Where can I camp for free on the Central Coast?

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

United States
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California
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Central Coast

Camping on California's Central Coast

Enjoy your stay on the Central Coast of California that sports the nickname the American Rivera.

Top-rated stays

83 sites · Lodging, RVs12 acres · Oceano, CAOff the beaten path, yet near the beach, the caves, kayaking, shell-collecting, surfing, fishing, and all the reasons you come to California’s Central Coast. It’s beautiful here. It’s natural. And it’s just perfect for you. Come in your RV and stay as long as you like – you don’t have to leave!Conveniently located near the Halcyon Road exit of US 101, Pismo Sands RV Resort offers 133-level, paved, full hook-up sites with 20/30/50 amp electric. Our pull-thru and back-in sites will accommodate RVs of up to 40 feet in length. FREE WiFi and cable TV are available at every site.Pismo Sands RV Resort also features four fully-equipped vacation cottages for 4-6 folks who want the resort experience without the RV. These cottages are roomy and fully furnished. Bedding and towels are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher. You’ll have a regular-sized bedroom, sofa bed, bathroom with shower, outside deck with patio furniture, and flat-screen TVs in the living room and bedroom. While in the area, visit Hearst Castle, taste wines, see Dinosaur Caves, take a butterfly tour, go hiking, fishing, or horseback riding, play golf, or try a Hummer tour of the dunes. Enjoy all the new and exciting experiences Pismo Beach has to offer. YOUR AFFORDABLE RATE INCLUDES…• Immaculate restrooms and showers • Some sites are ADA accessible • Modern laundry facility • Controlled access gate for safety • Smooth, paved streets for easy walking • Roomy enough for all slide-outs • Patio and picnic table at every site • FREE WiFi and cable TV • Grass areas • Dump station • Onsite management and management office • Use of all the deluxe Amenities• We’re pet friendly!• Sorry, no tent camping• RV Check-in 1 p.m. & Check out at 12 p.m

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!

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). 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, jerky, beef sticks & hats for sale straight from the ranch to our local community & visiting guests. 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

Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Lake Nacimiento, 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.

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.

Cuyama Oaks Ranch (LGBTQIA+ Safe)

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · CAHello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own an LGBTQIA+ safe ranch but all are welcome! Great for kids and adults alike.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 imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CACamp Robinson is 120 totally secluded acres, set in Paso Robles' wine region, with thousands of oak trees, incredible views, abundant wildlife, seasonal creeks, hiking trails, several tent camping sites, spots to park campers, two small cottages and a cozy bunkhouse. There are several sitting/gathering areas scattered around the property and plenty of opportunities to unwind. There are hiking trails on the property, roads (both paved and dirt) to ride bikes, nearby wine tasting, and fresh air to clear your head. Nearby wineries offer wine tasting and restaurants.

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!

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · Cuyama, 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.

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. We also had a BEAR!!!!!! Dogs are welcome to join the animal community at Radl Ranch! We love DOGS, bring your dogs! We are an off-leash dog ranch, so please be aware that there will be roaming dogs !!!!!- BRING YOUR DOG ONLY IF ITS A NICE DOG :)!!! But seriously, we love nice dogs! 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.

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Laton, CA13 acres in a very secluded location away from city noise. But still just minutes from Hanford where you can find anything you need to shop for. Great camping area on seasonal Kings River. No other houses in view since we are located between 20 acres of almond trees and 30 acres of walnut trees. Very safe location with security in place.

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 family friendly 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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California's Central Coast covers 230 miles of Pacific coastline north of Los Angeles and south of San Francisco. With temperate weather year-round and easy ocean access, this is an extremely popular destination! Call ahead when planning your camping locations to make reservations whenever possible.

Pismo Beach, near San Luis Obispo at the midpoint of the Central Coast, provides plenty of adventure options. Camp on the state beach or rent an ATV and hit the dunes. For a slightly quieter experience, head just 30 minutes north to reach Morro Bay. Bring binoculars; this area's excellent for Hipcampers who enjoy birdwatching.

The gorgeous Big Sur area is a bit further north, just south of Monterey Bay. You'll find excellent hiking options here, ranging from easy sightseeing strolls to challenging treks. Two of the best trails are both accessible from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The McWay Waterfall Trail offers Big Sur's most spectacular view; the Ewoldsen Trail takes you through breathtaking Redwood groves.

Manresa State Beach Campground near Santa Cruz offers about 60 first-come, first-served tent sites. Here you get both beach access and a phenomenal view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Manresa's also a solid choice if you enjoy fishing. Bass, perch, flounder, and halibut all swim in Monterey Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Free camping on the Central Coast is limited, but there are some options. Most of the free camping spots are dispersed and primitive, so be prepared to follow Leave No Trace principles. Los Padres National Forest offers dispersed camping in certain areas, such as Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, which is popular for its views. In the Big Sur area, Prewitt Ridge is another option for free dispersed camping with incredible views of the coastline. Keep in mind that these sites are first-come, first-served and may have limited amenities. Always check the current regulations and restrictions before heading out.