Creek Campground
4.1362 reviews500 San Simeon Creek Road, Cambria, CA 93428
Creek Campground
$10.00 - $35.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fees are $35 per night with additional fees for extra vehicles. A $10 fee is charged for hiker/biker sites per person per night. A reservation fee of $8.25 applies.
About this campground
Nestled along California's stunning Central Coast, Creek Campground welcomes families and adventurers alike to experience the perfect blend of coastal camping and wilderness exploration. With 134 thoughtfully positioned campsites accommodating both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, this beloved destination serves as your gateway to pristine beaches and meandering hiking trails. Wake up to the sound of ocean waves and spend your days discovering scenic vistas that showcase the raw beauty of the Pacific coastline.
Creek Campground accommodates tents and RVs and offers hike-and-bike campsites. No primitive or group-specific designations are mentioned.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with human history stretching back nearly 6,000 years. Creek Campground sits in the shadow of the legendary Hearst Castle and near the remarkable Pa-nu Cultural Preserve, where 5,850 years of continuous habitation have left fascinating archaeological treasures. Explore areas where ancient peoples perfected their crafts and developed sophisticated technologies, leaving behind tangible connections to California's deep prehistoric past that continue to inspire wonder in modern visitors.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the refreshing embrace of true coastal California weather at Creek Campground, where morning fog drifts through towering trees before giving way to sunny afternoons. The maritime climate keeps temperatures delightfully mild year-round, with evening temperatures settling into the comfortable 50s—perfect for campfire gatherings—while daytime highs reach the pleasant 60s. Pack layers to fully enjoy the cool ocean breezes and mystical morning mists that make this coastal retreat so memorable.
ElevationCreek Campground offers a gentle coastal camping experience at sea level, where the rhythms of the ocean define your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a verdant coastal paradise where emerald canopies frame unobstructed views of the endless Pacific Ocean. Creek Campground's lush surroundings create a natural amphitheater for wildlife watching—spot graceful deer browsing at dawn, watch red-tailed hawks soaring on thermal currents, and discover native turtles basking in quiet pools. The seamless transition from shaded forest groves to sandy beaches offers campers the best of both worlds in one spectacular setting.
Geological RegionPerched atop the dramatic coastal bluffs of California's Central Coast, Creek Campground showcases nature's architectural mastery. This remarkable landscape features rugged promontories that jut into the Pacific, peaceful wetlands teeming with life, and winding riparian corridors lined with native plants. The fascinating mima mound topography adds an element of geological mystery to your explorations, creating a diverse ecosystem where ocean meets land in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCreek Campground offers accessible campsites (#41, #45, and #73) with accessible tables, firm pads, and routes to the restroom/shower buildings. The San Simeon Trail nearby also offers a wheelchair-accessible segment.
Sites SizeSites have varying dimensions, with the standard pad length being 25-35 feet.
Sites PrivacySeveral user reviews highlight the spaciousness and greenery of the campsites, providing a sense of seclusion despite proximity to Highway 1. "The campground is very green and gives you the feeling of being secluded even though you are literally just off highway 1," one user mentioned.
Total Campsites134 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring warm layers due to cool temperatures. Recommended to bring quarters for coin-operated showers and waterproof tent gear.
Best CampsitesSites #1 and #C27 are noted for scenic views and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
10-day consecutive night stay limit per campsite. Maximum 30 nights per calendar year allowed in the park.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite allows a maximum of 8 guests.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned specifically for Creek Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into loops, with each site featuring picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-PARK.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available, with limited availability during peak times. No explicit data on the number of walk-up sites provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled without penalty up to 2 days before check-in. Specific cancellation policies are managed via ReserveCalifornia.com.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, and beach access. While dogs are permitted on-site, they are prohibited on the beach and trails.
HikingThe San Simeon Trail runs nearby, offering scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches, and interpretive panels about wildlife and habitat. "There is a little trail you can take underneath the bridge to get to the beach from the campsite which is on the other side of PCH," a user review highlighted.
FishingFishing is listed as a recreational activity in the park, although specific details about opportunities or types of fish are not mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming is available at designated beach areas near the campground. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach.
