Camping in Lake Nacimiento, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
California
—
Lake Nacimiento

97% (4892 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Nacimiento

Dog-friendly getaways

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Under $50

98%

(92)

Broken Branch Creek

9 sites · RVs80 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Broken Branch Creek is a new family farm in Paso Robles, CA. Our land is abundant with with blue oaks, local wildlife, and plenty of walking trails running through it. There is a creek bed, usually dry most of the year, that provides excellent rock hunting and a shady hike with overhanging oaks. The entrance to the camping area is a very wide oil pipe fenced driveway off Branch Road, designed to accommodate farm equipment and cattle trailers. Sometimes map apps say you've arrived at one of the separate residential driveways on the property. Please keep looking for the commercial sized entrance. We are a 15 minute drive to the restaurants and shopping in downtown Paso Robles, 8 minutes to the Vina Robles Amphitheater, 6 minutes to the Hunter Ranch Golf Course, and 5 min to the Sensorio Art Exhibit. We're just off the Union Road Wine Trail among the Back Roads Wineries of Paso Robles.

96%

(34)

Feather River Ranch Eco Retreat

2 sites · RVs6 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Feather River Ranch Eco Homestead is the perfect place to pull up and hook up your RV or camper van and enjoy the property. 110 plug (it’s green) conveniently located for use. Please park along the vines or by corral entrance if your travel trailer/ RV is too large. Enjoy the newly built 16•34 ft pool, private hot tub, and a walk down to the river. There is no bathroom on site so your rv or camper is needed.

100%

(245)

Hideaway Oaks

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lockwood, CA

This campsite is a natural setting in the corner of our lower pasture. It features several oaks and lots of room. It is an extremely private spot free from other campers or busy traffic. This site now includes a picnic table on a leveled area, a firepit and a toilet . Water is available if you wish to hike a bit up a hill. You can enjoy our beautiful evening skies, sunrises and starlit nights. If you are looking for a peaceful, poison oak free, quiet hideaway, this is your place. Trails are available for walks and taking in the views of the valley below. Since this site is tucked away in our pasture we recommend that campers arrive before dark. We are located near Lake San Antonio, Lake Nacimiento, San Antonio Mission, San Miguel Mission, Fort Hunter Liggett, and the Nacitone Museum. There is local wine tasting and we are 45 minutes away from wine tasting in Paso Robles. Many campers find this to be an ideal meeting place for family and friends coming from the north and south.

86%

(566)

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

11 sites · 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 enter Gate 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.

100%

(171)

Roads End, Bradley Lockwood

2 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Lockwood, CA

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

12 top campgrounds near Lake Nacimiento

86%

(566)

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

11 sites · 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 enter Gate 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.

Roads End, Bradley Lockwood

2 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Lockwood, CA

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

98%

(520)

Enney's Ranch

4 sites · Lodging850 acres · San Miguel, CA

Enney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast. We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries. We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields. Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.

Oak Heart Estate

8 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Does a night under the stars on a mountain top in the middle of Paso Robles Wine Country sound appealing? Incredible sunsets, picturesque views, peace and quiet abound at Oak Heart Estate! We'd love to share our piece of heaven with you! Escape the bustle of the city find your way to a little spot out of town. You'll find plenty of wineries in every direction you turn!

95%

(449)

DABUDAGE

6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA

A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations. Before sending an inquiry please read the listings. Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night

98%

(581)

Vinyl Vineyards

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Vinyl Vineyards is a 120 acre ranch, working vineyard, wine label, and 10 site private glampground on the Union Rd wine trail in Paso Robles, CA. The magnificient property includes hiking trails through vineyards, ancient oak forests, canyons, and flower filled fields, creeks, two seasonal ponds, 26 acres of vineyards, alpacas, vegtable gardens, sunset vistas, bbq grills, outdoor tables, frisebee golf, and more... We also raise alpacas, chickens, and honey bees which you can experience on the ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, we are walking distance to several wineries, a 5 minute drive to golf, Sensorio, Vina Robles, and boast enough natural beauty and amenities to never leave your site.

