Hundreds of campgrounds provide a full range of camping options along California's Central Coast. Nearly four dozen state parks and beaches lie along scenic stretches of the coast, many with campgrounds suitable for RVs and tents. Carpenteria State Beach on the southern end of the Central Coast, for example, provides separate beachfront camping areas for tents and RVs. Farther up the coast, Morro Bay State Park and Morro Strand State Beach have convenient access to windsurfing, fishing and surfing areas. You'll also find an array of private resorts, county beaches and even national parks along the coast. These areas typically feature coastal forests -- Big Sur's old growth redwoods come to mind -- soft sand beaches and rocky shorelines, with towering bluffs overlooking the sea.
While some coastal campgrounds provide dual-use spaces for tents and RVs, others provide tent-only areas where you'll enjoy a more secluded feel. Sunset State Beach in Watsonville has 11 tent-only sites at its 76-site beachside campground. If you want to pull back from the crowds a little, Andrew Molera State Park, located 20 miles south of Carmel, allows you to hike 1/3 mile to a trail camp conveniently situated on bluffs above the ocean. You can reach a sandy beach situated away from crowds by hiking less than a mile to the shore. For a rugged and remote tent adventure, strike out to the Channel Islands National Park. Here, five islands allow camping at sites with trail access to beaches, fire rings and pit-style toilets. Beach camping is allowed on Santa Rosa Island from August 15 through December 31, with the closest backcountry spot 9 miles from where a shuttle boat or plane drops you off.
Electric and water hookups are provided at many California state parks, along with RV dump stations. RVs can camp beachfront in a specially designated RV loop at Carpinteria State Beach or set up in dry sites shared between tents and RVs in other state beaches where camping is allowed. For full hookups and additional amenities, such as a pools, WiFi and cable TV, check in to a private facility. Some facilities, such as Morro Dunes RV Park, have sites just steps away from the beach, while others, such as Pismo Sands RV Park, may be located up to a mile from the water's edge. Both facilities have pull-through sites for rigs up to 78 feet long, hot showers, flush restrooms and laundry. Pismo Sands RV Park has additional amenities, including a pool, a hot tub, WiFi and cable TV.
Little shade is available at most beaches in central California. Consider bringing a shade awning to put over or next to your tent to prevent the interior from becoming unbearably hot during the day and to give you shade as you eat and prepare meals. Bring sunscreen and wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to shield you from the sun.
In campsites where you are required to pack in your own water, bring more than you'd expect to use; doing so will help counteract the sun's dehydrating effects.
Poison oak is prevalent along the region's coastal forests. It sometimes grows in dense walls along trails or as tiny plants that pop up in and along the paths.
Pack food in airtight containers and secure your cooler lid with a strap to discourage squirrels, rodents and seagulls.
