# Camping on California's Central Coast

Thinking of camping on California's Central Coast? Discover and book the best Central Coast campgrounds in state parks, national parks, farms, vineyards, and nature preserves.

Browse and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/central-coast/camping/all

- **Rating:** 95% (7792 reviews)
- **Campsites:** 2253

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

## Hipcamps

- [Saddle Mountain Carmel](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-saddle-mountain-carmel-mxvhn1jv): Carmel, CA · from $74/night · 91% recommend (698 reviews) · 52 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [The Secret Gardens by the Bay](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-the-secret-gardens-by-the-bay-6p0h075e): Watsonville, CA · from $99/night · 99% recommend (551 reviews) · 20 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [dabudage Big Sur](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-dabudage-big-sur-4kk9hmnw): CA · from $105/night · 95% recommend (830 reviews) · 6 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-fern-ridge-flats-private-camping-ex9hy1jv): Aptos, CA · from $65/night · 99% recommend (345 reviews) · 1 sites · Campfires, Toilets, Picnic table
- [Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-freedog-farms-cactus-flower-ranch-nelhwr0r): Gaviota, CA · from $75/night · 99% recommend (1271 reviews) · 17 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Wifi
- [Arber-Moore's Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-arber-moore-s-ranch-lz9hjw20): Oak View, CA · from $69/night · 93% recommend (601 reviews) · 6 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Patchen Christmas Tree Farm](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-patchen-christmas-tree-farm-zwjhwpk7): Los Gatos, CA · from $30/night · 90% recommend (147 reviews) · 3 sites · Pets, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Redwood Paradise](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-redwood-paradise-88lhnmxd): Santa Cruz, CA · from $43.20/night · 92% recommend (174 reviews) · 4 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Water Hookup, Potable water, Sewage Hookup
- [Rock Creek - RV Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-rock-creek-rv-camping-ex9hm077): Santa Ynez, CA · from $65/night · 93% recommend (58 reviews) · 8 sites · Electricity Hookup, Pets
- [Quail Ridge Farm](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-quail-ridge-farm-88lhvpp6): Los Gatos, CA · from $30/night · 100% recommend (29 reviews) · 4 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Wifi
- [Camp Rewilding](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-camp-rewilding-v1qhzv7y): Morgan Hill, CA · from $44/night · 95% recommend (68 reviews) · 5 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Picnic table
- [SLO Country Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-slo-country-camp-06yho1yk): San Luis Obispo, CA · from $70/night · 99% recommend (971 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Sacred Owl Land](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-sacred-owl-land-ex9hzvzw): Watsonville, CA · from $125/night · 99% recommend (69 reviews) · 4 sites · Toilets, Showers, Campfires, Hot Tub, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Mountain Paradise](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-mountain-paradise-3-dw9hy86x): Carmel Valley, CA · from $65/night · 88% recommend (49 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-salty-fox-retreat-peaceful-valley-mxvh87kw): La Selva Beach, CA · from $59.25/night · 95% recommend (154 reviews) · 5 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires
- [Camp Arroyo Grande](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-camp-arroyo-grande-mxvhnz5n): Arroyo Grande, CA · from $35/night · 96% recommend (1001 reviews) · 14 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water
- [Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-strawberry-fields-walk-to-the-beach-lz9h68kl): La Selva Beach, CA · from $105/night · 97% recommend (336 reviews) · 1 sites · Electricity Hookup, Water Hookup, Pets
- [Elkhorn Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-elkhorn-ranch-kk9h66el): CA · from $85/night · 95% recommend (399 reviews) · 6 sites · Pets, Toilets, Potable water, Picnic table
- [The Lodge at Deer Creek](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-the-lodge-at-deer-creek-qeohjljj): Malibu, CA · from $95/night · 91% recommend (174 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers
- [Road's End, Bradley Lockwood](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-road-s-end-bradley-lockwood-j29hkoyw): Lockwood, CA · from $39/night · 99% recommend (377 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Campfires, Water Hookup, Potable water, Picnic table

