San Simeon State Park

State Park California

Visited April 2008

San Simeon SP provides two campgrounds within an easy 5-mile drive of Hearst Castle. San Simeon Creek CG is the larger with 133 sites, while sitting up on a hill, Washburn CG offers another 68 campsites. The campgrounds are located on the inland side of Highway 1.

As usual, we arrived with no reservations; being Thursday we had no problem finding a site. We decided on site 8, which was up on a small knoll in the San Simeon Creek CG. We chose it for its view of the ocean.

Greetings from

San Simeon State Park

As usual, we arrived with no reservations; being Thursday we had no problem finding a site. We decided on site 8, which was up on a small knoll in the San Simeon Creek CG. We chose it for its view of the ocean.

Ribbit! The WxToad

Around the campground

Sites 5, 7 and 9, across from our site. This small loop seems to attract tent campers, for the parking spaces are fairly small.

Site 25 on the knoll has a great view over a small valley. Just beyond those trees in the distance is the Washburn CG.

Site 87 is typical of the sites in the lower, main loop. The only problem is that you would never know you're anywhere near the ocean.

There are 6 bathhouses in the San Simeon Creek CG; 4 of them offer coin-operated hot showers (.25 for 2 minutes).

For hikers, there is a very enjoyable trail that takes you through a variety of terrain. Liz' pedometer registered 4 miles.

One section of the trail is on a boardwalk across seasonal marshes, while in other areas it climbs up and around... — One section of the trail is on a boardwalk across seasonal marshes, while in other areas it climbs up and around wooded hillsides.

The trail also circles around the Washburn CG. Sites here are much more open.

Washburn CG only provides vault toilets - no showers.

Looking down toward the San Simeon Creek CG.

Just south of the campground is a day-use section of the park, where one can stroll along this wood boardwalk for a... — Just south of the campground is a day-use section of the park, where one can stroll along this wood boardwalk for a mile or so.

Nearby campgrounds

Morro Bay State ParkCA · 24 miles away

Kirk CreekCA · 34 miles away

Stillwater Cove County ParkCA · 34 miles away

Rocky Mountain "Hi" CampgroundMT · 34 miles away

Back on the roadSee all 402 campgrounds