Santa Margarita is situated at an elevation of 995 feet in San Luis Obispo County, approximately 10 miles north of San Luis Obispo. The area serves as a gateway to Los Padres National Forest and experiences a Mediterranean climate with average summer temperatures around 84°F and winter lows near 38°F. RV campers visiting the region can access both coastal and inland camping opportunities with varying hookup options.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trails accessible from Pacific Dunes Ranch, where campers can explore the natural sand dunes. "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park... Without the OHV activity, it was safe to hike or dune surf," notes one visitor who appreciated the quieter dune experience.
Beach access: The coastal options near Santa Margarita provide convenient ocean proximity. At Port San Luis RV Campground, "There is a dog beach a short walk away, public bathrooms, showers ($2), laundry facilities ($2wash), and right next to Harford Pier which is home to a great seafood market."
Wine tasting: The central coast wine region surrounds Santa Margarita with numerous vineyards. "The small vineyard next door is a must stop, especially since it's literally right next to the campground. It's also a short drive to downtown Paso and other nearby wineries," according to visitors at Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country.
Cycling paths: Dedicated bike routes connect several camping areas to nearby attractions. One camper at Avila Hot Springs mentions "a bike path (5 miles ish round trip) that leads to the beach. The path is along a creek, surrounded by trees, and goes through a golf course. It is relatively flat and our 7yr old had a blast."
What campers like
Pool facilities: Several RV parks offer swimming options regardless of season. At Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort, "We used both pools and spas daily even in December. Sites are gravel with concrete pads. All have fireplaces and seemed appropriately level," shares one winter visitor. Another camper adds, "Very nice! Full hookups, fairly new, very clean. Has a large pool for everyone and smaller lap pool for adults."
Level site layouts: Many parks provide well-maintained, level spots conducive to easy setup. "The sites had the basic fire pit and table, plus a faucet," notes a camper at Coastal Dunes RV Park, while another at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles mentions, "It's easy to get into with big trailers. We have a 35foot 5th wheel and no problems getting in."
Convenient town access: Several locations offer walkable distance to shopping and dining. A visitor at Cypress Morro Bay RV Park describes it as a "Small quiet park in town, but just 3 blocks from the bay. Full services available... Went to breakfast down the street, then walked around the pier and took lots of great pictures. Sea otters were floating around nursing their young."
Wildlife viewing: The central coast offers diverse animal sightings. "In the late afternoon you can spot sea otters hanging out busting shells on their bellies in the kelp beds," shares a camper at Port San Luis RV Campground, while Morro Bay visitors frequently mention watching sea lions at the harbor.
What you should know
Spacing varies significantly: Site sizes and proximity differ dramatically between parks. At Wine Country RV Resort, "The sites are very close to each other unless you upgrade but still will get to know your neighbors," while at Coastal Dunes, "there was no barrier between you and your neighbors. The RV sites looked very cramped but the tent sites seemed adequately spaced."
Reservation strategies: During peak times, securing specific sites requires planning. According to one camper, "Unless you pay an additional fee to secure your space" at some parks, specific site requests aren't guaranteed even with advance booking.
Noise factors: Traffic and transportation sounds affect some locations. At Coastal Dunes RV Park, "The campground is narrow and situated directly between PCH and the railroad tracks on either side. So traffic noise was significant, and as an added bonus, every now and then Amtrack would roll past."
Alcohol policies: Rules regarding alcohol consumption vary between facilities. Camp San Luis Obispo RV park prohibits alcohol consumption, unlike the wine-friendly private resorts.
Pet restrictions: Most parks allow dogs but with limitations. A Pacific Dunes Ranch visitor mentions the property has a "nice little dog run," while some resorts enforce breed restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several parks provide dedicated play areas for children. A visitor at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort notes, "The park has excellent activities, and an on-site restaurant delivers to your site. Play structures are throughout, and the sites are tight, but clean and mostly level."
Accessible beaches: Family-friendly coastal access points reduce hiking distances for young children. "Our family loves heading to Old West Cinnamon Rolls, biking around the town, and visiting the beach," shares a repeat visitor to Pismo Coast Village.
Activity variety: Some parks offer recreational amenities beyond swimming. "They also have at least two dog parks and took our high energy dog there to run. They also have a great playground for the kids. There is also a little hiking/walking trail around the campground," notes a visitor to Sun Outdoors Paso Robles.
Budget considerations: Facility fees vary considerably based on hookups and location. "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')," explains a Sun Outdoors Paso Robles camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Power and water options differ between parks. "Sites have a grill and picnic table and 30 and 50 amp power," notes a camper at Wine Country RV Resort, while another mentions that Pismo Coast Village offers "full hook-ups, flat paved or unpaved sites depending on what you select."
Site surface types: Ground composition affects leveling and comfort. A Camp San Luis Obispo RV visitor explains, "They have clean facilities on site, bathrooms with hot showers. You can bike, walk the base. The area is kept very clean and at night there is no noise. At 10 camp goes silent."
Overflow options: Backup spots exist when main campgrounds fill. "They have 30 amp/50amp available. They also have overflow camping available for 5$. Please beware that overflow is in the grass area and does not have hookups," advises a Camp San Luis Obispo visitor.
Leveling requirements: Bring appropriate equipment to certain parks. "We had to use 4 blocks to level our trailer," reports an Avila Hot Springs visitor, while others mention concrete pads at premium resorts requiring minimal adjustment.
