Lake San Antonio North Shore campground features horse corrals for equestrian campers, allowing direct access to riding trails around the reservoir. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with electric and water hookups available at most sites. Equestrians appreciate the dedicated horse facilities that include picnic tables and fire rings near corral areas. The campground provides amenities like showers, restrooms, and a sanitary dump station for longer stays. Sites with horse facilities require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when the lake draws visitors for both riding and water activities.
Located approximately 60 miles north of Santa Margarita, this horse camping area connects to miles of bridle trails that wind through oak woodlands and along shoreline paths. Trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for both novice and experienced riders seeking day trips or extended rides. Water access points for horses are positioned throughout the trail system. The campground remains open year-round, though spring offers optimal riding conditions with wildflowers and moderate temperatures. Trailer parking is available at designated equestrian campsites with adequate turning radius for larger rigs. Most visitors find the campground well-maintained with sufficient space between corrals to ensure horse comfort and safety. Advanced reservations are essential for securing equestrian sites, particularly during holiday weekends and summer vacation periods.
"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
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $150 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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
"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."
"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"
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 area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation in the oak woodlands of central California. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. Equestrian campers should note that the area connects to over 15 miles of marked bridle paths that traverse diverse terrain throughout the park property.
Fishing at Lake Lopez: Lopez Lake Recreation Area maintains a well-stocked fishing lake where swimming is prohibited, creating ideal fishing conditions. "There isn't much fishing now, because the water is so low, but there are still pretty hikes to be had and water slides if it's hot," notes Linda S., who has camped at Lopez Lake Recreation Area multiple times over 15 years.
Horseback riding at Lake San Antonio: Beyond the North Shore equestrian facilities, riders can access additional trails at the main recreation area. "Lake San Antonio Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the 'Village' of Arroyo Grande, CA," shares Margo A., highlighting the accessibility of these horse campgrounds near Santa Margarita.
Hiking at Montana de Oro: For those seeking coastal views instead of lake vistas, the trails at Montana de Oro offer diverse terrain. "Hikes, ocean, cliffs, caves. Amazing place," says Brooke R. about the Islay Creek Campground at Montana de Oro State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Many equestrian camping areas near Santa Margarita provide peaceful surroundings away from busier campgrounds. At Santa Margarita Lake, Corey L. appreciates that "this lake has a no body contact rule which makes it a great quiet fishing lake with no jet skiing, swimming etc."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas surrounding equestrian campgrounds offer excellent wildlife observation. "There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears," reports Crystal J. about her experience at Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Proximity to water activities: Despite restrictions on swimming in some lakes, many horse campgrounds near Santa Margarita, California provide alternative water recreation. Jack J. found Lake San Antonio North Shore ideal for boating: "Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk."
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F at many campgrounds in the area. Chip K. notes about Lake San Antonio: "It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer."
Water levels fluctuate: Drought conditions affect lake levels significantly. "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry," warns Chip K. about Lake San Antonio.
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance planning. At Santa Margarita KOA, David H. advises, "This was one of the few campgrounds we found that were taking reservations. They only took full hookup sites because bathrooms, showers and laundry are closed."
Tick awareness: Some campgrounds have tick issues during certain seasons. Val H. warns about Islay Creek Campground: "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."
Look for campgrounds with pools: When visiting horse campgrounds during summer heat, pools provide essential relief. At Santa Margarita KOA, stacey S. notes, "Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool."
Consider educational opportunities: Some equestrian facilities offer opportunities to learn about horses and other animals. One visitor to Santa Margarita KOA mentions, "They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet."
Reserve family-friendly sites: Families should seek campgrounds with designated family areas. Jeremy F. found Lopez Lake accommodating: "We checked in on Friday (earlier than the posted 3pm time) and setup camp. The site is clean and fairly level. Very little wind and lots of shade made for a perfect weekend."
Find campgrounds with activities: Look for horse campgrounds that offer additional recreation. Linda S. shares about Lopez Lake: "We've been to the ropes course too, which is really fun."
Dust management: Many equestrian campgrounds have dirt roads and gravel sites. Lauretta M. warns about Santa Margarita KOA: "We tent camped in space #63..next to a dirt road which looped around the campground. We got nailed with dirt dust every time someone drove by."
Site selection strategy: RVers should consider specific site locations for optimal experience. Ryan W. advises about Montana de Oro: "Sites 17-19 have a decent amount of shade and the most foliage separation. They back up to the park, and there are trails on the hillside above."
Water pressure issues: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. Stacey S. notes about Santa Margarita KOA: "The space has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places."
Navigating tight spaces: Some horse campgrounds accommodate large rigs but require careful navigation. Annette A. shares about Pacific Dunes Ranch: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Santa Margarita, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Santa Margarita, CA is Lopez Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Santa Margarita, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Santa Margarita, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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