The glamping facilities near Santa Margarita operate year-round with special events during holidays. Stargazing opportunities enhance the luxury camping experience, with one location offering astronomer-led evening sessions. The area balances remote tranquility with reasonable proximity to coastal attractions like Morro Bay, approximately 20 minutes away by car.

Map showing campgrounds near Santa Margarita, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Glamping Sites Near Santa Margarita, California (14)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

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

    $35 - $50 / 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."

    2. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    16 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."

    3. Cerro Alto Campground

    15 Reviews
    Atascadero, CA
    8 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."

    4. Santa Margarita KOA

    8 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 438-5618

    $40 / night

    "They only took full hookup sites because bathrooms, showers and laundry are closed. The playground was open. Fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes."

    "A bit pricy but each site has concrete patio along with patio furniture and a nice charcoal grill. Sitting out at night with a clear view of the stars was breathtaking."

    5. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    15 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."

    6. KOA Campground Santa Margarita

    2 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 438-5618

    "Very friendly staff. Internet is slow. The lake is 1/2 mile away, so very convenient. The park is loaded with really nice hiking trails. We are enjoying our weekend stay."

    7. Flying Flags Avila Beach

    7 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 888-0158

    $35 - $395 / night

    "Propane fire pits at each site. Clean bathrooms and lovely, huge private shower rooms. Laundry onsite is cashless - Apple Pay. The views, I can not say enough."

    "If you’re okay with being about 5 feet away from neighboring campsites, this is a beautiful stay. Clean Bathrooms/Showers, beautiful views, and a short walk away from the beach."

    8. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. No grass, but hard packed sand and gravel."

    9. Le Sage Riviera RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 489-5506

    "Super clean bathrooms/showers. 

    Level sites, small rocks. 

    Quiet park.

    Close to the beach."

    10. Lake Nacimiento Resort

    7 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    30 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Santa Margarita Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Glamping Photos near Santa Margarita, CA

3 Photos of 14 Santa Margarita Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Santa Margarita, CA

177 Reviews of 14 Santa Margarita Campgrounds

  • D
    May. 14, 2020

    Santa Margarita KOA

    Better than expected

    My wife,son and I stayed here May 11-13 in our class C. We even brought our two dogs. A quick get away during the lock down. This was one of the few campgrounds we found that were taking reservations. They only took full hookup sites because bathrooms, showers and laundry are closed. The playground was open. Fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet. The place is very clean and the staff is friendly. The campground was pretty empty except for a very few brave campers and the staff. It is a short walk down to Lake Santa Margarita. We stayed in site 28. AT&T cell service was zero to very poor at our site. WiFi was poor and slow. They advertised good WiFi in our spot but it just wasn’t so. A bit pricey but we just wanted to get out of the house. We would stay here again.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Garrett M.
    Apr. 24, 2015

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    You'd have no idea that there was a city nearby

    Awesome campsite. We went in January and had no idea about the Monarch Butterflies. About 300 feet from the campsite is a grove of trees where thousands of Monarchs fly and mate. Apparently it's the end of their Northern Migration trail.

    Bathrooms were fine. There was running water. Beach is a 2 minute walk (past a tiny creek!) My only complaint was that there were a ton of RVs so you knew when it was morning when you could hear generators starting. People turned them off at night like they were supposed to...great place. Definitely wanna do it again.

Guide to Santa Margarita

The Central Coast's Santa Margarita area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet oak woodland terrain. This transition zone creates a distinct microclimate with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby coastal areas during summer months. Primitive camping options extend beyond developed sites with several Forest Service roads providing access to backcountry locations with variable terrain.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, campers regularly spot diverse wildlife throughout the grounds. One visitor noted, "There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears." The lake area provides excellent morning viewing when animals are most active.

Hiking to Big Falls: A short drive from the lake area leads to scenic trails through live oak forests. As one camper explained, "The hike is through live oak trees most of the way, so most of the hike is nice and shaded. Keep an eye out for salamanders when crossing the creek beds!" The trail offers moderate difficulty with approximately 2 miles round trip.

Astronomy events: Several campgrounds host regular stargazing programs during summer months. At Lake Nacimiento Resort, visitors can join guided night sky sessions. Their lakeside yurts make ideal platforms for telescope setup with minimal light pollution interference.

What campers like

Private camping spots: Many visitors appreciate the secluded sites available at Cerro Alto Campground. A reviewer shared, "Campsites are spread pretty far apart, are fairly large, and have most have pretty good privacy. I think Campsite #18 is one of the best! It's HUGE, tucked in the far corner, close to the hiking trail."

Morning nature sounds: The woodland setting creates a natural amphitheater for wildlife. One camper described, "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." These morning serenades peak during spring migration season.

Lake recreation access: Water activities remain a top draw for the region. A visitor to Lopez Lake mentioned, "The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well." Boat rentals typically start at $30 for half-day kayak use.

What you should know

Variable cell coverage: Connectivity changes dramatically across the area. One Lopez Lake camper reported, "No cell reception, not for us on Verizon anyways, but you can drive about 1/2 mile down the road for it." Most glamping sites offer WiFi near main buildings only.

Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans frequently impact camping plans. A visitor noted, "When we stayed here they were on fire watch, so obviously that was not a possibility." Always check current restrictions before arrival as they change frequently based on conditions.

Bathroom facilities vary widely: From primitive vault toilets to full shower facilities, bathroom options differ significantly. At Flying Flags Avila Beach, a camper appreciated the "Clean bathrooms and lovely, huge private shower rooms." Bring shower tokens ($1-2) for most developed campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Santa Margarita, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Santa Margarita, CA is Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 64 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Santa Margarita, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Santa Margarita, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring