From rugged cliffs in Big Sur to wide sandy beaches near Pismo Beach, the California Central Coast is home to some of the most beautiful camping destinations in the state. With ocean views, towering redwoods, coastal hikes, and some of California’s most iconic scenery, it’s easy to see why this region is a favorite among campers.
There is just something purely magical about driving the winding two-lane Highway 1 down the Central Coast with the sunshine sparkling off the Pacific Ocean… Doesn’t get much more California than that.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a bucket-list road trip along Highway 1, camping is one of the best ways to experience the Central Coast. After years of exploring this stretch of California, these are seven Central Coast campgrounds that we think are absolutely worth booking.
WHY CAMP ALONG THE CENTRAL COAST?
One of the things we love most about the California Central Coast is its variety. In a single trip, you can camp beneath redwoods, wake up beside the ocean, hike coastal trails, and watch spectacular sunsets over the Pacific. The scenery changes constantly, making every campground feel like a completely different experience.
Additionally, many Central Coast campgrounds provide easy access to beaches, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and charming coastal towns. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, camping along the Central Coast offers something for every type of traveler.
PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of California’s most iconic camping destinations. Right off of Highway 1, nestled among towering redwoods and bordered by the Big Sur River, the campground feels like a peaceful retreat while remaining close to Big Sur’s famous coastline.
In addition to beautiful campsites, visitors can enjoy an easy access hike to Pfeiffer Falls, scenic drives along Highway 1, and countless overlooks throughout Big Sur. It’s easy to see why this campground remains one of the most sought-after reservations in California.
- CAMPGROUND: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
- LOCATION: Big Sur, Monterey County
- COST: $50+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
PLAN YOUR FULL BIG SUR TRIP: ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO BIG SUR CALIFORNIA
KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Kirk Creek Campground offers some of the most spectacular views of any campground in California. And it is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in the state, too. Sites are snagged almost immediately upon their release to book. This campground does require a two-night booking minimum, and a Friday and Saturday booked together for weekend reservations. But we can confirm that the hassle to get a site here will be well-worth your time.
Campsites sit atop coastal bluffs, providing front-row seats to sunsets and whale migrations. Additionally, the campground offers direct access to hiking trails in Los Padres National Forest and nearby Sand Dollar Beach. The combination of ocean views and rugged scenery makes Kirk Creek one of our favorite Central Coast campgrounds. There are a handful of first-come first-serve sites available, but we’d recommend planning ahead whenever possible.
- CAMPGROUND: Kirk Creek Campground
- LOCATION: Big Sur, Los Padres National Forest
- COST: $45-$47+/night (2-night minimum required)
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
HEARST SAN SIMEON STATE PARK
Hearst San Simeon State Park offers a classic Central Coast camping experience with easy access to beaches, elephant seals, and Hearst Castle. The campground’s location makes it an excellent basecamp for exploring San Simeon and nearby Cambria. There was also a decent amount of privacy which made it not feel so crowded.
Additionally, the coastal setting provides cool temperatures and plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing by the ocean. And if you’re lucky, you can spot the free-roaming zebras on the hillsides of San Simeon!
- CAMPGROUND: Creek Campground
- LOCATION: Cambria, San Luis Obispo County
- COST: $10-$35+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH
Morro Strand State Beach offers some of the best beachfront camping on the Central Coast. Located just north of Morro Rock, the campground places visitors steps from the sand with incredible ocean views throughout the day. Although this campground feels more like a parking lot, we love the acces to the beach and it being so close to town.
The campground’s proximity to Morro Bay and Cayucos makes it easy to enjoy restaurants, kayaking, and scenic drives while still enjoying a classic beach camping experience.
- CAMPGROUND: Morro Strand Campground
- LOCATION: Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County
- COST: $35+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash (dogs not allowed on beach)
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
PLAN YOUR FULL TRIP: THINGS TO DO IN MORRO BAY
MORRO BAY STATE PARK
Morro Bay State Park combines camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing in one beautiful setting. Surrounded by eucalyptus groves and located near the bay, the campground provides easy access to Black Hill Trail and countless opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching. These sites are pretty close together, so when the campground is busy, it can feel like you’re packed in tight.
