Central Coast Beach Camping

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Beach Camping
on the California Central Coast

Camping right on the sand is possible in California, you just need to drive far enough to find it. Campground reservations are common (year round) on this stretch of coastline, since PISMO is a premier vacation spot for most of Central California.

blue links lead to State Park pages for camp reservations  camp

This camping page features all beach front camping options along the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. State Parks, State Beaches, bay side marinas and rugged rural coast camps. We even list private campgrounds and RV parks, just so you have more choices.

Santa Barbara Camping & State Parks

Flying Flags RV Resort, Buellton, CA

River Park RV Campground, Lompoc CA

Santa Maria Pines Campground (CLOSED)

San Luis Obispo Camping, Off Road & RV Parks

pismo beach

Pismo Beach Campgrounds

Oceano Dunes State Park (SVRA) – Pismo Dunes Off Road Area State Park

DSCN2931Pismo State Beach State Park

  • North Beach Campground

county park camping Pismo

RV camping near Pismo, CA

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

Pacific Dunes Ranch & RV Resort

Pismo Sands RV Park

Le Sage Riviera RV Park, Grover Beach, CA

Montana de Oro
Steep Cliff Dunes @ Montana de Oro State Park

San Luis Bay & Point Conception
Avila Beach, Morro Bay Camping

Avila Beach RV Camping Sites

Avila Beach Hot Springs Camping

Montana de Oro State Park State Park

El Chorro Regional Park Campground

Morro Bay State Park Campground State Park

Morro Strand State Beach State Park

Morro Strand RV Park

Morro Dunes RV Park

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San Simeon & Big Sur Campgrounds

San Simeon State Park Campgrounds State Park

  • San Simeon Creek Campground
  • Washburn Primitive Campground

Big Sur Camping & State Parks

Big Sur Coast

 

Los Padres National Forest

USDA National Forests lies inland along the Central Coast of California, all the way from Ventura to Monterey.  Numerous recreational lakes and back roads that lead to secluded small campgrounds. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed, but campfires are limited to local fire restrictions. The later part of the year means drier conditions and sometimes campfires are not allowed during wildfire season. Obtain a free campfire permit & check current conditions from the local ranger before venturing into the backcountry.

Central Coast Inland Lakes Camping

Launch Spot
Flying high at Reyes Peak Launch Spot, Los Padres NF