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Best Campgrounds near Santa Maria, CA

859 Reviews

Santa Maria, California, has good camping spots within driving distance. Hearst San Simeon State Park gives you ocean views and trails to hike. Morro Strand State Beach Campground puts you right by the water for surfing and fishing. The beach campground has clean bathrooms and picnic tables that work well for families. Weather varies throughout the year—summers can get hot while winters are milder. You'll need reservations at most places, especially in summer when they fill up fast. Check fire rules before you go since bans are common in this area. When you're not at camp, you can visit Morro Bay town or take a tour of Hearst Castle nearby. Birdwatchers will find plenty to see, and you might spot seals and other marine animals along the coast. The campgrounds make a good home base whether you want to relax or get out and explore. Bring extra water since not all sites have drinking water available. Remember to pack out all your trash and follow good camping practices. Santa Maria's coastal location makes it worth the trip for campers looking for beach access and natural areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Santa Maria, California (100)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

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

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."

    "Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"

    2. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "I grew up going to Lopez since we lived in Santa Maria so maybe I’m biased."

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    3. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    22 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $25 / night

    "The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance."

    "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."

    4. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    15 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"

    "There are two levels of this campground, I stayed at the upper level just steps from the sand dunes which will lead you to the Pacific Ocean about 1/2 mile away."

    5. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "Steps away from the ocean. We will return."

    "This is a pricey rv park, but great location and very busy. It is competitive with the others around and think it was the best one in the area."

    6. Santa Maria Fairpark

    3 Reviews
    Santa Maria, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-8824

    "Close to fairgrounds handy for kids to take care of their animals. Mnothing fancy. No frills just necessities."

    7. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    7 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $10 / night

    "A vehicle beach with unlimited things to do fishing, offroad sand dunes, hike, camp rv vehicle theres class A B C home made its awesome dogs allowed, after 10pm it's so quite"

    "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."

    8. Jalama Beach County Park

    38 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 736-3504

    "This campground is right next to the beach and is well loved by the many return campers I spoke with."

    "Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay. Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place."

    9. Colson Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Santa Maria, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-6640

    "Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."

    "Clean site Areas are well spaced out First compound of campsites are the best end of the road are the trails to hike and only able to fit 3 trucks up there comfortably Bring your own toilet amenities"

    10. Flying Flags RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Buellton, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 783-5247

    "Thus is a roadside RV park that is a nice size and super friendly. We stayed here on Valentines weekend. It was mostly quiet and the camp host was delivering breakfast to the campsite, super cheap."

    "Close by solvang town and many pretty hiking trails"

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Recent Camping Photos near Santa Maria, CA

253 Photos of 100 Santa Maria Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Maria, CA

859 Reviews of 100 Santa Maria Campgrounds

  • Michael S.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    Use your 4x4 for what it was intended for, but use caution

    Just spent the weekend in the Oceano SVRA, and some things I noticed:

    1. Even with the reduced number of campers, the camping area still seemed really full.

    2. The sand was very soft and deep in the camping area, and I saw multiple 4x4 trucks getting stuck, including a Lexus GX460, 2 Toyota Tacomas and 1 4Runner, and a stock Jeep Wrangler. 

    3. The dunes are ridiculously fun to drive on, but they are also dangerous. They are also very devoid of other vehicles due to the limited number of entries, so DO NOT go out alone. There are plenty of places to get lost in, and if you're at the bottom of a dune, you cannot see where you are and will be lost. 

    So much fun, even the mariachi bands blasting music until 3 in the morning was fun.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Flying Flags Avila Beach

    Great place

    Views are amazing. You can hear the sea lions at Port San Luis, birds of paradise and other lovely flowers, palm trees and eucalyptus. Very well maintained. Beach is 10 minute walk and allows dogs. Near to San Luis Obispo and so much more that the lovely Central Coast has to offer. Staff were very attentive and helpful. There are areas with community fires for gathering, small store. Bocce ball and other games. I dry camped which worked out just fine. $10 dump fee when you leave is available for dry campers. Full hookups also available but they fill up so advance reservations needed.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    The Beachhouse RV Park

    Ok if you just need a basic place and is near Beach

    Misremembered names, ended up at Morro strand RV park when meant to be at Morro dunes RV park. This one, Morro strand is in a depressing area and park itself is gravel everywhere not grass or plants. At least it's only a 10 min walk to the Morro beach, with great view of Morro Rock. It does have ok facilities including coin laundry on site

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bella Vista By The Sea

    Walk to beach, pier, trails and nice town of Cayucos.

