• Welcome to Toad Hall

    The home of the WXToad
  • San Simeon State Park, CA

     simeon01

    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.

    simeon02
    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.

    Date of visit: Apr 2008

    simeon04
    Sites 5, 7 and 9, across from our site. This small loop seems to attract tent campers, for the parking spaces are fairly small.

    simeon12
    Site 25 on the knoll has a great view over a small valley. Just beyond those trees in the distance is the Washburn CG.

    simeon08
    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.

    simeon09
    Sites 95 and 99.

    simeon10
    Sites 108 and 110.

    simeon06
    There are 6 bathhouses in the San Simeon Creek CG; 4 of them offer coin-operated hot showers (.25 for 2 minutes).

    simeon14
    For hikers, there is a very enjoyable trail that takes you through a variety of terrain. Liz' pedometer registered 4 miles.

    simeon15
    One section of the trail is on a boardwalk across seasonal marshes, while in other areas it climbs up and around wooded hillsides.

    simeon17
    The trail also circles around the Washburn CG. Sites here are much more open.

    simeon18
    Washburn CG only provides vault toilets - no showers.

    simeon19
    Looking down toward the San Simeon Creek CG.

    ca0103
    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.

    Amenities

    Rates: $15-20 ($2 Senior discount)

    No hookups

    Showers

    Dump station and water supply point available

    Activities/Nearby Attractions

    4-mile trail

    Hearst Castle

    Coord: 35.598759 N, 121.123394 W


    simeon map