Map showing campground location near Santa Margarita, California

Camper submitted image from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Quiet mornings with lake views and breezes that cut through summer heat define the experience at Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, a county-managed campground set around a mid-size reservoir in San Luis Obispo County. The park holds 60 sites across several distinct areas, including tent-focused loops, RV-accessible zones with electric hookups, two boat-in sites, and four horse camps. Swimming in the lake is not permitted, as it serves as a drinking water source for the county.

The campground's loops each have a different character. The Roadrunner area is shaded and tent-only, with sites like 3, 4, and 6 offering direct sightlines over the water. Grey Pine accommodates RVs and tents, has less shade, but faces open valley views and tends to catch good breezes. Osprey sits on the lake without tent camping. Cell service is limited throughout the park. Gary G. notes it as "no internet," which some campers will consider a feature.

Fishing and boating draw regulars, with osprey commonly spotted on the water. The park has a launch ramp, marina store, and canoe and boat rentals. A pool operates in summer when staffing allows. Showers are available and take quarters. Nearby alternatives include Santa Margarita Lake and Santa Margarita KOA for campers weighing options in the area.

Weekends fill fast. Roadrunner and Coyote loops require reservations on weekends; horse camps require a phone call to County Parks rather than online booking.

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Map & DirectionsSanta Margarita Lake Regional Park is located in California near Santa Margarita

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.32400064 N
120.49300036 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

30 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
57 min from Santa Maria, CA
2 hrs 1 min from Hanford, CA
2 hrs 16 min from Bakersfield, CA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the scenic lake views, good shade options in certain loops, and helpful staff. Many mentioned quality facilities including showers, restrooms, and seasonal pool access. Multiple campers appreciated the peaceful setting and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Haley S.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2025

Great Staff

This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.

Showers are available, they take quarters.

Would absolutely stay here again.

Site12

Month of VisitAugust

Gary G.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2023

Fantastic place to chill -- look at the stars and relax

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.

Bob & Nancy W.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2021

Great park

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

SiteRoadrunner #4

Month of VisitOctober

Margo A.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Riding Horses at Santa Margarita Lake

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available at Santa Margarita Lake?

No, Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park does not offer cabins for overnight accommodation. The campground primarily provides tent and RV sites, boat-in camping, and horse camps. Visitors should plan to bring their own camping equipment such as tents or RVs for their stay.

What camping options are available at Santa Margarita Lake?

Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences. The campground features 60 total sites, including 54 standard tent/RV sites, 2 boat-in sites for those arriving by water, and 4 specialized horse camps for equestrian campers. For tent campers specifically, the Roadrunner area is recommended as it provides good shade and does not allow RVs, though small trailers can be accommodated. The campground is located in Los Padres National Forest, offering a quiet, scenic environment with beautiful views.

What are the fishing hours at Santa Margarita Lake?

Specific fishing hours for Santa Margarita Lake aren't explicitly stated, but as the lake serves as a drinking water source for San Luis Obispo County, there may be regulated hours and special restrictions. Swimming is not permitted in the lake, which suggests careful management of water activities. For current fishing hours, permitted methods, and license requirements, check with the park office or San Luis Obispo County Parks department before your fishing trip.

Can I rent boats at Santa Margarita Lake?

While the lake is a key feature of the park, specific information about boat rentals isn't clearly indicated. Since the lake serves as a drinking water source for San Luis Obispo County, there may be restrictions on boating activities. The presence of boat-in campsites suggests that some boating is permitted. For current information about boat rental availability and regulations, contact the park office directly before your visit.

Is there a map available of Santa Margarita Lake campground?

Yes, maps of Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park are typically available. You can obtain a campground map upon arrival at the ranger station or entrance kiosk. The map will help you navigate the different camping areas, including the 54 tent/RV sites, boat-in sites, horse camps, and the Roadrunner area which is designated for tents. For planning purposes, you may want to contact the park office in advance to request map information or check the San Luis Obispo County Parks website.

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