If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Santa Maria, look no further. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Oceano Camp (sites 1-42)
Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.
Lopez Lake with its 22 miles of shoreline is the ideal year-round recreational destination for everyone. There are 377 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical, full hook-up, and group campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
$60 - $70 / night
Land near Jalama Creek was once a Chumash Indian settlement named "Halama". In 1943, 23.5 acres of privately owned land was donated to the County of Santa Barbara from the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company, and thus, our park was formed. Jalama Beach is a respite from typically bustling seaside parks, yet offers many conveniences. Groceries, personal care sundries, firewood, fishing bait and tackle, ice, beer, and wine may be purchased at the Jalama Store. Other services include mailing, facsimile, and video rentals. The store and its popular Grill are open daily from 10 am.
Jalama Beach is approximately an hour drive from Santa Barbara and a 45-minute drive from Lompoc. A sign 4.5 miles south of Lompoc off Highway 1 will direct you onto Jalama Road. Follow this scenic 14.5-mile road to the coast. The park entrance will be at the end of the road. Jalama is subject to high winds and rough surf. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, however, visitors swim at their own risk.
Day-use picnic areas provide tables and raised fireboxes. Additional activities include surfing, whale-watching, birdwatching, nature photography, and fishing the surf or rock outcroppings for perch, cabezon, kelp, bass, or halibut. Many protected California native plants like sand verbena, saltbush, and sea rocket, grow within park boundaries.
While you're here, visit the Jalama Beach Store and Grill and have a "World Famous Jalama Burger." They also have an extended menu that includes homemade clam chowder, chile verde, and "Aunt Ruth's Raw Apple Cake."
Jalama Beach offers twelve walk-in sites (seven basic and five partial hook-up) that are first-come, first-served. These sites may not be reserved online, through the Call Center, or through the Jalama Gate.
Morro Bay State Park campground features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
$165 / night
Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.
North Beach Campground features tent camping facilities and a campfire center. There are no hook-up sites available in this campground. Visitors can access the beach from the campground and enjoy the the views along Carpenter Creek. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is accessible from the campground. In the summer months, Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs are held at the campfire center. Click here to view a map of the North Beach Campground: North Beach Campground Map
$35 / night
El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area.
Activities and Facilities Include:
-Picnic Areas
-Exhibits and Programs
-Fishing
-Guided Tours
-Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
-Beach Area
-Swimming
-Windsurfing/Surfing
-Family Programs
-Geocaching
Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.
$320 / night
Situated midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in beautiful Pismo Beach, Pismo Coast Village RV Resort needs only to be seen to be appreciated. Beautifully landscaped and nestled right on Pismo Beach (currently Pismo Creek is flowing along the resort and it is necessary to walk around the lagoon to get to the ocean), it is truly an outstanding destination RV resort. This award winning, nationally recognized resort is conveniently located within walking distance from downtown Pismo Beach shopping, restaurants, and the famous Pismo Pier.
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort features 400 full hookup sites, each with complimentary wireless internet access and cable TV , on 26 acres. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort also offers many great amenities including a General Store, restaurant, heated pool, arcade, laundromat, bicycle rentals, and miniature golf.
Relax to the sound of the surf, scent of the salt air, and the feel of an ocean breeze. It won’t take long to find you have discovered a unique RV camping paradise on the ocean.
Experience life elevated when you enjoy vistas of wildflowers, star gazing, and summer campouts atop Figueroa Mountain. Lose yourself in a grove of beautiful red manzanita, oaks and pines as Figueroa Campground lifts your spirits and your senses. Take a leisurely walk up the mountain ridge to watch a beautiful sunset or walk the trail around the campground to see the wildlife and all of nature's beauty. During the spring season, the area features an amazing wildflower display. This easily accessed pedestal in the pines is also very popular with hunters during the annual deer season.
Trails, horseback riding, off road vehicle use, mountain biking, fishing, camping, backpacking, seasonal hunting, shooting and photography are all popular recreational uses on Figueroa Mountain. Figueroa Campground serves as a centralized location to various trailheads, including the Davy Brown/Fir Canyon and Ballard Trails. On Figueroa Lookout Road, you will also find amazing views of rolling hills and the shimmering Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Trails, horseback riding, off road vehicle use, mountain biking, fishing, camping, backpacking, seasonal hunting, shooting and photography are all popular recreational uses on Figueroa Mountain. Figueroa Campground serves as a centralized location to various trailheads, including the Davy Brown/Fir Canyon and Ballard Trails. On Figueroa Lookout Road, you will also find amazing views of rolling hills and the shimmering Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Figueroa Campground is surrounded and shaded by red manzanita and a variety of oak and pine trees. During spring, Figueroa Campground is an ideal place to camp while you enjoy the magnificent wildflower displays that Figueroa Mountain has to offer. This is also the home of numerous spring migrating birds, such as the exquisite western tanager, which breeds and raises its young on Figueroa Mountain until August.
A few miles away, Davy Brown Campground is the starting point for several trails, including the spectacular Davy Brown/Fir Canyon Trail. Two miles further are the Lower Manzana and Upper Manzana trailheads, entry points to the majestic San Rafael Wilderness. Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are within an hour's drive.
$30 - $34 / night
Welcome to Avila-Pismo Beach KOA, nestled near San Luis Obispo, CA. This campground is a solid choice for those who want to be close to the beach, hiking trails, and cycling routes. It's open all year, so you can plan your visit whenever it suits you.
The campground offers a mix of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping options, and even yurts. It's got all the essentials: drinking water, electric hookups, showers, toilets, and a sanitary dump. If you're traveling with pets, you'll be glad to know it's pet-friendly. Plus, there's a market on-site for any last-minute supplies you might need.
One of the standout features here is the cleanliness. Many visitors have praised how well-maintained the facilities are, from the bathrooms to the campsites. The location is also a big hit, especially for beach lovers and hikers. Avila Beach is just a short drive away, and there are plenty of trails to explore in the surrounding area.
For those traveling with kids, the campground has a lot to offer. There's a pool, outdoor movies, and even shuffleboard to keep everyone entertained. And if you're into local treats, there's a farm across the road that sells some of the best pies around.
However, be prepared for some noise from the nearby highway, which can be a bit of a downside if you're a light sleeper. The sites are also on the smaller side, so don't expect a ton of privacy.
Overall, Avila-Pismo Beach KOA is a convenient and comfortable spot with plenty to do both on-site and in the surrounding area. Whether you're here for the beach, the trails, or just a relaxing getaway, this campground has got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Santa Maria, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Santa Maria, CA is Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 59 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Santa Maria, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Santa Maria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
