Camping on the Central Coast, California: Best Central Coast Campgrounds 2023

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Camp Arroyo Grande

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents29 acres · Arroyo Grande, CAWelcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Come enjoy our sprawling 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, peaceful oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the charming village of Arroyo Grande with restaurants and shopping. Featuring 11 cabins and lodges, in-ground pool, hiking trails with ocean views, meeting facilities, commercial kitchen and outdoor amphitheater, there is something to meet almost any need, from a quiet family get-away to a large group retreat. The property is also home to many youth groups and non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as a community center and retreat. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, weddings, family reunions and events since 1897. Arroyo Grande is a small coastal town with historic, suburban, and rural elements. It is one of the cities on the Central Coast known as the "Five Cities". Welcome!

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$35

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The tent that we slept in... fabulous in every way!

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Twisselman Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CATwisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Seasonal Wood Burning Fires - Start your stay off right by purchasing a firewood bundle 8-10 pieces of wood perfect for bbq and/or evening campfires. In summer months we are an ember free site due to high wildfire risks, starting May 1st 2021 - Your $15 per night (additional nights can be payed for upon arrival) rents a propane fire pit, great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have recently started selling grass fed beef & jerky, hats & coffee mugs straight from the ranch to our local community & visiting guests. If your interested in purchasing some wholesome delicious beef during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest & if you’d like it during your stay or on departure. All beef is frozen in vacuum sealed bags. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch

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$60

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Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging42 acres · CAOur 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.

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$127

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Hartley Farms Organic Orchard

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents37 acres · San Miguel, CABarbara & Dan bought these 37 acres in 2005. It had no improvements. The only thing it had going for it was a 200-year-old oak tree, and its location in the heart of wine country. We would come up and camp under the tree, and plant. In 2007, we drilled a well. In 2008, Dan proposed under the tree, and we brought in power. We have continued to make improvements since. We built a little house, then we built a big house, we added farm animals, kids, fruit trees, a jam line, a pond, and more keep coming! So come up and enjoy the farm like we did in the good old days! See you at the Farm!Pitch your tent or park your RV on our 37-acre farm. The campground connects to a hiking trail that takes you to a 2-acre landscaped garden, or to our friendly goats & chickens. You are a short drive to local wineries, or downtown nightlife. No power, or showers here, but the outhouse is one of those fancy solar powered deals with running water and a flushing toilet. Add some farm fresh eggs from our chickens, or a jar of our organic jam, and cook up your breakfast, or head in to town for a fresh baked cinnamon roll.

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$45

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Cuyama Oaks Ranch

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · CA Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for.The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months, the smell of sage and wildflowers fill the air. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the Cuyama Valley, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and roads that access different property gems. There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small, and offer a massive enclosed dog run, for when visitors are gone or hiking. If we are present during your visit, our 2 dogs and our potbelly pig, Basil, will be there to greet you and take all your treats!

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$75

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Enney's Ranch

4 sites · Lodging850 acres · San Miguel, CAEnney'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.

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$85

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Wake up early to catch the sunrise--lots of blankets are available to you.

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Blue Sky Center

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres · New Cuyama, CA1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!

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$35

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Harmony's Glamping

6 sites · Lodging90 acres · Santa Barbara, CANestled along Maria Ygnacio creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, Teepee, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We do have a Jeep Wrangler available for rent on site. ($80 a day) You can add it onto your booking under extras. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping

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$150

/ night

There's a nice big deck with tons of seating.

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Cuyama Badlands

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · CAIf you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians remind us of those who lived before us. This is where the deer and the antelope play. Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. The preconfigured trailer will sleep two and the site is provided with water and fresh bedding for each booking. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets. Our Lodge, Ranch House and Glampsites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. There are two sites where RVs are welcome. This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here in the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.

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$40

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Rustic Hideaway

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsCAWelcome to our Rustic Hideaway! We are excited to meet and host you. Our property is located in the Los Padres National Forest and this farm has been in our family since 1979! It was first purposed for raising chickens and turkeys but in 1991 we switched to pistachios and hay. Those crops are still being farmed today here on the farm.About the propertyOur property is near to both Cuyama and Buckhorn should you need to pop out to get some services or supplies. Our property provides great access to nearby outdoor pursuits like hiking and birdwatching. We do live onsite and will plan to greet campers but we are a working ranch so campers will see us sporadically! Please do reach out with any questions or concerns though. This is an ADULT only campsite!Our favorite parts of living here are the mountain views, awesome sunsets, and the loads of easily accessed hiking.-Private fire pit provided-Private picnic table provided-His and hers flushing toilets-Some cell service, no wifi-Wood or charcoal BBQ onsite-Trash bins available-Pets allowedAdditional details to notePlease make sure to bring drinking water, food and utensils for your stay. Our quiet time is 1am. Dogs allowed just pick up after them please! Check in is after 2pm and check out is before 12pm. This listing is for adults only.

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$150

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97%

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Radl Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Santa Barbara, CA Radl Ranch is a beautiful 8 acre working ranch, AMAZING SUNRISES!!! wake up early :):):):!!!! ~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants. ~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches property located in Mission Canyon in Santa Barbara County. The property includes 4 acres of avocado trees and newly planted fruit trees. The other 4 acres is a charming natural forest and valley (accessible for scenic hiking). if you are brave :). The valley consists of 2 acres of beautiful flat area with a gorgeous newly planted garden and grass field, for campers to use, The camping area is on the wood chips just in front of the grass, and in our lower camping spot. We are in a box canyon, so sometimes phone service can be a bit spotty. Please message us the day of and let us know what time you will arriving. There is a shared OUTDOOR SHOWER, with hot water and incredible water pressure. PLEASE make your self at Home :):):) Enveloped in the property are lovely wildlife. There are deer occasionally, coyotes quite a lot,(watch your dogoooooos ) hawks, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, roadrunners among other curious critters. Dogs are welcome to join the animal community at Radl Ranch! We love DOGS, bring your dog, we have dog treats In the evenings the valley has the most beautiful light more then just a sunset :)!!! :):):)!! Location: ~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants. ~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches ~Hendry's beach great for dogs, Campus Point 15 minute drive + many others ~Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum + more, as well as Art galleries galore are other nearby venues. Although, once you’re inside the canyon, you wouldn’t know it! Radl Ranch seems to be tucked away from all the hustle and bustle, preserving the privacy of the forest. Sunrise and sunset are the favorite times of day and at night, the beauty is amplified by the bright starry sky.

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$95

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SMR Carmel Camping

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Carmel By The Sea, CAWelcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!

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$36

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