Beach camping near San Luis Obispo

Hit this sunny city for beach camping, mountain trails, monarch butterflies, and wine tasting.

93% (1392 reviews)

United States
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California
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San Luis Obispo

93% (1392 reviews)

Popular camping styles for San Luis Obispo

Public campgrounds near San Luis Obispo

100%

(2)

Stories from the community

Meg

3 days ago

Tent

1 night at SLO Country Camp

We had a great stay at SLO #1 - Ken greeted us upon arrival and was a wealth of knowledge when we asked for local dinner recommendations and about the area in general. The site is more improved than many - touches like a communal sink and private shower (cold water), solar lighting, and a porta-potty were appreciated. Our site-mates were lovely to chat with as well, and as our spaces shared a divider/fence, there was mutual respect for one another's privacy, too.

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

What a great spot! This spot has incredible views of the rolling hills and vineyards surrounding the area from the ample provided seating in the shade. My son and I loved our stay and used ours days to ride bikes around SLO county while enjoying campfire time in the evenings at the camp. Ken and Judy are simply the most welcoming and kind people you will meet and were there to help us out with any needs we had. We’ll definitely be back.

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

We had a wonderful evening staying on this beautiful property...just one night, but it was SO quiet and we slept so well. The birdsong in the morning was lovely and the ride out to the property was great...so great to meet wonderful people through hipcamp.

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

Great little camp. Beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards. The hosts were very thoughtful and communicative. Bathroom is a porta potty style, but VERY clean. Would highly recommend to anyone planning a trip to or thru the SLO/Avila Beach/Pismo Beach area.

1 night at SLO Country Camp

We last minute (I mean 7pm night of) and they were so welcoming and had everything prepped for us. The property has everything you could dream of. It truly felt like a vacation. We will definitely be coming back and bringing friends!

5 nights at SLO Country Camp

Ken and Judi have created a very tranquil spot to camp off the beaten path. Ken was very communicative about directions to the site. I plan to camp there again when I am back in the area to visit family!

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

I had an unforgettable solo camping trip this weekend at the Redwood campsite. Tucked beneath towering redwood trees, the site felt like a peaceful sanctuary. The hosts were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home on their beautiful land. The campsite itself was thoughtfully set up with a fire pit, a sturdy bench, and—best of all—a flushing latrine (a rare luxury when camping!). It was quiet, clean, and truly a perfect place to relax and recharge. One of the highlights was taking a walk up the creek to discover several hidden swimming holes. The whole trail felt magical and serene—absolutely worth exploring. I would 100% stay here again. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a peaceful nature escape with great hosts and beautiful surroundings.

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

Our group of 9 and a 1 year old had the best time at this campsite! There were beautiful spots to pick from all along the creek. Rob was super helpful getting us familiar with the grounds and even brought us some ripe loquats and avocados from the farm on site! Other campers were friendly and we loved seeing their dogs. There was an orchestra of frogs in the evening which was a treat. The flushing toilet and water hookup at our campsite felt like luxurious amenities, not to mention the forest bathtub experience. We also had a nice day trip to the lovely town of Cambria and hiked by the beach (beware of ticks!).

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

We really enjoyed our stay here! We’re a family of 5; plus two dogs and my mom joined us as well. The scenery is just beautiful, weather was great. We got to see cool wildlife, lots of birds, and listened to owls and coyotes at night. The added features of portapotty (very clean) and the “kitchen” and sink make the camping experience super easy. Camp hosts are very responsive and welcoming. We would definitely recommend staying here.

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

Awesome camping spot! We were right by the river and our site had a swing for the kids and they could play where we could see them from camp! Highly recommend. Everyone who lives/works there was SO friendly and helpful. Definitely read the whole description on HipCamp, there is alot of junk around but we’re also farmers and totally get it. The campsites did not have any junk, but the property has some history and there are remnants of it all around. We love the area and will be back with our little fam!

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

Loved tent camping at this campsite! Rob was so wonderful & helpful in getting us set up, taking care of us, and making sure we had everything we needed! The site was clean, had power, a lovely creek next to us and a fire pit. I’d def recommend to anyone considering coming through!

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

Loved it here! The host was really awesome and recommended where my friend and I should head to next on our journey which really helped us out. Definitely rustic so make sure you're not expecting anything like glamping. We loved camping under the redwood trees on the upper campsite - really quiet, serene and beautiful and no bugs either on our night end of May. Mineral baths were awesome too and made the whole experience worth coming back for. Again - definitely a rustic experience that you have to be okay with. The sulphur smell from the baths is strong but it was really cool, and the smell doesn't stick around on you after. The nearby town Cambria is also amazing and you could easily spend an entire day there. Only 5 minutes drive from the campground. Would recommend and will probably be coming back again at some point.

2 nights at Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

Camping here was great! The site we got had a nice view of the mountain and was situated next to a creek. We enjoyed listening to the frogs and owls at night and exploring Cambria during the day. We’ll definitely be back!

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

I had a great time at SLO Country Camp. The camp was super clean, tidy, and Ken and Judi's clear directions made it easy to find even though I arrived at night. Five out of five and would recommend to anyone staying in the SLO area! Thank you Ken and Judi!

