Public campgrounds near Avila Beach
Nearby public parks
Browse national and state parks near Avila Beach
The best waterside camping near Avila Beach guide
Where to go
The Big Sur Coast
North of Avila Beach, the Big Sur Coast has long attracted a mix of bohemian artists and outdoorsy types with its larger-than-life coastlines and miles upon miles of virgin forest. Here you'll find campgrounds, hiking trails, hot springs, and spiritual retreat centers galore.
Los Padres National Forest
Encompassing both coastal areas and inland woodlands, Los Padres offers an extensive network of hiking trails and a solid mix of public campgrounds. It also has a variety of wilderness areas, including the Ventana Wilderness, home to the Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary.
The Southern California Coast
Drive far enough and you'll end up in crowded Los Angeles, but there's plenty of SoCal coastline between the Avila Beach area and LA that merits a visit. Popular areas include posh Santa Barbara, Emma Wood State Beach (a favorite among RV campers) and Malibu, at the base of the rugged Santa Monica Mountains.
When to go
Avila Beach has a temperate climate, and as it's hemmed in by coastal headlands, the weather tends to be a little warmer than elsewhere on the Central Coast. Late spring through early autumn is the most pleasant time to visit, with temperatures in the 70s from May through October, though winters—while rainy—rarely see temperatures drop below the mid-40s.