San Simeon State Park

History
San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs and promontories of the scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore. The initial acquisition of 69 acres of coastline property was made in 1932. San Simeon Creek Campground, with 34 campsites was constructed in 1971-72, and the total number of campsites reached 134. Other improvements would include: landscaping, comfort stations, a trailer sanitation station and a campfire center. A primitive campground with 60 sites, Washburn Campground, was added in 1984. In 1990, San Simeon State Beach, now encompassing 540 acres, was reclassified from a State Beach to a State Park. The State Park classification is merited because of the significance of the natural and cultural resources present within the unit.

Natural History
Within the boundaries of San Simeon State Park, Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, San Simeon Natural Preserve and Pa-nu Cultural Preserve were established in 1990. Santa Rosa Creek Preserve is an area of approximately 40 acres, which includes valuable riparian forests and coastal wetlands, that provide habitat for endangered Tidewater Goby. San Simeon Natural Preserve consists of approximately 365 acres of vast wetlands, riparian areas, and several undisturbed native plant communities including unique mima mound topography. The Natural Preserve is also the wintering site for monarch butterfly populations. The 13.7 acre Pa-nu Cultural Preserve contains the most significant archeological site within San Simeon State Park. The site has been dated to 5850 years before the present, and it contains significant evidence documenting prehistoric technology, subsistence practices and social organization over the course of several centuries. In 1994, a 3.3 mile trail was constructed encircling portions of the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Washburn Campground. The trail includes scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches and interpretive panels with information on wildlife and habitat. A portion of the trail along the seasonal wetland is wheelchair accessible.

San Simeon Creek Campgrounds
The San Simeon Creek Campgrounds offers 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for a RV is 35 feet. Facilities at San Simeon Creek Campgrounds include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite. There are no hook-ups but water spigots are available throughout the campground. Restrooms with flush toilets and coin operated showers, a dump station and water fill-up for RV's, and pay phones are also provided for campers convenience. Firewood is also available for sale from the campground host.

Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. 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 San Simeon State Park at (805) 927-2035.

Washburn Campground
The Washburn primitive campground is also accessed through the San Simeon Creek Campground entrance station. This campground is approximately 1 mile inland from the beach on a plateau overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. Facilities here include a fire ring and picnic table at each campsite, water spigots, chemical flush toilets and use of the dump station and water fill-up. Washburn Campground is subject to reservation from March 15 to September 30.

Location and Reservation Information
San Simeon State Park is located 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, and 5 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center. The community of Cambria is located 2 miles to the South and offers gas stations and grocery stores. Campground Reservations can be made from March 15 to September 30 by calling 1-800-444-PARK. The rest of the year the campground is open on a first come, first serve basis.

California State Parks manages more than 270 park units.