100%

(19)

Camp Robinson

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents123 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Camp Robinson is 123 totally secluded acres, set in Paso Robles wine region, with thousands of oak trees, incredible views, abundant wildlife, seasonal creeks, hiking trails, several tent camping sites, spots to park campers, two small cottages and a cozy bunkhouse. There are several sitting/gathering areas scattered around the property and plenty of opportunities to unwind. There are hiking trails on the property, roads (both paved and dirt) to ride bikes, nearby wine tasting, and fresh air to clear your head. Nearby wineries offer wine tasting and restaurants. Instagram: camp__robinson

96%

(57)

Union Rd Trail Site

3 sites · RVs20 acres · Paso Robles, CA

We bought this place as our eventual retirement home. We want to share the space with friends and family hence here we are even sharing it on this platform

Broken Branch Creek

9 sites · RVs80 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Broken Branch Creek is a new family farm in Paso Robles, CA. Our land is abundant with with blue oaks, local wildlife, and plenty of walking trails running through it. There is a creek bed, usually dry most of the year, that provides excellent rock hunting and a shady hike with overhanging oaks. The entrance to the camping area is a very wide oil pipe fenced driveway off Branch Road, designed to accommodate farm equipment and cattle trailers. Sometimes map apps say you've arrived at one of the separate residential driveways on the property. Please keep looking for the commercial sized entrance. We are a 15 minute drive to the restaurants and shopping in downtown Paso Robles, 8 minutes to the Vina Robles Amphitheater, 6 minutes to the Hunter Ranch Golf Course, and 5 min to the Sensorio Art Exhibit. We're just off the Union Road Wine Trail among the Back Roads Wineries of Paso Robles.

100%

(72)

Twisted Branch

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Paso Robles, CA

We named our property the Twisted Branch after one of the big oak trees that sits on the site where you will camp with us! It's on a hilltop with amazing views in nearly all directions. The campsite faces South/West so sunsets are fantastic. We use no chemicals on the soil or annual grasses. It is very quiet and the night sky is always stunning. Owls hoot at night and Redtail Hawks hunt for ground squirrels during the day. We have alot of Acorn woodpeckers living in the oak trees, the ones with the bright red head feathers. April through June we see bright yellow Orioles. At night you will hear hundreds of little frogs in the nearby ponds, depending on the season. We are located in the heart of Wine Country and there are plenty of activities around us and in town.

Hideaway Oaks

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lockwood, CA

This campsite is a natural setting in the corner of our lower pasture. It features several oaks and lots of room. It is an extremely private spot free from other campers or busy traffic. This site now includes a picnic table on a leveled area, a firepit and a toilet . Water is available if you wish to hike a bit up a hill. You can enjoy our beautiful evening skies, sunrises and starlit nights. If you are looking for a peaceful, poison oak free, quiet hideaway, this is your place. Trails are available for walks and taking in the views of the valley below. Since this site is tucked away in our pasture we recommend that campers arrive before dark. We are located near Lake San Antonio, Lake Nacimiento, San Antonio Mission, San Miguel Mission, Fort Hunter Liggett, and the Nacitone Museum. There is local wine tasting and we are 45 minutes away from wine tasting in Paso Robles. Many campers find this to be an ideal meeting place for family and friends coming from the north and south.

99%

(1113)

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: wash/kitchen prep, and cold-water outdoor shower. Site 1 is best for trailers but Site 2 is adequate. 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, my 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. My 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.

Star Hosts in Lake Nacimiento

96%

(23)

Oak Heart Estate

8 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Does a night under the stars on a mountain top in the middle of Paso Robles Wine Country sound appealing? Incredible sunsets, picturesque views, peace and quiet abound at Oak Heart Estate! We'd love to share our piece of heaven with you! Escape the bustle of the city find your way to a little spot out of town. You'll find plenty of wineries in every direction you turn!

Roads End, Bradley Lockwood

2 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Lockwood, CA

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

Enney's Ranch

4 sites · Lodging850 acres · San Miguel, CA

Enney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast. We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries. We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields. Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.

Vinyl Vineyards

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Vinyl Vineyards is a 120 acre ranch, working vineyard, wine label, and 10 site private glampground on the Union Rd wine trail in Paso Robles, CA. The magnificient property includes hiking trails through vineyards, ancient oak forests, canyons, and flower filled fields, creeks, two seasonal ponds, 26 acres of vineyards, alpacas, vegtable gardens, sunset vistas, bbq grills, outdoor tables, frisebee golf, and more... We also raise alpacas, chickens, and honey bees which you can experience on the ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, we are walking distance to several wineries, a 5 minute drive to golf, Sensorio, Vina Robles, and boast enough natural beauty and amenities to never leave your site.

