The best family-friendly glamping near Pismo Beach, California

Although the coastal town of Pismo Beach is best known for its boardwalk and status as the access point for the 17-mile-long Pismo State Beach, there are plenty of other things to do around town. Popular activities include biking, kayaking, hiking, and heading down Highway 1 for ATV adventures on the Oceano Dunes, home to two campgrounds: Oceano Campground and the North Beach Campground. both of which have restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Both campgrounds fill up fast—fortunately, the area is full of private alternatives, including plenty of quiet Hipcamps.

99% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Although the coastal town of Pismo Beach is best known for its boardwalk and status as the access point for the 17-mile-long Pismo State Beach, there are plenty of other things to do around town. Popular activities include biking, kayaking, hiking, and heading down Highway 1 for ATV adventures on the Oceano Dunes, home to two campgrounds: Oceano Campground and the North Beach Campground. both of which have restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Both campgrounds fill up fast—fortunately, the area is full of private alternatives, including plenty of quiet Hipcamps.

99% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

99%

(1133)

49mi from Pismo Beach · 38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gaviota, CA

Howdy, campers, We removed our 10-paragraph description, our reviews and photos say it all. Feel free to ask any questions, we will get back to you ASAP. Before you ask: Yes, we have two outdoor showers. Yes, you can use a propane camp stove or cook at our common area bbq in front of the barn where we light a real wood fire for campers to socialize with us, other campers and visit our speakeasy. Yes, we provide propane for the propane fire pits. Yes, your dog can run off-leash. Yes, each site has a picnic table, umbrella, propane fire pit. Most sites have a hammock and hammock stand. Please pack your trash out there is a dumpster at the front gate entrance/exit for your trash. Please close your umbrella when your not at the site, especially when it's windy. We have lost far to many very expensive solar light umbrellas due to the wind when it picks up. Please support our farm by buying eggs, hats, stickers, and other items, all for sale in the barn. We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, Sierra, Darin, and The Freedog Crew!

2. Camp Arroyo Grande

96%

(942)

5.6mi from Pismo Beach · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Arroyo Grande, CA

Welcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Enjoy 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the Village of Arroyo Grande where you will find restaurants, coffee, shopping, parks and Roosters. The property is home to many youth groups and local non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as an Event Center and Retreat Space. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, dinners, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, festivals and more since 1897. Community Events are likely to be taking place but follow quiet time guidelines. *pool is seasonal and subject to availability

3. Historical Almond Springs!

100%

(34)

46mi from Pismo Beach · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paso Robles, CA

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

4. Camp Tule Elk

99%

(91)

37mi from Pismo Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Santa Margarita, CA

The property is located in the historic area of Carrizo Plains National Monument. We are in between Los Angeles and San Francisco 60 miles from the coast. You can fish in the small bass pond located on the property or drink your morning coffee while floating on the Kayak. There is also a resident herd of Tule elk nearby. *PLEASE NOTE PROPERTY IS ABOUT ONE HOUR FROM THE NEARST TOWN.

5. Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

100%

(98)

14mi from Pismo Beach · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Nipomo, CA

We are a small farm on a 1 acre gated property that has two RV spots and a bar shed. We have full hookups in both sites. Our town is rural but it's still close to HWY 101. We do live on the property, close enough if you need anything but far enough for privacy. We host happy hour for campers who are interested. Although the hours depend on arrival and our availability. We have a common area between the two sites that offered a nice fire pit. Our farm has 3 goats, 2 pot bellied pigs and 20 chickens that lay fresh eggs daily. We LOVE animals but we CANNOT ALLOW PETS. Also, sorry no tent camping. RV's only. We do not provide bathrooms or showers on site. Don’t have an RV? RENT OURS! We have everything you need for your family. Enjoy a weekend on the farm and glamp in our RV. We have all the amenities of home. Coming to enjoy the area? The property is just a few mins off the 101 freeway on the Central Coast. We are only 15 mins South of Pismo Beach, 30 mins south of San Luis Obispo and an hour North of Santa Barbara. The beach, wineries and shopping are all very close. Or if you are looking for a quiet retreat with some super sweet farm animals stay here and enjoy the farm. We do rent both sites out at the same time so if it’s privacy you are looking for please message us. Or If you would like to camp with friends or family we can accommodate two additional trailers. Again please message us to arrange this. Come stay awhile! It doesn't get any better than this!

Stories from the community

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pam

October 2025

1 night at Camp Arroyo Grande

this was our 2nd stay at Camp AG. We opted for a cabin since the weather was wet. Very comfortable stay. Thanks!

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Sarah

September 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Camp Arroyo Grande

I love this place! So cute, close to town, and just what we needed for a party of 4! Basic accommodations with a clean community bathroom. This would be a wonderful place for an event. The camp hosts are very nice and accommodating:) Don’t forget bedding!!

We loved having our own table and fire pit to enjoy at our campsite.

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Alanna

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

We were only able to stay 1 night but it was truly an amazing experience. Sierra and Darin have built an amazing space on such a beautiful property of land. From the first second we met them, they were very welcoming. They made us feel like we were home. Their hard work in the whole space shows. We brought our Australian Shepherd with us, who didn’t want to leave. We are 11/10 coming back, hopefully for more than just one night. I recommend for anybody that wants/needs to be surrounded by nature and good people.

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Tasha

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Arroyo Grande

Always a good time when we get a cabin here. Loved the hike around the camp, saw 2 deer, and took shortcut trail down the the village. Had a great time

M

Malou

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Arroyo Grande

Camp Arroyo Grande provided a wonderful experience for our family. We stayed in the Rooster Mason cabin, which, while not having an in-cabin bathroom, was located just steps away from the restroom facilities. The convenience made it feel no different than walking down a hallway at home. The pool was well-maintained, safely chlorinated, and stocked with beach balls and a basketball hoop that added to the fun of the afternoon. The grounds themselves are beautiful, with plenty of space to explore and endless opportunities for great photos. Our cabin offered plenty of room, with clean and comfortable beds that suited our needs perfectly. Overall, Camp Arroyo Grande is an affordable and enjoyable place for families, and we would happily return.

