Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

It was great camping at Islay Creek Campground. It was peaceful, beautiful surroundings, and a decent amount of space between campsites. The coastal air, hills, and nearby ocean views made it a great escape. Access to hiking trails, tide pools, and scenic drives. Watch for ticks, found one on my dog so keep out of the tall grass.

Sites were clean and well cared for, restrooms were not a far walk from my campsite and the overall vibe was quiet and relaxing. Limited cell service, if you’re trying to unplug. Nights get cool and foggy, so pack layers.

Would definitely camp here again.

Ignore CAMPGROUND FULL sign at north end near Los Osos as you drive into park about 5 miles north of campground. People cancel and sign is not updated on regular basis. Spooner Ranch House open daily 10am-4pm provides good historical background before taking scenic coastal walk along the Bluff Trail. Other more adventurous inland hike/bike trails also available. Front loop offers camping spaces slightly further apart. Pit toilets in center of loops generally clean. Asphalt paved parking slots a little sloped but can level with blocks. Very dry and brown in campground in August. Foggy and cool most of day... only saw sun a few minutes. Nice paved almost level parking lot with views of Morro Bay about half-way between entrance and campground. Beautiful beach with non-RV parking right below Ranch House.

The campground is pretty and ideally located right in front of a stunning beach. However, our experience with the host was very disappointing. We had agreed with her the day before to check out at 12:30 instead of 12:00, but at 12:00 she showed up and started yelling at us to leave. When we reminded her of our agreement, she seemed to have completely forgotten and was extremely rude. It was an uncomfortable experience. Also, note that the toilets are dry composting toilets — so there are no standard facilities. While the natural surroundings are beautiful, the atmosphere created by the host and the basic amenities left much to be desired.

A beautiful spot. I was hear with a very large group where we split up into smaller group tent sites. We had a good experience but had problems with raccoons trying to get in our tents at night

Although the location is very scenic and a 10 min walk to the beach, I wouldn’t return because there are ALOT of ticks at the campground. We went with a party of 11 and found multiple ticks on 5 people. I remember combing the reviews on this site and saw someone posted two years ago that there were a lot of ticks and just wanted to confirm that there still are, so camp with caution.

Came here on a recommendation from a friend. Beautiful beach in this area. The beach area is very popular. But I was able to get a campsite no problem on a beautiful week in March. 

There's plenty to do here--visit the beach, walk on the cliffs, see the wildflowers. I'll definitely be back.

This campground is quiet and spaces aren't too close together. East walk to trails and the beach at the cove.

This place is 10/10. Clean bathrooms, quiet and quaint. Close to one of the most beautiful beaches. The campsites in the way back are the best..much quieter.

I loved walking to the ocean in the morning. Many birds and bunnies hopping around.
I would not choose my spot again.

One of my favorite established campgrounds this far. Small and secluded and plenty of space between most sites. Wood and water both widely available, not sure about electric though. Short walk to Bluff Trail trailhead and Spooner’s cove.

Coolest little tucked away camp group with the most amazing beach and view of the coast line

We spent our first night in environmental site 3, which was absolutely stunning. The walk to the campsite is short, but be advised, uphill. We had all our car camping equipment and big tent so it was a lot of work. Totally worth it though to get up there and be perched alone at the top of a little bluff with the hills behind us and the ocean/cliffs sprawled below. Absolutely snag this site if you can. 

The second two nights we stayed down in the regular campground at site 27. Very spacious sites. Our site was along the road and didn't have shade. All sites on the south side of the road back to a large hill and I'd try to get something in sites 8-17 or back in the 40s if we go back. They had more shade and seemed more private than sites along the main stretch of road.

Ticks are SO bad this year, so come prepared and diligently check yourselves and things. The campground host was very friendly and helpful. 

The views, the hike along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!

