After years of passing through, we finally gave this familiar wine country the time it deserved.
Published on August 16, 2026 – Narrated by Jim
4 BAMBI
See the BAMBI rating legend below.
This review reflects our personal experience.
We were not paid, reimbursed, or influenced in any way.
For us, Paso Robles had always been a place along the way. Known as El Paso de Robles, or Paso Robles for short, and Paso for shorter. And short describes our many previous experiences in Paso.
We’d arrive, visit a winery or two, spend the night, then continue north the next morning — or south when we were headed home.
Every visit ended the same way …
wanting to stay longer.
We’re not wine connoisseurs. Back in 2002 a bottle of Two Buck Chuck was our speed.
Ten years of RV travel refined our wine preferences. I’m now a Petite Syrah guy, and Carmen prefers old-vine Zinfandels. Harvest Hosts raised the Beaubeaux bar, providing access to vineyards, local handcrafted foods, art gardens, beautiful scenery, and conversations with the people who work the land and explain the process and the product. We still aren’t connoisseurs, but we know ’em when we see ’em.
Over time, we realized the obvious. Paso Robles deserved a longer stay. Paso Robles means “Pass of the Oaks,” and for years that’s what it was to us – a place to stop and rest for a night under a comforting tree.
So, this year we reserved the maximum 28-day stay at Sun Outdoors Paso Robles and settled in for a month.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made in a long time.
Sun Outdoors Paso Robles
The long private driveway sets the tone for the resort’s blend of country charm and modern amenities.
Local stone and minimal landscaping complement the old oak trees standing sentry over the protected wildlife corridor known as The Adelaide.
Before this region became known for wine, it was pastureland where flocks and herds took refuge from the sun beneath these California native oaks.
Like the Giant Sequoias, the oaks of Paso give this land its identity.
It just seemed right to spend some quality time with them.
This former hillside pasture is a living archive of trees, each one unique in stature. Of course we had favorites and even gave them names: Gumdrop, Hitchhiker, and Sigmund.
And they are everywhere. Most afternoons we’d turn down the music and simply sit beneath an oak, listening to the susurration of leaves and the soft calls of mourning doves. It’s also a wonderful setting for birdwatching in SLO CAL.
This resort is for pasturing people now, not cows or sheep, and the trees provide free therapy.
Don’t believe me? Sit under an oak with a pour of local wine. I guarantee you’ll feel better.
With 300 full-hookup RV sites, plus vacation cottages and villas, Sun Outdoors Paso Robles combines pastoral charm and a spa-like atmosphere with modern, hotel-class resort amenities.
Weekends, holidays and the annual Mid State Fair bring more guests, more activities, and a more festive energy.
Arrival
At check in, the friendly staff at the adorably rustic Welcome Center provide a campground map with an invitation to return for free morning coffee.
Check-in went smoothly. We had requested a site “near the wellness lap pool.”
The desk staff explained the best route to approach our site.
Unfortunately, campsite #64 wasn’t what we’d hoped for in a month-long stay. It felt exposed, and a bit crowded, so we asked to move.
Fortunately, site #312 was available. This upgrade completely changed our stay.
Site #312 is located in an area known as The Valley, tucked down the hill away from the activity at the center of the resort.
Quiet and more relaxed, The Valley is our happy place. Still, many guests prefer the area around the main pool, where much of the resort’s activity is centered and it’s easier to keep an eye on the kids.
Stella couldn’t have been happier with her grassy back yard and a path leading into the woods.
Campsites
Staged on a sloping hillside and situated around the trees, the campsites range from shady/cozy/private to sunny/poolside/scenic — and everything in-between. The trick is finding the one that suits you.
The roads are paved, wide, and easy to navigate.
All sites include full hookups, a concrete patio, picnic table, and wood-burning fire ring.
Most sites are back-in, but there are a few pull-through sites (#25 through #45).
All of the sites are quite level with plenty of awning room.
We rate the spacing between sites as “better than average.”
