The best dog-friendly RV campgrounds in Central Coast

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.

93% (5.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

93% (5.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp Dirt

97%

(231)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Lompoc, CA

Welcome to Camp Dirt! We're so excited to welcome you to our corner of the world.We offer an expansive dry mowed field with cottonwood trees and riparian habitat next to seasonal river. Our sites are very private next to working ranch vineyard. Keep in mind our sites do have dirt road access only and can have spotty cell reception. During fire ban propane fire pits are available and are complimentary.We have great amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and trash bins. Pets and generators are also allowed but only vehicles under 30 ft are allowed at our sites.Our guests love us too! "It was really nice to camp in the vineyard. Beautiful views, shade, great firepit with wood, picnic table and grass. Clean bathroom and even a kitchen sink!"

2. Masoods Lodge

100%

(2)

7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Boulder Creek, CA

Masoods Lodge, located in the beautiful redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful spot to relax close to nature. The year-round ideal climate makes this charming, enchanted property the perfect weekend getaway. Enjoy peace and quiet with great views from furnished individual cottages surrounded by redwood trees and sparkling mountain stream providing a full nature experience. Sit out and enjoy the stars at night. This property offers an abundance of fern and wildflowers showcasing their natural beauty. Masoods lodge has a "log cabin feel", with a stylish flair, and features wood paneling, open beam ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. Imagine relaxing on your private deck, enjoying a BBQ with family and friends, surrounded by redwood trees, either in sunny summers or during cold winters. All large units – living room, bedroom, kitchen - that accommodate from two to four persons. All units come with a ﬁreplace and electric heat, and are completely equipped for your every need. Also included are spacious single rooms with morning coffee, a microwave oven, and a small refrigerator, with complete privacy. Planning a wedding, retreat, family reunion, or another special event? Masoods lodge can host your next event. The possibilities are endless. If you have an idea to host your next event and would like to utilize the lodge, we would love to help coordinate and host your event! The lodge is a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz beaches, a 45-minute drive from Silicon Valley, and a one-hour drive from San Francisco. There are many hiking trails, parks, and attractions close by.

3. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%

(119)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Malibu, CA

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.

4. Regenerative Santa Barbara Farm

100%

(1)

1 site · RV · Santa Barbara, CA

Welcome to our three-acre regenerative oasis, a certified organic urban working farm nestled just six minutes from the vibrant heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Here, amidst the bustling city life, discover a serene haven where the harmony of nature invites you to unwind and reconnect with your inner self. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our biodiverse sanctuary, where the gentle hum of bees, the fragrant aroma of lavender and citrus, and the sight of lush greenery coalesce to create a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Embark on a journey of self-discovery as you indulge in forest bathing amidst our verdant surroundings, enjoy leisurely picnics amid the natural beauty, and wander through our fragrant lavender and citrus gardens. Engage in interactive meditation sessions along our oak forest trails, allowing the serene ambiance to soothe your mind and nourish your soul. Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and experience the transformative power of nature at our hidden oasis. Come, explore, and rediscover the essence of inner peace and serenity amidst the beauty of our certified organic farm.

5. Happy Gray Coyote

98%

(47)

3 sites · RVs · California City, CA

Property has been in my family for 60 years. Hope you enjoy the desert getaway!Learn more about this land:5 acres of open desert. Great views of surrounding mountains. Middle of nowhere, a great spot to get away from it all.. star gaze, and just chill out. Boon dock off the grid. NO Facilities but town has everything you could need and just far enough away... If you plan on having a campfire please obtain a burn permit on line. Its free and a great fire safety precaution. Obviously NO FIREWORKS.

Public campgrounds in and near Central Coast

92%

(60)

Oceano Campground

74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pismo Beach State Beach

95%

(37)

North Beach Campground

174 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pismo Beach State Beach

Hi Mountain Campground

11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(9)

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Margarita Lake

We arrived with heavy rain and dark clouds overhead but as we settled in it resolved to an incredible sunset. We can't wait to come back.

