Forest camping near Nipomo

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

97% (1933 reviews)
97% (1933 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nipomo

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top forest campgrounds near Nipomo

97%
(116)

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. :)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$54
 / night
94%
(686)

Blue Sky Center

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres · New Cuyama, CA
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$39
 / night
86%
(641)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
99%
(726)

Cuyama Oaks Ranch

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents82 acres · CA
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$67.50
 / night
100%
(126)

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...
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$145
 / 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$60
 / 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$148.50
 / 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
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$200
 / 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$67.50
 / night
Saved 4 times

Ranchette @ Rancho Alegre

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Santa Barbara, CA
Breathtaking views of Santa Ynez Mountains, Serene, Peaceful, abundance of wild-life, private, brand-new cabin, central air/heat, hot water, full kitchen. Will have property all to yourself (hosts live on property), Front Gate can be locked for extra privacy. Brand new, clean, comfortable, soothing on the soul 2 Bedroom, 1 full bath, kitchen and living area. Very peaceful and scenic site located on Rancho Alegre...a beloved summer camp and outdoor school site which is being totally re-built. 200 Acres just for You to Explore! No campers or students on site. Lots of Wildlife and Excellent Birdwatching! Extensive Hiking, Mountain Biking, "secret trails", 1.5 miles to Lake Cachuma w/ fishing and boat rentals. Stargazing! Pool in Summer. 20 miles to award winning wineries, restaurants, historic sites. Gravel road into site, 1 Mile off of Hwy 154/Chumash Highway. 22 Miles from Santa Barbara and 18 miles from Solvang-Danish Capitol of America ... #1 Christmas Town in California! Verizon Cell Tower hidden on Site, Good Reception with Verizon. No Wi-Fi yet. No Smoking, Vaping, Open Flames or Campfires due to high Fire Danger. Thank you for keeping our property safe! Complimentary Wine Tastings, Fine Bottle of Wine on arrival and Complimentary Coffee and Tea Bar! If you enjoy waking to the birds and hearing the frogs at night ... you will absolutely love our "Hip" Ranchette!
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$250
 / night

Star Hosts in Nipomo

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Nipomo guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your one-stop destination for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a forest retreat near Nipomo, California, we've got you covered with over 150 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, our top campsites like Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), DABUDAGE (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) are sure to impress. With amenities like cooking equipment, campfires, and showers, and activities such as horseback riding, wildlife watching, and surfing, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. With an average price per night of $87 and options as low as $30, there's a campsite for every budget. So grab your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of the forest near Nipomo, California!

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.