Washburn Campground
4.3651 reviews500 San Simeon Creek Road, Cambria, CA 93428
Washburn Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fee covers one vehicle and one legally towed-in vehicle. Additional fees apply for extra vehicles. Washburn Campground costs $20 per night, while the more developed San Simeon Creek Campground costs $35 per night.
About this campground
Perched on a windswept plateau a mile from the crashing Pacific surf, Washburn Campground offers adventurous souls a true back-to-basics camping experience. From your tent site, watch the sun paint the Santa Lucia Mountains in golden hues while ocean breezes carry the salt-tinged air across this primitive paradise. Simple amenities—fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic tables for sunset dinners, and chemical toilets—ensure you can focus on what matters: the raw beauty of California's central coast.
Washburn Campground offers primitive camping accommodations suitable for tents and RVs, though it lacks electrical hookups and other modern amenities. Group camping or luxury options such as glamping are not available.
Historical SignificanceJust steps from your campsite lies the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve, where ancient stories whisper through the wind. Archaeological treasures hidden in this sacred ground reveal nearly 6,000 years of human connection to this spectacular coastline—dating back to 5850 years before present. Walking these paths, you're following in the footsteps of countless generations who found sustenance and spiritual connection in this meeting place of land and sea.
Weather and SeasonsThe coastal climate here dances between two moods: cool, crystalline days when visibility stretches for miles, and misty interludes when seasonal rains transform the landscape into a emerald wonderland. Year-round temperatures hover in the sweet spot between 59°F and 62°F, though steady ocean winds remind you that Mother Nature rules this clifftop realm. Pack layers—the same breeze that cools summer afternoons can add a bite to winter mornings.
ElevationYour hilltop vantage point delivers the kind of views that make photographers weep with joy. From this elevated perch, the Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly westward while the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains rise dramatically to the east, creating a natural amphitheater of breathtaking proportions.
Natural Features and SceneryWashburn Campground serves as your gateway to the ecological treasures of San Simeon Natural Preserve. Coastal wetlands teem with life, while ribbons of riparian habitat shelter native plants found nowhere else on Earth. Come winter, thousands of monarch butterflies transform the preserve into a living kaleidoscope, clustering in ancient groves for their annual gathering—a natural phenomenon that has inspired visitors for generations.
Geological RegionThis remarkable plateau showcases nature's artistry on a grand scale. Dramatic coastal bluffs plunge toward the Pacific while mysterious mima mounds—rare geological formations that puzzle scientists—dot the landscape like ancient earthworks. Part of the greater San Simeon Natural Preserve, the campground sits at the intersection of multiple ecosystems: where mountain runoff creates lush riparian corridors, where wetlands filter into the sea, and where monarch butterflies find their winter sanctuary among the unique topography that makes this stretch of California coast truly one-of-a-kind.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree campsites are described as generally accessible, with firm surfaces, accessible fire rings, and usable toilets. Assistance may be needed with water access.
Sites SizeUser reviews indicate that campsite sizes vary, with some smaller sites only accommodating two tents comfortably. Larger sites are located on the outskirts of the campground.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as close together in user reviews, offering limited privacy.
Total Campsites68 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBook sites on the outskirts of the campground for more space and privacy.
Best CampsitesSite 234 is recommended for privacy and ocean views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
10 days per site, with a 30-day maximum per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8persons maximum per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged closely, with some on the outskirts providing more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityIncludes first-come-first-served sites. Reservations are recommended during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to six months in advance, as per ReserveCalifornia rules.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Washburn Campground provides opportunities for primitive camping in proximity to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning vistas of both the ocean and mountains. Other activities include picnicking and stargazing. While the facility itself lacks formal program offerings, nearby areas host educational tours and wildlife observation opportunities.
Hiking
A scenic trail runs through the Washburn Campground, connecting parts of the San Simeon Preserve and leading to the beach. User reviews mention a 15-minute walk from the campground to reach the beach. The trail includes scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches, and interpretive panels.Biking
Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads, and riders under 18 must wear helmets. User reviews mention biking trails but provide limited details.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located near preserves that support endangered species and serve as wintering sites for monarch butterflies. Nearby, the Elephant Seal Boardwalk offers opportunities to view northern elephant seals throughout the year.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby San Simeon Creek Campground hosts a Junior Ranger Program and interpretive walks. Elephant Seal Tours are offered seasonally, providing educational insights into local marine life.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for the Washburn Campground itself.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not described for Washburn Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available at each site, and firewood must be purchased from the campground host.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks have been mentioned in reviews as a recurring issue. The primitive nature of the campground means limited lighting and no electricity.
Active alertsNone explicitly noted.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
San Luis Obispo Coast District Visitor Services Office: (805) 927-2010. For emergencies, dial 911 nearby.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is convenient, with dumpsters located throughout the camp area. User reviews state that trash is collected every Monday morning around 7:00 AM.
Proximity to water featuresApproximately 1 mile inland from the beach.
Common complaintsNoise complaints, especially due to generators and groups being loud. Limited cell service and no Wi-Fi.
HostCampground hosts are available, but some reviews note limited interaction.
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. For those seeking an adventure, an even more scenic route may be taken south from Monterey through Big Sur on a 100-mile journey winding along Highway 1 (when road conditions permit).
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the final section leading to the camp area, which is decomposed granite. These roads remain safe for drivability, even during rainy conditions.Nearby places
Cambria (2 miles south), San Simeon (1.5 miles north), Paso Robles (29 miles west), San Luis Obispo (35 miles south), Monterey (100 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Cambria (2 miles south) offers gas stations, grocery stores, dining options, and more. San Simeon (1.5 miles north) also provides dining options.
Camper Reviews
4.4
51 reviews
Washburn Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews, with positive mentions of its stunning views, cleanliness, and tranquility. Negative feedback highlights noise due to poor enforcement of quiet hours and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 51 reviews
What Campers Love
"Breathtaking views! The campgrounds are closed, but we hiked up from the parking lot and we’re glad that we did."; "Simple primitive campground with access to the beach."; "Clean restrooms, good for...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"Very unpleasant experience due to noise from neighbors."; "Lots and LOTS of ticks; showers are ONLY for those campers who bought inside the full-hookups section."; "Not many amenities."
Based on 51 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Book a site on the outskirts of the campground for more room."; "Bring a flashlight as the bathrooms have no lights."; "Stay up top and take the trail toward the beach for an incredible sunset."
Based on 51 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter months are quieter and less crowded, but some reviewers noted cold weather. Summer brings more visitors and occasional noise complaints.
Based on 51 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great, no: stunning views from the hills surrounding the Campground."; "Walking distance to the beach. Nice sites. Hosts were very friendly."; "Really loud in the evening."
Based on 51 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 234 offers a peek at the ocean and is recommended for those seeking more room.
Based on 51 reviewsAccessibility Features
"Nice handicap site and very quiet and site had trail access."
Based on 51 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet owners appreciate the proximity to dog-friendly beaches but note that pets are restricted from trails and beaches adjacent to campgrounds.
Based on 51 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025