Camping near Templeton, California offers a range of experiences from primitive dispersed sites to full-service RV accommodations. The area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with a Mediterranean climate that features warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevation camping areas, while summer days often reach into the 90°F range, making seasonal considerations important for campers planning a trip to this central California region.
What to do
Beach activities: 20 minutes west: At Morro Bay State Park Campground, campers can access coastal recreation. "Quick walk to the harbor, cafe, waterfront and walking trails," notes Louis F. The park also offers educational opportunities: "Within walking distance, there is a Museum of natural history," adds Wayne S.
Hot springs soaking: 15 minutes north: Franklin Hot Springs provides a therapeutic mineral water experience. "Sulfuric hot springs are a joy. There are multiple pools of varying temperature. Don't miss the little hot tub at the far end," reports marcus K. The facility maintains several pools with different temperatures.
Mountain hiking: 30 minutes southwest: Trails at Cerro Alto Campground lead to panoramic views. "Cerro Alto Trail is located right inside the campground. Day Use parking is $10. The hike is really beautiful and on a clear day you can see the ocean at peak," explains Chanel C. The campground serves as an access point for exploring the surrounding natural areas.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Morro Strand State Beach Campground puts campers steps from the shore. "Beach walks can be nice... with scenic views up and down coast. Also neighborhood walks along bluff above campground are relaxing," shares Leonard H. The location makes water activities convenient: "Good for paddle surfing or kayaking for a few hours. There were otters swimming it was cool," adds Anthony O.
Resort amenities: The pools at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles RV Resort rank high with campers. "We used both pools and spas daily even in December. Sites are gravel with concrete pads. All have fireplaces and seemed appropriately level," reports michael D. Amenities extend beyond swimming: "Dog parks, kid parks, a pool etc! The only thing was the Bistro was closed (because of covid) otherwise we can't wait to go back and bring our friends!"
Peace and quiet: Primitive camping at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping offers solitude and night sky viewing. "The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool. Got cold at night but nothing unbearable, lovely sunrise too," shares Caitlyn R. The site features expansive views: "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."
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful driving. At TV Tower Road, "The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think. I took my mini van and camped at a turn out along the road because I was a bit hesitant," notes Caitlyn R. Similarly, access to Franklin Hot Springs can be difficult: "The road going in was pretty sketchy right off the bat with a crumbling, concrete 'bridge' spanning an overflowing creek or drainage ditch."
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at coastal campgrounds. Many campgrounds open reservations 6 months in advance. For walk-in sites at Cerro Alto, one camper noted: "We got here on a Friday around 11am for a walk in site and the campground was packed."
Variable facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. At El Chorro Regional Park, "The bathroom facilities were prime," while at Morro Strand, facilities are "clean but basic." Some primitive sites like TV Tower Road have no facilities whatsoever, requiring campers to pack out all waste.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sun Outdoors Paso Robles offers dedicated children's areas. One visitor mentions, "My Fiancé, two sons and I stopped here as a halfway point on our way to Huntington Beach. We're definitely going to be going back for a minimum of two nights! The resort is clean, super friendly and has so much more to do than one quick night would fit. Dog parks, kid parks, a pool etc!"
Nature education opportunities: Morro Bay provides wildlife viewing opportunities. "It's nice 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," notes Leonard H. The nearby museum offers educational exhibits about local ecosystems.
Road noise considerations: Some family-friendly campgrounds experience highway noise. At El Chorro Regional Park, one camper mentioned: "This campsite is very clean with good toilets and has incredible views. However it is next to the freeway with loud traffic noise." Sites further from main roads typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing accuracy: Verify actual dimensions before booking. At Morro Bay State Park, one RVer found, "Site 102 was a 25-foot site but IMO that is a stretch as our 18-foot campervan fit but not with much extra room. Surprisingly enough, we saw some rather large rigs in some of the spaces."
Premium site benefits: At Sun Outdoors Central Coast Wine Country, upgrading provides concrete pads. "While the resort does have excellent amenities... The grounds are well maintained, and we were glad we upgraded to a concrete pad, rather than the spaces with DG," shares David W. Premium sites often feature better separation and location.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are available at select campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors, "Sites have a grill and picnic table and 30 and 50 amp power... bulk propane fill at $3.50/gal. Filling hours are currently 10am-noon and 2-4pm," notes Laura M.
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