Lake Camping Near Santa Maria, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking for a camping experience near Santa Maria, California, with a preference for a lake? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 60 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're interested in a serene lakeside retreat or a campground with plenty of water activities, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like Twisselman Ranch (384 reviews), Arber-Moore's Ranch (158 reviews), and Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles (109 reviews) for a tried and true camping experience. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly options, trash disposal, and cooking equipment make your stay even more convenient. Don't miss out on favorite activities in the area, such as paddling, horseback riding, and off-roading. Get ready for an unforgettable camping trip with Hipcamp!

89% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near Santa Maria, California, with a preference for a lake? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 60 options available in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're interested in a serene lakeside retreat or a campground with plenty of water activities, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top campsites like Twisselman Ranch (384 reviews), Arber-Moore's Ranch (158 reviews), and Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles (109 reviews) for a tried and true camping experience. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly options, trash disposal, and cooking equipment make your stay even more convenient. Don't miss out on favorite activities in the area, such as paddling, horseback riding, and off-roading. Get ready for an unforgettable camping trip with Hipcamp!

89% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp Tule Elk

99%

(91)

36mi from Santa Maria · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

2. Twisselman Ranch

99%

(905)

37mi from Santa Maria · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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

3. Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

97%

(710)

49mi from Santa Maria · 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.

4. Little Brave House, Soda Lake CA

87%

(117)

38mi from Santa Maria · 9 sites · Lodging · Santa Margarita, CA

Rustic cabin on 2.5 acres. Come see the Carrizo Plains! Whether you're into Soda Lake, wildflowers, zillion-star views, the rare local fauna, or exploring the nearby beaches and wineries, there's something here for everyone. Grab your own pillows and blankies and come check it out! We look forward to sharing this incredible & unique experience with you! The space The Little Brave House offers unique accommodations in the middle of this incredible setting. Our off-the-grid cabin offers most of the comforts of home, including a brand new memory foam mattress, upgraded bathroom with comfy Cabela's toilet chair, outdoor theater with 2 incredible gravity chairs, solar shower, solar electricity, outdoor games, internet connection and so many more comfy, clean accommodations. LBH inhabits a snuggly reading nook with a hanging hammock chair where you can also find some books and games. Solar energy provided outlets for standard 2 prong plugs + 3 prong plug adapters, as well as USB ports. A sweet solar shower available (bring your own water). Outdoor, patio seating (gravity chairs) plus a picnic table. You can find a Coleman 2 burner camp stove, small charcoal grill (bring your own propane and charcoal), and a brand-new propane heater (bring your own propane; 1lb). Leave your world behind for a while and come see what this incredible experience has to offer. Whether it’s relaxing in the outdoor theater, partaking in our fun outdoor games, or snuggling up in the hammock chair with a good book, LBH has something for everyone! Other things to note. Very rustic cabin. No running water or trash service. We do not live nearby. In order to bring you this unique experience in this remote area, we ask that guests provide their own bedding and clean up after themselves, including packing out trash. There are no services for an hour in each direction, so please bring plenty of water and food and fill up your gas tank. There is a solar shower available for use, as well as a Coleman 2-burner gas stove, a charcoal BBQ and a brand-new propane heater for those cold nights. Please remember to bring sheets & blankets as we ask that guests do not sleep directly on our brand-new mattress pad.

5. Gracewood Santa Barbara

88%

(186)

