Camp at Lake Cachuma

The campground here is extremely well developed and tightly run (for better or worse). The sites afford very little privacy: I recommend looking for the "Prime" campsites along the bluff, or choosing a weekday. If you can afford to spend a little extra, the park offers yurt rentals, which have the best views, decks with deckchairs, and beds with mattresses...not too rustic, but something I'd love to try given a little extra cash. There's also an RV park and cabins...if you really don't want to camp ;-)

The campground has showers, flush toilets, and lots of water spigots. There's also a camp store (in case you forgot marshmallows!) and a cafe. The marina rents kayaks by the hour, and there's plenty of fishing opportunities in the lake.

Sadly, the lake is LOW, and makes the drought feel visibly real. No swimming or bodily contact with the water, but wildlife is still plentiful. Beware the raccoons at night; they are feisty!

The best part of this campground is the proximity to wineries, restaurants, and the beach. A good alternative to a cheap hotel.