San Simeon Creek Campground
Hearst San Simeon State Park
Write a Review 500 San Simeon Creek Rd. Cambria, CA 93428 805-772-6101 Reservations: 800-444-7275 Official WebsiteGPS: 35.5991, -121.1247
Overview of San Simeon Creek Campground
Last Price Paid: $20
Reported by roadtrippers-notnow00 on 9/13/2025
Longest RV Reported: 35 feet (Class A)
Reported by Michael & Imkelina on 9/2/2017
Number of Sites 115
Pad Type asphalt
Reservations yes
Elevation 32 ft / 9 m
Tent Camping Yes
Featured Video by Travel Small Live Big
Discover a smarter way to RV with Roadtrippers
All your Campendium favorites and more are now in Roadtrippers.
Q&A - Ask the Community about San Simeon Creek Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 805-772-6101
alexjarvie asked on 12/29/2022
Does San Simeon Creek have real restrooms and water faucets? seeing recent reviews about only porti-pottie.
Reviews of San Simeon Creek Campground 30 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 10 Users
Last reported 9/13/2025
Confirmed by 4 Users
Last reported 7/18/2022
Confirmed by 4 Users
Last reported 12/3/2024
“Great staff, Clean, Horrible Ground Squirrel Problem”
Reviewed 9/13/2025
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 202 |
Overall Rating
At first I made reservations at Washburn campground and after arriving my vehicle was surrounded by at least 10 ground squirrels. It was absolutely alarming to me. They were everywhere I kept coming .they’re not afraid. people leave their dog food out and feed them for me. I was concerned about chewing wires The second night I upgraded... more
At first I made reservations at Washburn campground and after arriving my vehicle was surrounded by at least 10 ground squirrels. It was absolutely alarming to me. They were everywhere I kept coming .they’re not afraid. people leave their dog food out and feed them for me. I was concerned about chewing wires
The second night I upgraded and stayed at the campground near the entrance. The ground squirrels were not as bad.
I really think they need to get that under control people feeding them so just beware .
Verizon 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet nice stay after a bumping start”
Reviewed 12/3/2024
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 69 |
Overall Rating
Arrived Friday after 5pm which was already very dark which made finding the site hard. Got to my original reserved site of 106, but found a large party sprawled out across multiple sites (including my site of 106) with three large party tents and bright LED string lights blasting dance music. It seems like this is a normal Friday night... more
Arrived Friday after 5pm which was already very dark which made finding the site hard. Got to my original reserved site of 106, but found a large party sprawled out across multiple sites (including my site of 106) with three large party tents and bright LED string lights blasting dance music. It seems like this is a normal Friday night party area, so note to self - stay away from these sites on weekends.
Went back to the entrance and informed them of the issue and the guy was great and moved me to site 69 which was a one night only non-reserved able site for situations like this.
Site 69 was quiet, leveled and the only issue was the road noise from HWY 1. Traffic noise soon gave away to the nice calming wave sound of the ocean.
