Camping near Lake Nacimiento, California
Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.
- Lake Nacimiento
Camping near Lake Nacimiento
Go for a swim or rent your own boat at this popular camping lake near Paso Robles.
Top-rated stays
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Camp Robinson
7 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.
from
$65
/ night
94%
(106)
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.
from
$75
/ night
96%
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Camp Arroyo Grande
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!
from
$35
/ night
100%
(1)
Pismo Sands RV Resort
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
from
$73
/ night
99%
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Twisselman Ranch
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
from
$60
/ night
91%
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SMR Carmel Camping
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!
from
$36
/ night
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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!
from
$95
/ night
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Blue Sky Center
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!
from
$35
/ night
91%
(16)
Peace, Love and Sunset Ranch
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CALocated in a serene oakwood grove area, our private campground offers a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional turkeys. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. We're only 11 minutes away from Mount Madonna State Park and just 10 minutes from a local healthy grocery store and yoga studio. The beautiful Pajaro Dunes coastal area is just a 15-minute drive away, and the Santa Cruz fairground is only two minutes away. Our location is surrounded by farms and nurseries, hence why it's considered the salad bowl of the United States. The Santa Cruz beaches are only 15-25 minutes away, while Monterey is just 30 minutes away. The wine trail is also nearby.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including horseback riding at Mount Madonna Stable, a yoga retreat at Mount Madonna, hiking at Mount Madonna State Park, wine tastings at various wineries with stunning views, kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or any beaches, yoga at Watsonville Yoga or onsite, swimming, scuba diving in Monterey, visiting the Hanoman temple at Mount Madonna retreat center, and attending any events at the Santa Cruz Fairground.
The property has 3 stalls for hot showers, 1 hand washing sink, flushable toilette, 1 compostable toilette, 1 communal kitchen with limited supplies of cookwares, dishes, mugs, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, coffee mugs, and 1 sink with hot water, 3 fire pits (2 of them is fire burning and 1 of them is propane), camping stoves and there is an electricity in the communal kitchen area. Firewoods and propane are included.
Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there is a wagon for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.
from
$65
/ night
99%
(2370)
Cuyama Badlands
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.
from
$40
/ night
94%
(77)
Medicine Wheel
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents64 acres · Los Gatos, CA WindTree is an awesome retreat perched high on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, over looking the entire Monterey Bay and Santa Clara Valley. WindTree is sacred land used by many over the past 30 years for retreat and ceremony. It has also been a working "Wwoof" -ing farm for volunteers from all over the world to come and learn about organic gardening in a fun, beautiful, nurturing community restoring our sense of interrelatedness and encouraging planetary sustainability by our choices and concerns for the wellness of the environment. You can make your experience apart of this community or enjoy a quiet private camp site away from any activities. We are off the grid with solar power and our own well. We have small organic gardens with chickens and goats. You will love it up here under the stars.
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$60
/ night
88%
(1176)
The Enchanted Forest Retreat
24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · CAWelcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat!We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more.Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower and plugs for charging phones, laundry shed with sink and hot water, one BBQ grill by the fence up above the creek, and an outdoor amphitheater. We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free.25 minutes to Silicon Valley - 25 minutes to Santa Cruz Boardwalk we're centrally located in the south bay. Dogs and kids are welcome - dogs must be picked up after and kept on a leash if other campers are present.Please note: This is camping - there may be bugs, critters, dirt, unpredictable weather (pack for the cold, just in case - we get surprise fog often!), early sunrise, no cell data, etc etc. It's not the Hilton - but it is gorgeous. ;)Shopping such as Safeway, Costco and the big box stores are 20 minutes away in Soquel; however, we have a charming little market (Summit Center) 3.5 miles away that has a great selection of groceries, drinks and hot foods, etc.Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we'll help however we can!
from
$80
/ night
Camping trips for every style
Find your new favorite spot.
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
A short drive outside of Paso Robles, Lake Nacimiento is a popular summer destination, particularly among campers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. Seven campgrounds house about 350 campsites, roughly half of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other lake facilities include a marina with 120 slips, plus rental outfitters offering everything from boats to fishing poles. While water-based activities are the primary draw, Lake Nacimiento also offers plenty to do on land, including a three-mile-long, dog-friendly hiking trail that affords hikers great views out over the lake.
Where to Go
The Big Sur Coast
Arguably the prettiest stretch of coastline in California—if not in the country—Big Sur is characterized by postcard-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and a mix of upscale eco-lodges and backwoods coastal camping. Made popular by authors such as Henry Miller and those that came after him, this area has had a reputation as a counterculture haunt for decades, a torch that's carried to this day by the Esalen Institute hot springs and retreat center.
Santa Barbara County
South of the lake, where the Southern and Central California Coasts meet, Santa Barbara County features pretty beaches, charming towns, lots of wineries, and plenty of historic sites. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer miles of hiking, while the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes near Santa Maria are great for exploring by ATV.
Sequoia Country
East of Lake Nacimiento, the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Park are best known for their groves of ancient sequoias, some of the world's tallest trees. This region is also fantastic for camping, with hundreds of backcountry and developed camping areas, plus thousands of miles of trails.
When to Go
Lake Nacimiento is definitely a summer destination, and the hot period between July and September is perfect for swimming, boating, and standup paddleboarding. This is, naturally, the most popular time to visit the lake, when area campground reservations are likely to fill up quickly. To camp without the crowds, consider coming in October, when the weather is generally still warm enough for camping (if a tad cold for swimming).
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