Pismo State Beach has two popular campgrounds: North Beach and Oceano. The area is popular for off-road vehicle recreation, hiking, surfing and fishing. A nature trail connects the two campgrounds and dogs are allowed on-leash at Pismo State Beach.
The North Beach Campground is one of the nicest campgrounds on the coast and is only a short jaunt to the sandy beach. The grassy lawns are nice for pitching a tent and most sites are spacious enough for an RV or trailer. The grounds are well maintained and hot water showers are especially nice after a day at the beach. Sites 11, 14, 24 and 25 have the closest beach access, but if the winds are strong, head to the 52-75 loop for a more protected campsite. Further south, the Oceano Campground is better situated for RVs and trailers and campsites are open to year-round reservations.
Montaña de Oro State Park is another fantastic camping destination. It is a favorite among outdoors enthusiasts and there are a variety of camping options at Montaña de Oro. The park offers environmental campsites, which are hike-in sites, that requires about ten to twenty minutes walking to reach. Although Fido loves to hike as much as you do, dogs are not allowed at environmental sites or on any trails within the state park. There are also five horse camps, which do allow dogs. Environmental and horse campsites can be reserved year-round.
The Islay Creek Campground is Montaña de Oro's main camping area. The campground is rustic with pit toilets, water faucets and standard sites. But what the campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for in solitude and natural surroundings. Each campsite in first loop, 1-22, has spectacular ocean views and all campsites are in close proximity to hiking, biking and horse trails, and the ranger station. The nearby Spooner Cove is a sandy beach near the campground where dogs are allowed to walk on-leash.
The campground at Morro Bay State Park is located between the lagoon and golf course and is within walking distance of Morro Bay's Embarcadero. The area's most prominent feature, Morro Rock is visible from most areas of the campground. There are 28 RV sites with hook-ups and a total of 126 campsites with restrooms and showers. A bird sanctuary and habitat is nearby and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Located north of Morro Bay and south of Cayucos, Morro Strand State Beach Campground is classic beachfront campging with three-miles of state beach and coastal frontage campsites. This is a more exposed area and can be windy. There are 76 standard campsites, restroom facilities, but no showers or hook-ups. The area is visited by wind and kite surfers, sunbathers and beachcombers.
The Hearst San Simeon State Park and nature preserve is one of the oldest units in the California State Parks System. There are two campgrounds in the park, located two miles south of Cambria. The San Simeon Creek Campground has 115 campsites for tent and RV camping. The campground is located near the San Simeon Nature Trail, which has ranger led interpretive walks during busy summer months. The Washburn Campground is located one mile inland on a bluff overlooking the Santa Lucia Mountains. The camping is primitive with flush toilets and water spigots.
San Luis Obispo Region - Campground Online Reservations: North Beach and Oceano Campgrounds, Pismo SB | Montana de Oro State Park Campgrounds | Morro Bay State Park Campground | Morro Strand State Beach Campground | San Simeon SP
Central Coast Camping Destinations by Region: Santa Barbara | San Luis Obispo | Big Sur