Each site has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your personal preferences and needs.
We prefer mature vegetation, but the sunnier sites offer more open views.
The reservation map doesn’t really tell that story. Vegetation and proximity to services vary considerably from site to site, so be sure to consult with the desk to find the best fit for you.
Site orientation is important to us.
We prefer our port side facing west, keeping the afternoon sun off our front door (or as Lynda in the comment section below says ‘Shade on the Cocktail’ side of the Airstream).
In addition to RV sites, there are 32 cottages in a variety of sizes and styles. Some are small and charming, while others are larger and more contemporary. Some stand alone, while others are grouped together.
The Campground Experience
By the second week we’d settled into an easy routine.
Mornings began with a walk to the smaller “Wellness lap pool.”
Arriving early usually guaranteed privacy for water aerobics.
Paso Robles has a classic Mediterranean climate, and on our previous spring stays the weather had been nearly perfect.
Summer was different. During this stay, temperatures reached 106 degrees at times, but mornings were cool and the worst heat was generally limited to midday through early evening. We learned to plan our days around the heat, with evening walks beneath the oaks once temperatures began to drop.
We enjoyed the evenings most. For us, they were magical.
After The Clubhouse closed, the resort grew quiet, and we’d wind down the day in the poolside lounges, listening to music and chilling with Stella.
As the sun set behind the oaks, we’d share a bottle of wine and toast the trees.
Amenities
Most days we just chilled in place. There was plenty to enjoy without leaving the resort.
The main pool is the center of activity.
There are two hot tubs,
a fitness room,
bocce courts,
a putt-putt green,
Table Tennis, Foosball, and Corn hole.
Cool, quiet nooks and sun-splashed decks with comfy seating are scattered throughout the resort.
The laundry room is spotless,
as are the private full-service bathrooms.
An event room is available for gatherings.
The campground provides Wi-Fi, although we no longer use public networks. We had reliable Verizon service using our weBoost cell booster.
Propane is available at designated hours.
There’s a playground,
a game room,
a splash pad,
and the main pool has a zero-entry area.
Welcome Center
The cozy Welcome Center doubles as a gathering spot, with seating around the fireplace,
and on the patio,
complimentary coffee,
snacks, gifts, and a small market stocked with locally sourced provisions.
Grand Oaks Clubhouse
The Clubhouse bar and grill is a convenient place to grab a bite.
Deep seating and board games inside …
and a sweet patio outside.
The grill serves a full menu, but the wood-fired pizza was the standout.
The outside bar serves a selection of local beers on tap and Paso Robles wines. It’s a fun spot to schmooze with interesting campers and the staff.
Local musicians are scheduled most weekends.
Dog Friendly
There are three very nicely maintained off-leash dog parks strategically located throughout the park.
Complimentary doggy bags and trash bins are provided.
Nearby Exploration
Staying here for nearly a month meant we could settle in and enjoy Paso, one of California’s premier wine regions.
We don’t have a favorite winery to recommend because, like the oaks, each one is unique.
It’s only a ten-minute drive to downtown Paso Robles. The shady town square invites you to wander, linger, and enjoy the shops and restaurants nearby.
And, of course, the breweries.
Our month in Paso also gave us time to visit beaches and coastal neighborhoods.
There’s always more to see, with plenty of beautiful diversions still on our list. Next time!
Closing Thoughts
At last, we gave Paso Robles our full attention.
Sun Outdoors gave us everything we needed for a long stay.
Paso isn’t just for passing through anymore.
We’ll keep coming back. And whether we’re in a rush…
…or not,
we know exactly where we’ll stay.
Sigmund is expecting us for follow-ups.
Before You Book
Quick Take: A comfortable, full-service RV resort that makes an excellent home base for exploring Paso Robles and California’s Central Coast.
Best For: RVers looking for a resort-style experience while spending several days or longer exploring Paso Robles wine country, nearby beaches, and surrounding communities.
