Beach Camping
on the California Central Coast
Camping right on the sand is possible in California, you just need to drive far enough to find it. Campground reservations are common (year round) on this stretch of coastline, since PISMO is a premier vacation spot for most of Central California.
blue links lead to State Park pages for camp reservations 
This camping page features all beach front camping options along the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. State Parks, State Beaches, bay side marinas and rugged rural coast camps. We even list private campgrounds and RV parks, just so you have more choices.
Santa Barbara Camping & State Parks
Flying Flags RV Resort, Buellton, CA
River Park RV Campground, Lompoc CA
Santa Maria Pines Campground (CLOSED)
San Luis Obispo Camping, Off Road & RV Parks
Pismo Beach Campgrounds
Oceano Dunes State Park (SVRA) – Pismo Dunes Off Road Area 
- North Beach Campground
county park camping Pismo
- Oceano Park & Campground
- Coastal Dunes RV Park, Oceano, CA
RV camping near Pismo, CA
Pacific Dunes Ranch & RV Resort
Le Sage Riviera RV Park, Grover Beach, CA
San Luis Bay & Point Conception
Avila Beach, Morro Bay Camping
Avila Beach Hot Springs Camping
El Chorro Regional Park Campground
Morro Bay State Park Campground
San Simeon & Big Sur Campgrounds
San Simeon State Park Campgrounds
- San Simeon Creek Campground
- Washburn Primitive Campground
Big Sur Camping & State Parks
Los Padres National Forest
USDA National Forests lies inland along the Central Coast of California, all the way from Ventura to Monterey. Numerous recreational lakes and back roads that lead to secluded small campgrounds. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed, but campfires are limited to local fire restrictions. The later part of the year means drier conditions and sometimes campfires are not allowed during wildfire season. Obtain a free campfire permit & check current conditions from the local ranger before venturing into the backcountry.
- Ojai Camping
- Reyes Peak Camp
- Santa Lucia Camping near Hwy 166, Santa Maria, CA
- Rock Front Ranch 4×4 – off Highway 166
- Pozo Road 4×4 Camping, Arroyo Grande, CA
- Big Sur Back Roads – Primitive Camping
Central Coast Inland Lakes Camping
- Lake Lopez Campground, Arroyo Grande, CA
- Santa Margarita Lake Campground, SLO
- Santa Margarita Lake KOA
- Nacimiento Lake Camping
- San Antonio Reservoir
