Lake Camping Near Casmalia, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking for a camping adventure near Casmalia, California? Hipcamp has over 200 options to choose from in this area. With average prices starting at $65 per night and options as low as $27 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. For those seeking top-rated campsites, check out Camp Arroyo Grande (508 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Radl Ranch (257 reviews). These campsites offer amenities such as potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly environments. If you're into historic sites, wind sports, or snow sports, you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (722)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Casmalia, California? Hipcamp has over 200 options to choose from in this area. With average prices starting at $65 per night and options as low as $27 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. For those seeking top-rated campsites, check out Camp Arroyo Grande (508 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Radl Ranch (257 reviews). These campsites offer amenities such as potable water, campfires, and pet-friendly environments. If you're into historic sites, wind sports, or snow sports, you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (722)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp Tule Elk

99%

(91)

45mi from Casmalia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Santa Margarita, CA

The property is located in the historic area of Carrizo Plains National Monument. We are in between Los Angeles and San Francisco 60 miles from the coast. You can fish in the small bass pond located on the property or drink your morning coffee while floating on the Kayak. There is also a resident herd of Tule elk nearby. *PLEASE NOTE PROPERTY IS ABOUT ONE HOUR FROM THE NEARST TOWN.

2. Gracewood Santa Barbara

88%

(186)

46mi from Casmalia · 1 site · Tent, RV · Goleta, CA

This is an historic ranch with buildings dating from the 1880's to the mid 1930's and then some newer and spacious structures. See management for tours, history and accessibility to some structures and areas. This is a working ranch with a fascinating heritage going back three owners to an impressive land grant. There are 6 miles of trails and roads on the ranch shared by vehicles, hikers and equestrians. A map can be provided which will insure that neighboring properties are not trespassed on. All visitors to the ranch must have checked in with the office and management. There is an extra charge of $40.00 per person per day coming onto the ranch whether they are spending the night or just visiting. This charge is beyond and in addition to the charge made for the first four individuals on the reservation for each day. We find that many of our regular clients on the ranch are very friendly and helpful. Only 1 site is exclusively available right now Come stay at our rustic campsite under some large oak trees next to a little open area by an ecological pond on our working ranch! With 54 acres for our horses and avocados, we welcome guests to camp on a somewhat private part of the ranch (on occasion, equestrians may ride by). We can accommodate up to 8 more campers depending on the group type. We love welcoming families to the ranch, but like to approve larger groups ahead of time! At the campsite you'll find picnic tables, a fire pit for small fires, and running water. Minimal 110 Volt electrical outlet is at the campsite. There is a fully functional unique bathroom made out of a converted horse trailer with a toilet and sink a few hundred yards from the site. Walking around the property, you'll see an activity barn and a historic 19th century cottage which houses a private library. Permission may be granted for entry to these structures if requested. There is an outdoor shower at the campsite with cold water only. Some firewood may be provided at no cost. Campers, making reservations during cold winter months when the otherwise beautiful weather becomes cooler, should be aware that because of the proximity of a wind machine which makes a noise like a helicopter about 300 yards away from the campsite, on a neighboring property, may interrupt an otherwise peaceful and quiet experience. The wind machine comes on automatically when the temperature drops to around 37 degrees so that avocados in the orchard do not suffer from a freezing temperature. Please note the trigger temperature for the machines is taken at individual low points on the adjacent property and may reflect as many as 6 degrees lower than what is found on forecast sites. This machine probably might turn on maybe 7 nights in a year and only during the cold winter months. Headlamps are a great idea, otherwise, flashlights for sure. Minimal 110 V. electricity at campsite. The library and restroom are a little ways away from the campsite have lighting but it is very dark between the campsite and those facilities. We are located only two miles to the ocean beaches and about a mile to a major shopping center. UCSB is just minutes away. Bicycling is very easy as all roads and access are flat. Please return all furniture to the place(s) from which it was moved and thank you for putting out your fire(s) and carrying out your trash to the dumpster when leaving the campsite.

