Mountainous camping near Lake Nacimiento

Go for a swim or rent your own boat at this popular camping lake near Paso Robles.

94% (1796 reviews)
94% (1796 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Nacimiento

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Lake Nacimiento

12 top mountainous campgrounds near Lake Nacimiento

86%
(568)

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

10 sites · Tents124 acres · Cambria, CA
We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enter Gate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.
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$40
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96%
(26)

Oak Heart Estate

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Paso Robles, CA
Does a night under the stars on a mountain top in the middle of Paso Robles Wine Country sound appealing? Incredible sunsets, picturesque views, peace and quiet abound at Oak Heart Estate! We'd love to share our piece of heaven with you! Escape the bustle of the city find your way to a little spot out of town. You'll find plenty of wineries in every direction you turn!
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$70
 / night
98%
(528)

Enney's Ranch

4 sites · Lodging850 acres · San Miguel, CA
Enney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast.  We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries.   We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields.  Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.
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$85
 / night
100%
(176)

Roads End, Bradley Lockwood

2 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Lockwood, CA
Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.
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$29
 / night
95%
(452)

DABUDAGE

8 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · CA
A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations. Before sending an inquiry please read the listings. Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night
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$60
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100%
(19)

Camp Robinson

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents123 acres · Paso Robles, CA
Camp Robinson is 123 completely secluded acres, set in the Paso Robles wine country, 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. Instagram: camp__robinson
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$80
 / night
100%
(2)

Wilde Big Sur

4 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Big Sur, CA
In the south coast redwood forests of Big Sur along Plaskett Creek there is a wild land waiting for you to explore it and yourself. Take in the grandeur of the forest canopy, the lush blankets of sorrel and the sound of the creek rippling through the woods. Laze in the grassy meadow, enjoy a bath in the creek or chop wood and enjoy a campfire in our heart-shaped fire ring. Encounter birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer, lizards and many other creatures on your hike to Puma Point with the most spectacular view of Sand Dollar Beach and the rugged Big Sur South Coast. Wilde Big Sur is a pristine hideaway tucked in the Redwood forest along Plaskett Creek. This is a 1/4 mile hike in/hike out property. All gear will be brought by guests up the mountain. Backpacks are highly recommended. All guests must be in good physical condition to hike up the mountain with their belongings. Guests will experience some strenuous activity getting to the property and accessing different areas on the property. Additionally, the property is off grid. Resources here are important and scarce. The water we use is directly from the creek and we filter it twice. We must be very careful with our waste water, so please do not bring soaps, lotions or skin oils. We use solar and generators for power, and conservation of power is important so we can turn on lights at night and make coffee in the morning. There are two composting toilets located 100 yards away from the creek as is required by CA law. It is a significant hike uphill to access the composting toilets. The Lotus skydeck is located another ¼ mile hike up the canyon, and there is a longer loop hike with steep trails to Puma Point with spectacular views of Sand Dollar Beach. Wilde Big Sur is located just across from beautiful Sand Dollar Beach - so we have the coastal influence and canyon shadows at play throughout the day. Layers are best, it can get warm for a short time and by sunset it can get cold and misty. Big Sur is known for the mist, so soak it in! Solitude abounds on this land. We need the land, and the land needs us. Bring your worry, your anger, your fear, your stress, your doubt, your regret - offer it to the land. Mother Gaia can take it. She knows how to process energy. She filters it, recycles it and transmutes it into wind, fire, rain - into beauty. Our tears become the streams and eventually the waves of the ocean. Allow yourself to feel deeply here.
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$65
 / night
90%
(175)

Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Lake Nacimiento, CA
Our 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.
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$65
 / night
100%
(13)

La Montaña Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents142 acres · Santa Margarita, CA
Our property is 142 acres located on the top of east Cuesta grade, elevation approximately 2100. We are secluded enough to feel like you're far away from city life but in reality only 20 minute drive to downtown San Luis Obispo. The main road up continues past our property and turns into the Los Padres National Forest and is very popular for hiking and biking with locals. We also have private trails within our property. We have a farm consisting of 10 sheep, 10 goats, 22 chickens, 3 pigs, 4 dogs, a cat. Interaction with farm animals may be possible upon request. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)
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$60
 / night
70%
(15)

Christian M.’s Land

5 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Bradley, CA
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$36
 / night
100%
(99)

