Best Equestrian Camping near Arroyo Grande, CA

Pacific Dunes Ranch near Oceano accommodates equestrians with horseback riding services directly accessible from the campground. The RV resort offers full hookups with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections at sites that can accommodate horse trailers. Campers have access to showers, restrooms, and trash disposal while staying in various accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping units. The campground features hard-packed sand and gravel sites rather than grass, providing stable footing for horses and equipment. Sites in the upper area closer to the dunes are preferred for better breezes and proximity to riding areas. Horseback rides on the dunes are available for both experienced riders and beginners.

Located adjacent to sand dunes with beach access approximately half a mile away, Pacific Dunes Ranch offers a unique riding experience without OHV activity nearby, creating a safer environment for horseback riding on the dunes. The resort includes basketball courts and a remote-controlled car track as additional recreation options. Riders can enjoy a direct path from the campground into the extensive dune system with trails leading to the Pacific Ocean. The secluded location provides a quieter alternative to busier beach campgrounds in the area while maintaining proximity to local attractions. Many campers leave their shoes at the edge of the campground before venturing into the dunes to prevent sand from filling their footwear. The roads inside the park are paved, though the gravel sites inevitably result in some sand and gravel being tracked into RVs and camping units.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Arroyo Grande, California (15)

    1. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "I spent the weekend at the bandtail campground at the Lopez Lake Recreation Area.

    The lake is about 10 miles East of Arroyo Grande."

    "Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA."

    2. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    "There are two levels of this campground, I stayed at the upper level just steps from the sand dunes which will lead you to the Pacific Ocean about 1/2 mile away."

    3. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    29 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $25 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    "Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."

    4. Santa Margarita KOA

    8 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 438-5618

    $40 / night

    "There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet. The place is very clean and the staff is friendly."

    "Staff helpful..friendly..restrms clean..quiet at night..fun things for kids..lake nearby also. Only 1 pitfall...we tent camped in space #63..next to a dirt road which looped around the campground."

    5. Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2397

    "Santa Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest."

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

    6. Santa Margarita Lake

    3 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2397

    "This lake has a no body contact rule which makes it a great quiet fishing lake with no jet skiing, swimming etc... there is a seasonal swimming pool that is right across from the rv spots."

    7. Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area

    1 Review
    Santa Margarita, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "Turkey Flat is a great place for groups to camp and drink beer around a fire. Wake up and fire up those off - road vehicles and maybe take a gun out to where they hunt turkeys or wild boar."

    8. Colson Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Santa Maria, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-6640

    "Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."

    "Clean site Areas are well spaced out First compound of campsites are the best end of the road are the trails to hike and only able to fit 3 trucks up there comfortably Bring your own toilet amenities"

    9. KCL Campground

    22 Reviews
    New Cuyama, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "trail to hill top. Equestrian site for sure."

    "There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free."

    10. Barrel Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    Los Alamos, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes.

    We stayed here during our PCT thru hike after crossing mile 100."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Arroyo Grande, CA

9 Photos of 15 Arroyo Grande Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Arroyo Grande, CA

135 Reviews of 15 Arroyo Grande Campgrounds


  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful views and wildlife

    I spent the weekend at the bandtail campground at the Lopez Lake Recreation Area.

    The lake is about 10 miles East of Arroyo Grande. The campground is well maintained and patrolled by rangers often. 

    The views that can been seen from the campsites are incredible. Take a look at the photos. 

    THINGS TO KNOW

    You can make reservations online and you can reserve a spcific site. They have sites ranging from primitive to full hookups. 

    Check-in is at 2 pm, but they normally will let people in earlier, checkout is at 11 am. 

    The cost is $20.00 a night. This includes one vehicle per site, you can pay an extra $10 a night for an additional vehicle.

    Dogs are allowed in the campground, but they must be on a leash at all times. Dogs cost $3.50 a day.

    There a launch ramp and marina store in the campground .

    There are multiple trails throughout the park that range in their level of difficulty.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Lopez Lake

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA.

    Lopez is a frequently visited spot for us - We generally camp in a primitive site the back of the Squirrel Loop of the park. The Squirrel Loop is not a lakeside loop (you cannot see the lake at all from here), but we have found it to be one of the quieter, less trafficked campground in the park. The Squirrel Loop is nestled inside a canyon, surrounded by big, beautiful live oak trees.

