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Equestrian Camping near Pismo Beach, CA

14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Pismo Beach (14)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      4.5(35)12mi from Pismo BeachRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

      Check Availability

      2. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

      4.3(30)15mi from Pismo Beach51 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Pacific Dunes Ranch

      4.3(11)4mi from Pismo BeachRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      Check Availability

      4. Le Sage Riviera RV Park

      3.2(5)2mi from Pismo BeachRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Close to the beach."

      Check Availability

      5. Santa Margarita KOA

      4.4(8)15mi from Pismo BeachRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      6. Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

      4.5(4)15mi from Pismo BeachRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      7. Santa Margarita Lake

      3.7(3)15mi from Pismo BeachRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      8. Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area

      4.0(1)22mi from Pismo Beach4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      9. Colson Canyon Campground

      3.0(6)31mi from Pismo BeachTents

      "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"

      Check Availability

      10. Miranda Pine Campground

      4.3(4)36mi from Pismo BeachTents

      "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."

      Check Availability
    View all 14 campgrounds

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Pismo Beach, CA

    9 Photos of 14 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Pismo Beach, CA

    112 Reviews of 14 Pismo Beach Campgrounds

    • Annette A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 26, 2020

      Pacific Dunes Ranch

      Secluded Dunes

      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. Upper area closer to the dunes is preferred for breezes. Lots of permanent residents, but the park is well kept. My only complaint is about sporadic restroom cleaning during Covid-19. Not as often as scheduled and we were camped across, so could visibly observe. The dunes were beautiful, but walking to the beach would be quite an effort. Without the OHV activity, it was safe to hike or dune surf. Horseback riding, basketball court, and remote controlled car track were other amenities. Bike ride to the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve beach was only 10-15 minutes. Many good restaurants near the park, Sylvesters, Old Juan’s, and Rock & Roll Diner. Old West Cinnamon Rolls and Splash in Pismo Beach are a must.

    • Nathaniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 13, 2021

      Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      A Gem of a County Park

      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 trip itself. This is true not just for the most famous parks, like Yosemite, but for many others as well. Wanna camp between late May and early October in a well known state park? Better book that reservation months in advance. This is especially true for RV sites, as there are even fewer of those.

      But sometimes you want to just get away on shorter notice. This is where the CA county park system comes to the rescue. County parks are numerous and much easier to get reservations at. And Lopez Lake, part of San Luis Obispo county doesn’t disappoint. The lake itself is a man made reservoir, and the campground sits right behind it. It’s got a mixture of tent sites and RV sites, some will full hookup - although some may only have 15/20A power. There’s lots to do on the lake, and Pismo Beach is a short drive away. Is a weekend at Lopez going to be like that epic 4 day trip you took to King’s Canyon or Zion or Yellowstone that you planned years in advance? No. But if you decide to take a long weekend in the late summer, there’s a good chance Lopez Lake will have spots available, especially during the week. Highly recommended.

    • L
      Aug. 18, 2017

      Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

      Get an environmental campsite

      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!

    • Rachel A.
      Jan. 1, 2021

      Le Sage Riviera RV Park

      Clean, Rocky grounds

      This 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.

    • Bear G.
      Jun. 21, 2021

      Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      Beautiful camping

      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.

    • Margo A.
      Oct. 27, 2020

      Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

      Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Riding Horses at Santa Margarita Lake

      Santa 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.

    • Rachel A.
      Jun. 24, 2020

      Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

      Wonderful primitive campsites

      My 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

    • Talia B.
      Oct. 25, 2018

      Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      Scenic campground

      I 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.

    • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2018

      Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

      Spooner's Cove access

      You 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.

    Guide to Pismo Beach

    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.

    Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

    • At Santa Margarita Lake, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and horseback riding along scenic trails that wind around the lake.
    • Miranda Pine Campground provides access to beautiful mountain views and trails perfect for horseback riding, along with opportunities for wildlife watching.
    • Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area is ideal for equestrian groups looking to camp and ride off-road vehicles, with plenty of space for outdoor activities.

    Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

    • Colson Canyon Campground offers a rustic experience with ample space for horses and nearby trails for riding.
    • At Wagon Flat Campground, you’ll find picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient spot for horse camping while enjoying the tranquility of nature.
    • Brookshire Campground features well-maintained sites with access to trails, perfect for those looking to ride and relax in a secluded environment.

    Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

    • Pacific Dunes Ranch is big-rig friendly and offers electric hookups, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers with RVs.
    • Santa Margarita KOA provides a range of accommodations, including cabins and yurts, along with facilities for horses, ensuring a pleasant stay for both campers and their animals.
    • Lopez Lake Recreation Area allows for horse camping with access to trails and a beautiful lake, perfect for cooling off after a day of riding.

    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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