Lake San Antonio offers year-round camping options with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees during summer months. The lake spans 17 miles with narrow passages ideal for fishing and water activities. Both North Shore and South Shore campgrounds feature diverse accommodation options including yurts, cabins, and traditional campsites.
What to do
Hike to viewpoints: Cerro Alto Trail near Cerro Alto Campground offers scenic paths with coastal views. "The hike is really beautiful and on a clear day you can see the ocean at peak!" notes one visitor.
Explore limestone kilns: Historical limekilns accessible via trails from Limekiln State Park showcase regional industrial history. "Hike to the kilns! It's fun to see them still standing, and the CCC keeps the trail in fantastic condition!" reports a camper.
Fishing opportunities: Cast for striped bass at various lake access points. At Lake Nacimiento, one visitor noted, "We camped right on the lake and were able to pay to have our boat docked overnight. Huge lake awesome experience."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites at Pinnacles Campground offer separation from neighboring campers. As one visitor observed, "Sites are well maintained and basic services are available. Get a site with shade and you're good to go."
Natural surroundings: The forest setting at Nacimiento Campground creates a peaceful atmosphere. "So beautiful and right next to a creek with fish to play in. The views from the top of the mountain when driving to the ocean are the most beautiful views in the world!" shares one camper.
Swimming options: Multiple water features provide relief from hot temperatures. "They have a pool, but it looks like it's been closed down for years," mentions one visitor to Pinnacles, while at Lake Nacimiento, campers often "do some night wake boarding."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Check current conditions before arriving. At Monterey County Lake San Antonio South Shore, one camper warned, "There is no potable water available, not even a water fountain. People and animals cannot touch the water. You cannot fish or swim in the lake."
Bathroom facilities limited: Most campgrounds offer basic toilet facilities. "The vault toilets were terrible! They definitely needed to be pumped out, and were in desperate need of a good cleaning," noted one visitor to Ponderosa Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see various creatures, particularly at night. At Pinnacles, campers report "raccoons….everywhere…. seriously leave your car locked, these little buggers were not afraid of humans."
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options: Lake San Antonio - North Shore provides family-friendly yurt accommodations in Bradley, California. "It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific features for children. Santa Margarita KOA offers "a fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet."
Early morning activities: Plan outings during cooler hours, particularly in summer. "We usually do a early morning hike and then spend the afternoon cooling off at the pool," advises one family at Pinnacles.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground, RV campers note, "Clean and well kept. Level ground all be it hard and difficult to get stakes in." Sites accommodate various vehicle sizes but require planning.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. At Lake Nacimiento, "Only sites with hookups can be reserved. Fishing can be good with lots of striped bass in the lake."
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger vehicles. For yurt camping in Bradley, California, note that "You'll need reservations if you want a hookup. Boat ramps are available. During the drought the water level has dropped significantly."
