





There's plenty to explore right in San Luis Obispo County, from pretty beaches to inland trails. Morro Strand State Beach offers ocean views with three miles of sandy shoreline known for their gusts, which are prime for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while Pismo Beach features two year-round campgrounds with easy access to surfing, dog-friendly walks, and fishing at the local pier. The Morro Bay State Park campground is perched on a saltwater lagoon teeming with shorebirds and home to both tent and RV camping sites with full hookups. Plus, campsite views of the 581-foot Morro Rock are a huge plus.
Encompassing a good portion of the Central Coast region and the areas inland from it, Santa Barbara County offers a mix of chic communities and cute, old-timey towns, historic Spanish Colonial architecture, and a celebrated wine country. Popular state beaches include El Capitán State Beach and Refugio State Beach, both offering campsites year-round.
For a heavy dose of the great outdoors, head inland and into Los Padres National Forest, southeast of Cayucos. Here you'll find miles of hiking trails and lots of public campgrounds, some of which have views out on the ocean. Cerro Alto Campground is best for horseback riding and mountain biking trails, while other daytime activities include popping into Paso Robles for wine tasting.
With a mild, Mediterranean climate, Cayucos is a great place to go camping no matter the season, with highs rarely exceeding the upper 60s (and if they do, it's generally in late summer or early fall). Summers are dry, while winters get a bit of rainfall. Fall is the most popular time for surfing, while winter is a great time to see migratory whales.