Not Ideal For: Campers looking for a rustic campground, an inexpensive overnight stop, or a secluded camping experience.
Why We Recommend It: Our month-long stay let us explore Paso Robles at a relaxed pace, with Sun Outdoors as a comfortable home base.
Bottom Line: If you’re planning more than a quick visit to Paso Robles, Sun Outdoors makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. We’ll stay here again.
The Details
Address: Sun Outdoors Paso Robles, 3800 Golden Hill Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Original Stay Pricing: Our campsite was $63.43 per night at the time of our stay.
Length of Stay Limit: Stays are limited to 28 consecutive days. Guests must wait 14 days before beginning another stay.
Check-in / Check-out: Check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m.
Reservations: You can make reservations online or by calling (805) 242-4700.
Reservation Window: Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.
Refund & Cancellation Policy: No refunds are given on or after arrival. Deposits will be forfeited for reservations cancelled less than 14 days prior to your arrival date. Restrictions for holiday and special event dates may also apply.
Campground Phone Number: The campground office can be reached at (805) 242-4700.
Hours / Season: The resort is open year-round.
Propane: Propane is available at the campground.
Packages: Packages are accepted for guests.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Generator Rules: Generators are not permitted.
Wi-Fi / Cell Service: Wi-Fi is available at the campground. We tested it but did not use it because we no longer use public Wi-Fi. We had excellent Verizon 5G service during our stay.
Rules & Policies: Here are the campground’s rules and policies.
All rates and policies are subject to change. Please confirm details directly with the campground.
You can see our exact route on this map.
*Photos in this post, unless otherwise noted, were taken and copyrighted by Living in Beauty.
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Our “BAMBI” Rating System
Should’a boondocked.
Better than a Cracker Barrel or Walmart.
Adequate for a short stay.
Great place with minor tradeoffs.
Destination camping at its best — nothing we’d improve.
Historically, Airstream has called their small one-axle trailer a “Bambi”.
This review reflects our personal experience. We were not paid, reimbursed, or influenced in any way.
Explore our other campground reviews.
I live in Texas and have never been to Paso Robles, although we have visited California a few times camping in the northern part of the state. We do visit the wine country of Texas near Austin, so your campground review is something I need to share with my husband. Thank you for putting together all these details. It really helps to understand what is offered.
Margaret, thank you for your comment. Hope the next time you travel to California, you consider Paso wine country. With so many things to see and do, plus wine tastings, it really is a delightful place to hang out for awhile. Jim
Sounds and looks amazing.
Hugs from Germany
Marion and Hartmut, it is always a delight to see your name pop up. It is hard to believe it was more than 3 years ago we met you at the Harvest Host location, The Old 76 Brewery in Ft. Stockton, Texas. Carmen and I talk about your RV quite often. We wish that European design could be manufactured in the US because your rig was amazingly laid out and efficient. Stay safe out there. Jim
I can tell you two had a blast in Paso.
Cindy, indeed we did 🥳. Jim
We also enjoyed this parks amenities, access to wine, breweries, however the local tamales sold out of an ice cream truck had us in love with area.
Colin, glad to hear you have stayed at this resort in the past. And, yes, that tamale truck came through the campground every few days. We kept saying we were going to buy some, but never did. Maybe next time. Jim
Great description of the travels, as always! As non-Rv’rs, this post was particularly interesting because of the detailed description of the actual RV resort itself. The appeal of your unique lifestyle is clearly evident and enviable!
We also like your posts detailing the minutiae of stats relating to the travels — stuff like gear needed (e.g. flares) and problems encountered (Jim wiggling his way into the unit after a lockout).
The economics are also of interest. The $63.43 cost per day equals over $23K year for lodging. Then gas, food, maintenance, recreation, fees, admissions, etc. boost the cost. All beats a home (with routine maintenance) in a neighborhood, I’ll bet, but that breakdown would be interesting as well.
