Forest camping near San Luis Obispo

Hit this sunny city for beach camping, mountain trails, monarch butterflies, and wine tasting.

97% (1076 reviews)
97% (1076 reviews)

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10 top forest campgrounds near San Luis Obispo

97%
(126)

La Montaña Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents142 acres · Santa Margarita, CA
Our property is 142 acres located on the top of east Cuesta grade, elevation approximately 2100. We are secluded enough to feel like you're far away from city life but in reality only 20 minute drive to downtown San Luis Obispo. The main road up continues past our property and turns into the Los Padres National Forest and is very popular for hiking and biking with locals. We also have private trails within our property. We have a farm consisting of 10 sheep, 10 goats, 30 chickens, 2 pigs, 4 dogs, a cat. Interaction with farm animals may be possible upon request. Most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Guests have enjoyed having a morning coffee in the company of sheep and a couple of pigs on the other side of the fence. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)
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$54
 / night
86%
(644)

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

12 sites · RVs, Tents124 acres · Cambria, CA
We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enter Gate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.
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$40
 / night
97%
(36)

-G Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · New Cuyama, CA
The Cuyama Valley separates the Caliente Mountain Range from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Tucked away in the northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of the Los Padres National Forest is Cottonwood Canyon of the Cuyama Valley, located in northern Santa Barbara County. Cottonwood Canyon is known for its spectacular high desert landscapes offering open ranges, rolling hills, chaparral with oak woodlands, riparian and juniper-sage terrain, and seasonal wildflowers. Cottonwood Canyon is also home to our secluded 116-acre ranch. The flora and fauna are plentiful, the mountainous views are indescribable, and the night skies are unforgettable! Perfect for unplugging, wildlife watching, photography, meditation, and much more! Our ranch has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails and is just two short miles from the Los Padres National Forest. This is the true essence of wilderness meets country, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Even though we are in the middle of nowhere, we are conveniently located near many recreational sites. Just to name a few, about 20 miles east is Alison Canyon Park; About 30 miles east off highway 33 is OHV recreation area, Ballinger Canyon; About 35 miles east off Hudson Ranch Road is the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge; About 60 miles north off Soda Lake Road is the Carrizo Plain National Monument; About 12 miles west is the Chimineas Ranch Ecological Reserve; and, about 60 miles east off highway 166 is Wind Wolves Preserve. Get a peaceful night’s sleep with full bellies! Here at -G Ranch, it’s important to us that you get the most pleasant stay that you deserve. Bring your own food to grill on our communal BBQ or possibly let us cook for you! Contact us before your stay and we can discuss food details.Learn more about this land:Come spend the night under the stars at our Grant Line camp site and event center. The Grant Line campsite is situated right next to an original 1840’s Spanish Land Grant boundary line, which is intersected by Forest Route 11N01. The grant has since been divided, but large pieces of land still remain, mostly inhabited by mountainous wildlife, ground squirrels, rabbits, coyotes and cattle. This area is also rich in Chumash history. Million-dollar views of the Caliente Mountain Range await you for evening sunsets and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range await you for your morning coffee enjoyment. Don't miss the brilliance of the famous Cottonwood Canyon Wildflowers with your front row seat. For your comfort, there is a 16x20 rustic-style shade structure (which has also been used for a dance floor!), water spigot, fire pit, small BBQ, and an outhouse. We have oak firewood available for purchase and a larger BBQ capable of cooking for 200+ guests available for rent, if needed. This site also provides plenty of parking for multiple RV’s and can accommodate larger groups.
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$60
 / night
100%
(127)

Wendee's Whimsical Campsite

1 site · Tent6 acres · Atascadero, CA
Nestled in the oak-studded hills of North West Atascadero a charming site awaits you...an unforgettable destination surprise. A charming old country road leads to a sole-campsite exclusively for you and friends/family. The bathroom is straight out of the Hobbit, equipped with hot/cold water, stall shower, fluffy white towels and camping supplies. The propane firepit is perfect for evening gatherings with your companions and marshmallow roasts (read: S'mores). (Sorry...no open wood fires) A hand-carved trail surrounds the area: complete with a suspension bridge, chicken coup, rocky bridge and fish pond. Additionally, we provide a sustainable eco-friendly environment for our guests: including trash, recycling and composting receptacles. Also wildlife galore: plenty of turkeys, deer, racoons and quail. The nights are dark but we provide flashlights...then turn the flashlights off for a dazzling evening of stargazing. Atascadero is the perfect base for discovering the Central Coast: wineries/tasting rooms, olive oil tasting, abundant trails for walking/hiking; golfing as well as exploring the beaches: Morro Bay, Avila Beach, Montana de Oro, and northward to Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon and Big Sur. All of these attractions within a 30-mnute drive. Look forward to seeing you...
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$145
 / night
100%
(29)

