Washburn Campground

Open — Open year-round for reservations. Maximum 10 consecutive nights per stay with a 30-day calendar year limit per park.

About

Washburn Campground sits approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau within Hearst San Simeon State Park, offering stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and Pacific Ocean. This primitive campground provides 68 campsites suitable for tents and RVs up to 35 feet, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Water spigots are located throughout the campground, though the facility has no showers on-site; token-operated showers are available at the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station, where campers access Washburn. The campground serves as a gateway to recreational opportunities including a 3.3-mile trail featuring scenic overlooks, rest benches, and interpretive panels about local wildlife and habitat. The trail passes through the San Simeon Natural Preserve, which encompasses wetlands, riparian areas, and unique mima mound topography that serves as a wintering site for monarch butterfly populations. The preserve also includes wheelchair-accessible portions along seasonal wetlands. Located 5 miles south of Hearst Castle on Highway 1, the campground provides convenient access to numerous attractions including the Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery 9 miles north, where visitors can view marine mammals year-round. The charming town of Cambria lies 2 miles south with grocery stores and services, while San Simeon is 1.5 miles north. Dogs are permitted on leash within the campground but prohibited on adjacent beaches and trails to protect the threatened Snowy Plover.

Directions

Located 5 miles south of Hearst Castle on Highway 1, accessed via the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. From San Luis Obispo, travel 35 miles north on Highway 1. From Paso Robles, travel 29 miles west on Highway 46, then north on Highway 1. The campground is 2 miles north of Cambria and 1.5 miles south of San Simeon.

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