Lakeside camping near Pismo Beach

See monarch butterflies, dig clams, or take an off-road adventure on a camping trip to this Central California beach town.

87% (1005 reviews)

United States
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California
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Pismo Beach

87% (1005 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Pismo Beach

Public campgrounds near Pismo Beach

100%

(9)

Stories from the community

Jordan

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Everything was great, stars were beautiful. Good bathroom and the outdoor showers were cool.

Weekend Trip to Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

The ranch is nice and comfortable. Overall the space is set up well

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We really enjoyed camping on Nolan's land. We were in campsite #1 beneath 3 very shaded trees, so even though it was 90F outside, it was comfortable and cool in the shade with a light breeze. We brought three large dogs and had them each tied to a different tree on long truck straps. One of the pastures was unoccupied on the pond and Stacy allowed us to let the dogs run free there - jumping in the pond, running in the field - they had the best vacation ever. At night it was so peaceful and the stars were on show. Great relaxation. It was very quiet with occasional 'blerts' from the livestock and quiet clucking from the chickens. Loved the corn hole, horseshoes, and kayaks. Great set-up, I would stay there again.

1 night at Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

Simple tent camping hot showers the hot pool is one of the best natural pool

3 nights at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Nice clean camp site. Tried to book one of the trailers but the Web site said it was unavailable. All of the trailer sites were empty during our stay.

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We had a fantastic stay at Camp Tule Elk. The property is beautiful, well-kept, and very comfortable. The single campsite is situated under the canopy of two mulberry trees, and at night, there is no light pollution so that you can gaze at the open sky. The site is clean, private, and has running water, a power hookup, and a bathroom. Upon arrival, we met Nolan, the host, who gave us the lay of the land. After that, we were left on our own. This is a working farm, with chickens (you can buy fresh eggs), goats, sheep, horses, and more. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking to unplug, recharge, and enjoy nature — we’ll definitely be back.

Julia

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Very beautiful unique spot! Lots of grapes vines and wild life. Airstream was comfy and communal kitchen had everything. We really enjoyed our stay

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

We had an awesome time at Vinyl Vineyards! The hosts are responsive and friendly. All of the trailers are set up in a circle around the communal outdoor kitchen area. The trailers a little close together so you don't feel totally alone, but everyone was friendly and the amenities are awesome. We had some friends staying at the tent campsite #8 and others in the Holiday Spartan trailer. It was only a 3-4 minute walk between the two. The kitchen was equipped with pans and cooking utensils, but no spices or oils so be sure to bring your own. The bathroom / shower situation is great and stocked with shampoo / conditioner. The outdoor shower felt amazing! Overall, would definitely stay again.

May 2025

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Nice bathrooms. We enjoyed the furniture at the site. Flat spot so sleeping in van was easy breezy.

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We had a great time staying at the Tule Elk campsite. Our kids loved the pack goats and caught dozens of fish right off the dock. The bathroom and water hook ups were maintained and exceeded expectations. Definitely recommend renting the propane fire pit during fire season and getting some fresh eggs.

Weekend Trip to Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

Great spot on a nice ranch property. Host was welcoming and attentive. Bathroom was maintained well. Definitely recommend.

Weekend Trip to Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

Easy to find good directions. All I needed was a place to park my car for the night and slept inside. Felt safe. The animals were cute :)

1 night at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Enjoyed our stay at Vinyl Vinyards! We stayed at a campsite and we loved having the chairs and picnic table on site plus the small walk to the top of the hill offered really great views of the surrounding area. It was very quiet and peaceful when we stayed. We loved having an outdoor shower available with hot water! We drove into town for the evening which was very convenient.

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

We celebrated Mother’s Day here with our 3 year old daughter. It had everything we needed while tent camped for a night. The lake was beautiful during sunset and full of fish to catch. Bathroom, faucet, and outlet all on site. Perfect way to camp and avoid the crowds.

Weekend Trip to Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

Cindy and her husband were delightful. We just needed a place to camp with our rooftop tent, a bathroom and a shower for a gravel bike race I was competing in. The bonus was the natural hot springs which were used before and after the race. You’ll get used to the sulphur smell after awhile. You notice it more outside of the pool. Don’t expect a resort. This is a fun, quirky and unique property that fit our agenda. A little disappointed in some of the “day use” people who were a little trashy and had a difficult time picking up after themselves, garbage, swimsuits, towels, pool noodles, etc. After 9pm or early in the morning is the best time to enjoy the hot springs and avoid the riff raff. Bring mosquito repellent, which I forgot to bring. Since you’re camping near a small lake/creek that doesn’t move, the bugs will feast. The goats, ducks and geese were pretty cool. About 10 mins away from downtown Paso, and close to the start of my race at Castoro Cellars, this was a good option for us.

