With reservations available at $20 per night, Washburn Primitive Campground sits within Hearst San Simeon State Park as the more budget-friendly alternative to its neighboring San Simeon Creek Campground. The compacted gravel roads lead to mostly level sites that accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, though Laura M. notes "the map is wrong" regarding some site locations relative to facilities.
Sites spread 50 to 70 feet apart across open terrain with limited shade, though a few spots near trees provide cover. Each includes a picnic table and steel fire ring. Modern pit toilets housed in buildings serve the campground, along with water spigots distributed throughout. Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier, with T-Mobile performing better than Verizon or AT&T according to camper reports.
The campground sits about half a mile from the ocean via an underpass beneath Highway 1. Most sites offer views toward the mountain range, and the sound of waves carries to many camping spots. A dump station and additional amenities are available at the lower San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park. Firewood sales operate on specific hours through the camp host. The location provides convenient access to elephant seal viewing areas and serves as a base for exploring the central coast.
Description
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.
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Washburn Campground :
This primitive campground offers 67 reservable campsites and is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. The Washburn campground can only be accessed from the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet and there is a self-operated RV dump station available in the San Simeon Creek Campground for an additional fee. Facilities here include a fire ring, a picnic table, and a parking pad for 2 vehicles or trailers at each campsite. Additional parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Washburn Campground has no access to flush toilets or showers. Pit toilets and water spigots throughout the campground may be available.
All campgrounds have a 10-day consecutive stay limit with a 30-day per calendar year maximum stay limit. A maximum of eight people are permitted to camp in a campsite. Although the kiosk closes at night, there is a board posted for campers with reservations that arrive late. If you do not have a reservation and arrive late, please use the Iron Ranger envelopes at the kiosk to pay for a vacant site for one night only. There is a small number of overflow parking spaces available adjacent to the campsites for an additional fee – If available, only one overflow space may be purchased per registered campsite. However, you may park outside of the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance at no cost. Camping Information & Reservations Policies
Additionally, firewood is for sale from the campground host in the San Simeon Creek Campground. Interpretive campfire and Junior Ranger programs are also regularly scheduled. Junior Ranger Program
San Simeon Creek Campground (Upper & Lower Sections):
The San Simeon Creek Campground is adjacent to Highway 1 and the beach. It offers 115 reservable campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet and there is a self-operated RV dump station available for an additional fee. Each campsite has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a parking pad for 2 vehicles or trailers maximum. Additional parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Flush toilets, token operated shower facilities, and water spigots throughout the campground may also be available.
San Simeon Creek Campground (Tent Section):
The Tent Section offers 19 campsites, available only on a walk-in, first come/first served basis - No online reservations are available. It is recommended that you call the park ahead of time to confirm if spaces are available, as they fill up quickly and we do not hold sites. Additional parking is limited, so plan accordingly. No RVs or camper trailers are permitted in the tent section due to limited space.
RV Rentals on the Central Coast is currently the only approved RV and trailer delivery and pick-up service permitted within the campground. No other RV and trailer delivery services are permitted within the campground. For more information on approved rental deliveries, please visit: RV Rentals on the Central Coast | RV, Trailer, Motor-Home, Event Toilets Rental in the Central Coast
Camping Alert: Note that RV electrical hookups are not available at Hearst San Simeon SP. Check with Morro Bay or Morro Strand campgrounds for available campsites with electrical hookups. Morro Bay State Park & Morro Strand State Beach
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. We apologize for any inconvenience.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWashburn 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
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/20/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 4/20/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/20/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 4/20/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/3/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 37 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 4 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 1 hr 53 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 54 min from Hanford, CA
