Best Campgrounds near Santa Margarita, CA

Camping near Santa Margarita, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a quiet spot in the woods, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do

• Beach Access: Enjoy the stunning coastline at Morro Strand State Beach Campground. Campers love the close proximity to the beach, making it easy to catch sunsets and enjoy the ocean. One reviewer mentioned, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."
• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro State Park. A visitor shared, "The walk along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!" It's a great way to connect with nature.
• Wildlife Watching: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can spot various birds and even some cute critters. One camper noted, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "The bathrooms were generally clean; however, you do need tokens for the showers."
• Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe at Jalama Beach County Park. One camper mentioned, "The camp host was delightful and very accommodating."
• Spacious Sites: Campers at Lopez Lake Recreation Area appreciate the large sites. A review highlighted, "Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities."

What you should know

• Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience."
• Limited Privacy: At Morro Dunes RV Park, sites can be close together. One camper remarked, "Sites are tight but not overly cramped."
• No Showers at Some Sites: Be prepared for some campgrounds, like Plaskett Creek Campground, not having shower facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "No showers, but the campground host was very friendly."

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby beaches or trails. At Oceano County Campground, there's a fun scavenger hunt app for kids. One parent shared, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
• Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacells."
• Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds, like Jalama Beach County Park, have on-site stores. One visitor said, "The camp store and cafe has a few good grocery options."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at San Simeon Creek Campground mentioned, "The camper pads are level, paved, and designated as either 25 - or 35-foot campsites."
• Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds, like Morro Bay State Park Campground, require tokens for showers. A camper noted, "You get two tokens for a dollar, and each token gets you 2 min of shower time."
• Be Mindful of Noise: At Morro Strand State Beach Campground, noise can be an issue. One camper said, "Campers play loud music way beyond the scope of their campground."

Camping near Santa Margarita, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!