Union Rd Trail Site

3 sites · RVs20 acres · Paso Robles, CA

We bought this place as our eventual retirement home. We want to share the space with friends and family hence here we are even sharing it on this platform

Available this weekend

98%

(581)

Vinyl Vineyards

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Vinyl Vineyards is a 120 acre ranch, working vineyard, wine label, and 10 site private glampground on the Union Rd wine trail in Paso Robles, CA. The magnificient property includes hiking trails through vineyards, ancient oak forests, canyons, and flower filled fields, creeks, two seasonal ponds, 26 acres of vineyards, alpacas, vegtable gardens, sunset vistas, bbq grills, outdoor tables, frisebee golf, and more... We also raise alpacas, chickens, and honey bees which you can experience on the ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, we are walking distance to several wineries, a 5 minute drive to golf, Sensorio, Vina Robles, and boast enough natural beauty and amenities to never leave your site.

Broken Branch Creek

9 sites · RVs80 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Broken Branch Creek is a new family farm in Paso Robles, CA. Our land is abundant with with blue oaks, local wildlife, and plenty of walking trails running through it. There is a creek bed, usually dry most of the year, that provides excellent rock hunting and a shady hike with overhanging oaks. The entrance to the camping area is a very wide oil pipe fenced driveway off Branch Road, designed to accommodate farm equipment and cattle trailers. Sometimes map apps say you've arrived at one of the separate residential driveways on the property. Please keep looking for the commercial sized entrance. We are a 15 minute drive to the restaurants and shopping in downtown Paso Robles, 8 minutes to the Vina Robles Amphitheater, 6 minutes to the Hunter Ranch Golf Course, and 5 min to the Sensorio Art Exhibit. We're just off the Union Road Wine Trail among the Back Roads Wineries of Paso Robles.

DABUDAGE

6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA

A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations. Before sending an inquiry please read the listings. Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night

Feather River Ranch Eco Retreat

2 sites · RVs6 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Feather River Ranch Eco Homestead is the perfect place to pull up and hook up your RV or camper van and enjoy the property. 110 plug (it’s green) conveniently located for use. Please park along the vines or by corral entrance if your travel trailer/ RV is too large. Enjoy the newly built 16•34 ft pool, private hot tub, and a walk down to the river. There is no bathroom on site so your rv or camper is needed.

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

11 sites · 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 enter Gate 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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

96%

(436)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

100%

(9)

Santa Margarita Lake

Santa Margarita, California

One of the Redwood sites in the morning light.

99%

(107)

Limekiln State Park

Pine Canyon, California

94%

(70)

Montaña de Oro State Park

Morro Bay, California

93%

(94)

Pismo Beach State Beach

Grover Beach, California

Hearst San Simeon State Park

California

After setting up, the wind kicked up so we moved over a spot for some better wind protection. The sand gets kicked up off the beach and stings a bit on a super windy day!

88%

(32)

Morro Strand State Beach

Morro Bay, California

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

California

Camping near Lake Nacimiento guide

Overview

A short drive outside of Paso Robles, Lake Nacimiento is a popular summer destination, particularly among campers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. Seven campgrounds house about 350 campsites, roughly half of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other lake facilities include a marina with 120 slips, plus rental outfitters offering everything from boats to fishing poles. While water-based activities are the primary draw, Lake Nacimiento also offers plenty to do on land, including a three-mile-long, dog-friendly hiking trail that affords hikers great views out over the lake.

Where to go

The Big Sur Coast

Arguably the prettiest stretch of coastline in California—if not in the country—Big Sur is characterized by postcard-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and a mix of upscale eco-lodges and backwoods coastal camping. Made popular by authors such as Henry Miller and those that came after him, this area has had a reputation as a counterculture haunt for decades, a torch that's carried to this day by the Esalen Institute hot springs and retreat center.

Santa Barbara County

South of the lake, where the Southern and Central California Coasts meet, Santa Barbara County features pretty beaches, charming towns, lots of wineries, and plenty of historic sites. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer miles of hiking, while the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes near Santa Maria are great for exploring by ATV.

Sequoia Country

East of Lake Nacimiento, the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Park are best known for their groves of ancient sequoias, some of the world's tallest trees. This region is also fantastic for camping, with hundreds of backcountry and developed camping areas, plus thousands of miles of trails.

When to go

Lake Nacimiento is definitely a summer destination, and the hot period between July and September is perfect for swimming, boating, and standup paddleboarding. This is, naturally, the most popular time to visit the lake, when area campground reservations are likely to fill up quickly. To camp without the crowds, consider coming in October, when the weather is generally still warm enough for camping (if a tad cold for swimming).