## Public campgrounds

- [Oceano Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/oceano-campground-5zypcd89): Pismo Beach State Beach · 92% recommend (60 reviews)
- [Oceano](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/oceano-ryecpxv2): Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area · 100% recommend (2 reviews)
- [North Beach Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/north-beach-campground-53pdc73l): Pismo Beach State Beach · 95% recommend (37 reviews)
- [Hi Mountain Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/hi-mountain-campground-9gqmcrx5): Los Padres National Forest
- [Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/santa-margarita-lake-recreation-area-9orvcmj2): Santa Margarita Lake · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [Horse Camps](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/horse-camps-8orcz8nn): Montaña de Oro State Park
- [Islay Creek Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/islay-creek-campground-90d6cr25): Montaña de Oro State Park · 93% recommend (75 reviews)
- [Environmental Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/environmental-camping-d34c1pz6): Montaña de Oro State Park
- [Group Sites](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/group-sites-qxkcmjr0): Morro Bay State Park
- [Morro Bay Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/morro-bay-campground-l7egczg9): Morro Bay State Park · 89% recommend (90 reviews)
- [American Canyon Seasonal Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/american-canyon-seasonal-campground-90d6cyn5): Los Padres National Forest
- [Cerro Alto Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/cerro-alto-campground-5pzxcekl): Los Padres National Forest · 79% recommend (7 reviews)

## Public lands

- [Los Padres National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/los-padres/all): national-forest · Mission Canyon, California · 95% recommend (468 reviews)
- [Emma Wood State Beach](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/emma-wood/all): state-park · San Buenaventura (Ventura), California · 96% recommend (29 reviews)
- [Seacliff State Beach](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/seacliff/all): state-park · Seacliff, California · 100% recommend (8 reviews)
- [Santa Margarita Lake](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/regional-park/santa-margarita/all): regional-park · Santa Margarita, California · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [Hearst San Simeon State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/hearst-san-simeon/all): state-park · California · 100% recommend (6 reviews)
- [New Brighton State Beach](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/new-brighton/all): state-park · Capitola, California · 99% recommend (70 reviews)
- [Limekiln State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/limekiln/all): state-park · Pine Canyon, California · 99% recommend (108 reviews)
- [Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/julia-pfeiffer-burns/all): state-park · Carmel Valley Village, California · 99% recommend (67 reviews)
- [The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/nisene-marks/all): state-park · Aptos, California · 100% recommend (2 reviews)
- [Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/oceano-dunes-state-vehicular-recreation-area/all): state-park · California · 100% recommend (2 reviews)

## About Central Coast

### Overview

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.

## Explore nearby

- **Nearby cities:** [Pismo Beach, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/pismo-beach/camping/all), [Santa Cruz, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-cruz/camping/all), [Morro Bay, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/morro-bay/camping/all), [Santa Barbara, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-barbara/camping/all), [Monterey, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/monterey/camping/all), [San Luis Obispo, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/san-luis-obispo/camping/all), [San Simeon, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/san-simeon/camping/all), [Carpinteria, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/carpinteria/camping/all)
- **National parks and forests:** [Los Padres National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/los-padres/all), [Pinnacles National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/pinnacles/all), [Channel Islands National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/channel-islands/all), [Sequoia National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/sequoia-park/all), [Angeles National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/angeles/all), [Sequoia National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sequoia-forest/all), [Sierra National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sierra/all), [Kings Canyon National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/kings-canyon/all)
- **State and regional parks:** [Cachuma Lake camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/regional-park/cachuma-lake/all), [Refugio State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/refugio/all), [Morro Bay State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/morro-bay/all), [Santa Margarita Lake camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/regional-park/santa-margarita/all), [Gaviota State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/gaviota/all), [Point Mugu State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/point-mugu/all), [Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/pfeiffer-big-sur/all), [Leo Carrillo State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/leo-carrillo/all)
- **Nearby regions:** [Big Sur](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/big-sur/camping/all), [Yosemite](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/yosemite/camping/all), [Lake Casitas](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/lake-casitas/camping/all), [Southern California](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/southern-california/camping/all), [Tahoe](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/tahoe/camping/all), [Lake Berryessa](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/lake-berryessa/camping/all), [Sequoia](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/sequoia/camping/all), [Northern California](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/northern-california/camping/all)
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