The best campgrounds near San Ardo, California with climbing

Looking to go camping near San Ardo, California? Hipcamp has over 365 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, there's something for everyone. With an average price per night of $79 and options as low as $27, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out the top campsites in the area with rave reviews, such as The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Camp Arroyo Grande (508 reviews), and Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like bringing your pets, access to cooking equipment, and the ability to have campfires. Plus, you can engage in fun activities like paddling, biking, and hiking. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing camping experience in San Ardo, California!

96% (763)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Ardo

Looking to go camping near San Ardo, California? Hipcamp has over 365 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, there's something for everyone. With an average price per night of $79 and options as low as $27, you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Check out the top campsites in the area with rave reviews, such as The Enchanted Forest Retreat (743 reviews), Camp Arroyo Grande (508 reviews), and Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like bringing your pets, access to cooking equipment, and the ability to have campfires. Plus, you can engage in fun activities like paddling, biking, and hiking. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing camping experience in San Ardo, California!

96% (763)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Ardo

1. dabudage Big Sur

95%

(725)

33mi from San Ardo · 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. Twisted Branch

99%

(169)

33mi from San Ardo · 1 site · Tent, RV

We named our property the Twisted Branch after one of the big oak trees that sits on the site where you will camp with us! It's on a hilltop with amazing views in nearly all directions. The campsite faces South/West so sunsets are fantastic. We use no chemicals on the soil or annual grasses. It is very quiet and the night sky is always stunning. Owls hoot at night and Redtail Hawks hunt for ground squirrels during the day. We have alot of Acorn woodpeckers living in the oak trees, the ones with the bright red head feathers. April through June we see bright yellow Orioles. At night you will hear hundreds of little frogs in the nearby ponds, depending on the season. We are located in the heart of Wine Country and there are plenty of activities around us and in town.

3. Organic farm and horse camp

74%

(34)

51mi from San Ardo · 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."

4. Pinnacles National Park

93%

(153)

134 sites · Soledad, California

Craggy pinnacles, caves, and condors are highlights in this pocket-sized park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. OUR HAPPY PLACE

93%

(167)

9.1mi from San Ardo · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

The property is easy Motorcycle, Auto, Van. Camper, Caravan and RV access from paved road. It's an enjoyable, primitive, quiet place to hang out. Dog and Cat friendly. Surrounded by mountains. Weak to no signal! Plenty of Wildlife with cool and quiet evenings.. The stars will be bright. Rugged setting. Clean portable potty.. Check out the BACK 40 for an even more remote rugged camping experience.... Hikers welcome.

Public campgrounds near San Ardo

93%

(153)

Pinnacles Campground

36mi from San Ardo · 134 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pinnacles National Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

beautiful picnic table, star-gazing chairs, and some misc. supplies

C

Cassandra

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Twisted Branch

Beautiful, private, and calm. Clean bathroom and camping chairs were set out for us! Thank you

John

November 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Twisted Branch

Jac's place has become our favorite Central Coast base camp. The site has fantastic views, generous amenities, and all the peace and quiet you could want. And it's conveniently close to charming Paso Robles, attractions such as Sensorio, and the local wine trail.

J

Justice

November 2025

16 ft car

1 night at OUR HAPPY PLACE

Amazing no issues at all! The best spot to ourselves

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.

Sebastian

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to OUR HAPPY PLACE

Great spot. Site had a metal picnic table, small and dim night light, and a cool enclosed iron fire thingy. Site is by the road but traffic at night is sparse. It’s on a slight slope so position your tent appropriately but no issue at all.

Christine

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Twisted Branch

Great views and very level for tent sleeping! Jac is a fabulous host with clear directions and very welcoming check-in. We had a lovely stay at twisted ranch, wish we could have stayed longer - will have to come back!

D

Diana

November 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Twisted Branch

Absolute heaven! Must love cows which we do! And beauty and privacy and serenity! :). Jac was a sweet and knowledgeable host! Will be back!

K

Kaycie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Twisted Branch

Jac was an awesome and friendly host. We gathered here for a family weekend camping trip and had an incredible time (8 people total of all ages). The sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights were so beautiful at this site and we also loved seeing all the animals around the property. Would definitely come here again or recommend to others!

M

Mary

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to OUR HAPPY PLACE

Nice campground for a weekend offline! Hosts are very kind and responsive. We highly recommend the add on bread and eggs! The ground is a little rocky for a tent, but we were fine with an air mattress. The stars are beautiful at night, and you can hear all sorts of wildlife at all times of day. Bring layers—there is almost no shade during the day, and it gets cooler at night.

A

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to OUR HAPPY PLACE

So quiet and peaceful. Stars were amazing after the moon went down.

G

Gary

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Great location on North Hwy 1/Big Sur with a running creek 'soundtrack' in a great location especially when finding availability at the big (State or Nationals) Parks are sold out.

A

Alicia

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Twisted Branch

Perfect spot for peace and quiet! Jac was very welcoming! Loved my stay.

M

Matthew

September 2025

Tent

1 night at dabudage Big Sur

Easy to find, epic views, and very close to the beach.

B

Bo

September 2025

1 night at dabudage Big Sur

My partner and I loved the redwood gazebo at Gene’s camp site. The view from the site is gorgeous. Gene is responsive and friendly. I would love to go back when possible - also highly recommend it to anyone looking for a calm and therapeutic experience.

J

JEFF

September 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Twisted Branch

Super location and host, will look forward to another visit, thanks Jac!

Our campsite was the first on when you walk up the trail by the trash cans. We loved this spot because it’s shady all day, close to a fire pits, and not many people going by. And, we had these trees perfect for a hammock!

K

Kelly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

Great location along the creek with easy access to beach! Quirky, unique spot that offers several campsites tucked along the creek and hillside. It’s first come, first serve, so recommend getting there early to scope out the best spot and get a parking spot. Kitchen and water available around property, although we brought our own stuff so didn’t use it. Fire pits are around but not at each site. Overall, we enjoyed our time and would come back! Couple things to note: - LOTS of dogs off leash, which is awesome, but if you don’t enjoy dogs or are looking for a pristine campground, this may not be your spot. - It’s unclear where to go when you arrive. We just walked up toward a group of structures and a woman who lives there came out and briefly explained we could basically just find any spot. There was no check-in so I’m not even sure how they account for people being there. Definitely follow their instruction to be there before dark as you’ll struggle to find where to go. - Some spots are up the hillside so if you have a lot of stuff, just be prepared for some exercise! - Very kid-friendly and it seems several kids live there. That said, they are out and about being kiddos throughout the day and into the evening so you’ll hear them! - Lots of raccoons! Make sure all your food is secure and trash put away before bed! Have fun!!

K

Kate

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to dabudage Big Sur

The reviews don’t lie — this land is magical, and we’re very grateful to have had the chance to experience it. Perks were the coolest cat ever living her best life and inspiring us to do the same, the hot shower, the short walk to the ocean, and the winding creek. Thanks to Gene and fam for sharing their space!

B

Bruce

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at dabudage Big Sur

Lovely people and a lovely place. Hope to return and camp again soon!

R

Romina

September 2025

Tent

1 night at dabudage Big Sur

I loved staying here. Camping with the best views, connected to Nature and away from technology. And just a walk away from the ocean Gene and family are great. I really enjoyed my stay