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Lake San Antonio's North Shore campground features horse corrals among its diverse camping options that include tent sites, RV spots with hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. The campground provides amenities for equestrians such as dedicated corral areas, water access for horses, and parking for trailers. Facilities include drinking water, electric hookups, thirty-amp service, and showers. Picnic tables and fire rings are standard at each site. The campground remains accessible throughout the year with drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options, making it versatile for different camping preferences. Campground reviews consistently rate it highly at 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Trail access from the North Shore campground connects riders to the surrounding Los Padres National Forest area, offering varied terrain and scenic views. The horse-friendly environment accommodates both overnight equestrian camping and day-use riding. Trailer parking is available near the corrals for convenient loading and unloading. Water troughs are positioned throughout the facility, eliminating the need to bring portable water containers for horses. Riders appreciate the combination of developed amenities and natural surroundings, with trail options suitable for different experience levels. The campground's layout separates horse areas from general camping to minimize disturbance to non-equestrian campers while maintaining convenient access to shared facilities like restrooms and showers.
"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."
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $30 - $34 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around."
"The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available."
from $30 - $120 / night
GuideIt's worth dragging your stuff up a small path to get away from the crowds. You can surf and mountain bike here. Our tent was even visited by some people on horse back!
LegendThis is a great spot if proximity to water is important to you. Sites are well maintained but hard to come by—make reservations in advance! Hop away from water and another highlight are the nearby monarch groves where the butterflies migrate to the trees and you can walk through on paths.
GuideSanta Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps. There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed. Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats. Amenities include flush toilets in main camp, picnic table, fire pits but no hook ups. Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night.
TravelerI 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.
LegendMy 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
TravelerI 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.
LegendYou can camp just steps from Spooners Cove (great place for swimming!) in Islay Creek Campground. It’s in the Montana De Oro State Park. There are about 50 campsites on either side of a in and out kind of lollipop road up on a flat hill above Spooner’s Cove. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with grill, and there are a couple of clean vault toilets scattered in the campground. There are some nice trees, but most sites are not suited to hammocking. Many sites will be in full sun most of the day, and there is not much privacy. There is a trail that cuts through the campground, and there are many trailheads nearby. I would not suggest bringing your dog with you because while pets are allowed in the campground, they are not allowed on the trails or on the beach. Also, if you want a fire plan on bringing your own wood or buying it from the camp host as you are not allowed to forage for downed wood. The camp host didn’t seem to have a problem with me collecting some of the wild nasturtiums to add to my dinner (so fun to have edible flowers on my salad, wish I took a picture!).
Supposedly there is a horse camp not too far away, but I can neither confirm or deny as I did not go looking for it.
TravelerThis 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. It is a dry campground and the 7 rv spots are basically on a parking lot but are on the waters edge which is nice. The tent sites are nice and are close the the lake. There is a well stocked and surprisingly well priced store as well as a marina that rents boats and kayaks. The lake has 2 boat launches and miles of hiking trails all within a short walk to the camping area. We get a few tv channels on our antenna but there is no cell reception. We launch our kayaks 20’ from our camper and when we had a boat we would launch it when we got there and leave it in the water right next to the camper which was very convenient. This of course always depends on the water level which has been very low some years, but has been good this year. The pool, showers and restrooms are newer, clean and very close to the rv spots but a bit of a walk to most of the tent sites.
LegendLopez 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
Lake San Antonio's North Shore area offers excellent equestrian camping near Atascadero, California, approximately 60 miles north. This region features a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for horseback riding trips. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 800 feet and connects to trail systems throughout the surrounding oak woodland terrain.
Trail riding access: At Lake San Antonio - North Shore, riders can access numerous trails directly from camp. "We launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk," reports Jack J., highlighting the diverse recreation options beyond horseback riding.
Hiking opportunities: The trails near Montana de Oro State Park offer excellent day trips for equestrians visiting the region. "The sunset from the cliff is a must," notes Ryan W., adding that "the state park offers days worth of outdoor activity and views forever and ever, with the ability to feel alone only miles from town."
Waterfront activities: While horses need their own water sources, campers at Lake San Antonio can enjoy water recreation after riding. "Boat ramps are available. During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry," explains Chip K., providing important seasonal context.
Varied terrain: Horse riders appreciate the diverse landscapes around Lopez Lake Recreation Area, which offers alternative equestrian options. "We've camped here many times over the last 15 years. We've tent camped on primitive sites and camped with a pop-up with electricity & water," shares Linda S., adding "there isn't much fishing now, because the water is so low, but there are still pretty hikes to be had."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities during trail rides. Amanda M. notes at Lopez Lake, "There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears." This highlights the importance of proper horse containment at night.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings optimal conditions for horse camping. "It's Nice and Quiet, Beautiful and Clean and Rangers are friendly, helpful and kind," reports Monica D. about Lopez Lake Recreation Area, while another visitor mentioned "very green during the spring" with "plenty of bathroom everywhere."
Reservation requirements: Unlike some equestrian facilities, Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park requires special booking for horse sites. "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," explains Margo A.
Seasonal water levels: Water availability varies dramatically by season, affecting both horse watering and recreation. "The lake has 2 boat launches and miles of hiking trails all within a short walk to the camping area... This of course always depends on the water level which has been very low some years," reports Corey L.
Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife require proper food storage for both human and horse feed. One camper at Montana de Oro State Park warns: "Raccoons will 100% rush your site as soon as you go to sleep to see if there are any fun goodies laying about. Put stuff away. Some sites have bear boxes, so I assume...bears."
Pool alternatives: For families combining horse camping with child-friendly activities, Santa Margarita KOA offers excellent amenities. "Fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet," reports David H., adding "The playground was open."
Heat management: Summer temperatures require planning for both horses and children. "It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer," warns Chip K., noting that "camping spaces are spread out finding shade can be a challenge."
Noise considerations: Some equestrian areas remain quieter than others. Jeremy F. reports about Lopez Lake Recreation Area: "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."
Site selection: At Pacific Dunes Ranch, RVers with horses should consider location carefully. "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," advises Rainer M., noting "My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus."
Hookup availability: Electric options vary significantly between equestrian campgrounds. "It is a dry campground and the 7 rv spots are basically on a parking lot but are on the waters edge which is nice," explains one camper about Santa Margarita Lake, providing important context for RVers needing power for horse-related equipment.
Access roads: Some equestrian areas have challenging access. A camper warns about Colson Canyon Campground: "You will need a truck to get here, but Colson Canyon is a beautiful area that has streams, caves and plenty of oak trees... I would not try to bring any type of RV or trailer here, as the road is very rugged."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Atascadero, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Atascadero, CA is Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Atascadero, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Atascadero, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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