Treehouses near Lake Nacimiento
Go for a swim or rent your own boat at this popular camping lake near Paso Robles.
- Lake Nacimiento
Popular camping styles for Lake Nacimiento
Treehouses near Lake Nacimiento guide
Overview
A short drive outside of Paso Robles, Lake Nacimiento is a popular summer destination, particularly among campers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. Seven campgrounds house about 350 campsites, roughly half of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other lake facilities include a marina with 120 slips, plus rental outfitters offering everything from boats to fishing poles. While water-based activities are the primary draw, Lake Nacimiento also offers plenty to do on land, including a three-mile-long, dog-friendly hiking trail that affords hikers great views out over the lake.
Where to go
The Big Sur Coast
Arguably the prettiest stretch of coastline in California—if not in the country—Big Sur is characterized by postcard-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and a mix of upscale eco-lodges and backwoods coastal camping. Made popular by authors such as Henry Miller and those that came after him, this area has had a reputation as a counterculture haunt for decades, a torch that's carried to this day by the Esalen Institute hot springs and retreat center.
Santa Barbara County
South of the lake, where the Southern and Central California Coasts meet, Santa Barbara County features pretty beaches, charming towns, lots of wineries, and plenty of historic sites. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer miles of hiking, while the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes near Santa Maria are great for exploring by ATV.
Sequoia Country
East of Lake Nacimiento, the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Park are best known for their groves of ancient sequoias, some of the world's tallest trees. This region is also fantastic for camping, with hundreds of backcountry and developed camping areas, plus thousands of miles of trails.
When to go
Lake Nacimiento is definitely a summer destination, and the hot period between July and September is perfect for swimming, boating, and standup paddleboarding. This is, naturally, the most popular time to visit the lake, when area campground reservations are likely to fill up quickly. To camp without the crowds, consider coming in October, when the weather is generally still warm enough for camping (if a tad cold for swimming).