46mi from Santa Maria · 1 site · Tent, RV · Goleta, CA

This is an historic ranch with buildings dating from the 1880's to the mid 1930's and then some newer and spacious structures. See management for tours, history and accessibility to some structures and areas. This is a working ranch with a fascinating heritage going back three owners to an impressive land grant. There are 6 miles of trails and roads on the ranch shared by vehicles, hikers and equestrians. A map can be provided which will insure that neighboring properties are not trespassed on. All visitors to the ranch must have checked in with the office and management. There is an extra charge of $40.00 per person per day coming onto the ranch whether they are spending the night or just visiting. This charge is beyond and in addition to the charge made for the first four individuals on the reservation for each day. We find that many of our regular clients on the ranch are very friendly and helpful. Only 1 site is exclusively available right now Come stay at our rustic campsite under some large oak trees next to a little open area by an ecological pond on our working ranch! With 54 acres for our horses and avocados, we welcome guests to camp on a somewhat private part of the ranch (on occasion, equestrians may ride by). We can accommodate up to 8 more campers depending on the group type. We love welcoming families to the ranch, but like to approve larger groups ahead of time! At the campsite you'll find picnic tables, a fire pit for small fires, and running water. Minimal 110 Volt electrical outlet is at the campsite. There is a fully functional unique bathroom made out of a converted horse trailer with a toilet and sink a few hundred yards from the site. Walking around the property, you'll see an activity barn and a historic 19th century cottage which houses a private library. Permission may be granted for entry to these structures if requested. There is an outdoor shower at the campsite with cold water only. Some firewood may be provided at no cost. Campers, making reservations during cold winter months when the otherwise beautiful weather becomes cooler, should be aware that because of the proximity of a wind machine which makes a noise like a helicopter about 300 yards away from the campsite, on a neighboring property, may interrupt an otherwise peaceful and quiet experience. The wind machine comes on automatically when the temperature drops to around 37 degrees so that avocados in the orchard do not suffer from a freezing temperature. Please note the trigger temperature for the machines is taken at individual low points on the adjacent property and may reflect as many as 6 degrees lower than what is found on forecast sites. This machine probably might turn on maybe 7 nights in a year and only during the cold winter months. Headlamps are a great idea, otherwise, flashlights for sure. Minimal 110 V. electricity at campsite. The library and restroom are a little ways away from the campsite have lighting but it is very dark between the campsite and those facilities. We are located only two miles to the ocean beaches and about a mile to a major shopping center. UCSB is just minutes away. Bicycling is very easy as all roads and access are flat. Please return all furniture to the place(s) from which it was moved and thank you for putting out your fire(s) and carrying out your trash to the dumpster when leaving the campsite.

6. Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

70%

(15)

47mi from Santa Maria · 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.

Public campgrounds near Santa Maria

67%

(3)

Colson Canyon Camp

16mi from Santa Maria · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Barrel Springs Campground

17mi from Santa Maria · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

Horseshoe Springs Campground

19mi from Santa Maria · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

Wagon Flat Campground

20mi from Santa Maria · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Brookshire Campground

22mi from Santa Maria · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Baja Campground

22mi from Santa Maria · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Los Padres National Forest

Hi Mountain Campground

23mi from Santa Maria · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(1)

Buck Spring Campground

23mi from Santa Maria · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(2)

Miranda Pine Campground

24mi from Santa Maria · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

American Canyon Seasonal Campground

26mi from Santa Maria · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

100%

(9)

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

27mi from Santa Maria · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Margarita Lake

100%

(9)

Mount Figueroa Campground

29mi from Santa Maria · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Stories from the community

Zeppelin sits on her own concrete pad surrounded by moss covered oaks and with views of rolling hills, vines, and wildlife.

Catherine

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

We had a fantastic time at vinyl vinyards. It was not only beautiful but it had everything we needed. There was only one thing that might have enhanced our stay. Our host let us know in advance that there was a heater in the camper but we couldn't get it to work. Other than that, we really enjoyed it! Would love to go back!

We were the only ones here! Very peaceful

L

Lizbeth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Awesome spot. Felt very private. Close to vineyards! Dog friendly!

Courtney

October 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

Camping spot was awesome! Super clean, hammocks, weatherproof chairs and outdoor table at site. Quiet and yet not too far away from the town. Bathrooms are maintained & clean. Nicley decorated too. Sunset Hill is a gem

L

Luis

September 2025

18 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Amazing experience. Beautiful farm. Directions were very precise and made it very easy to get to the campsite. We stayed one night, hopefully next time we can stay longer. Place is well kept and the host was very responsive. Definitely recommend.

