The best private sites RV campgrounds near San Luis Obispo, California

Set between the ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains, San Luis Obispo is a fantastic base for exploring the beaches and natural attractions of California's Central Coast. This inland town is known for its abundance of wine tasting rooms and its Spanish-style architecture downtown, including the 1772 Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. From the rugged mountains to whales breaching in the bay, SLO also within 15 miles of three public beaches (Pismo State Beach, Morro Strand State Beach, and Avila Beach) and just a short drive from some of the region's other most popular parks, including Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area and Montaña de Oro State Park, both of which offer camping.

99% (287)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set between the ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains, San Luis Obispo is a fantastic base for exploring the beaches and natural attractions of California's Central Coast. This inland town is known for its abundance of wine tasting rooms and its Spanish-style architecture downtown, including the 1772 Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. From the rugged mountains to whales breaching in the bay, SLO also within 15 miles of three public beaches (Pismo State Beach, Morro Strand State Beach, and Avila Beach) and just a short drive from some of the region's other most popular parks, including Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area and Montaña de Oro State Park, both of which offer camping.

99% (287)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

98%

(305)

6.2mi from San Luis Obispo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Santa Margarita, CA

Our ranch consists of 142 acres located at the top of East Cuesta Grade, elevation approximately 2100 ft. We are secluded and it feels like you're far away from city life yet San Luis Obispo is only a twenty minute drive away. We neighbor Los Padres National Forest which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. On our farm we have 10 sheep, 10 goats, 32 chickens, 3 pigs, 4 dogs and a cat. Interaction with farm animals is common place as most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)

2. Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

100%

(98)

19mi from San Luis Obispo · 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!

3. Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

99%

(313)

48mi from San Luis Obispo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

4. Happy Gray Coyote

98%

(47)

149mi from San Luis Obispo · 3 sites · RVs · California City, CA

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.

Stories from the community

C

Carolyn

4 days ago

16 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Beautiful property! Amazing views and super quiet. Felt far away, but there is a lot nearby. Will definitely rebook!

Nicholas

1 week ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Great Camping Spot! Beautiful drive up the mountain to some amazing views. Hosts were very friendly and the bathrooms were really clean. Highly recommended.

F

Fulvio

3 weeks ago

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.

K

Kegan

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Beautiful location and nice and communicative hosts! Definitely make sure you have a 4x4 as the listing says because the last little climb gets pretty steep. Overall, would stay again.

J

Jane

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Beautiful spot with fire pit, electric and water .. very peaceful. Deer wandering around, great sunrise and sunsets… It’s far from anywhere so if you want hiking or amenities it’s 20 miles for that but for relaxation and peace amazing!!!

A

Annie

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Lovely lovely time. Karina is so kind. The view is something I won't forget. And the animals. They were just too cute!!

Dalton

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Karina and Chris are great hosts that have created a seamless stay. The Ranch was very quiet and secluded, and we were greeted by their pigs, sheep, goats, and their dogs, all of who were very friendly and patient with our small dogs. We spent evenings walking the forest roads around the mountain ridge and taking in the orange sunsets! The wind snuck up on us in the middle of the night, which was to be expected high up and close to the ocean. It was by no means unpleasant, but something to think about when you're picking a spot of your tent - there's plenty of cover. We had cell service, which was a nice convenience. All that to say, La Montaña Ranch is magical and we'll definitely be back!

D

David

October 2025

23 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Nice spot. Peaceful, with good separation between the two sites.

K

Keegan

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

It was an amazing campsite! We saw 3 dogs and huge pig too which was super fun. Gorgeous view, and not too far from campus.

T

Trey

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

3 nights at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

We stayed 4 nights. Karina was responsive. The Range was a wonderful view with the neighborly pigs, goats and sheep visiting, along with their friendly dogs. We worked on training our ‘city’ dogs with new friends. The 25’ RV we travelled in slowly made the exciting hillside drive up and down. Karina and Chris have dedicated themselves to off the grid living, a constant work. We had a lovely visit of their home with a million $$ view.