What’s amazing is that you have been doing this for a decade or more now, and have been all the Continent numerous times, but still have the same truck (?) and for sure the same Airstream! How many miles have you racked up? I know that the Beauty has had major refurbishments from time to time, but still a side-by-side comparison with a physical residence would be a fun stat. I mean, we travel extensively, but in traditional and conventional ways (cruise ships, tours, hotels, resorts, etc), and wonder if the economic comparisons are measurably greater? You’ve probably penciled it out and have an opinion!
Keep on having fun, and we look forward to seeing you again next time you venture into SoCal!!
Jim and Melinda
Jim, you have given me something to consider. I actually have (it is the CFO in me) every expense Carmen and I have ever made in since 1994. What was spent on every line item from gas, mortgage, utilities, groceries, restaurants, vacations, pets, automobiles, clothing, taxes, medical, dental, insurance… you name it, I have it categorized and documented for more than 30 years in a Macintosh application called Banktivity. If I want to know what we paid for groceries in August 1999, I got it. Clothing in 2004, I got it! So your idea would not take too long to assemble. And yes we have the same truck and Airstream. The truck now has 180,000 miles. A Cummins diesel engine usually lasts more than a million miles, so we hope to never buy another truck. I can tell you that we basically live on our Social Security with our investments covering unexpected expenses and repairs… AND our expensive RV trip to Alaska in 2022 and Vienna in 2025. Hope to see you when we come back to San Diego. Send our love to Melinda. Jim
Carmen chiming into this convo – which I wish was happening with you two in your amazing backyard (post remodel) with a bottle of wine. We love the way we live because of the advantage of travel and spending time in gorgeous regions where there are no amenities other than what you provide on your own – those places are my favorite – the indescribable jubilation of taking a hot shower beside an unnamed glacier lake in Northwest Territories. Of course our days of this kind of travel are limited, so we’re exploring the potential of these new full-service resort campgrounds. Most charge big prices and fail to deliver as promised, but a few, like Sun, are worth the stay. We’re hoping more enterprising establishments like this one will open on the west coast before we have to return to housing. By the way, while here I had eye surgery! Our wonderful optho in Coronado Dr. Avalone recommended that while in Central California I continue care with his colleague in San Luis Obispo, Dr. Suhr. I am so impressed with his attention to my care. I can see better already! Love you two!!! xoxo
So enjoyed our time with you. Especially at Daou. Understand it has changed ownership. Hope we can stay in touch more often. Having our 52nd tomorrow. Probably just gonna have some Mac and Cheese along with a fine bottle of A&W root beer. Give my best to Stella. Harpo and Groucho say hello. Just booked my 15th gig for Christmas. Ho Ho Ho
FMISD and SWMBO
Jim, I looked it up and here is what I discovered. “DAOU Vineyards was acquired by Treasury Wine Estates for $1 billion in October 2023, marking a significant move for the Australian winemaker to enter the U.S. premium market.” So it has been under new ownership for several years and was so when we all enjoyed our stay there last year. Happy 52nd wedding anniversary. I have been focused on this post and now that it is publsihed I plan to give you a call. What a beautiful photo of the three of you! Send my love to those two wonderful ladies. Jim
Excellent review of this Top 10 in our book property. Over the past 40 years I’ve witnessed Paso go from a humble cowtown to a booming wine destination deserving of a stay long enough to linger, relax, sip. When we lived the Airstream life and full timed for four years, we had hoped to ‘winter’ in Paso and were disappointed with the 28-day stay rule. I believe this is a county rule, not Sun Outdoors. Like us, you prefer a ‘Shade on the Cocktail’ side of the Airstream to avoid the afternoon sun. I would request this when calling for a reservation and elicit a hearty chuckle from our host. I totally enjoyed the photos of Miz Stella living the life. Keep rollin’! – Lynda & Jim
Lynda, this resort is also on our top 10 list. Our first visit to Paso Robles was 9 years ago on our way to Vinnie’s for some Airstream repairs. We wish we would have discovered Paso sooner. Like our hometown of San Diego, the metamorphosis over the decades there is quite unbelievable. Must be similar in Paso. And we also agree the 28 day limit is very disappointing. Oh, and yes, Stella had a blast in Paso. Stay safe out there! Jim
Carmen here. Lynda – “Shade on the cocktail side” 😜 Love it!
