10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake San Antonio North Shore offers horse-friendly camping with dedicated corrals for equestrians. The campground provides various accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. Horse owners appreciate the availability of drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Trails from the campground connect to riding paths throughout the park's extensive acreage. The campground maintains clean restrooms and showers, making it comfortable for multi-day equestrian stays. Campground amenities include trash disposal, water hookups, and sewer connections for RVs. Lake San Antonio's equestrian area remains separate from standard camping, providing a quieter experience for those camping with horses.
Trail access directly from the campground leads riders to scenic routes with lake views and woodland terrain. Horse campers can utilize the thirty-amp electrical hookups while keeping their horses nearby in the corral area. The campground's boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options provide flexibility for equestrians with different transportation needs. Campfires are permitted in designated rings, and firewood is available for purchase on-site. Most equestrian sites are reservable, allowing horse owners to plan trips in advance. The campground operates year-round, accommodating riders in all seasons. Lake access provides horses with water sources beyond the campground's drinking water facilities. The central location makes this campground a practical base for exploring the region's bridle trails.
"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"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
"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"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."
"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."
"Perfect location walking distance to the Ocean. Numerous restaurants and a Vons grocery store less than a mile away on Grand Avenue. Very clean and quiet. We're looking forward to staying here again."
"Close to the beach."
"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."
"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
TravelerNice place, great access to dunes, but about a mile to beach across said dunes. Beautiful though. Only down sides were the bathrooms. Broken stall door, dirty showers. Good for last minute reservation or if you have your own bathroom/shower.
TravelerLove this Park. This was our first time camping here. The Park has only 60 spaces and was less than 1/3 full. Perfect location walking distance to the Ocean. Numerous restaurants and a Vons grocery store less than a mile away on Grand Avenue. Very clean and quiet. We're looking forward to staying here again. We had our 5th wheel towed here by Pismo Coast Village Resort's RV Storage. Fin's Bar & Grill is fantastic. Francisco's Country Kitchen is awesome for breakfast and lunch.
LegendGeneral: 47-site campground at the end of the road. No utilities and no (or very limited) cell service.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and wide enough to fit two vehicles. No designated tent pad (but there is room to pitch a tent). RV size is limited to 27 feet. A fire pit, wooden picnic table, and food box complete each site. Most sites are level, but a few are slightly sloped. Good amount of space between sites.
Bath: Vault toilets only; the one nearest our site was clean and well-maintained. I have never seen a vault toilet with a linoleum floor!
Activities/Amenities: Many trails – some just for hiking, but many are multi-use (for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders), and they range from easy to challenging. The Bluff trail has stunning views when the campground is not shrouded in fog. The sunsets can be beautiful as well. The Spooner Ranch House visitor center is worth a quick visit if it is open (hours vary). No dump station, and there are shared water spigots. Firewood is available from the camp host. The host was very present and friendly when we were there.
This is camping the way I like it – no frills, just time to relax and take in the rugged coastline. At night when it is quiet, you can hear the waves. The beach is pebbly sand and not the best for walking on, but nice to take chairs there and enjoy the waves. Poison oak grows throughout the campground, so be cautious.
GuideWe had the best experience here. It was warm, peaceful, and truly the best reset for our family. We took our tent trailer, teenager and 3 dogs. We stayed Thursday through Sunday. The perfect days in my opinion. Water was great for floating and fishing, as well as swimming and watching the boats on the water. We stayed in a campsite, not down by the water. Which was perfect for us. Our dogs loved playing in the water as much as we did. This is truly a great place.
GuideIt 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.
TravelerThis is a huge park with many places to camp. We were the only ones in the camping loop on the water the night we were there. Tons of birds, wildlife. Only downside was some minor litter.
GuideThis 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.
RangerIgnore 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.
ScoutThis KOA has had some upgrades. It’s great for trailers. They also have tent camping and some cabins. It’s not a flat cement camping experience. Lots of trees and hills. Mostly dirt roads so it is a little dusty. We have a 45’ 5th wheel and had no problem getting in. The space has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places. Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool. Staff is awesome very helpful. There is a large veg fire nearby and we are in a evac warning they made sure everyone was notified and they answered any questions. Definitely will return.
