Motorhome Campgrounds & Parks In Cambria, CA -- Find Motorhome Parks

35.5641° N, 121.0807° W

Quick Overview

Cambria sits along California's dramatic Central Coast where rolling hills meet crashing Pacific waves. This charming seaside village draws RVers with its pristine beaches, towering Monterey pines, and proximity to Hearst Castle just fifteen minutes up Highway 1. The town maintains its artistic character with local galleries, wine tasting rooms, and the famous Moonstone Beach where you can hunt for smooth, translucent stones along miles of sandy shoreline.

The camping scene here offers several motorhome parks and campgrounds, with all options being paid facilities that provide full amenities for comfortable coastal stays. You won't find some free camping spots within Cambria itself, but the paid parks deliver excellent value with their prime locations and well-maintained facilities. Most parks cater to RVers seeking full service, Wi-Fi, and easy beach access rather than primitive camping experiences.

From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore San Simeon State Park's elephant seal rookery where hundreds of massive marine mammals haul out on the beaches. Hearst Castle tours book up quickly, especially during summer months, so reserve your spot early. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offers excellent hiking trails with ocean views, while downtown Cambria's Main Street provides antique shopping and local restaurants within walking distance of several campgrounds. Many RVers use Cambria as a base for day trips to Paso Robles wine country, just 45 minutes inland.

Full hookup sites dominate the camping options here, making this destination ideal for RVers who prefer amenities over wilderness experiences. The parks tend to be smaller and more intimate than big-box motorhome resorts, with mature landscaping and ocean breezes. Most sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, though a few parks can handle larger motorhomes. Shower facilities, laundry rooms, and camp stores are standard amenities across the area's campgrounds.

Spring through fall offers the best weather for coastal camping, with summer bringing the highest occupancy rates and advance reservations becoming essential. Winter storms can be dramatic but brief, and many RVers enjoy the off-season solitude and lower rates. Fog often rolls in during summer afternoons, providing natural air conditioning but potentially limiting beach activities.

Our campsite listings below include detailed amenity information, current rates, and real guest reviews to help you choose the perfect base for your Central Coast adventure.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Cambria

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All Dump Stations Near Cambria

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Washburn Campground	2.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Hearst San Simeon State Park	2.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
San Simeon Creek Campground	3.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Bella Vista By The Sea	12.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Rocky Canyon Campground	16.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Sandy Point Campground	16.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Morro Dunes RV Park	17.8 mi	\u2014	RV Park	Free
Estero Bay RV Park	18.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Rancho Colina Recreational Pk	18.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Cypress Morro Bay RV & Mh Park	18.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Cambria by RV

Highway 1 provides the most scenic approach to Cambria, winding along dramatic coastline with pullouts for photos and whale watching. From the south, the route passes through Big Sur's towering redwoods and rugged cliffs, though RVers should note some sections have tight curves and steep grades. The stretch between Carmel and San Simeon includes several areas where large RVs need extra caution, particularly around Rocky Creek Bridge and the Bixby Creek Bridge area.

From inland areas, Highway 46 West from Paso Robles offers a more motorhome-friendly route with gentler grades and wider shoulders. This road connects to Highway 1 just south of Cambria and avoids the challenging Big Sur section entirely. Interstate 101 to Highway 46 West makes an excellent approach for RVers coming from Northern or Southern California who want to avoid coastal mountain driving.

Fuel up before reaching Cambria, as gas stations are limited and prices run higher than inland areas. The Chevron station on Main Street can accommodate most RVs, while the Shell station near Highway 1 offers easier access for larger rigs. Stock up on groceries at the Village Market or drive fifteen minutes to Morro Bay for a larger selection at Albertsons.

RV supply needs can be met at Cambria Hardware on Main Street for basic items, but serious repairs require a trip to San Luis Obispo, about 45 minutes southeast. The coastal climate means checking your rig's seals and awnings regularly, as salt air accelerates wear on rubber components and metal hardware.

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Dump Station Costs in Cambria

Nightly rates for motorhome camping in Cambria typically range from $55-75 for basic full hookup sites, $75-95 for premium oceanview spots, and $95-150 for luxury resorts with extensive amenities. Summer rates run 20-30% higher than winter pricing, with Memorial Day through Labor Day commanding peak prices.

Currently, a portion% of the area's several campgrounds offer free camping, while a portion% charge fees for their services and prime coastal locations. The lack of free options reflects Cambria's desirable beachfront setting and limited available land for camping development.

Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with January through March offering the best deals when many parks drop rates by $15-25 per night. Spring break and summer holidays see substantial rate increases, sometimes doubling winter prices for oceanfront sites. Book early for summer stays, as popular parks often require 3-6 month advance reservations.