Yes – that 28-day SLO county RV rule is – IMO, a penalty on local businesses. This region should be prime Snowbird country as savvy travelers look for a broader range of alternatives.
Thanks so much for being with us! Safe & Happy Travels!
Loved looking at and reading this. What a beautiful place and experience. Love the idea of a month to relax and enjoy, So much we miss if we are always in a hurry. How fun and special the way you are experiencing life together. Keep at it. ❤️
Julia, glad you enjoyed this review. Paso Robles is a beautiful place and a month gave us time to experience so much of what it has to offer. Thanks for following Living in Beauty. Jim
I’ve been following you for years, but this is my first time commenting. Your travel posts are a joy to read – insightful commentary that can border on prose or poetry, and professionally composed photographs, which combined capture not just the specifics of the area you’ve explored, but its spirit. And your comprehensive campground reviews are invaluable.
We’ve stayed in the Paso Robles area a few times, including once at the Sun Outdoors resort there, and your review is spot on. I hope you were able to visit Tin City, a revitalized cluster of warehouses a few miles south of town, that now has an inviting collection of restaurants, a brewery, tasting rooms and artisan shops (wines, cheeses, olive oil, ice cream).
I’ve been wanting to ask for some time: Beauty appears to have a single AC unit on the roof, which for a longer rig, is unusual. How did you manage in the 100+ degree temps? We have a 2018 Tommy Bahama 28FB, also with a single AC – a deliberate choice because we wanted to stay with 30 amps, did not want to give up the second fan or skylight (don’t remember which it was) that a second AC would have omitted, and we try to avoid areas that are forecast to be high 90’s or worse. But there have been a few times that we’ve had to stay a day or more in those conditions, and our single AC struggles to keep the interior cooler than high 80’s. We’ve also tried the “open all windows and run the ceiling fans” technique, which doesn’t really cool the inside. Just curious how you manage high temps with your rig.
Best wishes as you continue your amazing journey. It’s the epitome of how I would describe my “philosophy of RV travel”, the “Why do we do this?”, which for me is an expansion of the phrase on a T-shirt acquired at a national park:
”Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”.
Rick & Trish
Rick, thank you for following Living in Beauty all these years. Glad you have found value in our posts. We did spend a day walking around Tin City and of course hung out at Barrelhouse Brewing and the ice cream shop next store. What we have discovered over the past ten years is that our one air conditioner is only capable of lowering the outside temperature down 20 degrees inside the Airstream. So when it was 106, we were cooking inside at 86. Very uncomfortable. Those were the days we left Paso and headed toward the coast, Cayucos, Avila, Morro Bay, Cambria and more. The difference was many times 30 degrees cooler on the coast. Love the quote ”Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”.
Stay safe out there and happy travels. Jim
Carmen here, Rick echoing Jim’s gratitude for your comment. The only benefit of the 28-day day stay is that electric is included in the daily fee. So we run it when we’re out escaping the heat. Nights were so cool (and 0 humidity) that we didn’t run the A/C and opened the windows … I do love a summer California night!
OK, you have convinced us to put this campground on our bucket list. Sooner than later.
Betty, glad to hear it! Jim
I can relate to that feeling of needing more time to check the surroundings. Why I slowed down more and more as I put in the years of full time
Gizella, it is amazing how the experience changes when we slow down. And we sure have slowed down over the years. 😉 Jim
10 years of RV traveling! 🥳
Nathalia, it is hard to believe we have been traveling full-time for a decade. Great to hear from you! Jim
Amazing, Jim! You and Carmen turned “passing through” into a beautiful reminder for all to slow down and truly experience a place. Four Bambis well earned!