    Lopez Lake is a very large campground with many different loops, so many of which are nearby the lake. If you haven’t been to the campground before and are not worried about reserving a site ahead of time, take some time to drive around the park when you arrive to see what area you would most like to camp in - there are a lot of great spots here there and everywhere!

    Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are clean plumbed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. Lopez has full hook-ups for RVs, and a marina to launch boats. There is a small but well-stocked convenience store in the marina with food, ice, firewood, beer, fishing gear, etc. There is also a small cafe located in the marina store, with limited hours.

    Lopez Lake is the home of the Mustang Waterpark, a small, but super fun water park. I believe the park is closed during the fall and winter months, but is open during the spring and summer. Swimming is allowed in the lake, and there are some “beach” areas that have been cleared of lake plants and rocks for safe swimming.

    Hiking to Big Falls is a fun adventure if you want to leave the campground. There are certain times when the falls are not accessible without 4WD, however, we have been in severe drought conditions in Central California for the last few years, so you don’t have to worry about crossing any deep creeks, if any. A super low clearance vehicle may have a challenging time crossing the creek beds, even when dry. The drive to Big Falls trailhead from Lopez is short, but probably takes 15-20 minutes as you are driving through a curvy, narrow canyon road. The hike is through live oak trees most of the way, so most of the hike is nice and shaded. Keep and eye out for salamanders when crossing the creek beds! While it is unlikely, black bears mountain lions have been spotted on the Big Falls trail, so be aware of your surroundings. Here are directions to the Big Falls trailhead: http://www.hikeslo.com/big-falls/

    WARNING : While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/ food lockers at Lopez Lake. I would suggest locking your food and coolers up in the car at night to avoid attracting wild animals to your campsite.

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $35/night (primitive site)

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: Yes (coin-operated)

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • L
    Aug. 18, 2017

    Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    Get an environmental campsite

    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!

  • C
    Jan. 21, 2022

    KCL Campground

    Standard spot

    Bathrooms, vaulted tent spots, fire pits. Has a water spigot but doesn’t work (maybe off during winter?) trail to hill top. Equestrian site for sure.

  • Bear G.
    Jun. 21, 2021

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful camping

    I grew up camping at Lopez Lake as well as other campsites. Lopez Lake offers a lot. Fishing hiking camping horse back riding etc. I highly recommend camping here.

  • Margo A.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    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.

  • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2023

    KCL Campground

    Great location

    Nice and clean. Vault toilets. There’s water, but not sure if it’s potable, there wasn’t a sign. No trash service, you have to pack it out. There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free.

  • Rachel A.
    Jun. 24, 2020

    Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    Wonderful primitive campsites

    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

  • Talia B.
    Oct. 25, 2018

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Scenic campground

    I camped in Mustang during the last weekend of September. It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season. The campsites were pretty close to each other and unfortunately we were stuck between two different groups that did not obey the quiet hours. Not a huge deal at night since they were quiet by midnight or so but one of the groups was also loud with kids early in the morning as well. This didn't make the best camping experience but we tried to make the best of it.

    The lake was within walking distance but since the water level is so low, you had to walk quite a way out. There are some decent hiking trails you can go on right from the campground. We took the Escondido trail from camp that took us to the top of a ridge and had numerous switchbacks. Great views from the top.


Guide to Arroyo Grande

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities

  • The Santa Margarita KOA features spacious sites with concrete patios and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers.
  • At Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area, you'll find picnic tables and vault toilets, providing basic amenities for a hassle-free stay.
  • Colson Canyon Campground offers a primitive camping experience with well-spaced sites, perfect for those looking to connect with nature.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy miles of scenic trails at Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, ideal for horseback riding and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
  • The Lopez Lake Recreation Area provides access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities, making it a great spot for a full day of outdoor activities.
  • Wagon Flat Campground is perfect for horseback riding, with trails that lead to stunning views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Tips for equestrian camping near Arroyo Grande, California

  • Always bring enough water for both you and your horse, as some campgrounds like Montaña de Oro State Park do not have water hookups.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially in areas like Barrel Springs Campground, where bears and mountain lions may be spotted.
  • Check for any specific regulations regarding horses at your chosen campground, as some locations may have restrictions or require reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arroyo Grande, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arroyo Grande, CA is Lopez Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arroyo Grande, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Arroyo Grande, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.