Best Campgrounds near Santa Maria, CA

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.

Prior reviews accurate. Hook-up sites close together... non-hookup have more separation. 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. Nice large showers take state park tokens. Nice lagoon walking path but some parts flooded right now. Campground protected from blowing sand because dunes in front of it. Nice area to start beach walks or rent dune buggies. Close to Pismo Beach for many restaurants and pier. Classic California...

Ignore CAMPGROUND FULL sign at north end near Los Osos as you drive into park about 5 miles north of campground. People cancel and sign is not updated on regular basis. Spooner Ranch House open daily 10am-4pm provides good historical background before taking scenic coastal walk along the Bluff Trail. Other more adventurous inland hike/bike trails also available. Front loop offers camping spaces slightly further apart. Pit toilets in center of loops generally clean. Asphalt paved parking slots a little sloped but can level with blocks. Very dry and brown in campground in August. Foggy and cool most of day... only saw sun a few minutes. Nice paved almost level parking lot with views of Morro Bay about half-way between entrance and campground. Beautiful beach with non-RV parking right below Ranch House.

Close to many good activities... golfing, kayaking, walking around estuary, bay nature museum, bird watching, local restaurant... Can walk or bike about a mile to downtown Morro Bay and waterfront for shopping and ding options. Inexpensive shuttle available summer weekends. Fun to watch the sea otters typically between three stacks and the ROCK. State Park gets a lot of use with some older facilities... but most sites are close to level and asphalt paved. Restrooms and token activated showers are older but mostly clean and acceptable. People like campfires here. Some sites have shade but hit or miss... Some trees have died out over the years. Access road and adjacent harbor have level free parking if waiting for site to open up. $10 dump station can be used if camping at nearby state parks w/o dump station.

Description is accurate. Beach walks can be nice... with scenic views up and down coast. Also neighborhood walks along bluff above campground are relaxing. Restrooms clean but basic. Dry sites tend to be small, dry and basic. Weather can be fickle with cold, wind and fog even in summer. Quiet at night. A few sites have beach views. Most views are hidden by scrubs between parking area and beach. Surfers, kids playing in sand, kiting and other beach activities popular. Not my favorite beach campground, but it is a very popular spot for those avoiding the high heat of California deserts this time of year. NO SHOWERS.