Will, we hadn’t thought of it that way, but I do believe everyone can benefit from slowing down in a way that allows for a more immersive experience, no matter what they are doing. Thank you for following us all these years. Jim
We love that place! ❤️❤️
Terry, we do too! Jim
My 1st year was race from place to place. After that we spent months in places. What’s the rush?
Tim, we did the very same thing our first year on the road. Jim
How many Bambis would you give this bar?
5
One of our favorites!
We are in agreement!!!! Jim
💗 This looks like an amazing adventure! I was very kind of you to go around and take pictures of the different sites because that really helps because some of those sites I noticed we’re not quite level so it would be good to know ahead of time for booking. The surrounding area there’s just so much to do and you don’t have to go all the way down to Mexico. Waiting for your next adventure. 💗
Teresa, it was an amazing adventure. We enjoyed walking around the resort so taking photos was a lot of fun. There is so much to do and see in Paso. We also can’t wait for our next adventure. Jim
That’s the way to see the world especially if your life is in no hurry !
Ruamie, it does change the way we see things when we slow down and stay longer at a location. It is hard to believe that first year, back in 2016-2017, we stayed overnight at 86 locations and traveled almost 15,000 miles. Jim
Dave and I loved driving through Paso Robles and the surrounding area. California has such unique cities and areas to appreciate. I love that you named the trees! I always love listening to you, and so enjoy the accompanying photographs. You make a lot of people happy. Hugs!
Eva, it is always a delight to see your name in the comments. We do love Paso and found staying longer made us love it even more. And you are so right, California has so many beautiful places to see, along the coast, inland, and in the mountains. We are headed for Lake Tahoe soon, what we consider to be one of the most beautiful lakes in America. Carmen and I talk about you often when we reminisce about the days at Lamb’s Players Theatre. God bless you Eva. Jim
It sure is a beautiful place to stay!
Lindy, It is a beautiful resort and town to visit!!!!! Jim
We love it there! Not only an exceptional campground, but the town and surrounding areas are truly magnificent!
Ron, we absolutely agree! Jim
We discovered Cava by chance 4 years ago and love it! It’s a straight drive down 101 from the Bay Area and the resort is just as you describe. There was a heat wave during our last visit but mornings and evenings were cool, the pool was lovely and sunrises and sunsets were spectacular. The prices have varied greatly over the years so we always book by phone with the office. They are very accommodating when we’ve wanted to change sites. Best to avoid “holiday” weekends. One stay was over a Halloween event, cute but chaotic. We are heading back there in a week for another too short a stay. Thanks for your review.
Sandy, it is a lovely resort. And we have made the mistake of booking a Sun Outdoors during Halloween in San Diego. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!! Just too many people and totally chaotic. Glad to hear you are headed back there in a week. Enjoy! Jim
Thanks for sharing, I was unaware of the loveliness of this location. Until now! 💯
Chuckster, so glad you found value in this review. Jim
One of our fave stops and campgrounds on our 90 night Xcountry trip! Def top 5
Tina, we agree with you!. Jim
J. Lohr is an amazing red wine. I had no idea where in California it came from. Now I do! Sounds like a lovely place to hang your hat for a while. Thanks, as always, for sharing. Stay happy and safe.
Laura, so great to hear from you. We have a fun story about J.Lohr. We went to the Paso Robles Brewing Company the night they were having a bingo night. Carmen won the black out and the prize was two $50 wine tasting at J. Lohr. It was their deluxe tasting. It was amazing!!!!! Send our love to Doug. Jim
That is a very nice and very thorough review. Almost as if it was written by the Chamber of Commerce. We stayed at that site for a few days while we remodeled our house in Paso Robles. We bounced between the two Sun locations because the house remodel took about three months.
John, glad you thought it was a thorough review. We tried to capture the place. We also stayed at the other Sun Outdoors in Paso Robles. They both have different amenities to offer. Thank you for your comment. Jim