Washburn Campground

210 reviews

500 San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd, Cambria, CA 93428, USA
+1 805-927-2020
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Washburn Campground Introduce

Nestled in the heart of central California, Washburn Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenience. Located just a short drive from the scenic beaches of San Simeon and the charming village of Cambria, this campground provides an ideal base for exploring the region's outdoor wonders. With its level campsites, hot showers, and proximity to essential services, Washburn Campground is a favorite among both RV enthusiasts and primitive campers.

The campground sits on 500 San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd, providing easy access to the beach just a few hundred yards away. This prime location allows visitors to enjoy the cool ocean breeze and breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. The area is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Washburn Campground offers a range of facilities to cater to different camping needs. Primitive campers will appreciate the level sites that provide comfort and ease of setup. The campground also features hot showers, fire pits, and grills for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors with modern conveniences. For RVs, there are spots with water and electrical hookups, as well as a dump station for added convenience.

One of the standout features of Washburn Campground is its commitment to nature and sustainability. The surrounding area is home to towering redwood trees and diverse wildlife, offering ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. The absence of fireworks and large events ensures that the natural tranquility of the location is preserved, making it particularly appealing to dog owners and families with young children.

Customers have praised Washburn Campground for its peaceful environment and proximity to essential services in Cambria. Many highlight the ease of access to food, gas, and other amenities, which makes planning a camping trip hassle-free. However, some reviews note that there has been a noticeable lack of maintenance in recent years, particularly with overgrown grass in certain areas. Despite this, the overall consensus is that Washburn Campground remains a great value for its location and the quality of its facilities.

Visiting Washburn Campground is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of California while enjoying all the comforts of home. Whether you're planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, this campground offers something for everyone. The nearby beaches provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, and picnicking.

For those looking to explore further, the surrounding area is rich in history and natural beauty. Visitors can take day trips to nearby attractions like Pinnacles National Park, Hearst Castle, and the Bixby Creek Bridge. These destinations add even more reasons to make Washburn Campground your go-to camping spot for your next outdoor adventure.

Scenic location near beaches and redwoods
Primitive camping spots with level sites
Hot showers and fire pits available
Proximity to essential services in Cambria
Family-friendly and pet-friendly environment
Seasonal activities like hiking and stargazing

If you're planning a trip to central California, don't miss the opportunity to stay at Washburn Campground. With its perfect blend of nature and convenience, it's sure to be a memorable experience for all who visit. Whether you're an experienced camper or new to the outdoors, Washburn Campground offers everything you need for a enjoyable stay.

Location

California San Luis Obispo County Cambria San Simeon-Monterey Creek Road

Customer Reviews

4.0

210 reviews

Scott Barnes

Dec 26, 2024

This is a great place to primitive camp. All the spots are level and it is just a few hundred yards to the beach. Hot showers are available. Close to food, gas, and services in the village of Cambria

Dan Albertson

Jul 01, 2024

This park is a great place to enjoy peace, quiet, cooler weather and no fireworks which our dogs especially appreciate. For some reason this year, 2024 there is an obvious lack of maintenance. Perhaps California is too broke to mow the tall grass, but having campers, barbeques and camp fires so close to so much tall grass seems like a bed mix. Otherwise, it's still a great location.

Robin Searles

Feb 20, 2025

A wide open sky that's perfect for star gazing. A gorgeous great horned owl that shows up most nights.

Nik Smith

Jul 02, 2023

Returned to San Simeon this year and stayed at the Washburn Campground. This is a primitive campground, which means no showers and vault toilets. There is water access throughout the campground if needed. The area is beautiful and close to a hiking trail that takes you to the beach. The campsites are fine, but not equally spacious. If you want more room, book a site on the outskirts of the campground. I stayed at site 234 which gave us an awesome little peek at the ocean. Didn't see the camp hosts much, but the ranger drove through daily. I'd definitely return.

Jeremy A.

Dec 29, 2020

Breathtaking views! The campgrounds are closed, but we hiked up from the parking lot by the 1 and we’re glad that we did. The views of the ocean and forest are amazing from the Washburn campground. There are several easy hiking trails around the area, with the main trail (about 15 minutes down from camp) to the beach, where we enjoyed a picnic on a log. Each campsite had a fire pit and some had water spouts. The sites are close together like most campgrounds, but I don’t think any of them missed the views, as the grounds are atop a bluff overlooking San Simeon and the ocean. The bathrooms/showers were locked so no idea what it’s like inside, but the buildings, grounds, and trails all seemed well cared for from what we could tell. Glad we checked it out, as we’ll be back to camp as soon as possible. Note that the Hearst winery is up the 1 north about 10 minutes and it’s worth checking out.

KP Rodriguez

Mar 30, 2025

just went this march, it was a great experience! I got a perfect site, I wont give much detail because I do want gatekeep the campsite I got. There is just not much shade up there vs the ones down near the beach. But the star gazing was worth it! I loved how beautiful and green it was! I would love to go back again! The people were kind too, the restrooms were a no flush. Bring your own bar soap to wash your hands. Spot was nicely kept clean. It has picnic tables. Fire pit. Great view.