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Lake San Antonio - North Shore campground accommodates horses with dedicated corrals located approximately 40 miles inland from Cayucos. This campground provides electricity and water hookups at RV sites, while also offering tent camping, cabins, and glamping options for equestrians. The facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, and showers. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. The campground permits alcohol and welcomes pets accompanying horse owners. Reservations are not required but recommended during peak seasons. Many trail riders find the corral areas well-maintained and appropriately sized for multiple horses.
The campground connects to multiple riding trails that wind through the oak-studded hills surrounding Lake San Antonio. Trail access points begin directly at the northern edge of the camping area, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly loops to more challenging terrain suitable for experienced riders. Water troughs are positioned at strategic points along main trails. Horse owners must bring their own feed and should secure it properly overnight. Montana de Oro State Park, located closer to Cayucos, offers primitive horse camping with pipe corrals and pit toilets. The park features trails that lead to the ocean along with beach access points. Wildflowers abound in spring, providing scenic riding opportunities through eucalyptus forests and along golden cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
"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"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."
"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."
"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
"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 - $34 / night
Check Availability
GuideIt's worth dragging your stuff up a small path to get away from the crowds. You can surf and mountain bike here. Our tent was even visited by some people on horse back!
LegendThis is a great spot if proximity to water is important to you. Sites are well maintained but hard to come by—make reservations in advance! Hop away from water and another highlight are the nearby monarch groves where the butterflies migrate to the trees and you can walk through on paths.
GuideSanta Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps. There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed. Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats. Amenities include flush toilets in main camp, picnic table, fire pits but no hook ups. Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Equestrian camping options near Cayucos, California extend beyond Lake San Antonio's North Shore facilities. This coastal region maintains average temperatures between 55-75°F year-round, with summer fog patterns affecting morning visibility at beach campgrounds. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional heavy rains that can create muddy conditions on horse trails and at primitive camping sites.
Trail riding at Montana de Oro State Park: Located near Los Osos, this park offers primitive camping with trail access. "Beautiful beach in this area. The beach area is very popular. But I was able to get a campsite no problem on a beautiful week in March," notes Kathy B. about Islay Creek Campground.
Boat rentals at Santa Margarita Lake: The lake prohibits swimming but offers alternative water recreation. "Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats," according to Margo A. from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park.
Dune exploration near Oceano: Access the dunes directly from some campgrounds. "If you own a rear living trailer this is the place to be, we wake up to the beautiful dunes of the central coast," shares Teresa S. about Pacific Dunes Ranch, where the ocean is about a half-mile hike through the sand.
Peaceful locations away from crowds: Some campgrounds offer quieter experiences. "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. It's pretty removed from any residential developments so noise is no problem!" explains Margo A.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local campgrounds feature diverse wildlife. "We've camped here many times over the last 15 years. There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears," reports Crystal J. about Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Scenic camping spots: The region offers varied landscapes. "You're packed in fairly tightly in this campground, and it can get a bit noisy with loud trucks and motorcycles, but it wasn't constant nor overwhelming," notes Rainer M. about Pacific Dunes Ranch, adding "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."
Tick awareness required: Ticks are present in some areas. "Although the location is very scenic and a 10 min walk to the beach, I wouldn't return because there are ALOT of ticks at the campground. We went with a party of 11 and found multiple ticks on 5 people," warns Val H. about Islay Creek Campground.
Food storage precautions: Wildlife can become problematic without proper storage. "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," advises Ryan W. about Islay Creek Campground, adding "Some sites have bear boxes, so I assume...bears. However, not every site had one."
Campground host variability: Staff experience can vary by location. "The campground is pretty and ideally located right in front of a stunning beach. However, our experience with the host was very disappointing. We had agreed with her the day before to check out at 12:30 instead of 12:00, but at 12:00 she showed up and started yelling at us to leave," reports Olga N.
Water park access: Summer activities for children at certain locations. "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. Lopez Lake Recreation Area 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," notes Amanda M.
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "This KOA has had some upgrades. It's great for trailers. They also have tent camping and some cabins. Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool," says stacey S. about Santa Margarita KOA.
Swimming alternatives: Despite restrictions at some locations, alternatives exist. "There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed," explains Margo A. about Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, where fishing remains the primary water activity.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs. "If you are in a tent Roadrunner is the place to be. Good shade. No RVs - you can pull a trailer up there which some people did. Beautiful views of the lake from #3,4 and 6," advises Gary G. about Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park.
Hookup availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The roads inside the park a paved, but the sites are gravel which will invariably end up inside your RV. My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus," reports Rainer M. about Pacific Dunes Ranch.
Water pressure considerations: Some locations have utility limitations. "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," notes stacey S. about Lake San Antonio - North Shore, which accommodates large rigs despite its rural location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cayucos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cayucos, 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 Cayucos, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Cayucos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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