3. Twisselman Ranch

99%

(905)

45mi from Casmalia · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · Santa Margarita , CA

Twisselman 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). Campfires - We are an ember free site year round due to wildfire risks & insurance purposes. We do however have propane fire pit rentals for $20 per night. - 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 wildflower honey available for sale straight off the ranch. If your interested in purchasing during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest. 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. We are a self check-in site. Upon arrival show yourself to the site following welcome note directions. 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

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%

(452)

762 sites · Mission Canyon, California

From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Santa Margarita Lake

100%

(9)

57 sites · Santa Margarita, California

Do a bit of hiking, fishing, or boat-in camping at this popular California lake.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Little Brave House, Soda Lake CA

87%

(117)

46mi from Casmalia · 9 sites · Lodging · Santa Margarita, CA

Rustic cabin on 2.5 acres. Come see the Carrizo Plains! Whether you're into Soda Lake, wildflowers, zillion-star views, the rare local fauna, or exploring the nearby beaches and wineries, there's something here for everyone. Grab your own pillows and blankies and come check it out! We look forward to sharing this incredible & unique experience with you! The space The Little Brave House offers unique accommodations in the middle of this incredible setting. Our off-the-grid cabin offers most of the comforts of home, including a brand new memory foam mattress, upgraded bathroom with comfy Cabela's toilet chair, outdoor theater with 2 incredible gravity chairs, solar shower, solar electricity, outdoor games, internet connection and so many more comfy, clean accommodations. LBH inhabits a snuggly reading nook with a hanging hammock chair where you can also find some books and games. Solar energy provided outlets for standard 2 prong plugs + 3 prong plug adapters, as well as USB ports. A sweet solar shower available (bring your own water). Outdoor, patio seating (gravity chairs) plus a picnic table. You can find a Coleman 2 burner camp stove, small charcoal grill (bring your own propane and charcoal), and a brand-new propane heater (bring your own propane; 1lb). Leave your world behind for a while and come see what this incredible experience has to offer. Whether it’s relaxing in the outdoor theater, partaking in our fun outdoor games, or snuggling up in the hammock chair with a good book, LBH has something for everyone! Other things to note. Very rustic cabin. No running water or trash service. We do not live nearby. In order to bring you this unique experience in this remote area, we ask that guests provide their own bedding and clean up after themselves, including packing out trash. There are no services for an hour in each direction, so please bring plenty of water and food and fill up your gas tank. There is a solar shower available for use, as well as a Coleman 2-burner gas stove, a charcoal BBQ and a brand-new propane heater for those cold nights. Please remember to bring sheets & blankets as we ask that guests do not sleep directly on our brand-new mattress pad.

Public campgrounds near Casmalia

67%

(3)

Colson Canyon Camp

22mi from Casmalia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Barrel Springs Campground

22mi from Casmalia · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

Horseshoe Springs Campground

25mi from Casmalia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

Wagon Flat Campground

26mi from Casmalia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Brookshire Campground

29mi from Casmalia · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Hi Mountain Campground

30mi from Casmalia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Baja Campground

30mi from Casmalia · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

Miranda Pine Campground

31mi from Casmalia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(1)

Buck Spring Campground

31mi from Casmalia · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(9)

Mount Figueroa Campground

32mi from Casmalia · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Nice little water fall to dip in during the hot summer

100%

(2)

Davy Brown Campground

33mi from Casmalia · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

94%

(8)

Nira Campground

34mi from Casmalia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Stories from the community

L

Luis

September 2025

18 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Amazing experience. Beautiful farm. Directions were very precise and made it very easy to get to the campsite. We stayed one night, hopefully next time we can stay longer. Place is well kept and the host was very responsive. Definitely recommend.

A

Annie

September 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Camp Tule Elk

Nolan's property was a lovely stop for our family. We planned to stop by San Luis Obispo on our way back from LA to visit with a family member but wanted to find a cool spot to check out with our kids (4 &1.5). The kids and I enjoyed walking around the property and saying hi to the chickens, dogs, pigeons (?), calves, horses, sheep, and goats. They also have a feed dispenser to get grains and bugs to feed the chickens. Having the tree shade was so great, as it was cool at the campsite despite temps being in the 90s. The pond was a great addition and my family enjoyed playing cornhole. Nolan also graciously permitted us to extend our checkout time so we could go explore the Carizzo Plains National Monument nearby. I would be curious as to what it is like during the spring season since it was pretty dry and desolate in the summertime. This is a really nice spot for families.

J

Jack

September 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Gracewood Santa Barbara

Fred was super responsive! The location was perfect to base camp from. We checked in and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon wine and cheese picnic in nature by the little lake with a couple of friendly ducks. Later we bounced into town for dinner then came back to a super peaceful nighttime setting. The converted horse trailer turned bathroom was very functional and actually added to the charm of the camp.

M

Mary

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

We had plenty of space to set up camp, privacy and quiet. There was a great fire pit set up as well as cooking grills.

C

Celine

August 2025

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

We had the most relaxing stay at Gracewood. So peaceful, lots of privacy. We had the whole camp to ourselves. We needed the peace and quiet this camp had to offer. It was a beautiful location under the canopy of the trees.

E

Esther

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Gracewood Santa Barbara

Pros: a lot of privacy, a lot of shade, access to water and a clean bathroom , unlimited firewood Cons: price, no warm shower

N

Neil

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Great spot, private, quiet and serene setting. Was a great way to finish our Sequoia, Yosemite, and Norcal road trip.