But, its location near downtown Morro Bay makes it easy to explore shops, restaurants, and the iconic Morro Rock. It is still worth visiting to explore the state park and nearby areas.
- CAMPGROUND: Morro Bay State Park Campground
- LOCATION: Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County
- COST: $35+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
PISMO STATE BEACH
Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach offers an easy camping experience on the California Central Coast. Located just a short walk from the beach, the campground provides easy access to miles of sandy shoreline, coastal bike paths, and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the region. Its central location also makes it a great basecamp for exploring Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and nearby San Luis Obispo.
- CAMPGROUND: Oceano Campground
- LOCATION: Oceano, San Luis Obispo County
- COST: $35+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
JALAMA BEACH COUNTY PARK
This campground feels tucked away along a remote stretch of coastline north of Santa Barbara. Jalama Beach County Park feels like a hidden gem. The campground sits directly beside the beach and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than many of California’s more famous coastal campgrounds. The best campsites are beachfront and right on the sand––but obviously these are in the highest demand. Book early when you can!
Visitors can enjoy surfing, fishing, beach walks, and, of course, the famous Jalama Burger from the onsite grill. Its remote location only adds to the charm. As pescatarians, we have never tried the burger, but we really enjoy the fish and chips. (And also many friends we’ve brought here loved the burgers!)
- CAMPGROUND: Jalama Beach Campground
- LOCATION: Lompoc, San Luis Obispo County
- COST: $35-$55+/night
- PET POLICY: Dogs welcome on-leash, and dogs allowed on beach
- SEASONALITY: Open year-round
- BOOK YOUR SITE: Camping & RV Reservations
FOR ALL THE DETAILS: JALAMA BEACH CALIFORNIA: THE ULTIMATE BEACHFRONT CAMPGROUND
TIPS FOR CAMPING ALONG THE CENTRAL COAST
RESERVE EARLY
Many coastal campgrounds along the Central Coast in California book months in advance, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. So, you can plan ahead and significantly improve your chances of securing a campsite. But in the event you find booked campground after booked campground, you can set Cancellation Alerts on an app called CAMPSITE TONIGHT.
PREPARE FOR COASTAL WEATHER
Even during summer, temperatures along the Central Coast can be cool and windy. Coastal temperatures can be up to 30ºF lower than just a few miles inland. We always recommend bringing layers, rain jackets, and warm sleeping gear are essential regardless of the season. Whether you’re right on the coast or tucked in the trees, you’ll experience a variety of weathers in one day.
DOWNLOAD MAPS AHEAD OF TIME
Big Sur and other remote stretches of Highway 1 often have little to no reception. Downloading maps and campground information before your trip can help prevent navigation issues. Additionally, we always recommend taking a screenshot of your campsite reservation. Figuring out your site number without service is a real struggle.
BEST CAMPGROUNDS ON THE CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST
From redwood forests in Big Sur to remote beaches near Santa Barbara, the California Central Coast offers some of the most diverse and scenic camping experiences in the state. Whether you’re looking for dramatic ocean views, easy beach camping, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, these seven Central Coast campgrounds are worth adding to your bucket list.
No matter which campground you choose, one thing is certain: waking up near the Pacific Ocean is never a bad way to start the day.
BUCKET LIST CALIFORNIA MAP & GUIDE
We’ve spent over 10 years exploring and mapping out this incredible state. And we put all the details, info, links, tips and recommendations in to a single California Bucket List Guide. Like GPS location, dog-friendliness, cost, and more. This guide now has over 850 unique locations and things to do around California, with some bonus locations in Oregon and Nevada. So if you’re looking for things to do, or places to go, this guide is for you!
Not much of a planner? No worries! We also have curated itineraries to make the planning process easier for you. And if that isn’t enough, book a call with us or have us create a custom itinerary for you! We are here to help!
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. And happy soft adventuring!
Happy Soft Adventuring!
- Katy & Ryan
