Bell tents near Cambria with showers

Enjoy ocean views and easy access to Hearst Castle in this Central Coast community.

100% (4 reviews)

United States
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California
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Cambria

100% (4 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cambria

Top bell tents sites near cambria with showers

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Wilde Big Sur

4 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Big Sur, CA

In the south coast redwood forests of Big Sur along Plaskett Creek there is a wild land waiting for you to explore it and yourself. Take in the grandeur of the forest canopy, the lush blankets of sorrel and the sound of the creek rippling through the woods. Laze in the grassy meadow, enjoy a bath in the creek or chop wood and enjoy a campfire in our heart-shaped fire ring. Encounter birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer, lizards and many other creatures on your hike to Puma Point with the most spectacular view of Sand Dollar Beach and the rugged Big Sur South Coast. Wilde Big Sur is a pristine hideaway tucked in the Redwood forest along Plaskett Creek. This is a 1/4 mile hike in/hike out property. All gear will be brought by guests up the mountain. Backpacks are highly recommended. All guests must be in good physical condition to hike up the mountain with their belongings. Guests will experience some strenuous activity getting to the property and accessing different areas on the property. Additionally, the property is off grid. Resources here are important and scarce. The water we use is directly from the creek and we filter it twice. We must be very careful with our waste water, so please do not bring soaps, lotions or skin oils. We use solar and generators for power, and conservation of power is important so we can turn on lights at night and make coffee in the morning. There are two composting toilets located 100 yards away from the creek as is required by CA law. It is a significant hike uphill to access the composting toilets. The Lotus skydeck is located another ¼ mile hike up the canyon, and there is a longer loop hike with steep trails to Puma Point with spectacular views of Sand Dollar Beach. Wilde Big Sur is located just across from beautiful Sand Dollar Beach - so we have the coastal influence and canyon shadows at play throughout the day. Layers are best, it can get warm for a short time and by sunset it can get cold and misty. Big Sur is known for the mist, so soak it in! Solitude abounds on this land. We need the land, and the land needs us. Bring your worry, your anger, your fear, your stress, your doubt, your regret - offer it to the land. Mother Gaia can take it. She knows how to process energy. She filters it, recycles it and transmutes it into wind, fire, rain - into beauty. Our tears become the streams and eventually the waves of the ocean. Allow yourself to feel deeply here.

Bell tents near Cambria with showers guide

Overview

Situated on California's Central Coast, just south of Big Sur and about a 40-minute drive from Paso Robles, the village of Cambria is a popular tourism destination, offering a mix of sandy beaches and cliff-flanked coast plus easy access to Hearst Castle, one of the best-known attractions in the region. RV and tent camping are available at San Simeon Creek Campground and Washburn Campground, both in Hearst San Simeon State Park on the northern edge of town. Additional camping options are available in Morro Bay State Park, a half-hour drive south of Cambria, as well as at many privately run Hipcamps in the vicinity.

Where to go

San Luis Obispo County

Cambria's location in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County makes it easy to visit other spots in the area, from the city of Paso Robles to Avila and Pismo Beach to the south. If you're looking for a great place to take a summer swim or just want to get out into nature, head inland to Lake Nacimiento, where you'll find seven campgrounds, a marina, a hiking trail, and lots of spots to swim.

Big Sur

From Cambria, it's only a short drive north to reach the Big Sur coast, which many consider the prettiest stretch in the state. Here you'll find everything from high-end hotels to rustic woodland campgrounds along with miles of hiking trails and a couple of fantastic hot springs.

Santa Barbara County

Further down the coast toward Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County is full of wineries, hiking trails, Mission-style architecture, and sandy beaches. While the city of Santa Barbara is the best-known destination in the county, there are plenty of alternatives, including the Danish-style town of Solvang.

When to go

Set about four hours south of San Francisco and 4 hours north of Los Angeles, Cambria's position puts it right in the sweet spot of California's climate. It's a year-round destination with mild weather—highs rarely climb past the mid-80s or fall under the mid-60s. Summers are busy with vacationing families, and coastal breezes keep the weather cool even in peak season. While both the spring and fall shoulder seasons are ideal for avoiding crowds, fall temperatures are generally warmer. Come in December to check out holiday lights at nearby Hearst Castle, or in February or March to see newborn pups at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.

Nearby attractions

Immerse yourself in maritime history while camping near Piedras Blancas Light Station. As you explore the light station and witness the elephant seals, the Piedras Blancas camping experience will prove a unique and educational coastal retreat.