The best pets off leash campgrounds near Lake Nacimiento, California

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.

86% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Nacimiento

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.

86% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Nacimiento

1. dabudage Big Sur

95%

(725)

39mi from Lake Nacimiento · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging

DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. ***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. *The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes more than a 25% cut. Discounts and/or trades may be available if needed. You can visit our site on the web for more information at dabudage. *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. Hwy 1 is currently closed to the north of this land. The only access is through Cambria from the south or over the mountain from King City off of Hwy 101 There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come. Children are welcome. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. *YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED Requests are usually checked once daily.

2. Enney's Ranch

98%

(714)

17mi from Lake Nacimiento · 4 sites · Lodging

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.

3. Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

87%

(741)

12mi from Lake Nacimiento · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

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 enterGate 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.

4. The Ganja Getaway

49mi from Lake Nacimiento · 1 site · Lodging

Two-bedroom cottage with kitchen and bathroom. WE CATER TO THE 420-FRIENDLY CROWD! Take a trip back in time and experience a 1970s-style California cannabis farm! Chill out, play some old-school vinyl records, and enjoy that sweet, sweet California ganja. This was a medical cannabis farm prior to legalization. A blast from the past—the halcyon days of analog music, groovy style, and rock-and-roll rebellion. Cool vibes and free, beautiful human beings. This is an off-grid antique farmhouse. Unplug from the Matrix and come live real life! This is a family farm that has been in our family for five generations. No smoking tobacco in the house—ganja is okay inside. There is a deck with a large umbrella, table, and chairs. It has an ashtray and you can smoke cigarettes or tobacco there. We are 420 friendly… very 420 friendly. The gardens, back field, and grape arbor are available for guests to enjoy. Our well supplies all the water to the property. The driveway is not paved. The farm is about a century old. I remodeled the inside of the cottage in 2019. It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable, clean, and peaceful. We’re 10 minutes or less from pretty much everything. We were a medicinal cannabis farm during the medical era, and after legalization we decided to offer 420-friendly hospitality to tourists enjoying the Central Coast. My place isn’t for everyone, but if it sounds good to you, then you’re our kind of people—free, beautiful human beings! This is a place where you can relax and be yourself. Come visit and enjoy! Bring positive vibes and leave your troubles at the gate. NOTE: This is an antique farmhouse built around 1934. It is still mostly off-grid (there is electricity and Wi-Fi).

5. Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

99%

(317)

14mi from Lake Nacimiento · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

6. Oak Heart Estate

97%

(114)

9.3mi from Lake Nacimiento · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

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!

7. Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

89%

(199)

6.3mi from Lake Nacimiento · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging

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.

8. Organic farm and horse camp

74%

(34)

30mi from Lake Nacimiento · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We have a busy property. Organic farm, polo club, and lots of horses are boarded here. Camp somewhere on the property with your RV or tent. We have easy access to Morro Bay, Montana De Oro and wineries galore. Bring your horses, dogs, etc!! We have tent spots and a fully furnished toy hauler available. We have gates, and we have a general equine liability form for you to complete, and then we can give you the gate code. I have been here for 14 years. I have an organic farm, polo club, boarding stables, a few gypsy friends and 2 kids. If you are looking for a place to crash while enjoying San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay and Los Osos this is it!! If you want to learn to ride or play polo... that is my real job. Guests love it here: "My husband, friends, and our dogs spent Thanksgiving at Megan’s farm. Megan was welcoming, patient (I asked her a number of questions) and responsive - even on Thanksgiving evening. The property is in a GREAT location so close to SLO, Montaña de Oro, Morro Bay, wineries and so much more. (The weather prevented us from experiencing that and so much more but it’s easy to build a great trip when staying at Megan’s place.) It was a unique experience and if you enjoy or interested in horses - this is a great spot to stay."

9. Happy Gray Coyote

97%

(48)

166mi from Lake Nacimiento · 3 sites · RVs

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.   

10. Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

100%

(2)

26mi from Lake Nacimiento · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging

Wolf Six Ranch @ Indian Oaks Wolf Six Ranch @ Indian Oaks sits in the heart of Central Coast wine country—oak-dotted hills, a stone’s throw from downtown Creston and just five minutes from the nearest winery. We traveled full-time around the U.S. for over a year in our RV, and our favorite stays were always on someone’s property—ranches, farms, and wineries. That’s part of why we fell for this place: along with a cozy tiny house, we have two RV sites with full hookups, making it a natural fit for fellow travelers. We purchased the ranch this year for our kids, family, and friends—and while we’re making improvements, we’d love to share the serenity and small-town feel of Creston with you. We’re tucked away, not isolated—20–25 minutes to Paso Robles, Templeton, or Atascadero, and about 35 to San Luis Obispo. Spend the day wine tasting, visiting farm stands, or hiking nearby trails, then come “home” to quiet, big skies, and knockout sunsets. Wildlife is part of the rhythm here—deer in the pastures, cows wandering through like they own the place, and great bird-watching (quail in the grass, hawks cruising above, owls after sunset, hummingbirds and blue jays in the oaks). Straightforward, from-scratch breakfast by Christy (trained chef, long-time culinary instructor, and One Three Ghee co-founder): baked goods, fresh fruit, and ranch eggs when the gals are laying. Work-in-progress charm (honesty corner): • Rustic ranch setting—unpaved roads, occasional mooing, and frequent jaw-dropping sunsets. • Cattle and wildlife roam—please admire respectfully and leave gates as you found them. • Great hiking on the property, plus easy access to dozens of wineries. • Our gate says “Indian Oaks” (you’re in the right place!). • We’re actively upgrading as we go—comfortable, thoughtful spaces made for unwinding, not perfection. If you’re craving nature, stillness, and the friendliest small-town energy—without giving up world-class wine—Wolf Six Ranch is your spot. Come exhale, explore Creston, and let me handle breakfast.

11. Frog Hollow Homestead

95%

(376)

21mi from Lake Nacimiento · 4 sites · Lodging

Welcome to Frog Hollow. Feel free to hike up to the bench, past the deck, on the hill or over to the chairs and table nest to the field where the sheep and donkey are at the other side of the creek. Keep an eye out in the mornings, you may see a family or two of wild turkeys or deer cruising the property. Kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the seasonal running stream and property. Situated on 12 acres, our property is a great spot where you can unplug, unwind and simply check out from your daily chaos. Sit back and enjoy the songs of the evening crickets and frogs. We are located on Hwy 41, a 10 minute drive to the coast, the famous Morro Rock, and 20 minutes from both San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles where you will find shopping, fine restaurants and plenty of local wineries in the area. We are lucky to have over 300 award winning wineries in our area so if you like wine, this is a great place to tour and taste! Frog Hollow is perfectly located for the weekend break or a leisurely mid-week holiday. Come visit us and check out our lovely land and quaint comfy living. Sabyl, our Border Collie, is around and may head down to greet you at some point during your stay. Our free standing casita is cozy and nestled in a natural serene creekside setting. The loft has a spacious queen size bed for your sleeping pleasure with adjustable reading lights on either side of the bed. The living area offers a fold down couch for another adult or 2 kids. There is a kitchenette with a toaster oven, electric tea kettle and coffee maker. There is a charcoal Weber bbq grill and a propane gas 2 burner stove. We provided a propane fire pit during the fire ban, bring propane and charcoal etc. There is a well lit bathroom with hot shower and flushable toilet 50 yards away. Please use that shower for the casita. We have a moderate climb hiking trail down the road, Cerro Alto, that offers beautiful views of our coastline. Simply sit back and watch the the wild turkeys and deer roaming freely on our land, or head out to taste some of San Luis Obispo County award winning wines. Pack in and pack out your trash please.

12. 7V RANCH

94%

(44)

33mi from Lake Nacimiento · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

Property is located on 400 acres in the Coalinga mountains range. Very secluded and quite place. Learn more about this land: Perfect getaway for outdoors lovers. Great spot to ride your horse, hike the mountains or ride the four wheelers and dirt bikes. The property is lying on 800 acres witch verity of wildlife including deer and quail. You can view videos from the ranch here: @7vranch

13. UpperLopez Creek Camp

88%

(8)

39mi from Lake Nacimiento · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Backwoods adventure! HIGH clearance vehicle access only. Rustic and unique space in a canyon filled with all the nature you can get and nore. The creek winds through the whole property. Bring a fishing rod or pan for gold! Big falls and small falls, very close short hike with natural watering holes. This is an extremely secluded space that is off grid solar powered compost toilet site! Please respect the space and nature. Pack out what you packed in.

