1 campground with availability this weekend
Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort provides equestrian opportunities near Guadalupe with direct access to beach dunes approximately a half-mile from the Pacific Ocean. The resort features horseback riding services along the beach, making it appealing for visitors wanting to experience coastal riding without bringing their own horses. Sites are set on hard-packed sand and gravel, with the upper level offering proximity to the dunes and better breezes. The campground accommodates various camping styles including tent sites, RV spaces with full hookups, and cabin rentals for those wanting more amenities during their stay.
The dunes area adjacent to Pacific Dunes Ranch creates a distinctive riding environment where horses can traverse sandy terrain leading to the coastline. Guests report spending two hours watching kite surfers from the beach after boating activities. The park maintains a basketball court and remote-controlled car track alongside the equestrian facilities. While the sites are relatively close together, the location provides a quieter alternative to more congested camping areas in the Pismo region. For those traveling with horses, the resort's beach access creates opportunities for unique riding experiences along the Central California coastline, with relatively easy trailer access and parking compared to other coastal campgrounds.
"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
"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."
"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 this weekend
from $25 - $150 / night
"We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."
"As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"
"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
"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"
"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."
"There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes. We stayed here during our PCT thru hike after crossing mile 100."
"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."
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.
GuideWhen I pulled in, everyone else was pulling out (Sunday mid morning). So I had the place to myself and my beagles! I've wanted to introduce them to camping and wasn't sure how they would do. It's quiet, peaceful and even beagles were relaxed enough to sleep!
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.
LegendITS BIG.... tons of great sites some not do good, some packed right others lots of space, a great lake, a fun bar café, super good general store and lots of people, ther is plenty to do and it's a big chunk of land. And the oak trees and wildlife is fantastic....looking forward to seeing how winter is
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.
TravelerThe lake was amazing. The bar & grill stocks some great craft beers (didn't try the food so can't speak to its quality). The store was well stocked, the staff were friendly and helpful. The sites were reasonably well spread out (at least where we were).
That's the good. Here's the bad.
Ants. So many ants. But that's just camping - come prepared with ant spray, ant baits, and diatomaceous earth.
But the worst part was the group campsite near us. Nice enough people, looked like they were having a great time and making good memories for their kids. But someone brought a jobsite style generator - one of the extremely noisy ones - and had it running from 7am to 10pm every day, so that constant rattle was completely inescapable. You can't hang out in your site in peace. You can't wake up and enjoy the birds. You can't sing by a campfire. All you have is rattling generators.
We told the park staff about this, but it didn't seem to matter. And we never once saw park staff anywhere near our site - I haven't been to a single other campground, whether county, state, federal, or private, where that's been the case.
TravelerJust happened to stumble into this place on our way to Santa Cruz and fell in love with it we will definitely be coming back.
GuideWe didn't expect much, but we stayed one night enroute from San Diego to San Francisco.
The lake was pretty, the site was nice, but we couldn't see the lake from the site. We just didn't spend much time here.
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.
Pacific Dunes Ranch near Oceano provides horseback riding opportunities along the scenic Central California coast. The campground offers direct access to sand dunes that lead to the Pacific Ocean about a half mile away. Accommodations include RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and cabins on hard-packed sand and gravel surfaces. The ranch features guided horseback rides along the dunes and beach areas, making it popular among equestrians. Sites include picnic tables and most provide water and electric hookups. Campground amenities include clean showers, restrooms, and a sanitary dump station. The tightly packed sites are organized across two levels, with the upper area closer to the dunes offering better coastal breezes.
Travelers staying at Pacific Dunes Ranch can explore the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve via a short bike ride, approximately 10-15 minutes away. The area provides a unique riding experience with horses navigating both beach terrain and sand dunes. Unlike the nearby Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, this section has no OHV activity, creating a safer environment for horseback riding. The dunes provide excellent opportunities for hiking and exploration beyond the equestrian activities. The campground maintains a basketball court and remote-controlled car track for additional recreation options. Nearby dining options include Sylvesters, Old Juan's, and Rock & Roll Diner, all within a short drive. Reservations are recommended as the campground hosts many long-term visitors and can fill up during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Guadalupe, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Guadalupe, 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 Guadalupe, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Guadalupe, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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