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Ying

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Arroyo Grande

This is our second time camp there, as last time we loved this place. Friendly, clean, quiet and great size of cabin for a family. Some improvement to the road make it easier to access the each cabin.

K

Keaton

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

Amazing experience! Thank you for your hospitality and the amazing tour of your property. We will be back!

t

tate

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

The Property is amazing, and Sierra and Darin are so welcoming. We stayed at the Air Stream site and had a blast. Can't speak highly enough of the entire experience!

J

Jesse

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

Absolutely incredible experience. If you’re deciding on booking, do it. Sierra and Darin feel like your best friend upon first meeting. They foster an environment of camaraderie that makes you not want to leave. Wonderful experience and I cannot wait to come back!

A

Andrew

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

We all (2 adults, 2 kids, 1 dog) had an amazing time at Freedog Farm and the vintage camper site. The site itself is well equipped and the views are incredible. Sierra and Darin are both terrific hosts and the kids had fun playing with the goats, chickens and dogs while the parents had a cool beverage in the barn. Highly recommend and we can’t wait to visit again!

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Greg

May 2025

With kids

1 night at Camp Arroyo Grande

We only stayed a short time on a road trip on the PCH. Very quiet camp, dark sky for stargazing, and a really great base for Pismo. Lovely walk down into Arroyo Grande for dinner, if simple pleasures float your boat, this is perfect.

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Samantha

May 2025

With kids

1 night at Camp Arroyo Grande

I loved the campground. The cabin area, restrooms and showers were very clean, we had a lot of space and there was a space heater in the cabin which was perfect for the cold night. It was very close to the beach and conveniently close to a lot of stores and restraunts. The host was very kind. We will definitely be coming back again.

S

Sureydi

May 2025

With kids

1 night at Camp Arroyo Grande

We enjoyed our stay at the cabin. It was clean and had plenty of electrical plugs to recharge our phones, headlamps, etc. The pool was clean and water heated. Restrooms and showers were very clean too. One tiny criticism is that the women's restroom light sensor turns off quickly. I had to come out of the stall to waive my hand to get the lights to turn on again. Overall, we enjoyed it and will stay again if the opportunity presents.

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Belén

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

My husband and I loved spending the night here! Sierra and Dan were so welcoming and friendly and made sure we were totally comfortable! The farm fresh eggs we bought here were so yummy, and the site was beautiful and peaceful (:

Dennis

May 2025

2 nights at Camp Arroyo Grande

We loved the camping experience at camp AG all the staff were amazing. We stayed mid week and had the place to ourselves. The cabin was comfortable and so were the beds. I highly recommend staying here

Mary

May 2025

3 nights at Camp Arroyo Grande

We stayed in a wonderful cabin which was spotlessly clean with lots of windows for ventilation. The bathrooms were also spotlessly clean. It was very quiet while we were there with lots of birdsong. It was a very easy check-in and check-out. I highly recommend this HipCamp.

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Emma

May 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Arroyo Grande

This cabin is HUGE with tons of space for a larger group to hang out. The beds are great and we loved having so much bathroom space! The grounds are beautiful and the camp staff are so friendly and accommodating. We will absolutely be back :)

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Emma

May 2025

1 night at Camp Arroyo Grande

We absolutely LOVE staying at Camp Arroyo Grande! The cabins are always clean and surprisingly comfy, and the location is hard to beat. Great spot for larger groups or a quick and affordable weekend getaway!

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Charlie

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Arroyo Grande

Cute little cabins, hot hot hot showers and a very laid-back vibe. Only cons are the cabins very limited and easily overwhelmed power supply and outlets. Power fell out a couple of times and luckily we figured it out quickly or it would have really affected our trip. Nights have been in the 40's, so I'd bring extra warm blankets if you plan on staying in summer weather.

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Catherine

April 2025

6 nights at Camp Arroyo Grande

Camp AG was beautiful and peaceful. We camped in the cabins with our 6 dogs and they absolutely loved it.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Pismo Beach guide

Where to go

San Luis Obispo County

Pismo Beach makes a good base for exploring other parts of San Luis Obispo County’s coastal and inland destinations. Popular activities include checking out the natural history museum at Morro Bay State Park to soaking in the hot springs of Paso Robles. About eight miles north of Pismo also sits another slice of paradise: the Avila Hot Springs offer rustic dry tent camping and cabins just two miles from the beach.

Santa Barbara County

A short drive from Pismo will take you to Santa Barbara County, where you'll find not only more beaches, but also Mission-style architecture and wineries galore. Pay a visit to Santa Maria to try the city's unique style of barbecue, or make your way up to the Danish-American community of Solvang to see colorful neo-Tudor architecture.

Big Sur

Popularized by the writings of Henry Miller, the Big Sur region of the Central Coast has long attracted artists of all stripes, offering scenic beaches, clifftop hiking trails, and hot springs. Some of these highlights are located in the region's much beloved state parks, including Andrew Molera State Parkand Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

When to go

Like elsewhere on the California Coast, Pismo Beach is at its most popular during the summer vacation months, but the weather is just as nice in early fall. Come in October to attend the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, an ode to the Pismo clam and its famous chowder. The winter off-season is a great time for whale watching, while Pismo Beach State Park also provides refuge for the largest overwintering colony of monarch butterflies in the country, which can be seen en masse from November through February.