14. The Rock Loft

100%

(32)

8.5mi from Lake Nacimiento · 1 site · Lodging

This house is now 1 of 2 vacation rentals on the property. You will definitely notice the home's unique architecture as soon as you walk in. You will not find another home like this nor the massive 50 ft+ rock wall that provides cover to back side of the house.In 2016, after more than 50+ years operating as a working cattle ranch (Brookins Ranch) and a viewing attraction for Adelaida Wine Trail travelers, the property was unfortunately shut down and put up for sale.As a born and raised local, I had to purchase the property with the hopes of restoring it to its greatest and to allow others to enjoy what it has to offer. Since March 2017, my family and I have been working hard on the restoration - attempting to keep a lot of it's uniqueness while integrating modern technologies that will help expand the property's life. As such, we welcome you to come enjoy the experience as we continue to bring this property back to life!

15. Vineyard View NoFuss

10mi from Lake Nacimiento · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Vineyard view dry camping minutes away from Lake San Antonio with access to stocked reservoir. A perfect spot for wildflower triathalon campers. Access to porta potty and potential for guided pig hunting with reservation.

Camper favorites near Lake Nacimiento

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

100%

(2)

26mi from Lake Nacimiento · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging

Wolf Six Ranch @ Indian Oaks Wolf Six Ranch @ Indian Oaks sits in the heart of Central Coast wine country—oak-dotted hills, a stone’s throw from downtown Creston and just five minutes from the nearest winery. We traveled full-time around the U.S. for over a year in our RV, and our favorite stays were always on someone’s property—ranches, farms, and wineries. That’s part of why we fell for this place: along with a cozy tiny house, we have two RV sites with full hookups, making it a natural fit for fellow travelers. We purchased the ranch this year for our kids, family, and friends—and while we’re making improvements, we’d love to share the serenity and small-town feel of Creston with you. We’re tucked away, not isolated—20–25 minutes to Paso Robles, Templeton, or Atascadero, and about 35 to San Luis Obispo. Spend the day wine tasting, visiting farm stands, or hiking nearby trails, then come “home” to quiet, big skies, and knockout sunsets. Wildlife is part of the rhythm here—deer in the pastures, cows wandering through like they own the place, and great bird-watching (quail in the grass, hawks cruising above, owls after sunset, hummingbirds and blue jays in the oaks). Straightforward, from-scratch breakfast by Christy (trained chef, long-time culinary instructor, and One Three Ghee co-founder): baked goods, fresh fruit, and ranch eggs when the gals are laying. Work-in-progress charm (honesty corner): • Rustic ranch setting—unpaved roads, occasional mooing, and frequent jaw-dropping sunsets. • Cattle and wildlife roam—please admire respectfully and leave gates as you found them. • Great hiking on the property, plus easy access to dozens of wineries. • Our gate says “Indian Oaks” (you’re in the right place!). • We’re actively upgrading as we go—comfortable, thoughtful spaces made for unwinding, not perfection. If you’re craving nature, stillness, and the friendliest small-town energy—without giving up world-class wine—Wolf Six Ranch is your spot. Come exhale, explore Creston, and let me handle breakfast.

