Lake Camping in Central Coast, California: Best Lake Campsites 2025

United States
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California
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Central Coast

97% (969 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Central Coast

Star Hosts in Central Coast

6 top lakeside campgrounds in Central Coast

100%

(2)

Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Templeton, CA

Franklin Hot Springs is an all-natural hot spring in the middle of beautiful Paso Robles wine country. We are located about a mile from the city limits " out in the country". Our water has one of the healthiest and dense mineral breakdowns compared to waters tested around the world. Our natural hot springs has been a treasured local gem since the 1950's offering relaxation and rejuvenation to visitors of all ages. Experience the therapeutic benefits of our pure, chemical-free waters, naturally infused with Magnesium, Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium. Our spring fed pools maintain a blissful temperature of 98 - 100 degrees. Our springs are considered among the top 5 destinations for psoriasis treatment. Our water follows a natural " flow-through" system, originating from a main well, then replenishing our fish filled lake before winding its way through parts of Paso Robles and eventually merging with the Salinas River. In addition to overnight camping and soaking in our natural hot springs, we offer fishing and boating as part of your stay. You do not have to have a fishing license; we are a member of the Fish and Wildlife and are considered an Aquaculture Farm. We offer several Dry camping sites (no electricity) and 3 sites that have electric hook-ups.

89%

(188)

Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Lake Nacimiento, CA

Our 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.

Vinyl Vineyards

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Vinyl Vineyards is a 120 acre ranch, working vineyard, wine label, and 10 site private glampground on the Union Rd wine trail in Paso Robles, CA. The magnificient property includes hiking trails through vineyards, ancient oak forests, canyons, and flower filled fields, creeks, two seasonal ponds, 26 acres of vineyards, alpacas, vegtable gardens, sunset vistas, bbq grills, outdoor tables, frisebee golf, and more... We also raise alpacas, chickens, and honey bees which you can experience on the ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, we are walking distance to several wineries, a 5 minute drive to golf, Sensorio, Vina Robles, and boast enough natural beauty and amenities to never leave your site. Check our website for FAQ's, how to plan your trip, and liability waiver downloads.

Twisselman Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CA

Twisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Campfires - We are an ember free site year round due to wildfire risks & insurance purposes. We do however have propane fire pit rentals for $20 per night. - great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have wildflower honey available for sale straight off the ranch. If your interested in purchasing during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. We are a self check-in site. Upon arrival show yourself to the site following welcome note directions. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch

Camp Tule Elk

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Santa Margarita, CA

The property is located in the historic area of Carrizo Plains National Monument. We are in between Los Angeles and San Francisco 60 miles from the coast. You can fish in the small bass pond located on the property or drink your morning coffee while floating on the Kayak. There is also a resident herd of Tule elk nearby. *PLEASE NOTE PROPERTY IS ABOUT ONE HOUR FROM THE NEARST TOWN.

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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.

Available this weekend

99%

(75)

Camp Tule Elk

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Santa Margarita, CA

The property is located in the historic area of Carrizo Plains National Monument. We are in between Los Angeles and San Francisco 60 miles from the coast. You can fish in the small bass pond located on the property or drink your morning coffee while floating on the Kayak. There is also a resident herd of Tule elk nearby. *PLEASE NOTE PROPERTY IS ABOUT ONE HOUR FROM THE NEARST TOWN.

Twisselman Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CA

Twisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Campfires - We are an ember free site year round due to wildfire risks & insurance purposes. We do however have propane fire pit rentals for $20 per night. - great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have wildflower honey available for sale straight off the ranch. If your interested in purchasing during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. We are a self check-in site. Upon arrival show yourself to the site following welcome note directions. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch

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.

Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Lake Nacimiento, CA

Our 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.

Dog-friendly getaways

89%

(188)

Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Lake Nacimiento, CA

Our 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.

Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Templeton, CA

Franklin Hot Springs is an all-natural hot spring in the middle of beautiful Paso Robles wine country. We are located about a mile from the city limits " out in the country". Our water has one of the healthiest and dense mineral breakdowns compared to waters tested around the world. Our natural hot springs has been a treasured local gem since the 1950's offering relaxation and rejuvenation to visitors of all ages. Experience the therapeutic benefits of our pure, chemical-free waters, naturally infused with Magnesium, Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium. Our spring fed pools maintain a blissful temperature of 98 - 100 degrees. Our springs are considered among the top 5 destinations for psoriasis treatment. Our water follows a natural " flow-through" system, originating from a main well, then replenishing our fish filled lake before winding its way through parts of Paso Robles and eventually merging with the Salinas River. In addition to overnight camping and soaking in our natural hot springs, we offer fishing and boating as part of your stay. You do not have to have a fishing license; we are a member of the Fish and Wildlife and are considered an Aquaculture Farm. We offer several Dry camping sites (no electricity) and 3 sites that have electric hook-ups.

Camp Tule Elk

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Santa Margarita, CA

The property is located in the historic area of Carrizo Plains National Monument. We are in between Los Angeles and San Francisco 60 miles from the coast. You can fish in the small bass pond located on the property or drink your morning coffee while floating on the Kayak. There is also a resident herd of Tule elk nearby. *PLEASE NOTE PROPERTY IS ABOUT ONE HOUR FROM THE NEARST TOWN.

Vinyl Vineyards

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Vinyl Vineyards is a 120 acre ranch, working vineyard, wine label, and 10 site private glampground on the Union Rd wine trail in Paso Robles, CA. The magnificient property includes hiking trails through vineyards, ancient oak forests, canyons, and flower filled fields, creeks, two seasonal ponds, 26 acres of vineyards, alpacas, vegtable gardens, sunset vistas, bbq grills, outdoor tables, frisebee golf, and more... We also raise alpacas, chickens, and honey bees which you can experience on the ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, we are walking distance to several wineries, a 5 minute drive to golf, Sensorio, Vina Robles, and boast enough natural beauty and amenities to never leave your site. Check our website for FAQ's, how to plan your trip, and liability waiver downloads.

Twisselman Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CA

Twisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Campfires - We are an ember free site year round due to wildfire risks & insurance purposes. We do however have propane fire pit rentals for $20 per night. - great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have wildflower honey available for sale straight off the ranch. If your interested in purchasing during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. We are a self check-in site. Upon arrival show yourself to the site following welcome note directions. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(9)

Santa Margarita Lake

Santa Margarita, California

96%

(436)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Central Coast guide

Overview

Looking to camp by a lake in the Central Coast of California? Look no further than Hipcamp! We have over 60 options available in this stunning location. Whether you're into biking, snow sports, or fishing, there's something for everyone. Our top campsites, including Arber-Moore's Ranch (158 reviews), Star Route (134 reviews), and Coyote Mynt Ranch near Paso Robles (109 reviews), offer popular amenities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations. With an average price per night of $115 and options as low as $36, you'll find the perfect camping experience at a price that suits your budget.