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Best Campgrounds near San Luis Obispo, CA

636 Reviews

San Luis Obispo has many different types of camping spots to choose from. At Morro Bay State Park Campground, you'll find good views and can easily get to the bay. Morro Dunes RV Park is popular with campers because it's close to the beach and Morro Rock. Morro State Park draws many visitors who come for the nice views and things to do outside. Some camping areas don't have showers, but they're still nice places to stay because they're close to nature. You'll see lots of wildlife around, so be sure to store your food safely so animals don't get into it. It's smart to book your campsite ahead of time, especially during busy times when spots fill up fast. You can usually make reservations several months before your trip, which is helpful for planning. During dry times, there might be rules about fires, so check what's allowed before you go. Most camping areas limit how long you can stay so that everyone gets a turn. You typically don't need permits to camp, but double-check the rules for wherever you're staying. The weather in San Luis Obispo makes camping good all year, though summer gets crowded and spring or fall might be quieter. San Luis Obispo has camping options that work well for families or for people who want a quiet place to relax.

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Best Camping Sites Near San Luis Obispo, California (86)

    1. Morro Bay State Park Campground

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

    $35 - $165 / night

    "There is plenty to see and do in town, and the campground has a kayaking company within walking distance. There's also a natural history museum across the street."

    "We met a group here and camped at a couple of adjacent sites. It is a premium location very close to the Pacific Ocean, and you can walk to a little store and very casual restaurant on the water."

    2. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

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

    $40 / night

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

    "Sites far apart, easy access to garbage disposal, flush toilets, showers and nice grassy sites. It is a short walk to the beach."

    3. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

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

    "We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it."

    "I went all the way to the end as it allows some walking around room. If you’re tent camping beware the wind, gets pretty crazy. Had one wind free day out of three."

    4. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    13 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."

    5. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "Located just off Highway One between Morro Bay and Cayucos, the grounds look somewhat like a parking lot with trees and shrubs separating it from the sand dunes and the ocean."

    "Morro Strand is steps away from a beautiful stretch of beach filled with sand dollars and an amazing view of Morro rock looking south."

    6. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    25 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    12 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."

    7. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

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

    $25 / night

    "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."

    "As with all California state parks now, not only is there recycling bins available but also food waste / compost bins (yay!).

    Showers available, payable via tokens.  "

    8. El Chorro Regional Park

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

    $25 - $50 / night

    "This is a great campground close to San Luis Obispo. It is great for tent or RV camping and is located near a park, garden, and golf course."

    "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."

    9. Morro Dunes RV Park

    21 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2722

    $35 - $74 / night

    "California, Morro Dunes RV Park

    Located right on the beach and ocean near Morro Rock. Within walking distance from Downtown Morro Bay.

    Directions: From highway 1 exit at E. G."

    "Great access to bike path and just a few minutes walk or bike ride to down town/harbor with harbor shops and restaurants. Amazing view of Moro rock, super close by!"

    10. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

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

    $225 / night

    "You are also only minutes away from the beach in Avila and great shopping (Whole Foods, Costco, Ralph's etc and lots of restaurants in San Luis Obispo (SLO)."

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near San Luis Obispo, CA

166 Photos of 86 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Luis Obispo, CA

636 Reviews of 86 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds

Guide to San Luis Obispo

Camping near San Luis Obispo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for beach access or serene forest settings, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Morro Strand State Beach Campground. Campers love the close proximity to the beach, with one reviewer saying, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro State Park. A visitor mentioned, "The views, the hike along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!"
  • 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:

What you should know:

  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. For example, Mt. Figueroa Campground lacks showers, which one camper noted as a downside: "The place is beautiful...but no showers."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "It is just way too crowded for our taste."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Morro Bay State Park Campground. One camper warned, "There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities for kids, like scavenger hunts at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. A parent shared, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."
  • Plan for Early Check-In: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular sites like Morro Dunes RV Park. One camper noted, "Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. For instance, San Simeon Creek Campground has no sewer hookups, which one reviewer pointed out.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be cramped. A visitor at Morro Dunes RV Park mentioned, "Sites are tight but not overly cramped."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: At some campgrounds, showers require tokens or cash. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground reminded others, "You need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash."

Camping around San Luis Obispo is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near San Luis Obispo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Luis Obispo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near San Luis Obispo, CA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Luis Obispo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Luis Obispo, CA is Morro Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 59 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Luis Obispo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near San Luis Obispo, CA.

What parks are near San Luis Obispo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near San Luis Obispo, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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