15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake San Antonio - North Shore features horse corrals that accommodate equestrians camping with their horses near Los Osos. This established campground provides several accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities alongside dedicated space for horses. The campground offers drinking water, picnic tables, toilets, and trash disposal services essential for multiday stays. Campers can enjoy fires in designated rings with firewood available on site. Raccoons frequently visit campsites at night in the coastal campgrounds of the region, requiring proper food storage. The campground provides access to both boat-in and drive-in sites, with multiple access types including walking and hiking routes.
Located approximately 52 miles north of Los Osos, Lake San Antonio offers equestrians direct access to riding trails and recreation areas. The horse-friendly campground features thirty-amp electric hookups and water hookups suitable for RV campers traveling with horses. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes with big-rig friendly sites available. The market on premises provides basic supplies for campers and their animals. Shower facilities and sewer hookups offer conveniences not found at more primitive equestrian camping locations. Pets are permitted at the facility, allowing families to bring dogs alongside their horses. Trail access varies seasonally, with optimal riding conditions during spring when wildflowers bloom throughout the surrounding landscape. Reservations are not required but recommended during peak summer months when the campground experiences higher occupancy rates.
"Small campground in a beautiful area surrounded by hills right next to the beach. Hidden gem & a MUST see. Local firewood in Los osos on the corner of 9th street & pismo street for cheap."
"Ignore 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."
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"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."
"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"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."
"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
Check Availability"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
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.
Los Osos sits on the central California coast where oak woodlands meet maritime climate zones. Located at 175 feet elevation, this area receives moderate rainfall of 16-20 inches annually, creating a milder climate than inland horse camping areas. Summer fog commonly rolls in during mornings along this stretch of coast, while inland campgrounds can experience temperature swings of 40+ degrees between day and night.
Trail riding opportunities: Horse campgrounds near Los Osos, California offer access to diverse terrain for equestrians. At Lake San Antonio - North Shore, riders can explore trails with seasonal variations. One visitor noted, "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry."
Fishing from shore: Many campgrounds permit fishing close to camping areas. A camper at Lake San Antonio shared, "Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers." Fishing licenses required for ages 16+.
Hiking with views: Trails from Montana de Oro State Park offer coastal vantage points. A recent visitor wrote, "The sunset from the cliff is a must." Most trails are moderate difficulty and range from 1-8 miles roundtrip.
Clean facilities: Several equestrian camping areas maintain well-kept amenities. A recent visitor to Lopez Lake Recreation Area shared, "The site is clean and fairly level. Very little wind and lots of shade made for a perfect weekend."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds near Los Osos provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At Montana de Oro State Park, one camper reported, "Hello more birds, more deer, more meddling raccoons than expected." Dawn and dusk offer best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Beach proximity: Some horse-friendly sites provide ocean access. A visitor to Pacific Dunes Ranch explained, "You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes." Beach access typically requires 20-45 minute walks from most campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect campground conditions substantially. A visitor to Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park advised, "Was a bit of escape from heat - nice breezes. And no internet!! YAY I spent almost two weeks there -- camping at different spots."
Reservation timing: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly during summer months. "Weekends must for Roadrunner and Coyote," noted one Santa Margarita Lake camper about reservations.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage matters at coastal campgrounds. A Montana de Oro visitor warned, "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."
Pest awareness: Some areas have seasonal tick issues. A camper cautioned, "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."
Recreation options: Horse camps offer varied activities for children. At Santa Margarita KOA, a camper reported, "Fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet."
Pool access: Some facilities provide swimming options when temperatures rise. "There is a seasonal swimming pool that is right across from the rv spots," mentioned a camper at Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area.
Playgrounds and equipment: Several campgrounds include play areas. Lopez Lake visitor noted, "There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears. The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow."
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs. At Pacific Dunes Ranch, a camper advised, "Upper area closer to the dunes is preferred for breezes. Lots of permanent residents, but the park is well kept."
Hookup availability: Infrastructure varies between equestrian campgrounds. Lopez Lake camper shared, "We've tent camped on primitive sites and camped with a pop-up with electricity & water. None of the full hookup sites have a view but some of the tent sites do."
Road conditions: Access routes may challenge larger vehicles. "I would not try to bring any type of RV or trailer here, as the road is very rugged," cautioned a visitor about certain remote horse camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Los Osos, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Los Osos, CA is Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Los Osos, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Los Osos, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
