Camp Right On The Beach At This California RV Park For Up Close Coastal Scenery

The California coastline is the ultimate playground for any outdoor lover. From the beaches of San Diego to the redwood forests of the north, those willing to sleep out in the delightful outdoors can rejoice in knowing there are over 15,000 campsites to choose from throughout the Golden State. With so many options, how can someone possibly choose? Well, there's no better place to start than the quaint seaside beach town of Avila. Located on San Luis Obispo Bay, about 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles and about 200 miles south of San Francisco, this underrated beachside community may be small in size, but the activities are seemingly endless. And what better activity for campers to do than, well, camp?

Offering everything from RV sites to camping and glamping, Flying Flags Avila Beach RV Resort & Campground has got you covered for a gorgeous evening listening to ocean sounds while sleeping under the stars. Aside from coastal camping, Avila offers its visitors the chance to go whale-watching, wine-tasting, bike riding, kayaking, hiking, and more. The quintessential California camping experience? That'll be Flying Flags. 

While some campgrounds only offer one or two options for accommodations, Flying Flags has a wider range for visitors. RV spots, drive-in tent camping, bike-up camping, and glamping are all options for those who venture to this beautiful seaside location. RV sites include full hookups to keep you and your crew satisfied, and there is Wi-Fi for those who enjoy nature but don't want to completely disconnect. Parking spaces include ocean views, picnic tables, and natural gas fire pits. Dry RV sites are also an option. An additional $12 grounds fee per night is included in the rate to cover the cost of communal amenities in both locations, and the RV sites have a 21-day maximum stay.

Looking to be even closer to nature? Both drive-in (back-in and front-facing) and bike-in camping sites are available for those who enjoy the nitty gritty tent-only life. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table (communal for the biking sites), ocean views, and full access to the resort amenities. Sites have a maximum stay of seven days. 

For those who enjoy camping but not necessarily sleeping on the ground, Flying Flags provides Jupes, a type of glamping tent. Each Jupe is 100 square feet and includes a queen-sized bed, storage space, birchwood flooring, a porch for optimal relaxation, and, of course, ocean views. Each Jupe accommodates up to two people, no pets are allowed, and an additional $22 grounds fee is included in the nightly rate. Aside from inside the Jupes, furry friends are welcome at the site! Pets must be registered with your party upon arrival, and there is a maximum of two pets per site (animals must be 50 pounds or smaller). A one-time non-refundable pet fee of $50 (per animal) per reservation applies. 

Looking to add even more outdoor exploration to your trip? The small town of Avila offers visitors a range of options to extend the adventure. From January to mid-November, whale-watching tours are available, with different whale species passing through at different months. If you want something with more activity, the surrounding area is overflowing with numerous hiking and biking trails to choose from, from the challenging Sycamore Crest Trail to the family-friendly Bob Jones Trail. A multitude of water sports are available to choose from in the bay, including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and jet-skiing. If you're more comfortable on the fairways and greens, book a round at Avila Beach Golf Resort, a par-72 championship course with stunning ocean views. 

Every Friday evening from April through September, the Avila Beach Promenade transforms into a beautiful farmers market, overflowing with stalls selling anything from flowers to skin care. Live music, food trucks, and shopping make for a lovely night on the town. For wine lovers, wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms can be found dotted throughout Avila as well. Avila is also located about a 15-minute drive from the quaint town of San Luis Obispo, offering visitors tons of options for dining, shopping, and relaxation as well. Whatever your idea of a getaway, Avila has so many options you won't know where to start in one of California's best beach towns.