The Rock Loft

1 site · Lodging16 acres · Paso Robles, CA
This house is now 1 of 2 vacation rentals on the property. You will definitely notice the home's unique architecture as soon as you walk in. You will not find another home like this nor the massive 50 ft+ rock wall that provides cover to back side of the house.In 2016, after more than 50+ years operating as a working cattle ranch (Brookins Ranch) and a viewing attraction for Adelaida Wine Trail travelers, the property was unfortunately shut down and put up for sale.As a born and raised local, I had to purchase the property with the hopes of restoring it to its greatest and to allow others to enjoy what it has to offer. Since March 2017, my family and I have been working hard on the restoration - attempting to keep a lot of it's uniqueness while integrating modern technologies that will help expand the property's life. As such, we welcome you to come enjoy the experience as we continue to bring this property back to life!
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$148.50
 / night
96%
(69)

Comfortable Creekside Campsite

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Arroyo Grande, CA
NOTE: The campsite is fully occupied from Oct 2023 through March 2024 by monthly tenants. Check back for Summer of 2024 openings. Get away to serene Upper Lopez Canyon in Los Padres National Forest. Picturesque creekside campsite with year round flowing water right at the site, and offsite hikes to beautiful nearby waterfalls. 48' RV Barn with full hookups. 2nd RV hookup area with creek views also available (see 2 trailer add on for groups with 2 trailers). Fire pit with 2 chairs and picnic table provided. Campsite host occupies main house on property. About 20 minutes to Lopez Lake Park and Boat Ramp. Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. There is a pretty good phone signal at the property. WiFi is weak and unreliable, but you can use your phone as a HotSpot. Fire Ban currently in effect.
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$67.50
 / night
100%
(1)

Wine Country Yurt

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Templeton, CA
Welcome to the Wine Country Yurt- a one of a kind eco-friendly studio located in a serene mossy oak forest along a seasonal creek, yet just minutes from downtown Templeton, Paso Robles and many area wineries. Guest will enjoy the queen size bed, the kitchenette, a full bathroom with walk in shower, a large front porch with a BBQ, propane fire pit and outdoor seating. The yurt, while rustic, is equipped with both heat and AC plus wifi! See the stars from your bed through the round roof window, relax in the Adirondack chairs around the propane fire pit table, or enjoy a hike around the property, birdwatching, painting or just enjoying the peace of the country. Yurts are wood frame, canvas-sided round structures with windows. The kitchenette features filtered water, a sink, a toaster, a Keurig coffee maker, a microwave, plus an apartment size refrigerator with freezer. Additionally, a propane BBQ is provided on the front porch. This is glamping at its finest, come enjoy an adventure in Paso Robles Wine Country! House Rules/Requirements for booking: Guest must sign renters agreement Security deposit of $250 will be held by the host Minimum age to book is 25 years old No 3rd Party bookings- the main guest on the reservation must be present for the duration of the stay and is responsible for the behavior of all guests. No extra guests beyond the reservation total without pre-approval by the host Quiet Hours 10pm-7am, no outside activity during these hours No smoking, No parties, No undisclosed/unapproved animals This is the country-you may encounter bugs, snakes or other wild creatures. Keep doors closed and enjoy nature with caution. No food scrapes, grease or oil down the sinks, only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet NO WIPES-very sensitive septic system Use of the home and all its amenities is at your own risk Review the Welcome Binder in the home for additional house rules and guidelines
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$200
 / night
100%
(2)

Oak Serenity

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Atascadero, CA
The property is nestled in very quiet part of Atascadero among hundreds of oak trees and nature. There are 5 acres of hills of oak trees, bay leaf trees, frequented by the tree squirrels, deer and birds that live all over the property. The house is occupied and there are chickens and a sweet lab named Maverick. The driveway is easy to get in and out of for a car, truck, camper van, Westie (or same type of camper van); tent campers are welcome too. It's not very easily accessible for large trailers. The neighborhood is very quiet. Water is available by hose by the garage (it's not filtered) and if you have a pet 100% needs to be leashed and please pick up their poop. There's been mountain lion sightings within the last few years. There is no bathroom/cleanout, power or cell service/WIFI. You will be completely disconnected here. Please let us know if you have any questions and we are happy to help! There are some great places to eat downtown as well as for libations. Paso Robles wineries are only 10 minutes down the road; ask for suggestions and winery 2 for 1 tastings. Hope you enjoy your stay!
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$60
 / night

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Forest camping near San Luis Obispo guide

Overview

Looking for a camping adventure in the forest near San Luis Obispo, California? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 200 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're a snow sports enthusiast, a fishing fanatic, or just enjoy wildlife watching, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) for some highly recommended options. Plus, you can enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, potable water, and pet-friendly sites. Prices start as low as $30 per night, with an average price of $125 per night. Start planning your forest getaway today!

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