Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds

California's Best Camping

Moonstone Beach in Hearst San Simeon Sate Park, CA
Moonstone Beach in Hearst San Simeon Sate Park, CA

Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds

San Luis Obispo County


Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds

Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds provide a wonderful bae from which to enjoy Hearst Castle, Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Beach, and popular Moonstone Beach. Campground visitors also enjoy strolling the beaches and coastal trails, sun-bathing, surfing, exploring tide pools, kayaking, and diving. Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds are located along the San Luis Obispo County coast north of Cambria.

Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds are divided into two locations - Sam Simeon Creek Campground and Washburn Primitive Campground. Both are connected by trails to the park's Washburn Day-use Area.

San Simeon Creek Campground is only a short walk from the beach and has amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and good shade at most sites. San Simeon Creek Campground has 134 campsites. Most can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents; 10 are designated as tent-only.

Washburn Primitive Campground is almost a mile from the beach and has chemical toilets, no showers, and less shade. Still, many prefer the quiet setting of Washburn. Washburn Primitive Campground has 57 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents.

When making reservations for either of the Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds, campers may choose sites in upper Creek, Lower Creek, or Washburn. Tent-only campsites in San Simeon Creek campground are first-come, first-served. The park also offers 2 Hike & Bike campsites.

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Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground Basics
Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds Location: 500 San Simeon Creek Rd., 2 miles north of Cambria
Campground Open: year-round
Number of Sites: 191
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: Fees cover 1 vehicle and 1 legal tow, fee for additional vehicles
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Information: (805) 927-2020

Reservations for Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds
Reservations available Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds reservations are open year-round.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: ADA sites assigned upon arrival
Fees: San Simeon Creek - $35 per night
Washburn - $20
Hike & Bike - $5 per person
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, Check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: San Simeon Creek: restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, campfire center
Washburn: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: San Simeon Creek: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground Map
Attractions near Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds:
  • Enjoy beautiful Moonstone Beach.
  • Follow trails to the beach at Washburn Day-use Area.
  • Take advantage of the horseshoe pits.
  • Visit nearby Hearst Castle and Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Beach.
  • Stroll along scenic boardwalks from Leffingwell Landing to Moonstone Beach.
  • Swim, fish, and kayak at Hearst Memorial Beach and Pier.
  • Enjoy campfire programs and movie nights.
  • Children like the Junior Ranger program.





Washburn Campground, Hearst San Simeon State Park,  CA

Washburn Campground

William R. Hearst Memorial Beach,  CA

William R. Hearst Memorial Beach


San Simeon Creek Campground, Hearst San Simeon State Park, CA

San Simeon Creek Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2022 - 2024

  • Washburn campground spaces more spacious than others.
  • Lower campground is 5-minute walk to beach.
  • Recommend people reserve early.
  • Bathrooms run out of hot water and toilet paper.

San Luis Obispo County Attractions

San Luis Obispo County is known for its sparkling beaches and scenic vistas. Visitors at Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground have a beautiful beach close by and only a short drive to Hearst Castle and other attractions.

  • Take a tour of the famous Hearst Castle.
  • Head over to swim, kayak, and fish at nearby William R. Hearst Memorial Beach and pier.
  • Spend a day or a week at Morro Bay, visiting shops, beaches, and other attractions.
  • Visit old Mission San Miguel.
  • Go cycling around Cambria, set out on scenic Highway 1 or pick a quiet country road.
  • Fish from Pismo Beach's 1370-foot pier.
  • Explore the tide pools at Shell Beach.
  • Head out 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.
  • See all the animals at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.

Key Hearst San Simeon State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM.
  2. Generators may only be operated between 10 AM to 8 PM.
  3. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under adult supervision at all times. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.

Check with Hearst San Simeon State Beach for any campground updates.