Would stay here again to explore the coast. This is a very convenient base camp for driving up and down HWY 1 and soaking up the beauty of the area.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality |
AT&T
T-Mobile 5G
msu would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Site Was Ok, Facilities Minimal”
Reviewed 3/15/2024
| Days stayed: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 111 |
| RV Length: | 17' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We were moved from C110 to C111 due to mud. Maybe 10% occupied. Site was nice, toilets basic. Showers now require tokens from a machine at the shower, 4/$1, a token allegedly gives 3 minutes of warm water but u used two and the water barely started getting above Glacier comas before it started cooling off again. Dump station is now $10... more
We were moved from C110 to C111 due to mud. Maybe 10% occupied. Site was nice, toilets basic. Showers now require tokens from a machine at the shower, 4/$1, a token allegedly gives 3 minutes of warm water but u used two and the water barely started getting above Glacier comas before it started cooling off again. Dump station is now $10, card only. We may as well have boondocked. Add $7.99 reservation fee to your cost.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T
Bill would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Delightful primitive camping”
Reviewed 2/7/2024
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| Site Number: | 238 |
Overall Rating
A GREAT find. We stayed in the Washburn campground (up the hill/less expensive/better views/less people, more space, less trees and a clear view of the sky in every campsite (visited in February, we have Starlink and solar). The stars here are incredible at night, all you hear are the waves crashing, and beautiful views in every direc... more
A GREAT find. We stayed in the Washburn campground (up the hill/less expensive/better views/less people, more space, less trees and a clear view of the sky in every campsite (visited in February, we have Starlink and solar). The stars here are incredible at night, all you hear are the waves crashing, and beautiful views in every direction. The camp host, Shelby, was delightful and very accommodating, when we wanted to switch sites. Lots of bathrooms, very clean, lots of dumpsters and water spigots, all conveniently located. Rangers regularly drive through and we felt safe and attended to; a sketchy situation had materialized in one of the sites and the Ranger stood in the pouring rain for two hours, ensuring these folks left. A well run and maintained area. RV water and dump station at bottom of hill. automated, $10, fire rings and tables provided. I'm giving them 4* on access b/c the road up to Washburn is Swiss cheese.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
T-Mobile 5G
COStreamin would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Not A Happy Camper”
Reviewed 1/31/2024
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 79 |
| RV Length: | 32' (Class B Plus) |
Overall Rating
$35/night for dry camping!! Pulled in to find numerous empty sites…..all with a little white sign saying “Reservable”. I should have read the fine print telling me that I had to go online myself to verify it it was actually available but I wrongly assumed that staff and/or hosts would have hung a tag saying if it was reserved on the p... more
$35/night for dry camping!! Pulled in to find numerous empty sites…..all with a little white sign saying “Reservable”. I should have read the fine print telling me that I had to go online myself to verify it it was actually available but I wrongly assumed that staff and/or hosts would have hung a tag saying if it was reserved on the post next to the site……like pretty much every other campground does. Set up camp….paid the fee and 2 hours later a guy showed up with a reservation. No problem….my bad so we pulled anchor and moved to another site in the A loop. Nice spot good location so we kicked back for the night. Up in the morning and headed for the showers. Showers at California State Parks all require tokens so back I went, got some cash and purchased some tokens. Stripped down, dropped in 3 tokens and stood there for almost 10 minutes waiting for hot water that never showed up. Returned to the RV and told the wife to use the house shower and use all the water you want because by this time I’m thinking that the dump station and potable water are the only things that would make feel good about this deal. Pulled anchor and headed to the dump site to find out that they want another $10 for me to dump. So $35 for one night of parking with ZERO hookups, Showers with no hot water and a separate fee to dump tanks. Not a good experience and on par with what I’ve come to expect from California State Parks. The only good thing is that it’s close to Hearst Castle.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice primitive camping up at Washburn”
Reviewed 9/22/2023
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
| Site Number: | 239 |
Overall Rating
My site 239 was fine but it's right next to the bathrooms and I think the views are better along the eastern edges. It's nicer up at Washburn for the views and quiet but takes a bit longer to get in and out of the CG. The vault toilets are the freshest smelling I've experienced. Verizon signal is weak 1 bar or worse but with my boos... more
My site 239 was fine but it's right next to the bathrooms and I think the views are better along the eastern edges. It's nicer up at Washburn for the views and quiet but takes a bit longer to get in and out of the CG. The vault toilets are the freshest smelling I've experienced. Verizon signal is weak 1 bar or worse but with my booster I was able to work. Ground squirrels and local birds are fun. Nearby Elephant seals are awesome! Quiet and peaceful unless you get generator loving neighbors.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
Spaceliner would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Not Relaxing ”
Reviewed 8/5/2023
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 96 |
Overall Rating
People partying , kids running around everywhere , loud and in desperate need of an upgrade. Also dump site is 10$.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“State Campground Needs TLC”
Reviewed 12/5/2022
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 100 |
| RV Length: | 21' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
This campground is in desperate need of funding for maintenance. The first bathroom I went into was atrocious. It looked like it hadn’t been improved since 1950. The flushing mechanism didn’t work, the door didn’t lock - there were signs on the door that said the showers were not operational. I really needed a shower and was fit to be ... more
This campground is in desperate need of funding for maintenance. The first bathroom I went into was atrocious. It looked like it hadn’t been improved since 1950. The flushing mechanism didn’t work, the door didn’t lock - there were signs on the door that said the showers were not operational. I really needed a shower and was fit to be tied! $35+ for no services! Thankfully another shower building was working, however the shower was by no means nice.