2 nights at Camp Tule Elk

Beautiful and quiet camping under a tree with a lovely stocked fishing pond, animals around and a good time to be had. My family and I had a great stay and would happily return. Our gratitude to Nolan and Stacy!

2 nights at Camp Tule Elk

We absolutely loved camping here. It was clean, quiet, and the animals were super friendly. My three year old caught his first fish and loved feeding the goats!

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

Loved the surrounding area, host, and farm animals. Host was super accommodating and kind. We would stay again!! Pro tip, get the additional eggs from the farm!

2 nights at Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

We loved our stay at Dana’s ranch! We camped there for two nights and had a wonderful experience. Dana was incredibly welcoming and helpful, making us feel right at home. The property has beautiful, private trails perfect for quick hikes. We would absolutely recommend staying here and can’t wait to come back!

1 night at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Nice spot! We pitched a tent in site 10. Appreciated the well-maintained dirt/DG roads and pads, the site furniture, ample trashcans, and nice restrooms. Sunset Hill was a beautiful place to take in the golden hour. Our 2 young girls rode bikes throughout the campground and enjoyed looking at the airstream units. I caught 6 deer in the early morning, grazing near the site! Didn’t use the communal kitchen/bbq area, but looked well-equipped. Will definitely look to return and have already recommended it to family who likes to visit the area - especially for the airstream glamping setup.

5 top lakeside campgrounds near Pismo Beach

97%

(687)

Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Welcome to Vinyl Vineyards – a 120-acre private ranch, working vineyard, and boutique glampground tucked along the scenic Union Road Wine Trail in Paso Robles, California. Our 10-site glamping retreat blends rustic charm with refined adventure. Unplug, recharge, and reconnect—with nature, with wine, friends and family. Hike private trails through vineyard rows, oak forests, and wildflower fields. Cool off with afternoon breezes and cool Paso nights, greet our alpacas and chickens, or nap in a hammock with the scent of lavender in the air. The property features: 26 acres of producing vineyard Outdoor kitchens, BBQ grills, and communal fire pits Sunset hilltops and dark-sky stargazing Frisbee golf, garden rows, and peaceful picnic spots Alpacas (yes, you can meet them), chickens, and bees Pet-friendly vibes with plenty of space to roam Guests are invited to book a complimentary "Sip & Spin" wine tasting in our private cellar—where the vinyl spins and our award winning wine flows. And we also deliver to your site. We’re just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles and within walking distance to local wineries. A 5-minute drive puts you at Sensorio Field of Light, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and Paso’s golf courses. Or stay put—there’s magic in staying still. Before you book: Visit www.vinylvin.com for FAQs, travel tips, and our liability waiver download.

89%

(195)

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.

99%

(85)

Camp Tule Elk

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · 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.

68%

(11)

Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Templeton, CA

Franklin Hot Springs is an all-natural hot spring in the middle of beautiful Paso Robles wine country. We are located about a mile from the city limits " out in the country". Our water has one of the healthiest and dense mineral breakdowns compared to waters tested around the world. Our natural hot springs has been a treasured local gem since the 1950's offering relaxation and rejuvenation to visitors of all ages. Experience the therapeutic benefits of our pure, chemical-free waters, naturally infused with Magnesium, Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium. Our spring fed pools maintain a blissful temperature of 98 - 100 degrees. Our springs are considered among the top 5 destinations for psoriasis treatment. Our water follows a natural " flow-through" system, originating from a main well, then replenishing our fish filled lake before winding its way through parts of Paso Robles and eventually merging with the Salinas River. In addition to overnight camping and soaking in our natural hot springs, we offer fishing and boating as part of your stay. You do not have to have a fishing license; we are a member of the Fish and Wildlife and are considered an Aquaculture Farm. We offer several Dry camping sites (no electricity) and 3 sites that have electric hook-ups.

99%

(905)

Twisselman Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CA

Twisselman 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 available for sale straight off the ranch. 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

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(9)

Santa Margarita Lake

Santa Margarita, California

95%

(448)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Pismo Beach guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Pismo Beach, California? Hipcamp has over 60 options available specifically near Pismo Beach, California with a lake. With options as low as $36 per night and an average price of $160 per night, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that fits your budget. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Twisselman Ranch (384 reviews), Arber-Moore's Ranch (158 reviews), and Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles (109 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as toilets, potable water, and are pet-friendly. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from like fishing, wind sports, and exploring historic sites. Happy camping!