Discover a coastal haven at Hearst San Simeon State Park. It’s nestled along California’s Central Coast. The park is located between Cambria and San Simeon. Spanning over 3,400 acres of rugged shoreline, seasonal estuaries and pine-blanketed hillsides, this state park offers a refreshing escape into nature, wildlife and rich cultural heritage just steps from the iconic Hearst Castle.
What Makes Hearst San Simeon State Park Unique
The park was established in 1932. It conserves rare habitats—from wetlands and riparian forests to rocky coastal preserves. These areas are home to tidewater goby, monarch butterflies, and migrating gray whales. Its mosaic of mima-mound topography and seasonal creeks provide extraordinary ecological diversity, while Chumash archaeological sites enrich the park’s cultural story. Panoramic ocean views meet shaded campsites and interpretive trails linking natural and human history.
Top Activities & Amenities
🌲 Camping
The park features two campgrounds:
- San Simeon Creek Campground: 115 reservable sites for tents and RVs (up to 35 ft). It is complete with fire rings, picnic tables, and water spigots. The campground also has flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and a dump station. Drinking water and an on-site camp store are available.
- Washburn Primitive Campground: There are 68 hike-in or drive-in primitive sites on a hilltop plateau. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, water faucets, and vault toilets.
🥾 Hiking
Over a 3.3-mile interpretive trail winds through San Simeon Natural Preserve and Washburn Campground. It features scenic overlooks, benches, and panels. They highlight wildlife, mima-mounds, and coastal wetlands. A wheelchair-accessible stretch along a seasonal creek offers inclusive nature access.
🏖️ Beach Access & Fishing
The park offers direct access to rocky coastlines ideal for tidepooling and beachcombing. It is also great for fishing surfperch, sole, and halibut. During the season, visitors can enjoy whale and seal watches. William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach nearby provides pier fishing, kayak access and a discovery center close to cafes and picnic spots.
🦢 Wildlife Viewing & Interpretation
Look for elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas rookery, migrating gray whales offshore and monarch butterflies overwintering in maple forests. The Junior Ranger program and interpretive walks illuminate local ecology and heritage for families.
🚻 Restrooms & Showers
San Simeon Creek Campground offers flush toilets and coin-operated showers. Washburn Campground has vault toilets and nearby water faucets. Seasonal restroom availability may vary—always check ahead.
🏛️ Visitor Center & Exhibits
The park’s Visitor Center near the campgrounds features interpretive displays on natural habitats and Chumash culture. It also has a small theater with educational films. Additionally, there is a staffed information kiosk.
🛻 Group Campsites & RV Facilities
Group camping is available by reservation for scouts or clubs. RVs up to 35 ft are allowed in San Simeon Creek Campground, though without electrical hookups. A dump station and water fill-up are provided.
🔥 Fire Rings, BBQ & Drinking Water
Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. Drinking water spigots are spaced throughout the campground and primitive area. Camp store sells firewood, enabling safe campfires.
🏰 Historic Hearst Castle Tours
Just a short drive uphill, Hearst Castle offers guided tours of the grand rooms. Visitors can explore the Neptune and Roman pools, gardens, theaters, and art collections. Park admission and campground rates are separate. Visitors often combine both for a full coastal experience.
Visitor Tips
- Camping Fees & Reservations: Site fees range from $10–$35/night; reserve through California State Parks (800‑444‑7275), especially March–September.
- Parking: Included with campground; trailhead and beach parking available at designated lots.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in campground and developed areas but prohibited on trails, beaches and preserves.
- Firewood & Fires: Campfires allowed only in provided rings; buy firewood onsite to prevent infestation.
- Accessibility: Select trails, boardwalks, restrooms and Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible; accessible interpretive exhibits available.
- Restrooms & Showers: Open year-round though some may close for maintenance—carry water and hand sanitizer.
- Beach & Wildlife Safety:
- Climate: Coastal fog common in mornings; afternoons clear—layers recommended year-round.
- Closures: Trails, restrooms or campground areas may close seasonally or for maintenance—check official park alerts.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Plan a spring or fall visit when wildflowers carpet the hillsides and elephant seals haul out near Piedras Blancas. For a hidden gem, hike up to the Washburn overlook at sunset—its golden light across San Simeon Creek and the Pacific is a photographer’s dream. Stay a night under the stars, then head uphill to Hearst Castle early next morning to beat the crowds with a coastal sunrise view.