Carrizo Plain National Monument rises to elevations between 2,000-5,000 feet in San Luis Obispo County, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in summer and dropping below freezing in winter. The surrounding campgrounds experience extreme seasonal variations with limited shade throughout the region. Spring brings wildflower blooms while summer brings intense heat and drought conditions.
What to do
**Stargazing sessions: Valley location with minimal light pollution provides exceptional night sky viewing. At KCL Campground, campers report "very little light pollution so you get a clear view of the night sky and all of the stars. The Milky Way was so vivid and we saw shooting stars the entire evening."
**Wildlife observation: Search for rare species including endangered San Joaquin kit foxes, giant kangaroo rats, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors at KCL Campground note "So much nature to see around! We saw kangaroo rats, bats, hawks, rabbits, ground squirrels (that are going extinct), and lots of fun insects."
**Photography opportunities: Springtime wildflowers, geological formations, and wildlife provide excellent photo subjects. One visitor to Reyes Creek Campground mentioned it's "an inspiring place for creativity. And I was so happily surprised to hear a group of really excellent blue grass musicians playing from the campsite across from mine."
What campers like
**Secluded camping areas: Sites with privacy and distance from urban centers. At Miranda Pine Campground, "Set atop a mountain, Miranda Pine campground gives sweeping views all the way to the ocean. Beware the road is long and unpaved, not suitable for a compact car."
**Natural water features: Several campgrounds offer access to streams and lakes not found within the monument itself. At Reyes Creek Campground, campers appreciate "a beautiful, cool creek running through. Makes for great sleeping. We hiked up hills to watch the meteor shower (great), along the creek for small waterfalls."
**Varied terrain access: Equestrian camping near Carrizo Plain National Monument provides riders access to mountainous areas, grasslands, and canyon trails within a short ride. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area noted "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."
What you should know
**Weather extremes: Temperature fluctuations between day and night can exceed 40 degrees. At Colson Canyon Campground, "The temperature varies greatly from day to night (90's to 50's when I was there) and there are bugs a plenty, so bring repellant."
**Water access limitations: Most campgrounds have seasonal or unreliable water sources. "There is no water available on the campgrounds or for miles" and "super hot in this part of California during the summer so make sure you pack LOTS of water."
**Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate during wet seasons. At Miranda Pine Campground, "The dirt road to get to camp is about 10 miles. The road is bumpy but in good condition overall, we made it on a stock height 2wd truck."
Tips for camping with families
**Bring insect protection: Flies and mosquitoes are abundant during warm months. One camper warns about "TONS. OF. FLIES. EVERYWHERE. It's a little unbearable during the day having to spend the majority of your energy swatting flies... Not little house flies, but super juicy big fat flies."
**Pack plenty of water: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. "There is no power, or water. There's no cell service in the camp, but a 5 minute drive up the mountain there's a dirt lot they call the 'phone booth' that gets decent reception."
**Consider lake alternatives: For families seeking horseback riding opportunities with more amenities, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers "yurts, cabins, and full hookups for RVs. There are also smaller campgrounds at lake level - we prefer to stay in the Mohawk Shores campground, which is at lake level."
Tips from RVers
**Measure access roads: Many campgrounds have narrow, rough roads unsuitable for larger rigs. At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, visitors advise checking site locations: "None of the full hookup sites have a view but some of the tent sites do. There isn't much fishing now, because the water is so low."
**Pack supplemental water: Even campgrounds with water hookups may have unreliable or non-potable sources. Near KCL, horse owners are advised to "bring your own water, the single spigot isn't potable due to agricultural nitrate impact on the water table."
**Check fire restrictions: Seasonal bans often apply despite fire rings being present at sites. "They have fire pits, but you're not allowed to burn wood. I believe you can use the fire pit with coals since there is a grill provided."