    Accurate description in other reviews. This is a mobile home park with RV sites(FHU). This lends to a different experience, but a good one. Walking distance pretty much anything. Ride or walk out of Bella Vista to beach, pier, trails and town. Had back in site# 66. Lots of maneuvering room for our 35 feet TT. I'd go back.:-)

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Great Staff

    This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.

    Showers are available, they take quarters.

    Would absolutely stay here again.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    The views in the morning are amazing!

    I arrived on motorcycle at 10:30 at night. I hate being that guy that shows up late while everyone is in their tents, but it happens. First 90% of the road/trail is pretty easy, but the last 10% did get a little sketchy at night, while on a motorcycle and being my first time there. It was fairly crowded when I got there but was able to find a spot so quickly pitch my tend and get some well needed sleep. I woke first thing in the morning and the view to the west is stunning, a sea of clouds and islands of distant mountain peaks all the way to the coast. I would only recommend experienced riders take a large street motorcycle up there, but it is doable. I set up my tent on the first spot on the left, on the little ridge.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Morro Bay State Park Campground

    Nice state parks

    Nice park. Quite busy mid Aug but not rowdy. Pretty views and close to town centre. Showers (need to pay) and firewood available

  • Tommy B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    pismo state beach

    Busy campground

    This used to be a really nice park. Now, there doesn’t seem to be any pride in taking care of it.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Perfect spot for the beach and gatherings with friends

    I love Pismo Beach! The sites are large and perfect for a group of friends. They have incredible amenities. The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance.

Guide to Santa Maria

Camping near Santa Maria, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for beach access or serene nature trails, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. One camper mentioned, "There's a nice walking trail that connects the two sides. The beach is a short walk away."
  • Bird Watching: Head to Morro Bay State Park Campground for some birdwatching. A visitor noted, "We got to see lots of birds there, including hawks and turkey vultures."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One reviewer said, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Morro Strand State Beach Campground, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "No showers but your pass gets you into nearby Morro Bay SP where they have nice clean token showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. One reviewer warned, "There are black bears that roam the area, so be sure to prepare for that."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise from trains near Refugio State Beach Campground. A camper mentioned, "Next to train tracks...could still wake tent campers and sensitive sleepers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Water: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, it's wise to bring plenty of water. A reviewer said, "Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering."
  • Plan for Activities: Families can enjoy the beach and trails at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. One camper noted, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Pack Snacks: Campers at Jalama Beach County Park recommend bringing snacks. A visitor mentioned, "There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check for electric hookups at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites with hookups sans sewer will actually be pull-through sites, which was nice."
  • Be Mindful of Space: RVers at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area noted, "The only sites with gravel paved pads were the ones with water/electric hookups."
  • Stay Alert for Wildlife: At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, RVers should be cautious. One camper mentioned, "There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that."

Camping in Santa Maria, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to nature enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Santa Maria, CA?

The Santa Maria area offers several excellent camping options. Colson Canyon Campground is a rustic option about 30-45 minutes from Santa Maria with fire pits, tables, and a few flat camping spots. The dirt road access requires slow driving to respect local residents. For a more developed experience, Lopez Lake Recreation Area provides spacious sites that don't feel overcrowded like other Central Coast options. Lopez Lake offers various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, group camping, and cabins, making it ideal for different camping preferences. The proximity to Santa Maria makes it a convenient weekend getaway with scenic surroundings.

What camping options are available near Santa Maria for fishing enthusiasts?

Fishing enthusiasts near Santa Maria have excellent camping options that provide access to prime fishing waters. Lopez Lake Recreation Area is the standout choice, offering camping directly adjacent to a freshwater lake stocked with bass, trout, and other game fish. The campground's spacious layout provides a comfortable base for fishing adventures. For coastal fishing, Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach offers beach access for surf fishing. The campground is tucked behind dunes with hookup and non-hookup sites available. Ocean anglers may prefer staying at sites closer to the dunes for easier beach access and a bit more privacy.

Are there RV parks with full hookups in Santa Maria?

While Santa Maria itself has limited RV options with full hookups, several excellent choices exist within a short drive. Morro Dunes RV Park offers full hookups in a prime beachfront location near Morro Rock, within walking distance to downtown Morro Bay. For RVers seeking full-service sites, Le Sage Riviera RV Park provides well-maintained sites with proximity to water activities. For events in Santa Maria, Santa Maria Fairpark offers basic water hookups. Reservations are highly recommended for all these locations, especially during peak seasons, as available sites can be difficult to secure without advance planning.

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