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

United States
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California
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Santa Maria

98% (1319 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Maria

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Star Hosts in Santa Maria

100%

(23)

Hunter Moon Ranch

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Morro Bay, CA

Hunter Moon Ranch is a beautiful active farm/ranch, located on the central coast. Five minutes from the beach and town of Morro Bay. 18 acres of land, situated on a little creek, that’s abundant with wildlife. We’re just outside the fog line, with an awesome view of the rock. This ranch is like an animal sanctuary. Along with the farm animals and dogs that call this place home. Many different species of birds, deer, hawks, raccoons and other friendly critters, can be spotted here daily. Ideally close to the beach and town, but tucked away up against a hill side, out in the country. Come enjoy our slice of heaven, where every living being calls home.

98%

(583)

Private Beach Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Goleta, CA

This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!

SLO Country Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis Obispo, CA

SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: wash/kitchen prep, and cold-water outdoor shower. Site 1 is best for trailers but Site 2 is adequate. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, my favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. My favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.

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(16)

Gaia Farm Campground

3 sites · Tents20 acres · Goleta, CA

Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.

7 top beach campgrounds near Santa Maria

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SLO Country Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis Obispo, CA

SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: wash/kitchen prep, and cold-water outdoor shower. Site 1 is best for trailers but Site 2 is adequate. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, my favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. My favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.

Gaia Farm Campground

3 sites · Tents20 acres · Goleta, CA

Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.

Private Beach Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Goleta, CA

This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!

Frog Hollow Homestead

4 sites · Lodging12 acres · Atascadero, CA

Welcome to Frog Hollow. Feel free to hike up to the bench, past the safari tent, on the hill or over to the chairs and table nest to the field where the sheep and donkey areat the other side of the creek. Keep an eye out in the mornings, you may see a family or two of wild turkeys or deercruising the property. Kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the seasonal running stream and property. Situated on 12 acres, our property is a great spot where you can unplug, unwind and simply check out from your daily chaos. Sit back and enjoy the songs of the evening crickets and frogs. We are located on Hwy 41, a 10 minute drive to the coast, the famous Morro Rock, and 20 minutes from both San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles where you will find shopping, fine restaurants and plenty of local wineries in the area. We are lucky to have over 300 award winning wineries in our area so if you like wine, this is a great place to tour and taste! Frog Hollow is perfectly located for the weekend break or a leisurely mid-week holiday. Come visit us and check out our lovely land and quaint comfy living. Sabyl, our Border Collie, is around and may head down to greet you at some point during your stay. Our free standing casita is cozy and nestled in a natural serene creekside setting. The loft has a spacious queen size bed for your sleeping pleasure with adjustable reading lights on either side of the bed. The living area offers a fold down couch for another adult or 2 kids. There is a kitchenette with a toaster oven, electric tea kettle and coffee maker. There is a charcoal Weber bbq grill and a propane gas 2 burner stove. We provided a propane fire pit during the fire ban, bring propane & charcoal etc. The 13’ Stout Bell tent is sitting on a hillside under an oak tree. Our Bell tent has 2 sturdy cots with a wool and cotton bed roll for peaceful sleeping. Please BRING your own bedding, sleeping bag or blankets and a pillow for yourselves. Inside you will find cozy sitting cushions, layers of carpets, a wood burning stove which is perfect for the kettle. The Bell tent has plenty of head room to stand and move around in. There is a 2 burner gas grill along with a charcoal bbq and ice chest. There is a well lit bathroom with hot shower and flushable toilet 100 yards away. We have a moderate climb hiking trail down the road, Cerro Alto, that offers beautiful views of our coastline. Simply sit back and watch the the wild turkeys and deer roaming freely on our land, or head out to taste some of San Luis Obispo County award winning wines.

Barn Room at Harmony Over the Hill

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Templeton, CA

Welcome to our property! As a family we have worked hard to create this lovely home and property for you to enjoy. We are so happy to share the beauty and peacefulness of this land. We also host private dinner parties and special events by request. Please come experience our peaceful and lovely home.Learn more about this land:"A truly unique stay". It is attached to a 100 year old barn with doors that open up to a deck with a peaceful and lovely view. We didn't put a tv in this room for the purpose of hoping you find some peace & serenity. There is parking in the front of the barn and you have access to walking around the 10 acres of land. We have lovely animals to meet, winiers around the corner and lovely evening stars and views. We are 30 minutes from the beaches and San Luis Obispo. @harmonyoverthehillThis space will allow you to relax and enjoy some time alone. When your sitting in the comfy chairs and you open the back doors to the deck, and you feel the way the breeze comes in, it is just surreal. It's a studio like feeling with all new upgrades. You won't be disappointed. We do allow dogs they must be potty trained as these are old hardwood floors. They also will need to stay on leash with you. $50 pet fee in extras.You will access on the back porch, with a well lit area and parking is in front of barn. We do have another rental house on the property. As you may walk around and see the animals, this space you are renting is the studio and the deck.

Hunter Moon Ranch

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Morro Bay, CA

Hunter Moon Ranch is a beautiful active farm/ranch, located on the central coast. Five minutes from the beach and town of Morro Bay. 18 acres of land, situated on a little creek, that’s abundant with wildlife. We’re just outside the fog line, with an awesome view of the rock. This ranch is like an animal sanctuary. Along with the farm animals and dogs that call this place home. Many different species of birds, deer, hawks, raccoons and other friendly critters, can be spotted here daily. Ideally close to the beach and town, but tucked away up against a hill side, out in the country. Come enjoy our slice of heaven, where every living being calls home.

Bay Dreams

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Los Osos, CA

Bay Dreams is a magical place located across the street from the Bay- called Baywood. This is a cove close to Morro Bay in Los Osos, CA. Directly from the Bay you can paddle board or Kayak. It is also located within walking distance to Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and the Elfin Forest. It is located near the town with a coffee shop, deli, bar, small market and laundromat. It's a beautiful/ perfect spot surrounded by the bay and nature but not too far from amenities. Hip Camp Spots available are: -A cabin with a king size bed, pull out twin sofa bed, a small fridge and microwave. (You have to walk outside to use the toilet). -A spot to park your car *Toilet area is walking distance. No shower.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

96%

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Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

...that time we played with smoke bombs at Photo Field Trip!

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(94)

El Capitán State Beach

Goleta, California

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near Santa Maria guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a beach camping experience near Santa Maria, California, we've got you covered. With over 80 available options, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your preferences. Whether you're seeking stunning ocean views or sandy shores just steps away from your tent, we've got it all. Check out some of our top campsites like SLO Country Camp (394 reviews), Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), and DABUDAGE (367 reviews). These highly rated options provide amenities such as toilets, campfires, and trash disposal. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy, including boating, off-roading (OHV), and paddling. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable beach camping adventure near Santa Maria, California!