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Best Campgrounds near Pismo Beach, CA

707 Reviews

Pismo Beach on California's central coast draws campers with its mix of beach time and outdoor fun. Hearst San Simeon State Park lies a short drive north, with both developed and basic campsites. The park sits close to Hearst Castle and has good beach access. North Beach Campground inside Pismo State Beach puts you right by the water with good facilities. Nice Campground gives you a more basic experience with fewer amenities. Spring and fall bring the best weather to Pismo Beach - mild and comfortable. Summer gets crowded with temps in the high 70s, while winter is cooler and less busy. Many campgrounds need reservations, particularly in busy seasons. The area has some great spots to check out including the Monarch Butterfly Grove and Oceano Dunes. You'll find plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots nearby. Campground facilities range from those with showers and flush toilets to more basic setups. Pack wisely if you're staying somewhere with limited amenities. Pismo Beach works well for both quick trips and longer stays, with camping options for different needs.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pismo Beach, California (90)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    63 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $40 / night

    "This campground is in a very cool location. You can walk straight out to the beach. There’s a monarch Grove right next to you."

    "Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"

    2. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $35 - $165 / night

    "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road.  Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."

    "It is only 2 miles away from Morro Rock and the adorable tourist town full of shops and eateries."

    3. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Long time campers in California are probably familiar with the feeling that the prep work required simply to get a reservation at the most popular national and state parks is more than prepping for the"

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    4. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    20 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $25 / night

    "I love pismo beach, dune and the town, very convenient!"

    "Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay."

    5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "The drive up is a bit treacherous but nothing unbearable. Our car can off road quite well, but our friend had a Volkswagen Golf and it also did perfectly fine and never bottomed out."

    "It’s best to have an offroader to come here, but van can do too."

    6. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "Steps away from the ocean. We will return."

    "This is a pricey rv park, but great location and very busy. It is competitive with the others around and think it was the best one in the area."

    7. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 595-7111

    $225 / night

    "Located just north of Pismo Beach, Avila is tucked away down a hill that is totally worth venturing off to."

    "Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground. Beach, trails and golfing all within 5min."

    8. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. No grass, but hard packed sand and gravel."

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    9. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    25 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $150 / night

    "Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."

    "This campground is near the beach on the central California coast . It has tent and RV sites. The only amenities are non-flushing toilets and water . There are no lights at night, so it is very dark."

    10. El Chorro Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 781-5930

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Near San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach. When we stayed here it was for the Renaissance Faire (which has moved to San Luis Obispo proper). There were tons of loud people."

    "They do charge extra for dogs, $3.50/day/dog, but was well worth it as they have beautiful large dog parks a mile behind the campsite."

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187 Photos of 90 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pismo Beach, CA

707 Reviews of 90 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

Guide to Pismo Beach

Camping near Pismo Beach, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For example, at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can easily stroll to the dunes and enjoy the ocean. One camper mentioned, "Short walk to the dunes, 5 minute drive to downtown Pismo Beach."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. Campers at Morro Bay State Park Campground enjoyed spotting various birds and even a cute little weasel. One review noted, "We also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."
  • Hiking Trails: There are several trails for hiking and biking. At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, visitors can explore trails that lead to stunning views of the lake. A reviewer said, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park, one camper remarked, "Lots of bathrooms, very clean, lots of dumpsters and water spigots, all conveniently located."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer beautiful views. A visitor at El Capitán State Beach Campground shared, "First night unobstructed views of sunset over the ocean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Jalama Beach County Park are great for families. One review highlighted, "Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially those near roads or train tracks. A camper at Refugio State Beach Campground mentioned, "Next to train tracks (don’t run frequently at night, but could still wake tent campers)."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A review for Morro Strand State Beach Campground noted, "Sites very close together. Many squirrels. Mostly RV sites."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Lopez Lake Recreation Area, do not have drinking water available. A camper advised, "Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, families can enjoy boating and fishing. One review mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. Campers at Jalama Beach County Park enjoyed the on-site store for quick bites. A visitor said, "Great sunsets and wide sandy beach."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A camper at Oceano County Campground warned, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Morro Bay State Park Campground mentioned, "The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds have fees for amenities like showers. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "Showers became coin-op some time within the past year."
  • Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Oceano County Campground mentioned, "No dump station here, but there's one just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground."

Camping near Pismo Beach, California, has something for everyone. With beautiful beaches, wildlife, and family-friendly activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pismo Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pismo Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Pismo Beach, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pismo Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pismo Beach, CA is Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 63 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pismo Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Pismo Beach, CA.

What parks are near Pismo Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Pismo Beach, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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