The best lakeside camping near San Simeon

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San Simeon is best known as the home of Hearst Castle, an ornate mansion built by a publishing tycoon that's now a major tourist attraction. It's also a great place for camping, and while Hearst San Simeon State Park is a popular choice, it doesn't have a lake. Fortunately, there are a couple of fantastic lake camping spots just a short drive away. The most popular is Lake Nacimiento, which offers around 350 campsites spread across seven campgrounds, around half of which can be booked in advance. The nearby Lake San Antonio Recreation Area is another good option with year-round camping available through Monterey County. If you’d prefer something a bit quieter than a traditional busy campground, there are more relaxed alternatives near lakes in Los Padres National Forest and on lakes at private Hipcamps within an hour’s drive of San Simeon.

68% (606)

Top-rated campgrounds

Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

1. Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

97%
(712)
29mi from San Simeon · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$90
 / night
Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

3. Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

89%
(199)
21mi from San Simeon · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$65
 / night
Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

6. Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

70%
(15)
28mi from San Simeon · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$40
 / night

San Simeon is best known as the home of Hearst Castle, an ornate mansion built by a publishing tycoon that's now a major tourist attraction. It's also a great place for camping, and while Hearst San Simeon State Park is a popular choice, it doesn't have a lake. Fortunately, there are a couple of fantastic lake camping spots just a short drive away. The most popular is Lake Nacimiento, which offers around 350 campsites spread across seven campgrounds, around half of which can be booked in advance. The nearby Lake San Antonio Recreation Area is another good option with year-round camping available through Monterey County. If you’d prefer something a bit quieter than a traditional busy campground, there are more relaxed alternatives near lakes in Los Padres National Forest and on lakes at private Hipcamps within an hour’s drive of San Simeon.

68% (606)

Top-rated campgrounds

Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

1. Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

97%
(712)
29mi from San Simeon · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$90
 / night
Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

3. Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

89%
(199)
21mi from San Simeon · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$65
 / night
Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

6. Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

70%
(15)
28mi from San Simeon · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$40
 / night

Public campgrounds near San Simeon

Stories from the community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field