Wendee's Whimsical Campsite

1 site · Tent6 acres · Atascadero, CA
Nestled in the oak-studded hills of North West Atascadero a charming site awaits you...an unforgettable destination surprise. A charming old country road leads to a sole-campsite exclusively for you and friends/family. The bathroom is straight out of the Hobbit, equipped with hot/cold water, stall shower, fluffy white towels and camping supplies. The propane firepit is perfect for evening gatherings with your companions and marshmallow roasts (read: S'mores). A hand-carved trail surrounds the area: complete with a suspension bridge, chicken coup, rocky bridge and fish pond. Additionally, we provide a sustainable eco-friendly environment for our guests: including trash, recycling and composting receptacles. Also wildlife galore: plenty of turkeys, deer, racoons and quail. The nights are dark but we provide flashlights...then turn the flashlights off for a dazzling evening of stargazing. Atascadero is the perfect base for discovering the Central Coast: wineries/tasting rooms, olive oil tasting, abundant trails for walking/hiking; golfing as well as exploring the beaches: Morro Bay, Avila Beach, Montana de Oro, and northward to Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon and Big Sur. All of these attractions within a 30-mnute drive. Look forward to seeing you...
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$145
 / night
100%
(8)

Historical Almond Springs!

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4500 acres · Paso Robles, CA
What is happening currently? In the month of April we are expecting around 150 baby goats on the ranch! You do not want to miss it! This is an ultimate glamping experience! This experience is where stunning nature meets modern luxury! This is a beautiful peaceful space! ​The Miller Moth Ranch, home of Historic Almond Springs Historic Agri tourism center & farm stays, is a 5 generation working ranch. The ranch has been in the family since the early nineteen hundreds. The first generation started with dryland Almonds and was part of the Paso Robles Associated Almond Growers. The cabins are located on the land that once was a fully operational almond camp. Through the generations the ranch evolved from producing dryland almonds to livestock, hay and grain production. Currently the ranch raises Angus cross cattle, African Boer market goats and farms dryland barley and forage hay. The ranch is now diversifying into Agritourism and we now offer a rustic venue, Historic Almond Springs, and a butcher shop, Ranchita Meat Company. Almond Springs one room cabin experience is designed to ensure your comfort and cleanliness expectations are met while enjoying the historic property and nature’s beauty. The rustic surroundings are described as vintage country chic and authentic country charm. You will find historic pieces of machinery, wagons, pictures, etc.. While staying at the ranch you will enjoy an ultimate remote country experience in comfort. The cabins are located 2 miles within the property on a maintained dirt road. We are located within the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. · High Camp Winery- 7.2 Miles Away (10 minutes) · Villa San Juliette Winery- 7.2 Miles Away (10 minutes) · Four Sisters Winery- 8 Miles Away (12 minutes) · Graveyard Vineyards- 8.8 Miles Away (13 minutes) · Riverstar Vineyard-9 Miles Away (13 minutes) · Tackitt Family Vineyards- 7.6 Miles Away (11 minutes) · Arndt Cellars- 9.6 Miles Away (14 minutes) · Locatelli Vineyards & Winery- 10 Miles Away (16 minutes) Location: · 25 minutes from downtown Paso Robles. The drive is a beautiful country drive! · 18 minutes from San Miguel · 1 hour from the coast (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) Cabin: Each cabin has 1 queen size bed, dresser, sink, mirrors, chair, mini fridge, and Keurig coffee maker. ​ Bathrooms: We have 2 full and 2 half shared bathrooms. Both full bathrooms have showers. These are cleaned daily. Each cabin is assigned a full bathroom so it will be private and not shared. Tent and RV stayers have bathrooms but No showers. Kitchen: The communal kitchen has a refrigerator, sink, microwave, BBQ, coffee maker, dishwasher, stove, oven, and ice maker. The kitchen has A/C and heat. Other Shared Structures: The Lounge Barn, Legends Saloon, Loading Dock Stage, Antique Barns and the Game Room. Evenings: Evening time at Almond Springs is spectacular. There is no light pollution, and the stars are amazing! The space is also well lit with intimate café lighting. Weather: This is a remote country space. The Cabins and Kitchen both have Heat and A/C. Please come prepared for what the weather predicts for San Miguel, CA. Dogs: We allow up to two dogs. They must remain on leash at all times. There is a $50 pet fee per pet. Campfires: Allowed Cellular Service: Cell Service is spotty but we have Wi-Fi for you to connect to! Check in: 3PM-8PM Checkout: 11AM (Late checkout inquiries are welcome! We cannot guarantee late checkout.) Working Ranch: We are a working ranch. The family may be around during your stay or operating around the ranch. Feel free to stop and ask them questions! Interested in Ranch activities? Please Ask!! Activities: · Horseback Riding: (5 miles away) The Work Family Guest Ranch: https://www.workranch.com/trail-rides-horseback-riding/ · Hot Air Balloon Ride: https://www.balloonsoverpaso.com/our-story · E Bike Rentals: https://www.pasoroblestour.co/ · Wineries! Paso Robles now has over 250 + Wineries for you to enjoy! · Ravine Water Park (13.9 miles away) https://ravinewaterpark.com/ ​ · Estrella Warbirds Museum (13 miles away) https://www.ewarbirds.org/index.html
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$75
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Mountainous camping near Lake Nacimiento guide

Overview

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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