S

Sheri

October 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

I've been to this Hip camp several times now. It provides plenty of space with beautiful views, and for better or worse has perfect cell coverage (Verizon). Jeffrey and Susan are always available via the app though they to not come to meet you, which is nice for getting away. Camp sites have water and electric hookups, shady areas for seating, fire rings and, did I mention, both have beautiful views? Can't recommend enough

Steve

October 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

This was our second time camping here and it was just as nice as the first. This time we stayed at Salinan and it’s a very private site with great views perfect for star gazing. I’m glad I have 4x4 to get to this site as it’s steep and rocky. The site is mostly level but I used leveling blocks for a perfect night’s sleep in my truck. In the morning we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and panoramic views. Karina and Chris are great hosts, very communicative!

J

Jim

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

We love staying at Chris & Karina’s land. It is private and quiet with beautiful views. They are great hosts. This was our 3rd stay and we can’t wait to return!

J

James

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

An awesome getaway in the vineyard covered hills. Only two campsites on the property, so it feels private. Water and electricity hookups made camping with a travel trailer perfect. The site comes with all the amenities you will need; a fire pit, grill, seating, lighting, and great views. I’d definitely recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.

J

Jason

October 2025

38 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

This site is nestled among beautiful oak trees in the central CA countryside. It's private, away from others, and provides great amenities for the price, including multiple electric and water hookups. The fire ring, chairs and table make this a cozy and comfortable place to spend a few days! Hosts were incredibly responsive and made sure we were well take care of! We're already booking our next trip to this site!

J

Jeremiah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

I truly enjoyed my stay at the Salinan Campsite! The stars were incredible and you could even see the Milky Way. You really feel like you are up in the mountains, even though you are only a few minutes from SLO.

B

Bob

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Sending are kids and grand kids next - pigs, goats, great views and dogs to keep us company. Don't miss out.

Christy

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Fantastic stay! Beautiful views, peace and quiet, great amenities. Highly recommend this location if you want a restful, relaxing stay.

S

Seth

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

We were a group of 8 and loved staying at The Range. Karina and Chris were super welcoming, friendly and responsive. The animals were such a fun vibe, the views were great, and the site was private. We will definitely come back!

skanda

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

Amazing vibes and a great way to explore getting a feel for dispersed camping :) Like the other reviewers have commented, road signs and access roads do not seem well maintained (by the city/county?) making it a challenge to find the way. Cannot imagine trying to get to this ranch after dark, please try to get there before sunset. On the ranch, owners are responsive, polite and provide clear instructions!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping near San Luis Obispo guide

Where to go

San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County is full of spots to visit, from the hot springs and wineries of Paso Robles to the ornate Hearst Castle near Cambria. The closest beach to SLO, Avila Beach, is small and secluded, making it popular among families and sunbathers. A short drive further up Highway 1 is Morro Bay State Park, which offers not only tent and trailer camping sites with showers, but also an 18-hole golf course, its own Museum of Natural History, and wildlife like sea otters, birds, and whales. Nearby Morro Strand State Beach is another sandy, 3-mile stretch popular for surfing and long walks. Its campground is right on the beach—a rarity in California. Lastly, Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with a historic pier and a protected monarch butterfly habitat.

Santa Barbara County

While the city of Santa Barbara, celebrated for its historic mission, is the best-known destination in Santa Barbara County, there are plenty of other spots worth visiting. Head to the Santa Ynez Valley to taste award-winning wines, or check out the historic homes in the beach community of Goleta.

Ventura County

On the opposite side of Santa Barbara County, Ventura County is great for camping and exploring, with a mix of forest areas and more arid expanses—not to mention tons of beaches with county-run campgrounds. Head to the Ojai Valley to soak in hot springs or venture into the Simi Hills for a bit of canyon hiking.

When to go

San Luis Obispo is a year-round destination, and while winters get some rain, temperatures generally hover between the mid-40s and mid-60s. If you like warm weather but want to avoid the summer vacation crowds, it's wise to camp in SLO during in late spring or early fall. To see wildlife, winter is the best time, as monarch butterflies overwinter at Pismo Beach from November through February, which is also high season for whale-watching along the coast.