Joshua

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

Beautiful site and kind hosts. Land was very unique and the man-made lake was stunning! So many birds/wildlife to see. Not to mention, loved seeing the dragonflies. Our theory is that these dragonflies were brought here by the host to combat mosquitoes, which there weren't any to our surprise! The main tip is to make sure to stock up on essentials, as the closest gas station is 50 minutes away. We made the mistake of not bringing enough water, but the host was kind enough to supply us with water when we ran out. All in all, would highly recommend!

B

Brian

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Best place for camping. Privacy, Scenery, and Everything you need for a good time. Thank you Fred for being a wonderful host… look forward to coming back

Miranda

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Camp Tule Elk

We had the absolute best time at Tule Elk Campground! It was the perfect spot for our family. The kids (and us!) made unforgettable memories—fishing, feeding horses, Billy goats, and chickens. The owners went above and beyond to make our stay special. They even took the kids to collect worms for fishing and let us help feed the animals, which was such a hit. My kids fished all day and well into sundown—they were in heaven. We even caught a fish, which made their whole trip! We added on the propane fire pit, which was perfect for cozy evenings—especially when the kids got to make s’mores! We also purchased farm fresh eggs during our stay—such a delicious and fun touch. There was even a fenced-in area where our dogs could run off-leash, and they absolutely loved it. We made so many sweet memories kayaking, playing in the pedal boat, and enjoying everything the campground had to offer. Life jackets were provided, which made it all super easy and safe for the kids. The property was spotless—bathrooms and grounds were incredibly well maintained, and everything was in tip-top shape. Propane was available on-site, which made things even more convenient. Tule Elk Campground is a true hidden gem—peaceful, family-friendly, and full of charm. We’ll definitely be back!

I

Ian

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

Campsite was really nice and quiet. Fishing was very fun. Loved it.

D

Darius

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Beautiful property, saw some really beautiful wildlife at the campsite. Bathroom was a great amenity and so was the huge pile of chopped up firewood.

Eric

June 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We really enjoyed camping on Nolan's land. We were in campsite #1 beneath 3 very shaded trees, so even though it was 90F outside, it was comfortable and cool in the shade with a light breeze. We brought three large dogs and had them each tied to a different tree on long truck straps. One of the pastures was unoccupied on the pond and Stacy allowed us to let the dogs run free there - jumping in the pond, running in the field - they had the best vacation ever. At night it was so peaceful and the stars were on show. Great relaxation. It was very quiet with occasional 'blerts' from the livestock and quiet clucking from the chickens. Loved the corn hole, horseshoes, and kayaks. Great set-up, I would stay there again.

Noam

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We had a fantastic stay at Camp Tule Elk. The property is beautiful, well-kept, and very comfortable. The single campsite is situated under the canopy of two mulberry trees, and at night, there is no light pollution so that you can gaze at the open sky. The site is clean, private, and has running water, a power hookup, and a bathroom. Upon arrival, we met Nolan, the host, who gave us the lay of the land. After that, we were left on our own. This is a working farm, with chickens (you can buy fresh eggs), goats, sheep, horses, and more. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking to unplug, recharge, and enjoy nature — we’ll definitely be back.

Z

Zoë

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

We enjoyed this camping spot. The sink was so convenient for washing dishes. There are lots of picnic tables and benches to sit on, and we were able to fit 4 tents around the space. The bathroom, a short walk away from the camp site, was clean and well-maintained. The host was easy to communicate with.

A

Austin

May 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We had a great time staying at the Tule Elk campsite. Our kids loved the pack goats and caught dozens of fish right off the dock. The bathroom and water hook ups were maintained and exceeded expectations. Definitely recommend renting the propane fire pit during fire season and getting some fresh eggs.

Jason

May 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We celebrated Mother’s Day here with our 3 year old daughter. It had everything we needed while tent camped for a night. The lake was beautiful during sunset and full of fish to catch. Bathroom, faucet, and outlet all on site. Perfect way to camp and avoid the crowds.

C

Conor

May 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Camp Tule Elk

Beautiful and quiet camping under a tree with a lovely stocked fishing pond, animals around and a good time to be had. My family and I had a great stay and would happily return. Our gratitude to Nolan and Stacy!

L

Lia

May 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Camp Tule Elk

We absolutely loved camping here. It was clean, quiet, and the animals were super friendly. My three year old caught his first fish and loved feeding the goats!

D

Daniel

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

Loved the surrounding area, host, and farm animals. Host was super accommodating and kind. We would stay again!! Pro tip, get the additional eggs from the farm!