Good Sam and Passport America memberships provide modest discounts at select parks, typically 10% off published rates. Some parks offer weekly and monthly rates that can reduce daily costs by 15-20%, making extended stays more affordable for snowbirds and remote workers.

Groceries cost about 15-20% more than inland areas due to limited competition and transportation costs. Fuel prices typically run 20-40 cents per gallon higher than state averages. Consider stocking up on supplies in San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles before arriving to stretch your camping budget further.

Free: 3 stations (60%)

Paid: 2 stations (40%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Cambria

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Best Time to Visit Cambria by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

45-65°F

Crowds: Low

Lowest rates and excellent storm watching, but expect occasional rain and strong winds.

🌸

Spring

March-May

50-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Wildflower blooms and mild weather, with rates rising toward summer levels by May.

☀️

Summer

June-August

55-75°F

Crowds: High

Peak season requires advance bookings and highest rates, but perfect beach weather.

🍂

Fall

September-November

50-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Warm days with less fog, great for hiking and wine country visits.

Explore the Cambria Area

Moonstone Beach Motorhome Resort consistently ranks as the top choice for its direct beach access and well-maintained facilities, though sites book up months in advance during peak season. The park's beachfront location means you'll fall asleep to ocean sounds and wake up to stunning sunrises over the Pacific.

Boondockers should look beyond Cambria proper to San Simeon State Park's primitive camping area, about ten minutes north, which offers dry camping with basic restrooms and beach access. Another option is dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest, roughly 30 minutes inland, though access roads can be challenging for larger RVs.

Hit Moonstone Beach during low tide for the best rock hunting, typically two hours before and after the posted low tide times. The smooth, translucent moonstones are actually a type of feldspar that washes up from offshore deposits. Early morning walks often yield the best finds before other beachcombers arrive.

Robin's Restaurant serves excellent comfort food with huge portions that'll easily feed two people, while Linn's Restaurant is famous for their olallieberry pie. Both restaurants get crowded during summer weekends, so plan for waits or visit during off-peak hours.

Bring layers regardless of season, as coastal temperatures can swing 30 degrees between morning fog and afternoon sun. Most campgrounds provide fire rings, but check current fire restrictions before gathering wood. The salt air means rinsing your motorhome regularly helps prevent corrosion, especially on metal components and slide-out mechanisms.

National Parks Nearby

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Redding (11)Sacramento (9)Fresno (9)Napa (9)Susanville (8)Bakersfield (8)Tehachapi (7)Paso Robles (7)Porterville (7)Oroville (6)Thermal (6)Ventura (6)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Cambria

What are the best motorhome campgrounds in Cambria?

Moonstone Beach Motorhome Resort tops most lists for its direct beach access and well-maintained facilities, though it books up quickly. Cambria Pines Lodge offers a more wooded setting with full service, while San Simeon State Park provides a budget-friendly option with basic amenities just minutes north of town.

Is there free motorhome camping near Cambria?

Cambria itself doesn't offer free motorhome camping, but San Simeon State Park has primitive camping areas about ten minutes north for around $35 per night. Dispersed camping is available in Los Padres National Forest roughly 30 minutes inland, though access roads can be challenging for larger RVs and amenities are nonexistent.

What is the best time of year to camp in Cambria?

September through November offers the ideal combination of warm weather, less fog, and moderate crowds. Spring months provide wildflower displays and mild temperatures, while winter brings the lowest rates and dramatic storm watching opportunities. Summer is beautiful but crowded and expensive.

Are there full hookup motorhome parks in Cambria?

Yes, most of Cambria's motorhome parks offer full service including water, sewer, and electric service. Many also provide Wi-Fi, cable TV, and additional amenities like laundry facilities and camp stores. The coastal location means these parks cater primarily to RVers seeking comfort rather than primitive camping experiences.

Can I boondock near Cambria?

Free Camping options are limited near Cambria due to private land ownership and environmental protections. Your best bet is dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest about 30 minutes inland, or dry camping at San Simeon State Park's primitive area. Both require self-contained RVs with adequate water and waste tank capacity.

How far is Hearst Castle from Cambria campgrounds?

Hearst Castle sits just 15 minutes north of most Cambria campgrounds via Highway 1. The short drive makes it easy to take morning or afternoon tours while returning to your campsite for lunch or dinner. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months when tours often sell out weeks ahead.

What size RVs can camp in Cambria?

Most Cambria Motorhome parks accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, with some offering sites for motorhomes up to 45 feet. The coastal location and mature landscaping at many parks can limit maneuvering room, so check with individual campgrounds about site dimensions. Pull-through sites are less common than back-in configurations.