Lake San Antonio - North Shore Campground, located 23 miles southwest of Lucia, California, serves as a premier destination for equestrian camping in Monterey County. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 800 feet with summer temperatures regularly reaching the high 90s to low 100s. Drought conditions affect lake levels during certain years, creating varying shoreline access points for both campers and horses.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Riders at Lake San Antonio - North Shore can explore miles of lakeside trails with minimal elevation change, making it suitable for various skill levels. "I love this place! So many beautiful views and amazing spots to camp. The lake is everything," notes Emily S., who visited after water levels were restored following drought conditions.
Fishing access: The north shore offers multiple fishing spots accessible to campers with horses. "Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk," reports Jack J., who enjoyed a weekend trip where he "launched the boat and anchored it to shore" while having "literally the place to ourselves."
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities around the campground perimeter. At Thousand Trails San Benito, about 67 miles north of Lucia, visitors report extensive wildlife sightings. "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!" writes Samantha N.
What campers like
Spacious corral setup: The horse-friendly areas provide ample room for equestrian campers to manage their animals comfortably. Jose A. described Lake San Antonio North Shore as the "Best so far," noting his experience as a "new camper" with a "beautiful place" and "friendly staff."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, equestrian campgrounds maintain functional amenities. Jack J. appreciated that "They had clean bathrooms and showers" at Lake San Antonio even during periods when the campground was less crowded.
Diverse accommodation options: Campers appreciate the range of stay options from basic tent sites to cabins. At Thousand Trails San Benito, Alberto C. reports, "Stayed here over the weekend on a last minute reservation. And it's absolutely beautiful here, campground was very clean and quite."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake conditions fluctuate significantly with rainfall patterns. Chip K. cautions that at Lake San Antonio, "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry."
Shade limitations: Finding protection from sun exposure requires planning. "Camping spaces are spread out finding shade can be a challenge," notes Chip K. about Lake San Antonio, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F.
Distance from supplies: Earth's Skirt LLC and similar sites near Lucia operate in remote areas with limited access to provisions. Most horse camping locations require bringing all necessary supplies as markets and stores are minimal or non-existent within immediate riding distance.
Tips for camping with families
Cottage options: Families seeking more comfortable accommodations while horse camping can consider cabin rentals. Armando C. shares, "We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around," noting it's "a favorite spot when we want to get away but still have all the accommodations of home."
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for families when not riding. At San Benito, Bonnie O. mentions, "They had a tv, games and arts for the kids in the clubhouse," making it a "very relaxing" experience despite some maintenance issues with electrical connections.
Wildlife education opportunities: Plan morning wildlife observation sessions with children. "We had multiple deers wondering the grounds so be sure to put your food away," advises Alberto C., highlighting the natural learning experiences available at San Benito.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers with horses should request sites with adequate space for trailers and corrals. At San Benito, Butch C. found that "Most tent sites have their own water and some also have electric hookups. There are a large selection of 50 and 30 amp sites for the rv crowd."
Seasonal planning: Winter visits offer different experiences and challenges compared to summer. Andre P. notes about San Benito: "Seems like fun on the summer I went on the winter and the place is very cold," though he appreciated the "free hot water showers."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout equestrian camping areas near Lucia. Jennifer D. cautions that at San Benito, "Cell service here wasn't good either," suggesting visitors plan accordingly for limited communication capabilities.
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