Frog Hollow Homestead

95%

(376)

21mi from Lake Nacimiento · 4 sites · Lodging

Welcome to Frog Hollow. Feel free to hike up to the bench, past the deck, on the hill or over to the chairs and table nest to the field where the sheep and donkey are at the other side of the creek. Keep an eye out in the mornings, you may see a family or two of wild turkeys or deer cruising the property. Kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the seasonal running stream and property. Situated on 12 acres, our property is a great spot where you can unplug, unwind and simply check out from your daily chaos. Sit back and enjoy the songs of the evening crickets and frogs. We are located on Hwy 41, a 10 minute drive to the coast, the famous Morro Rock, and 20 minutes from both San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles where you will find shopping, fine restaurants and plenty of local wineries in the area. We are lucky to have over 300 award winning wineries in our area so if you like wine, this is a great place to tour and taste! Frog Hollow is perfectly located for the weekend break or a leisurely mid-week holiday. Come visit us and check out our lovely land and quaint comfy living. Sabyl, our Border Collie, is around and may head down to greet you at some point during your stay. Our free standing casita is cozy and nestled in a natural serene creekside setting. The loft has a spacious queen size bed for your sleeping pleasure with adjustable reading lights on either side of the bed. The living area offers a fold down couch for another adult or 2 kids. There is a kitchenette with a toaster oven, electric tea kettle and coffee maker. There is a charcoal Weber bbq grill and a propane gas 2 burner stove. We provided a propane fire pit during the fire ban, bring propane and charcoal etc. There is a well lit bathroom with hot shower and flushable toilet 50 yards away. Please use that shower for the casita. We have a moderate climb hiking trail down the road, Cerro Alto, that offers beautiful views of our coastline. Simply sit back and watch the the wild turkeys and deer roaming freely on our land, or head out to taste some of San Luis Obispo County award winning wines. Pack in and pack out your trash please.

7V RANCH

94%

(44)

33mi from Lake Nacimiento · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

Property is located on 400 acres in the Coalinga mountains range. Very secluded and quite place. Learn more about this land: Perfect getaway for outdoors lovers. Great spot to ride your horse, hike the mountains or ride the four wheelers and dirt bikes. The property is lying on 800 acres witch verity of wildlife including deer and quail. You can view videos from the ranch here: @7vranch

UpperLopez Creek Camp

88%

(8)

39mi from Lake Nacimiento · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Backwoods adventure! HIGH clearance vehicle access only. Rustic and unique space in a canyon filled with all the nature you can get and nore. The creek winds through the whole property. Bring a fishing rod or pan for gold! Big falls and small falls, very close short hike with natural watering holes. This is an extremely secluded space that is off grid solar powered compost toilet site! Please respect the space and nature. Pack out what you packed in.

The Rock Loft

100%

(32)

8.5mi from Lake Nacimiento · 1 site · Lodging

This house is now 1 of 2 vacation rentals on the property. You will definitely notice the home's unique architecture as soon as you walk in. You will not find another home like this nor the massive 50 ft+ rock wall that provides cover to back side of the house.In 2016, after more than 50+ years operating as a working cattle ranch (Brookins Ranch) and a viewing attraction for Adelaida Wine Trail travelers, the property was unfortunately shut down and put up for sale.As a born and raised local, I had to purchase the property with the hopes of restoring it to its greatest and to allow others to enjoy what it has to offer. Since March 2017, my family and I have been working hard on the restoration - attempting to keep a lot of it's uniqueness while integrating modern technologies that will help expand the property's life. As such, we welcome you to come enjoy the experience as we continue to bring this property back to life!

Vineyard View NoFuss

10mi from Lake Nacimiento · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Vineyard view dry camping minutes away from Lake San Antonio with access to stocked reservoir. A perfect spot for wildflower triathalon campers. Access to porta potty and potential for guided pig hunting with reservation.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Birender

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

I went there on a weekend for just one night. The next day i had a dream about this site and i was running and chasing my toddler son. This is an amazing campsite. I will definitely come again.

S

Sheridan

3 weeks ago

1 night at Enney's Ranch

Kenneth was a fantastic host. Such a sweet spot with gorgeous views and a really awesome bath! Thank you for hosting us Kenneth!

R

RAJASHREE

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

I loved camping at Gene's land , highly recommend it. Great host and beautiful location close to the beach.

Late afternoon light on one of the camping areas

Christoph

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Oak Heart Estate

Great spot, fairly upscale, great views. We didn't see the owners, and it was a bit hard to find in the dark.