Small campground in a beautiful area surrounded by hills right next to the beach. Hidden gem & a MUST see. Local firewood in Los osos on the corner of 9th street & pismo street for cheap. Try local restaurant beerwood or the Alehouse on Los osos valley road on the way to the campground. Beautiful year round. All sites equally spaced and good-you’ll love anyone you get!

Montana de Oro is a beautiful treasure located along a wild coastline, sand dunes, tall peaks and high cliffs above beautiful beaches. Tent camping is limited but the availability of group horse camping is a rare treat. With pipe corrals, pit toilets and trails to the ocean, these site are primitive but worth it. The park has plenty of sun and shade, with mostly eucalyptus trees, great hiking trails and a beach with car parking that is popular with tourists and a few secret beaches locals know. Wildflowers abound in the spring and a car friendly paved road takes to the end and back with plenty of bathrooms and a State Park office/store you can get maps and tips.

This was our very first trip in our new TT.  It was a little chilly at night, but the crashing of the surf made it magical.  Fiercely big raccoons :)

The camp host was great, and the sites are not huge, but decently spaced.

My favorite thing about this campground are the 4 primitive sites scattered throughout the park—#4 being particularly incredible. Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill. It is close to the hiking trail so there’s typically foot traffic throughout the day, but you really couldn’t ask for a more quintessential coastal camping experience. Non-strenuous, short distance, easy access hike/gentle walk to the site from where you park. You can request it with the host in the main camp during check in—you won’t regret it. So many stars, beautiful skies and trails accessible to all hiking levels

This place is amazing! Love the “hidden” beaches, the hiking trails and the beautiful beach!

Sorry for the alliteration...we really enjoyed this CA State Park campground that is so close to the Pacific you can walk from your site to Spooner’s Cove Beach (dog-friendly). LOTS of trails for any activity you choose: hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, nature ID walks...you name it! This is a gem!

The best part of this campground is access to the beach. We were there in early July and the water was like ice but absolutely beautiful. The campground itself was ok, it was a bit more primitive than I’m used to, but the sites themselves were nice. Each had a picnic table and fire ring. Most of the sites were nice sized as far as I could tell. There are no showers and only vault toilets so I wouldn’t stay here for more than 2 nights. Another perk is how it feels so far removed from civilization, but it’s really not.

This campground is near the beach on the central California coast . It has tent and RV sites. The only amenities are non-flushing toilets and water . There are no lights at night, so it is very dark. A flashlight is a must. Our site did not have a flat spot for a tent so we had to pitch it on a parking spot .

While not a glamourous campsite, mostly a level area, its near the awesome hidden gem of Montana de Oro and lessor known beach. Makes for an easy walk to the seaside bluffs and cliffs for stunning views of the ocean without the huge number of crowds found at other beach camp sites.

Hikes, ocean, cliffs, caves. Amazing place.

This campground was in a great location, but that's the end of the good. There was very little shade, and the toilets were just holes in the ground. It did not seem well maintained, and I will not be going there again.

This campground is quiet and super spacious compared to other campsites.  It's a short distance/walk to the beach, a hike, horseback riding and biking.  Its beautiful!  The downside is the lack of storage to put your dry goods, no showers and the raccoons-they will attack any food item left out and there are no showers.  There are "pit" toilets/outhouses located a short distance from your campsite.  My family and I have been visiting this campsite for years and we love it.

It's worth dragging your stuff up a small path to get away from the crowds. You can surf and mountain bike here. Our tent was even visited by some people on horse back!

Pretty basic but nice camp ground. Close enough to walk to a cute little beach. Bathrooms but no showers.

This is a fabulous coastal state park and campground. There is plenty of shade and fog that keep the sites cool. Bring a sweater, even during summer. Hiking paths weave around the shoreline and give you access to the beautiful golden rock formations that jut out into the water.

This is a beautiful area to camp! Not many sites, but they are full much of the time so make sure to reserve early. The park is a beautiful place to do hiking. There are many trails to choose from. The park is about a 5-10 minute drive to Morro Bay which is a fun little town to check out as well. I highly recommend Montana de Oro :)