Santa Maria visitors seeking campgrounds have options ranging from beachfront locations to valley RV resorts. The central California coastal area maintains mild temperatures year-round, with average highs of 65-75°F and cooler evenings even during summer months. Campgrounds between Santa Maria and Pismo Beach provide varying levels of access to both beach activities and wine country exploration.
What to do
Explore beach dunes: Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort connects directly to scenic sand dunes. "You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations. Clean and warm showers available during the day," reports James O.
Visit nearby towns: Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara offers easy access to popular destinations. "Goleta, CA. Spacious sites. Very clean. Nicely wooded. Pool, jacuzzi, laundry-all well maintained. Hiking and biking trails. Short hike down to very nice beach at the El Capitan State Park," notes Nancy L.
Try horseback riding: Some coastal RV parks offer unique recreational opportunities. "They had horseback riding and a small playground. We came in late and it was hard to find our map and site reservations," explains Ryan S. from Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Cycling routes: Several campgrounds connect to coastal biking paths. "There is 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," shares a camper at Avila Hot Springs.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Morro Dunes RV Park receives praise for its coastal access. "Very clean, friendly staff, and the best thing of all is the access to the beach is across the street," notes Robbie G.
Natural hot springs: Some campgrounds offer unique amenities beyond standard RV hookups. "In addition to natural mineral springs and heated pool, facilities have water, toilets, showers, electricity for stealth travelers. Picnic tables outside," explains Scott O. at Avila Hot Springs.
Recreation facilities: Flying Flags RV Resort provides extensive on-site activities. "Amazing Staff, very helpful and nice. Grounds were excellent, well maintained and everything seemed very new. Food from cafe was really good," reports Ryan S.
Wi-Fi reliability: Connectivity varies between campgrounds, with some offering strong signals. "Nice location, clean, with good internet access," notes Veronica C. about Pacific Dunes Ranch, making it suitable for remote workers.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Pismo Coast Village RV Resort requires advance planning. "Check in was quick and efficient. Our site was wide and long enough to park our TT and TV. Site had reasonable privacy. Overall, a clean and quiet place to stay," reports Patrick J.
Site privacy concerns: Space limitations affect many coastal RV parks. "The spots are tight, but great infrastructure. Courteous staff, great store with all replacement parts you might need. Steps away from the ocean," notes Frank P.
Seasonal crowds: Summer months bring higher occupancy to most campgrounds. "On our way back to southern Cali from the Bay Area, we needed a place to stay in our van to break up the drive! I called when we were a few hours away and the very kind receptionist booked us a site," shares Shannon K. about finding last-minute availability at Morro Dunes.
Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower conditions vary significantly between parks. "Bathrooms were clean and well-maintained!" comments Shannon K. about facilities at Morro Dunes RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pismo Sands RV Park offers child-friendly amenities. "This campground really does deserve the label 'resort'. Very clean very well kept, full service campground. Grounds are beautiful with lots of grass and trees well paved and maintained. Heated pool and spa and clean modern laundry room. Game room, library, and outdoor kids playground that has a mock pirate ship for the kids to climb through," notes Mike E.
Swimming options: Multiple RV sites near Santa Maria offer pools for family enjoyment. "We have a 25 yard pool with swimming lanes, and the hot pool which can accommodate 30 people," explains a review of Avila Hot Springs.
Multi-generational activities: Look for parks with diverse recreational options. "Pismo Coast Village 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," shares Jason M.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature exploration for children. "Without the OHV activity, it was safe to hike or dune surf. Horseback riding, basketball court, and remote controlled car track were other amenities," mentions Annette A. about Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Le Sage Riviera RV Park offers prepared sites. "Level sites, small rocks. Quiet park. Close to the beach," notes P.S.
Site selection strategy: Choose your location within each park carefully. "Upper area closer to the dunes is preferred for breezes. Lots of permanent residents, but the park is well kept," advises Annette A. about Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Check-in procedures: RV parks have varying arrival policies. "Read before booking - Nice rv parking with lot space between the rigs nice infrastructure just little expensive. Complain just about the check in 4pm and check out 12pm... no make sense but overall is good," warns Andre P.
Storage services: Some parks offer extended services for frequent visitors. "These folks will even store and retrieve your RV for you if you wish to leave it here and come to the area periodically," explains Mike E. about Pismo Sands.
