1 campground with availability next weekend
Pacific Dunes Ranch near Oceano offers direct access to coastal riding trails through sand dunes leading to the Pacific Ocean approximately one mile away. The ranch provides tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, cabin accommodations, and glamping options for equestrians bringing their own horses. Sites are situated on hard-packed sand and gravel with picnic tables, though spaces are relatively close together. Horseback riding tours along the beach are available directly from the property for campers who don't bring their own mounts. The upper area closer to the dunes is preferred by many horse owners for better access to trail rides and cooling ocean breezes. The campground features electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer connections for RVs, with restrooms and shower facilities maintained throughout the grounds. Camping photos and user guides for Pismo Beach, California are available on The Dyrt.
Trails from Pacific Dunes Ranch connect to miles of scenic coastline suitable for novice to experienced riders. The campground provides a central location for exploring both beach terrain and inland riding opportunities. Visitors can combine camping with daily trail rides offered on-site without needing to trailer horses to riding locations. The dunes create a distinctive riding environment not found at most equestrian campgrounds, allowing for unique shoreline experiences without the noise and hazards of OHV activity that occurs at nearby beaches. Many horse owners appreciate the availability of long-term stays, with some guests mentioning extended visits of several months. During peak seasons, advance reservations are strongly recommended as the horse-friendly campsites fill quickly, especially for cabin accommodations which provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping for those traveling with horses.
"Long time campers in California are probably familiar with the feeling that the prep work required simply to get a reservation at the most popular national and state parks is more than prepping for the"
"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."
from $60 - $70 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $150 / night
"No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. No grass, but hard packed sand and gravel."
"Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"
"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."
"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
"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."
"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
"Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."
"Clean site Areas are well spaced out First compound of campsites are the best end of the road are the trails to hike and only able to fit 3 trucks up there comfortably Bring your own toilet amenities"
"We arrived on Saturday 4th of July and all the sites were taken so we decided to drive another 15 miles up the road to a nice shaded location just right off the road."
"I drive up on Old Sierra Madre Road from hwy 166, and it took about an hour."
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.
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.
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.
ScoutThe 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. When we reminded her of our agreement, she seemed to have completely forgotten and was extremely rude. It was an uncomfortable experience. Also, note that the toilets are dry composting toilets — so there are no standard facilities. While the natural surroundings are beautiful, the atmosphere created by the host and the basic amenities left much to be desired.
RangerA beautiful spot. I was hear with a very large group where we split up into smaller group tent sites. We had a good experience but had problems with raccoons trying to get in our tents at night
Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go horse camping near Pismo Beach?
Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park offers dedicated horse camping with four designated equestrian sites. These sites provide space for your horses and camping equipment in a peaceful setting near a medium-sized lake. Another option is Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park, which accommodates horseback riders and has been visited by equestrians. The park's natural beauty and trail system make it appealing for those traveling with horses.
What horseback riding experiences are available at Pismo Beach?
Pacific Dunes Ranch offers beach horseback riding experiences that are highly popular with visitors. Located in a somewhat secluded area with the dunes as a backdrop, the resort provides guided horse rides along the beach, creating memorable coastal riding experiences. The setting allows riders to experience the unique combination of ocean views and sand dunes. For those wanting to bring their own horses, Santa Margarita KOA in the nearby area can serve as a convenient base while exploring the regional riding trails.
Is Lopez Lake Recreation Area good for horse camping near Pismo Beach?
Lopez Lake Recreation Area is an excellent choice for horse camping near Pismo Beach. The recreation area offers horseback riding trails and accommodates equestrians. Located just 15 minutes from Arroyo Grande and about 20 minutes from Pismo Beach, it provides a convenient base for horse enthusiasts. The area features various camping loops with different amenities and proximity to the lake. For horseback riding opportunities, Lopez Lake is highly recommended by regular visitors who praise its diverse recreational offerings.
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