BikingBiking is allowed only on paved roads. A user suggested, "I wish we would have brought our bikes to ride around the campground."
BoatingBoating facilities are not mentioned specifically for Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with users mentioning sightings of deer, turtles, red-tailed hawks, and vultures.
Beach activitiesBeach activities include walking, beachcombing, and enjoying the ocean views. Several reviews emphasize the proximity to the beach: "At night you can hear the waves crashing from the campgrounds."
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Junior Ranger Program offers educational activities for children at the Campfire Center.
Winter ActivitiesWinter activities are not specified for Creek Campground, but nearby preserves offer seasonal wildlife viewing, such as monarch butterfly wintering.
Water SportsWater sports such as surfing are available in the park, though not linked specifically to Creek Campground.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak is present along trails. Coastal conditions can be windy. Wildlife such as raccoons may enter campsites.
Active alertsThere are no current alerts, but facilities have undergone repairs due to winter storm damage.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 15
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including police and fire, are available in Cambria (2 miles south). Nearest hospitals are located in San Luis Obispo, approximately 35 miles to the south.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly listed.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are located near the bathrooms, as noted by user reviews. "There was enough space to fit two tents and two cars per campsite. In addition to this, each campsite has a table and a fire pit available for use at no additional cost. The campsite that we stayed at was very close to the bathrooms, showers, and trash." Users recommend bringing sufficient supplies as the campground does not have a store.
Proximity to water featuresWalking distance to the beach. A small trail under a bridge connects the campground to the ocean.
Common complaintsComplaints include proximity of campsites to highways (noise), poorly maintained restrooms, and potholes on roads within the campground.
HostCampground hosts sell firewood and provide local guidance. Hosts are described as friendly and helpful.
Campground Map
500 San Simeon Creek Road, Cambria, CA 93428
Driving directionsHearst San Simeon State Park & Campgrounds are located 5 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center on Highway 1, 29 miles west of the Paso Robles wine country on Highway 46, or 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1. Travelers may take a scenic route south from Monterey through Big Sur on a 100-mile journey along Highway 1 (if road conditions permit). Cambria is 2 miles south of the campgrounds, offering gas stations, grocery stores, and dining. San Simeon is 1.5 miles north of the campgrounds.
Access is primarily via Highway 1, which is paved and easily navigable. Road conditions along Big Sur can vary seasonally; travelers are advised to check for closures before planning their route.Nearby places
Cambria (2 miles, approx. 5 min drive), San Simeon (1.5 miles, approx. 5 min drive), Paso Robles (29 miles, approx. 35 min drive), San Luis Obispo (35 miles, approx. 40 min drive), Monterey (100 miles, approx. 2.5-hour drive via Highway 1).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies are available in Cambria (2 miles south) and San Simeon (1.5 miles north). Larger stores and more options can be found in Morro Bay or Paso Robles.
Camper Reviews
4.1
62 reviews
Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Creek Campground for its cleanliness, proximity to the beach, and scenic views. However, some users mentioned issues such as bathrooms being temporarily out of service.
Review Summaries
Based on 62 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the clean facilities, accessible trails, and the campground's proximity to the beach. Users also appreciated the spacious campsites and abundant wildlife.
Based on 62 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include occasional outages of showers and flush toilets, noise from Highway 1 near the hiker/biker site, and poorly maintained trails.
Based on 62 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing layers due to the cold coastal weather, carrying quarters for the showers, and bringing clip-on lights or lanterns for illumination. Additional recommendations...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal reviews highlight cooler temperatures, particularly at night, with some users recommending extra blankets. "The central coast weather was 50's overnight," one reviewer noted. Spring reviews...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campground itself is very clean and well kept." "Bring quarters for 3 minutes of warm water." "At night you can hear the waves crashing from the campgrounds." "Creek Campground is very green and...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Spaces such as #41, #45, and #73 are noted for their accessibility. "Our upper campground spot (C27) had no drive-in parking spot, but the view was nice."
Based on 62 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility feedback includes positive mentions of accessible campsite features and wheelchair-accessible trails.
Based on 62 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground but not on the beach or trails, as noted by several reviewers: "We had dogs and the campground is dog friendly but not the beach or nearby trails so it limited our...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025