Eric

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

This is a very special property, it felt like we walked for miles each day with our dogs in gentle rolling hills dotted with beautiful oak trees and not having any indication of humanity, lots of nature. Each night we walked up the nearby hill to watch the seemingly endless sunsets transform from yellows oranges and reds into shades of purple. The site is clean level and easy to access and the hookups are easy and clean. Christy was responsive, helpful and friendly with a nice gift bag upon arrival and other baking options in the mornings. There’s no doubt we’ll visit many more times when we need a nature break. Highly recommend.

Nicholas

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Oak Heart Estate

Beautiful and secluded spot. No one around but the deer. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset, bathrooms were nice and well kept. Very quiet and not far from about 3 dozen wineries! Host was very helpful and we really enjoyed our stay. Thank you!

K

Katherine

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

I LOVED this site! My biggest regret about this camp was that I didn't get to stay longer! Sophia, Rob, Mike, and the whole crew were super welcoming - they took the time to show me around and made sure my campsite was good to go. Highly recommend snagging the redwood site if you can AND DEF get a mineral bath! I'd gone for a solid hike earlier in the day and it was so delightful to soak in some hot mineral water (my skin was so smooth) as well as some incredible star-gazing. This felt like a time machine back to 1970s California (wooden bridges with lights, outdoor flush toilets?! no outhouses here) in the BEST way possible. I can't wait to go back. Bonus points to Curty for the canine welcome - what a sweetie.

W

Wylie

3 weeks ago

1 night at Enney's Ranch

Enney's Ranch is a truly lovely spot. Secluded, quiet, and with stunning views, the Blue Bonnet Ridge tent was a delight on a chilly fall night for my partner and I. Kenney, our host, welcomed us when we arrived and was also lovely. If you're a baker or bread-maker like I am, you'll be delighted to learn about the artisanal wheat varieties he grows on the farm (and makes bread with)! I want to come back when the wheat fields are lush and fully grown. Can't recommend enough!

C

Charles

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Lovely time camping here! My friends and I bike packed through the area and this was a great place to tent up. Host was super accommodating and we especially appreciated having access to a standard 120V outlet to charge devices. I’d stay again!

Nicholas

November 2025

With pets

1 night at Enney's Ranch

Beautiful view and hot showers! Highly recommended. Hosts was friendly and even provided us with some fire wood. and there were plenty of friendly dogs around! Thank so much!

Tracy

November 2025

21 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

The most beautiful hip camp I have stayed at. Easy to get to, private, wide space and very dog friendly. Gorgeous views! Can’t wait to come back!

C

Cole

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

I had a great experience at the campground. It is a bit primitive so BYO food and water. With that expectation clearly set, it was a perfect experience. I wish I could’ve spent more time there.

Juno’s Creek Site offers 20- and 30-amp hookups, water, and sewer — everything you need for an easy RV stay.

Ben

November 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wolf Six Ranch • Wine Country Stay

Christy's spot was beautiful. We enjoyed the serene landscape and hiking the hills with our kids and dogs. Water and electric hookups worked well and her freshly cooked breakfast goods were mouth watering!

n

novella

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Such a tranquil location. Loved the string lights that you could have on or turn off to see the incredible stars.

A

Alam

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Enney's Ranch

My stay at Lirio Cottage was great! Fair prices, great amenities, and great views!

R

Ryan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at UpperLopez Creek Camp

Amazing location! The campsite even had wifi in the middle of the mountains haha! We booked during a rainstorm and still were very comfortable with our canopy over the entrance of our tent. Thank you so much!

F

Fulvio

November 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Amazing! Everything perfect really nice and quiet area unfortunately we stopped just for one night.

H

Hayley

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

We had an incredible few days on Gene’s land. A few highlights include a lovely outdoor kitchen, easy creek access and a nice grassy area for our tent.

A

Abigail

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Enney's Ranch

This glamping experience is amazing! The views were absolutely beautiful, the property was incredible, and Kenny's hospitality was amazing. Kenny provides everything you could need so this experience is completely stress free!

C

Cameron

November 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Oak Heart Estate

Second trip here - won’t be our last. Absolutely perfect location for paso wine tasting and gorgeous sunsets. The hosts are super responsive but never intrusive. Highly recommended!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash camping near Lake Nacimiento guide

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).