RV Parks & Campgrounds in Santa Maria, California

Santa Maria sits on California's Central Coast at a modest 213 feet elevation, where coastal terrain and mild weather create ideal conditions for RV camping year-round. The Los Padres National Forest dominates the region, drawing campers to Baja Campground, Paradise Campground, and Brookshire Campground, each with direct access to hiking, biking, fishing, and horse riding trails. Channel Islands National Park lies 76 miles away for day trips. The area blends privately owned mobile home parks with forest-managed campgrounds, giving travelers multiple camping styles to choose from.

Santa Maria's camping scene centers on three standout properties within Los Padres National Forest. Baja Campground features access to geologic wonders and diverse trail systems for hiking, biking, and horse riding, plus fishing and hunting opportunities. Paradise Campground emphasizes the forest's varied plant and animal life, with camping and cabins alongside biking, hiking, and horse riding routes, and off-highway vehicle options. Brookshire Campground expands the activity menu to include climbing and caving, shooting ranges, and off-highway vehicle use, making it the most activity-dense choice. Beyond these forest properties, Airport Mobile Home Park and Rancho Buena Vista Mobile Estates round out the roster with private RV accommodations. The mix gives travelers flexibility between rustic forest camping and developed park settings.

Activities radiate outward from camp. The forest itself supplies most recreation, with established trails for every skill level and fishing spots scattered throughout. Channel Islands National Park sits 76 miles south, accessible for day trips or overnight excursions exploring marine ecosystems and island landscapes. Local hunting and shooting opportunities appeal to sportsmen, while casual hikers find the Sespe area particularly rewarding. The region's wine industry also draws visitors, and Santa Maria's culinary reputation for its distinctive barbecue style gives campers reason to venture into town.

Climate here runs mild and stable. January averages 52 degrees Fahrenheit, while July peaks at 72 degrees, meaning shoulder seasons extend across most of the year. Annual precipitation reaches 22.1 inches, concentrated in winter months and leaving summers dry and predictable for camping. The coastal terrain offers natural wind breaks and shade in forest camping areas. Santa Maria sits approximately 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 65 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, placing it within reasonable driving range of urban amenities while maintaining genuine remoteness within the forest itself.