Lake Nacimiento Camping

California's Best Camping

Lake Nacimiento, CA
Lake Nacimiento, CA

Lake Nacimiento Camping

San Luis Obispo County


Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds

Lake Nacimiento rests among coastal hills, 20 miles north of Paso Robles. Visitors to the lake enjoy exploring miles of waterways, whether by motorboat, jet ski, or kayak. Fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish is excellent.

Lake Nacimiento camping is spread among 6 camping areas clustered near the marina: Eagles Ridge, Oak Knoll, Pine Knoll, Quail Roost, Rocky Canyon, and Sandy Point. Although Lake Nacimiento is in San Luis Obispo County, the campgrounds at the lake are administered by Monterey County Parks since they operate nearby Lake San Antonio (across the line in Monterey County).

Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds

  • Eagles Ridge Campground has 60 hike-in, tent-only campsites at the east end of the lake. Sites can be clustered to serve as group campsites. Portable toilets and piped water are provided. No reservations - first come, first served.
  • Oak Knoll Campground has 40 campsites, all with full hook-ups. Not suggested for RVs towing boats. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. Reservations can be made.
  • Pine Knoll Campground has 120 campsites, a favorite destination for large RVs and large vehicles towing boats. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. No reservations - first come, first served.
  • Quail Roost Campground has 60 tent sites near the entry gate. Narrow roads make it unsuitable for RVs or large vehicles towing boats. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. No campfires are permitted at Quail Roost. No reservations - first come, first served.
  • Rocky Canyon Campground has 14 tent sites. No large RVs or large vehicles towing boats permitted to enter due to narrow roads and small parking areas. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. No reservations - first come, first served.
  • Sandy Point Campground has 12 tent sites. Narrow roads make it unsuitable for RVs or large vehicles towing boats. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. Reservations are required.

There are also Group Campsites at Sandy Point Campground and Rocky Point Campground.

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Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds Basics
Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds Location: Lake Nacimiento Dr. off Godfrey Rd., off San Marcos Rd., off Highway 101, 21 miles north of Paso Robles
Campground Open: year-round
Distance from major cities: San Francisco: 191 miles
Los Angeles - 228 miles
Elevation: 980 feet
Number of Sites: 306
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 + 1 towed vehicle ($25 for 2nd vehicle if registered to same address as camper, otherwise full campsite fee)
Pets: Maximum 2 per campsite, on leash, always attended, $2 per night
Operated by Lake Nacimiento Resort and Marina for Monterey County Parks
Park Headquarters: (805) 237-3824

Reservations for Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds
Reservations available: Only for Oak Knoll Campground and Sandy Point Campground
All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: Tent sites - $45 per night
Full hook-ups - $55
Reservations: For Reservations please call 805-237-4924 opt 1
Open daily 8:30am - 4pm
Check-in, Check-out: Check-in any time, check-out 2:00 PM

Lake Nacimiento Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, BBQ; full hook-ups at some sites
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets at most campground (otherwise portable toilets), piped water at all
Showers: Yes, most campgrounds
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: Lake Nacimiento Campground Map
Attractions near Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds:
  • Visit Lake Nacimiento Resort with lodging and a pool. They operate a marina with a launch ramp and boat rentals, including paddleboard and kayak rentals.
  • Head out waterskiing or jet skiing.
  • Stop by The Dragon Lake Grills.
  • Get supplies at the general store.
  • Use local laundry facilities.
  • Play horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball.
  • Try fishing from shore or boat.
  • Set out hiking on local trails. Try the 5k Dog Path.


Oak Knoll Campground, Lake Nacimiento, CA

Oak Knoll Campground at Lake Nacimiento

Lake Nacimiento Group Campsites

Lake Nacimiento has group campsites at Sandy Point Campground and Rocky Canyon Campground. The group sites are open from April through September. Reservations are required.
Fees: available through reservations office - (800) 323-3839
Reservations: available up to one year in advance - (800) 323-3839



Rocky Canyon Campground, Lake Nacimiento, CA

Rocky Canyon Campground at Lake Nacimiento

Southern Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County Attractions

Southern Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County offer miles of beautiful beaches and a string of popular lakes. Campers at Lake Nacimiento Campgrounds enjoy a variety of camping settings and all the attractions of the lake.

  • Set out onto Lake Nacimiento with excellent camping, fishing, and boating. Waterskiing is popular on the lake along with jet skiing. Visit the Lake Nacimiento Resort.
  • Drive to nearby Lake San Antonio for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Find good camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
  • Cool off at Ravine Water Park near Paso Robles.
  • Try your luck fishing from Pismo Beach's 1370-foot pier.
  • Explore the tide pools at Shell Beach.
  • For a real adventure, go sea kayaking through the Dinosaur Caves.
  • Set out on a wine tasting tour through the San Luis Obispo countryside.
  • Hike up the Valencia Peak Trail.
  • Watch elephant seals at Piedras Blancas.
  • Explore Montana de Oro State Park.
  • Take a tour of the famous Hearst Castle.
  • See all the animals at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
  • Spend a day at Morro Bay, visiting shops, beaches, and other attractions.
  • Go stand-up paddleboarding at Avila Beach or Morro Bay.
  • Visit old Mission San Miguel.
  • Go cycling around Cambria, set out on scenic Highway 1 or pick a quiet country road.

Key Lake Nacimiento Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 7 feet and under adult supervision at all times. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.
  3. Campfires are permitted in metal containers only with 10-foot clearance around the fire.

Check with Lake Nacimiento Resort and Marina for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

San Luis Obispo County


Monterey County Campgrounds


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