The best beach camping near Santa Maria

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a beach camping experience near Santa Maria, California, we've got you covered. With over 80 available options, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. Whether you're seeking stunning ocean views or sandy shores just steps away from your tent, we've got it all. Check out some of our top campsites like SLO Country Camp (394 reviews), Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), and DABUDAGE (367 reviews). These highly rated options provide amenities such as toilets, campfires, and trash disposal. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy, including boating, off-roading (OHV), and paddling. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable beach camping adventure near Santa Maria, California!

98% (1.2K) 34 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Maria

SLO Country Camp

1. SLO Country Camp

99%
(1361)
23mi from Santa Maria · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: big sink and counter, and a cold-water outdoor "beach-type" shower. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, our favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. Our favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night
Gaia Farm Campground

2. Gaia Farm Campground

96%
(98)
35mi from Santa Maria · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$44
 / night
Private Beach Farm

3. Private Beach Farm

98%
(614)
43mi from Santa Maria · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

4. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

100%
(1)
2 sites · California
A 5.5-mile-long slice of heaven for off-road adventures and all things ATV.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Los Padres National Forest

5. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Holiday RV Park

6. Holiday RV Park

100%
(3)
18mi from Santa Maria · 161 sites · RVs
HOLIDAY RV PARK IS LOCATED ONLY TWO BLOCKS FROM THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON THE CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA. Enjoy our 83 degree swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, sparkling restrooms, complimentary cable TV and Wi-Fi. Nearby activities include fishing off the 1200 foot long pier, golf, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding and four-wheeling in the Oceano Dunes. Watch playful dolphins surf the waves, take a relaxing walk on the beach and view the spectacular colors of Pacific sunsets. Treat yourself to fine dining, enjoy the many restaurants and cafes in town, pick up fresh produce and delicious bakery items in local farmers markets. Shopping, arcades, bowling and specialty shops are just a few blocks away!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$88
 / night
El Capitán State Beach

7. El Capitán State Beach

96%
(94)
133 sites · Goleta, California
Enjoy year-round camping at this Santa Barbara-area surfer favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a beach camping experience near Santa Maria, California, we've got you covered. With over 80 available options, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. Whether you're seeking stunning ocean views or sandy shores just steps away from your tent, we've got it all. Check out some of our top campsites like SLO Country Camp (394 reviews), Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), and DABUDAGE (367 reviews). These highly rated options provide amenities such as toilets, campfires, and trash disposal. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy, including boating, off-roading (OHV), and paddling. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable beach camping adventure near Santa Maria, California!

98% (1.2K) 34 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Maria

SLO Country Camp

1. SLO Country Camp

99%
(1361)
23mi from Santa Maria · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: big sink and counter, and a cold-water outdoor "beach-type" shower. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, our favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. Our favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night
Gaia Farm Campground

2. Gaia Farm Campground

96%
(98)
35mi from Santa Maria · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$44
 / night
Private Beach Farm

3. Private Beach Farm

98%
(614)
43mi from Santa Maria · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

4. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

100%
(1)
2 sites · California
A 5.5-mile-long slice of heaven for off-road adventures and all things ATV.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Los Padres National Forest

5. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Holiday RV Park

6. Holiday RV Park

100%
(3)
18mi from Santa Maria · 161 sites · RVs
HOLIDAY RV PARK IS LOCATED ONLY TWO BLOCKS FROM THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON THE CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA. Enjoy our 83 degree swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, sparkling restrooms, complimentary cable TV and Wi-Fi. Nearby activities include fishing off the 1200 foot long pier, golf, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding and four-wheeling in the Oceano Dunes. Watch playful dolphins surf the waves, take a relaxing walk on the beach and view the spectacular colors of Pacific sunsets. Treat yourself to fine dining, enjoy the many restaurants and cafes in town, pick up fresh produce and delicious bakery items in local farmers markets. Shopping, arcades, bowling and specialty shops are just a few blocks away!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$88
 / night
El Capitán State Beach

7. El Capitán State Beach

96%
(94)
133 sites · Goleta, California
Enjoy year-round camping at this Santa Barbara-area surfer favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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