Mission
The mission of the California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Hearst Castle is a State Park
The California State Parks’ best is represented not only by Hearst Castle itself, but also by their locations around Hearst Castle. From W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach and Hearst San Simeon State Park to the Elephant Seals and San Simeon Campground, some of the finest parks and campgrounds in California are located within a short distance from this feature attraction. Come and enjoy Hearst Castle and the best that California State Parks have to offer for your next vacation or weekend getaway to the Central Coast.
San Simeon Creek Campground
The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 134 campsites for tents or recreational vehicles and 2 hike-and-bike campsites. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet. Facilities at San Simeon Creek Campground include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. Toilets are available. Pay phones are provided for campers’ convenience. Firewood is also available for sale from the campground host.
Recreational activities include picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is an educational program for children usually scheduled during the summer months. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available. Information regarding the locations and scheduled time of interpretive programs is available by calling Hearst San Simeon State Park at (805) 927-2035.
Washburn Primitive Campground
The Washburn Primitive Campground is also accessed through the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. Both the San Simeon Creek Campground and the Washburn Campground are part of the San Simeon Campground complex. This campground is approximately one mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Facilities here include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. Toilets are available.
Reservations can be made year round at ReserveCalifornia.
RV Rental Information
For information on renting Family Travel Trailers at the above listed parks, including delivery and setup, please visit LUV2CAMP RV Rentals.
Junior Ranger and Cub Programs
The Junior Ranger Program is a special program for kids ages 7 through 12 that provides the chance to partake in a variety of fun and educational nature-oriented activities at Hearst San Simeon State Park. The Junior Ranger Cub Program is designed for kids ages 4 through 6. Programs include topics such as ecology, birds, Native American traditions, animal tracks, insects and plants. Check day use or campground bulletin boards for more information. Parents should bring their children to the Campfire Center at the San Simeon Creek Campground for scheduled programs about the Central Coast.
Campfire Programs
Campfire Programs are also offered during the summer. Topics include Chumash culture, wildlife, sea otters, birds, tide pools, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Various other programs about the natural and cultural resources of the Central Coast are also offered. For more information please check day use and/or campground bulletin boards.
State Park Information
For general California State Park information, visit the State Parks’ website or contact:
Information Officer
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001