Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

loved this place!!!  Was a bit of escape from heat - nice breezes.  And no internet!! YAY  I spent almost two weeks there -- camping at different spots.  If you are in a tent Roadrunner is the place to be.  Good shade.  No RVs - you can pull a trailer up there which some people did.  Beautiful views of the lake from #3,4 and 6.  #3 has less shade but a great rock to sit on for morning coffee and looking at the lake.  #4 is huge --2 picnic tables -- and good views.  #6 set off a little more and great views.  Osprey on lake -- no tents.  Coyote -- most well shaded but no view of lake

Also stayed  at Grey Pine on weekend (I had no reservations - for weekends must for Roadrunner and Coyote)  Limited shade up here -- also can be a lot of RVS but lots of tents too. Good stars here too -- I would stay on outer rim - Stayed at #12 and #14 -- great views of the valley.  Nice breezes so even when really hot doable.

Bathrooms and showers are fine. And pool when open (limited amount of staff) so nice and cool.

Beautiful park. We thoroughly enjoyed our drive-in tent site, the scenery, and the abundant bird life.

Santa Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps. There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed. Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats. Amenities include flush toilets in main camp, picnic table, fire pits but no hook ups. Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night.