Camping & RV
Ocean-view RV sites at Port San Luis, hot spring camping in the valley, and a KOA nearby.
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- Ocean views
- Flying Flags Avila Beach, Port San Luis
- Hot springs
- Avila Hot Springs, 250 Avila Beach Dr
- Full-service park
- Avila/Pismo Beach KOA, 7075 Ontario Rd
- Roadside camping
- Closed Nov 2024
Avila has three places to camp or park an RV: one on the bluff at Port San Luis, one at a hot spring in the Avila Valley, and a KOA a few minutes inland. Each one suits a different kind of trip.
What changed
For years, campers parked along Avila Beach Drive at Port San Luis, right above the water. Those 19 roadside RV sites closed on November 16, 2024. Flying Flags Avila Beach, which opened in 2021 on the bluff above the harbor, is now the place to camp at the port.
Flying Flags Avila Beach
A 32-acre RV resort at Port San Luis with ocean views. It has full-hookup RV sites, dry-camping sites, hike-in tent camping, and cliffside cottages, including a dog-friendly couples cottage. RV sites have propane fire pits, and there's a bar and a community bluff for watching the sunset.
Babe Lane, Port San Luis · flyingflagsavilabeach.com
It's close to Harford Pier, the Point San Luis Lighthouse hike, and paddling and whale watching from the port.
Avila Hot Springs
A hot spring in the Avila Valley with a campground at the back of the property. Camping is simple: dry tent and RV sites, with RVs limited to 25 feet. Your stay includes the heated freshwater pool with water slides and the hot mineral soaking pool, which runs about 104°F.
The resort lists $60 a night for two people and one tent or RV, $20 per extra person (six max) and $10 per extra car, with a two-week maximum stay. Dogs aren't allowed in campsites, and ground fires, wood fires and charcoal grills aren't allowed in overflow tent camping. Portable propane grills are OK.
250 Avila Beach Dr · avilahotsprings.com
More on the pools on our Hot Springs & Spas page.
Avila/Pismo Beach KOA
A full-service campground off Ontario Road, a few minutes inland from Avila. Listings show 89 sites with water, sewer and electric hookups, tent camping, cabins, a heated pool, hot tub, playground, laundry and a dog run. We couldn't find a recent official update, so check the KOA site before you book.
7075 Ontario Rd, San Luis Obispo · koa.com
Before you go
- Reserve ahead for summer and holiday weekends.
- Check fire rules at each campground. Rules can change with fire danger.
- Bring layers for the evenings by the water.
- For supplies, see Groceries & Picnic Supplies.
Local tips
- Flying Flags is the closest camping to the water now that the roadside sites are gone, so book it early for summer.
- At Avila Hot Springs, a campsite includes access to the hot mineral pool and the heated pool.
- Avila Hot Springs has a 25-foot RV length limit, so bigger rigs should look at Flying Flags or the KOA.
- Dogs aren't allowed in Avila Hot Springs campsites.
Frequently asked questions
Can you still camp on the beach at Port San Luis?
No. The 19 roadside RV sites along Avila Beach Drive closed on November 16, 2024. Flying Flags Avila Beach, up on the bluff at Port San Luis, replaced them.
Can I tent camp near Avila Beach?
Yes. Avila Hot Springs has dry tent sites, Flying Flags has hike-in tent camping, and the KOA allows tents.
How much is camping at Avila Hot Springs?
Avila Hot Springs lists $60 a night for two people and one tent or RV, plus $20 for each extra person. Check its website for current rates.
Are there cabins or cottages?
Flying Flags has cliffside cottages, and the KOA has cabins.