A

Annie

September 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Camp Tule Elk

Nolan's property was a lovely stop for our family. We planned to stop by San Luis Obispo on our way back from LA to visit with a family member but wanted to find a cool spot to check out with our kids (4 &1.5). The kids and I enjoyed walking around the property and saying hi to the chickens, dogs, pigeons (?), calves, horses, sheep, and goats. They also have a feed dispenser to get grains and bugs to feed the chickens. Having the tree shade was so great, as it was cool at the campsite despite temps being in the 90s. The pond was a great addition and my family enjoyed playing cornhole. Nolan also graciously permitted us to extend our checkout time so we could go explore the Carizzo Plains National Monument nearby. I would be curious as to what it is like during the spring season since it was pretty dry and desolate in the summertime. This is a really nice spot for families.

E

Erin

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

We had an awesome time at Vinyl Vineyards! Felt like glamping even from our tent. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to spend some quality time in Paso Robles!

J

Jack

September 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Gracewood Santa Barbara

Fred was super responsive! The location was perfect to base camp from. We checked in and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon wine and cheese picnic in nature by the little lake with a couple of friendly ducks. Later we bounced into town for dinner then came back to a super peaceful nighttime setting. The converted horse trailer turned bathroom was very functional and actually added to the charm of the camp.

V

VICTORIA

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

We had a great stay in tent/rv site #8! Beautiful sunset and sunrise over the hills. Clean facilities, including warm showers! Super friendly hosts that were kind enough to let our kids meet the adorable alpacas. Also in such a great location - only minutes to town. Would love to come back to try the airstreams!

D

David

August 2025

27 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

Cindy and her husband were very gracious to us. We arrived late and had difficulty finding their driveway. They came out to the main highway with their lights on and guided us in and provided us with a nice spot with hookups on a holiday weekend with out reservations. We are very grateful for their kindness.

M

Mary

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

We had plenty of space to set up camp, privacy and quiet. There was a great fire pit set up as well as cooking grills.

C

Celine

August 2025

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

We had the most relaxing stay at Gracewood. So peaceful, lots of privacy. We had the whole camp to ourselves. We needed the peace and quiet this camp had to offer. It was a beautiful location under the canopy of the trees.

E

Esther

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Gracewood Santa Barbara

Pros: a lot of privacy, a lot of shade, access to water and a clean bathroom , unlimited firewood Cons: price, no warm shower

N

Neil

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Great spot, private, quiet and serene setting. Was a great way to finish our Sequoia, Yosemite, and Norcal road trip.

D

Delaney

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

I loved tent camping here! You can see all of the stars, the bathrooms are nice, they offered us free food from a catered place when we got there and had the option to buy wine with live music!

Alexa

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

We had a wonderful camping experience! Having bathrooms at a site is God sent! They had live music and street tacos with wine for sale when we went! Every person was so welcoming and the town of Paso is not far away with many stores to explore! We even went for a trip to Morrow Bay!

A

Alexis

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

The area was well spaced with a mix of tent camping and trailers. The communal area was great for gathering and meeting fellow campers.

C

Carly

July 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

The family that runs this space is doing the whole community an incredible service, it is a community oriented space that deserves support from all. We had an incredible time, the facilities were well maintained, the staff were incredibl hospitable. Beautiful scenery, comfortable family atmosphere, relaxed vibe. My boyfriend says "Those people are keeping that county intact." We give this place a million out of ten, highly recommend.

Joshua

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Tule Elk

Beautiful site and kind hosts. Land was very unique and the man-made lake was stunning! So many birds/wildlife to see. Not to mention, loved seeing the dragonflies. Our theory is that these dragonflies were brought here by the host to combat mosquitoes, which there weren't any to our surprise! The main tip is to make sure to stock up on essentials, as the closest gas station is 50 minutes away. We made the mistake of not bringing enough water, but the host was kind enough to supply us with water when we ran out. All in all, would highly recommend!

s

sophia

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

beautiful property and hosts were so friendly ❤️ we bought a bottle of their wine and it was great! definitely recommend this place they have awesome trailers to rent out or they have three tent spots next to each other if you want to tent camp which is what we did. 10/10 would stay again!!

B

Brian

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Gracewood Santa Barbara

Best place for camping. Privacy, Scenery, and Everything you need for a good time. Thank you Fred for being a wonderful host… look forward to coming back