There was rain in CA when we visited which the area sorely needs. MANY of the sites do not drain and I felt bad for the tent campers who woke up to a lake in their sites or on their parking spots.
There is no water at the sites, no electricity at the sites. Bathrooms have outdoor sinks presumably for dishwashing, but the sink was so small it would not be feasible.
The dump station charges $10 for service. Fresh water spigots throughout the campground do not have traditional threaded spigots so you can really only fill a jug or bottles at this campground.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression and CA State Parks gave me a very bad first impression with this location.
The “upper” loops seemed slightly better in terms of site quantity but it was very windy up there.
No cell coverage.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great spot for visiting Cambria/Hearst Castle”
Reviewed 11/18/2022
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 17 |
| RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We stayed here mid week and did not use the online reservation system so we saved $7. The Ranger told us that even in November the weekends fill up so probably best to get a site online. There had been some heavy rain the night before and the sights along the creek we’re not available from the Ranger. He directed us to the hillside whi... more
We stayed here mid week and did not use the online reservation system so we saved $7. The Ranger told us that even in November the weekends fill up so probably best to get a site online. There had been some heavy rain the night before and the sights along the creek we’re not available from the Ranger. He directed us to the hillside which we thought were better anyways. Great view of the ocean from our spot and it was actually level. Not many of the other sites are that way. bathrooms were clean but when I went to take a shower the coin operated shower did not work. I had to drive down to the lower campground and that one was working. The host confirmed that the showers are sometimes a problem. Raccoons in the dumpsters. It’s all part of camping and I would stay here again.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
TravelEze would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice campground, small site”
Reviewed 7/18/2022
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | C74 |
Overall Rating
I reserved this campsite online. In addition to $35 camping fee, there is $7.99 reservation fee. Campground is nice and conveniently located. However, our campsite (C74) does not have much space to pitch a tent. You basically have to choose - do you want to set up your tent too close to your neighbors, or too close to your fire ring. ... more
I reserved this campsite online. In addition to $35 camping fee, there is $7.99 reservation fee. Campground is nice and conveniently located. However, our campsite (C74) does not have much space to pitch a tent. You basically have to choose - do you want to set up your tent too close to your neighbors, or too close to your fire ring.
At night, we were visited by a raccoon who tried to open a wheeled cooler which we left outside the tent.
We had no luck with phone connection - our T-Mobile was showing a glimpse of 1 bar from time to time, but this was disappearing very quickly. Not like we needed it much, but still something that has be mentioned.
C74 is just across the street from restrooms, but not too close to cause any issues with smell or noise. Restrooms are individual, which is nice. In our block, there was 1 room with toilet only, 2 rooms with toilet and sink, 1 closed toilet and 2 closed showers.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
T-Mobile
Alex would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 1 of 3
Be the first to add a note for San Simeon Creek Campground!
324 reviews
55 reviews
BlaNicS Waypoints: Hearst San Simeon State Park
"The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back' Wendy Wunder We returned to our Central Coast Hidey Hole, but unbeknownst to us at the time, for...
14 reviews
San Simeon and Hearst Castle | 6 in the Sticks
Beach Forests San Simeon State Park is a nice campground nestled in the woods with a five minute walk to the beach. The sites back into lush vines and trees, but have plenty of room for chairs around...
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- fishing
- horseshoes
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- firewood
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
New Listing
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Rockwood Roo 183
$140 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
1 Review
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Keystone RV Bullet Crossfire 2430BH
$200 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
New Listing
2018 CLASS B CAMPING VAN
Ford transit van 350
$235 /night | Sleeps 4 Guests
7 Reviews
2025 TRAVEL TRAILER
Grand Design Transcend One 151BH
$120 /night | Sleeps 5 Guests
15 Reviews
2022 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Forest River RV Sunseeker LE 2350SLE Ford
$177 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
13 Reviews
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 18RJB
$90 /night | Sleeps 3 Guests
Nearby
Please select a reason for flagging this item: