Avila / Pismo Beach KOA

The Great Outdoors

When you’re RV camping at Avila / Pismo Beach KOA, you’re just a short drive from the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve, which lies just to the south of Pismo Beach. It’s one of the most expansive coastal dunes remaining in California and a hub for on-the-sand activities, including sand-boarding and ATV-ing. There are numerous places to rent a buggy nearby, or you can enjoy a more relaxed experience while horseback riding along the beach.The surrounding coast is littered with caves, some of which can be accessed on foot and others only from the water. Join a guided kayaking tour to explore these fascinating natural formations that have been sculpted by the waves or follow the short trail that leads to the Pirate’s Cave in Avila Beach.Another coastal destination not to miss if you’re motorhome camping in the area is the Montaña de Oro State Park whose name (“Mountain of Gold”) is due to the golden wildflowers that ignite the landscape in the spring. It sprawls across 8,000 acres of dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and coastal plains, not to mention the 1,347-foot Valencia Park. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all permitted within the park, with the Bluff Trail offering superb views across the Pacific Ocean.Avila / Pismo Beach KOA camping also makes a good base for visiting Los Padres National Forest, which encompasses almost two million acres from the outskirts of Los Angeles all the way to San Luis Obispo. It includes the Sespe Condor Sanctuary where these majestic birds can be seen, as well as numerous wilderness and recreation areas. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the Vista Lago Adventure Park, a challenging ropes and zip-line course in Routzhan Park in the north of Los Padres National Forest.

Exploring the Area

Camp in an RV near Pismo Beach and you’ll be within easy access of San Luis Obispo, which centers around the 18th-century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Join a guided tour of its ornate church, tranquil gardens, and a small museum where a collection of artifacts related to the mission’s history are displayed. Bubblegum Alley is a must-stop for photos while the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market is the best place to pick up fresh produce and ready-to-eat snacks. There are plenty of supermarkets here where you can stock up on supplies and gas stations if you need to fill up your rental RV, together with fast food restaurants and eateries for dining out.If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a visit to the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, which is packed with interactive exhibits that are designed to inspire their curiosity and learning through play. The Central Coast’s railway history is brought to life at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, which occupies the former Southern Pacific Freighthouse that dates to 1894. If you’re interested in discovering the artistic talents of the region, stop in the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art where you’ll find an impressive collection of works by contemporary California artists.Avila / Pismo Beach KOA is also within easy access of the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, which is clustered with turn-of-the-century buildings. Browse the antique stores and specialty boutiques that line the streets or stop in at one of the local restaurants. Arroyo Grande is famously home to the last swinging bridge of its kind in California, not to mention numerous museums where you can delve into the local history and learn about life for the town’s early settlers.No trip to the Central Coast is complete without spending time visiting the wineries, with the two major appellations centering around Arroyo Grande and the Edna Valley. Hop between the coastal tasting rooms and cellar doors surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see, with both big companies and family-run boutique wineries operating here.Whether you’re interested in exploring the wine country or the rugged coastal landscapes of Central California, book an RV in San Luis Obispo County and start planning your next vacation.