Top Tent Camping near Santa Margarita, CA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Santa Margarita? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Santa Margarita campgrounds for you and your tent. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Santa Margarita, CA (13)

Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Santa Margarita

497 Reviews of 13 Santa Margarita Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground
    September 5, 2024

    Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground

    Nice and quiet

    Located on Vandenberg base which requires a membership card (military I.D.) This helps keep the camp site more private. No one goes here. It is tranquil and has trails to hike and lakes to fish in. Hunting is also allowed during select seasons. If you like quiet and keep to yourself, this is the place. There are no trash cans and a permit is required for campfire. There are a couple of port-a-pots and they are very clean. Go SpaceForce! Lastly, watch out for poison oak. Stay on the trails and all is well. Semper Fi.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    August 17, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground
    August 17, 2024

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    August 3, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    August 2, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    "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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake San Antonio - North Shore
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Morro Bay State Park Campground
    June 29, 2024

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    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 

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    June 27, 2024

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Williams Hill Camp - Temporarily Closed
    June 16, 2024

    Williams Hill Camp - Temporarily Closed

    Quiet and peaceful

    The drive up has around five miles of very well maintained dirt road, but very much worth it. Some dispersed camping areas and a campground with 5 spots with a shelter and a picnic table at each one. Bathroom was very clean.

    Views are magnificent.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May 31, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    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.

  • 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May 19, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    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.

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

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May 9, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park
    May 3, 2024

    Islay Creek Campground — 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Williams Hill Camp - Temporarily Closed
    April 25, 2024

    Williams Hill Camp - Temporarily Closed

    Beautiful Views on Top of the Mountain

    It is a long 5 miles up a long dirt road which is actually pretty nice compared to others we have traveled. There are some steep hairpinish turns that we had to disconnect our toad but wow when you get there it is perfect. So peaceful and very clean. We are in a 36’ class a with jeep toad

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    April 24, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Williams Hill Camp - Temporarily Closed
    April 21, 2024

    Williams Hill Camp - Temporarily Closed

    Nice BLM

    The road to come to the BLM was not bad, we came with a van and had no problems. The campground is nice and clean, vault toilet with TP &clean. Camp spots with table & shade & the view on the hills is incredible

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    April 21, 2024

    Oceano County 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Locatelli Vineyards & Winery
    April 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    February 23, 2024

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Awesome Beach - Weird Campground

    Being so close to this awesome beach is definitely a hook, but something is off about this place. The staff are on top of you from the time you pull in to if you are a couple minutes late leaving. Little to no shade. Said hello to other campers with no so much of a nod.  

    Not my scene for sure.



Guide to Santa Margarita

Camping near Santa Margarita, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a quiet spot in the woods, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the stunning coastline at Morro Strand State Beach Campground. Campers love the close proximity to the beach, making it easy to catch sunsets and enjoy the ocean. One reviewer mentioned, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro State Park. A visitor shared, "The walk along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!" It's a great way to connect with nature.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can spot various birds and even some cute critters. One camper noted, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "The bathrooms were generally clean; however, you do need tokens for the showers."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe at Jalama Beach County Park. One camper mentioned, "The camp host was delightful and very accommodating."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Lopez Lake Recreation Area appreciate the large sites. A review highlighted, "Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities."

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience."
  • Limited Privacy: At Morro Dunes RV Park, sites can be close together. One camper remarked, "Sites are tight but not overly cramped."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Be prepared for some campgrounds, like Plaskett Creek Campground, not having shower facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "No showers, but the campground host was very friendly."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby beaches or trails. At Oceano County Campground, there's a fun scavenger hunt app for kids. One parent shared, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacells."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds, like Jalama Beach County Park, have on-site stores. One visitor said, "The camp store and cafe has a few good grocery options."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at San Simeon Creek Campground mentioned, "The camper pads are level, paved, and designated as either 25 - or 35-foot campsites."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds, like Morro Bay State Park Campground, require tokens for showers. A camper noted, "You get two tokens for a dollar, and each token gets you 2 min of shower time."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: At Morro Strand State Beach Campground, noise can be an issue. One camper said, "Campers play loud music way beyond the scope of their campground."

Camping near Santa Margarita, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Santa Margarita, CA is KOA Campground Santa Margarita with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Santa Margarita, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.