Lake San Antonio North Shore equestrian camping offers access to extensive riding trails that connect directly to the campground. The dedicated horse corrals are positioned separately from standard camping areas, providing a quieter experience for those with horses. Each site includes drinking water for both riders and horses, with 30-amp electrical hookups available for RV campers who bring horses.
Horseback riding on beach dunes: At Pacific Dunes Ranch, trail rides take you across sand dunes to the ocean. "The staff is friendly and horse rides in the beach are available! The dunes are a great backdrop to this place," notes Esther D. The trail leads through approximately half a mile of dunes before reaching the Pacific.
Fishing from shore or boat: Santa Margarita Lake provides multiple fishing opportunities with boat rentals available. Corey L. describes the practical setup: "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." No body contact with water is allowed, making this a quieter fishing location.
Explore hiking trails: The Montaña de Oro State Park offers trails for all skill levels with ocean views. "There is a little camp store, but it was closed during my visit (closes at 4pm). The state park offers days worth of outdoor activity and views forever and ever, with the ability to feel alone only miles from town. The sunset from the cliff is a must," shares Ryan W.
Clean facilities year-round: Campers appreciate the maintained facilities at Lopez Lake Recreation Area. "Plumbed toilets: Yes, Drinking Water: Yes, Showers: Yes (coin-operated), Picnic Table: Yes, Firepit: Yes," lists Amanda M. in her practical campsite specifications.
Varied camping experiences: The variety of accommodation options meets different needs. At Santa Margarita KOA, "This place is amazing. Nice private sites. Our site was on the side of a large hill overlooking everything. We were king of the mountain. Campground is remote but SO worth it. A bit pricy but each site has concrete patio along with patio furniture and a nice charcoal grill," reports Roxanna L.
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "Easter weekend visit. Staff was awesome. The cabin was exactly what we needed for a low impact weekend of camping. Proximity to the lake was great. We had so much fun out on the water doing some fishing. The highlight for my kids was the Easter egg hunt put on by the staff," shares Angel Q. about Santa Margarita KOA.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions at various campgrounds. At Montaña de Oro State Park, Amanda K. warns, "We had a good experience but had problems with raccoons trying to get in our tents at night." Another camper mentions, "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."
Weather variations: The coastal area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. At Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, Gary G. notes, "Was a bit of escape from heat - nice breezes. Nice breezes so even when really hot doable." However, at Lake San Antonio, temperatures "often exceeds 100 in the summer."
Seasonal water levels: Water levels at lakes fluctuate yearly affecting activities. Chip K. observes at Lake San Antonio, "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry." Check current conditions before planning water-based activities.
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds offer specific recreation facilities for children. "They have a huge jumping pad for kids about a mile walk to the lake. They have yurts for tent & cabins," Martha G. mentions about Santa Margarita KOA.
Consider cabins for easier setup: Lake San Antonio North Shore offers cottage accommodations that families find convenient. Armando C. shares, "We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around. Grandpa is a local to Bradley and this is a favorite spot when we want to get away but still have all the accommodations of home."
Check swimming options: Not all lakes allow direct swimming. At Santa Margarita Lake, swimming in the lake is prohibited but "There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed," explains Margo A. The pool hours may vary based on staffing.
Site selection strategy: At Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area, RVers note the area "is a great place for groups to camp" with spacious sites that accommodate larger vehicles. The campground costs "$20 overnight/$10 day use, first come first served."
Dust considerations: RV campers should prepare for dust at certain campgrounds. At Santa Margarita KOA, stacey S. observes, "Lots of trees and hills. Mostly dirt roads so it is a little dusty. We have a 45' 5th wheel and had no problem getting in. The space has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places."
Internet connectivity varies: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. David H. reports about Santa Margarita KOA: "AT&T cell service was zero to very poor at our site. WiFi was poor and slow. They advertised good WiFi in our spot but it just wasn't so." At Lopez Lake, another camper confirms "No cell service, not for us on Verizon anyways, but you can drive about 1/2 mile down the road for it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cambria, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cambria, CA is Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cambria, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Cambria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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