93%

(74)

Islay Creek Campground

55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Montaña de Oro State Park

Stories from the community

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

My spot was lovely and quiet. Watching the cloud/fog layer creep over the mountain tops in view during sunrises and sunsets was wonderful. Chris' knowledge of the human and natural history of the area was profound. If you need a getaway from the city that is close by, this is the place.

D

Delaney

September 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Easy to find with helpful directions. Gorgeous views, and quiet location. Only 10-15 mins from the coast, it was perfect for us in our camper van.

G

Grace

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

I was pleasantly surprised at how much space each campsite has! It was nice feeling like I had a whole area to myself. It was incredibly peaceful and beautiful.

A

Alessandro

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

We stayed just one night at The Lodge at Deer Creek and it was exactly what we needed. We arrived late, found the spot easily, and settled in without any issues. The place was very quiet and peaceful — perfect for a simple overnight stay.

A

Ann

August 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

Wonderful views and helpful host made this a peaceful evening spot

K

Kelsey

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Camping here was great. Exactly as pictured and the instructions to get there were super easy to follow.

M

Michael

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

This is a simple and beautiful site. There is some neat hiking right from the site that I only explored a little due to having a one year old in tow. Hoping to hike and explore more the next time around. Chris is a great host and a character! He cares a lot about helping you get the most out of the site. If you’re looking for an easily accessed simple site within an easy drive of LA, this is it. As others have said, it does have little to no shade. Having a shade tent or a tarp is a good call. We had a shade tent that made it very pleasant even on a warmer day. Enjoy!

Brent

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

The location and view is gorgeous! Friendly and responsive hosts. Spacious campsite and quiet surroundings made for a relaxing weekend surrounded by nature!

A

AMY

August 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

The views are spectacular! Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice and quiet. Just a few miles from the beach when you want to change it up a bit. We had a great time just hanging out and relaxing. We came well prepared for the primitive camping, so the only drawback was little to no shade most of the day. Fortunately, we had an EZ Up, and all was fine, and the nice breeze that blows kept it pretty comfortable. Pam and Chris were great hosts and made sure we enjoyed our stay.

Lauren & Noah

August 2025

35 ft Class C

7 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

A safe, quiet, beautiful place to camp near Malibu! Sunsets here are amazing! Our 35 ft school bus made it up and down the steep roads safely (though it was a feat).

W

Wylie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Host was awesome, campsite was great. View was amazing and super quiet

W

Wylie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Host was awesome, campsite was grea

H

Hailey

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

Gorgeous area. The sunsets and views are unbeatable.

A

Avery

July 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

The spot was perfect, great view of the ocean. Easy to access the PCH and the beaches

A

Alex

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

This was our second time staying on Chris’ land. Its one of our favorites on the coast. Incredible view! Secluded , quiet, and easy to access.

Jodie

June 2025

14 ft pop-up camper

1 night at The Lodge at Deer Creek

Wonderful host. Beautiful spot overlooking the mountains. So close to the beach! We’ll be back!

A

Allison

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

What a beautiful site! Truly a magical drive up the hill and such a peaceful, undisturbed piece of land. From our site, you could see the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Camp was quiet and great for hosting a small birthday party for me! So close to the beach. Chris is wonderful and accommodating! Only note, road to get to the campsite was a little rocky so I didn’t feel comfortable doing it in the Prius but any car with more clearance did great.

T

Tina

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Chris and his family are amazing hosts. We had a wonderful time at the Lodge, watching sunset, feeling the bliss. Just peaceful. Good for a small group (<8) or solo camping. Chris is building the restrooms. Will be more than happy to come back!

C

Chris

March 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Incredible spot!! So nice to be able to just roll up a super nice view. Chris is a great host and has tons of good stories!! Definitely coming back!

W

Wendi

March 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

It is a beautiful spot overlooking the mountains and ocean. To find the spot, use Google Maps, as it’s a more accurate coordination point. The place is a bit pricey because it lacks amenities like portable toilets, trash cans, or fresh water. However, the location is almost silent. You can hear cars, but it’s not a busy street. If you go in April, it will be hot at noon and cold and windy in the evening. There is no shade, so be prepared. Overall, it’s a fantastic camp spot.