Established Camping
Washburn Primitive Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Camping Alert: Note that RV electrical hookups are not available at Hearst San Simeon SP. Check Morro Bay or Morro Strand campgrounds for electrical hookups.
California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors.
Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: Camping Information
San Simeon Creek Campground :
The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 134 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. There are currently flush toilets and shower facilities in place. Chemical toilets are available. A dump station and pay phone are available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available.
Washburn Campground :
This primitive campground is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. Washburn campground can be accessed from the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. Facilities here include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. In addition, shower facilities are available to registered campers. This campground has an additional 68 sites.
RV Rentals on the Central Coast is currently the only approved RV and trailer delivery and pick-up service permitted within the campground. For more information on rental deliveries, please visit: RV Rentals on the Central Coast
Alerts: Campsite reservations are subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather because some sites are subject to seasonal flooding and may be closed. WASHBURN loop has no access to flush restrooms or showers. This campground has a 10-day consecutive stay limit with a 30-day calendar year maximum. A MAXIMUM of eight people are allowed in any site at San Simeon SP. Although the kiosk closes at night, there is a gate that does not close and is open for late campers. The kiosk has a board posted for campers arriving late.
Washburn Primitive Campground, near Cambria, California, is a laid-back spot that offers a peaceful escape in Hearst San Simeon State Park. With its primitive sites, you can expect a more rustic experience, complete with picnic tables and fire rings for those cozy campfire nights.
The campground is known for its spacious sites, which are set apart from each other, giving you a bit of privacy while enjoying the great outdoors. Visitors have mentioned the quiet atmosphere, making it a great place for stargazing and soaking in the sounds of nature, like the distant ocean waves. As one camper noted, “It’s lovely, quiet, and dark. You can hear the ocean.”
Amenities include pit toilets and trash disposal, and while there’s no cell service for some, that might just be the perfect excuse to disconnect and enjoy your surroundings. Plus, there’s a convenient path leading to the beach, so you can easily take a stroll along the coast or check out the nearby elephant seals.
If you’re up for some exploration, you’re just a short drive from the charming town of Cambria and the iconic Hearst Castle. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Washburn offers a simple yet satisfying camping experience that keeps you close to nature.
Description
State Park
Hearst San Simeon State Park
This primitive campground is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. Washburn campground can be accessed from the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. Facilities here include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. In addition, shower facilities are available to registered campers. This campground has an additional 68 sites.
Location
Washburn Primitive Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park is located in California
Directions
San Simeon State Park is located 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, and 5 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center. The community of Cambria is located 2 miles to the South and offers gas stations and grocery stores.
Address
Vangordon At San Simeon Creek
Cambria, CA 93428
Coordinates
35.59486 N
121.11112 W
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonFair
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 37 min from San Luis Obispo
- 1 hr 4 min from Santa Maria
- 1 hr 53 min from Salinas
- 1 hr 54 min from Hanford