1 night at Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

What a sweet little hidden gem. I was lucky to be the only camper and had a magical time, camping by the creek. The sulphur baths are divine, what a generous offering. The land is rustic, the camping sites are primitive, and the men who keep the property are kind and welcoming.

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

We spent two nights at this well-appointed campsite. Level parking, nice chairs, picnic table and fire pit along with a clean potty and kitchen clean up area. It's quiet with lots of special decorative touches. The site is a short drive to San Luis Obispo and the coast. We went kayaking from Avila and Morro Bay, strolled downtown SLO and found a nearby brewery for more relaxation. I would definitely camp here again.

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

A properly done set up in a lovely place. Arrival is friendly and simple and all comforts have been considered.

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

We really enjjoyed the privacy of Creeksides oak tree canopy and the warm welcome from our host Rob. Great swimming holes this spring up the main canyon. The mineral bath soak was epic ! Thank you

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

We were so lucky that we got to meet the camp hosts. Every single one of them were not only helpful but so incredibly welcoming. They checked in and made sure we had everything we needed and also gave us some knowledge of the land. The mineral baths were so relaxing. We had a campsite right by the creek. Talk about calming! We truly had a magical experience and can’t wait to come back!

Weekend Trip to SLO Country Camp

We have stayed and Ken and Judi’s place before and absolutely love it. Proximity to SLO and ease of getting to and from the campsite is a huge plus. Ken comes by to check on his guests and everything was prepared for us in advance. Highly recommend!

4 top beach campgrounds near San Luis Obispo

87%

(674)

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

12 sites · RVs, Tents124 acres · Cambria, CA

We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enterGate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.

99%

(1295)

SLO Country Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis Obispo, CA

SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: big sink and counter, and a cold-water outdoor "beach-type" shower. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, our favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. Our favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.

Booked 7 times

Holiday RV Park

161 sites · RVs5 acres · Pismo Beach, CA

HOLIDAY RV PARK IS LOCATED ONLY TWO BLOCKS FROM THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON THE CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA. Enjoy our 83 degree swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, sparkling restrooms, complimentary cable TV and Wi-Fi. Nearby activities include fishing off the 1200 foot long pier, golf, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding and four-wheeling in the Oceano Dunes. Watch playful dolphins surf the waves, take a relaxing walk on the beach and view the spectacular colors of Pacific sunsets. Treat yourself to fine dining, enjoy the many restaurants and cafes in town, pick up fresh produce and delicious bakery items in local farmers markets. Shopping, arcades, bowling and specialty shops are just a few blocks away!

95%

(375)

Frog Hollow Homestead

4 sites · Lodging12 acres · Atascadero, CA

Welcome to Frog Hollow. Feel free to hike up to the bench, past the deck, on the hill or over to the chairs and table nest to the field where the sheep and donkey are at the other side of the creek. Keep an eye out in the mornings, you may see a family or two of wild turkeys or deer cruising the property. Kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the seasonal running stream and property. Situated on 12 acres, our property is a great spot where you can unplug, unwind and simply check out from your daily chaos. Sit back and enjoy the songs of the evening crickets and frogs. We are located on Hwy 41, a 10 minute drive to the coast, the famous Morro Rock, and 20 minutes from both San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles where you will find shopping, fine restaurants and plenty of local wineries in the area. We are lucky to have over 300 award winning wineries in our area so if you like wine, this is a great place to tour and taste! Frog Hollow is perfectly located for the weekend break or a leisurely mid-week holiday. Come visit us and check out our lovely land and quaint comfy living. Sabyl, our Border Collie, is around and may head down to greet you at some point during your stay. Our free standing casita is cozy and nestled in a natural serene creekside setting. The loft has a spacious queen size bed for your sleeping pleasure with adjustable reading lights on either side of the bed. The living area offers a fold down couch for another adult or 2 kids. There is a kitchenette with a toaster oven, electric tea kettle and coffee maker. There is a charcoal Weber bbq grill and a propane gas 2 burner stove. We provided a propane fire pit during the fire ban, bring propane and charcoal etc. There is a well lit bathroom with hot shower and flushable toilet 50 yards away. Please use that shower for the casita. We have a moderate climb hiking trail down the road, Cerro Alto, that offers beautiful views of our coastline. Simply sit back and watch the the wild turkeys and deer roaming freely on our land, or head out to taste some of San Luis Obispo County award winning wines. Pack in and pack out your trash please.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

95%

(446)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near San Luis Obispo guide

Overview

Looking for a beach camping experience near San Luis Obispo, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 100 options specifically tailored to your beach and location preference, you'll find the perfect spot to soak up the sun and surf. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot like SLO Country Camp (394 reviews), a private beach escape like Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), or a unique camping experience at DABUDAGE (367 reviews), Hipcamp has you covered. Plus, you can bring your furry friends along with pet-friendly options, enjoy cozy campfires, and even have access to cooking equipment. So grab your paddle, explore historic sites, hop on a bike, and get ready for an unforgettable beach camping experience.