1 campground with availability this weekend
Pacific Dunes Ranch near Oceano offers equestrian enthusiasts camping options close to sand dunes approximately one mile from the ocean. The RV resort provides clean, hardpacked sites with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Horse owners can arrange trail rides directly through the property, with routes traversing the adjacent dunes. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin rentals for those seeking alternative accommodations. While sites are positioned relatively close together, the upper area closer to the dunes provides better coastal breezes and more comfortable camping conditions.
Horseback riding along the dunes represents a primary attraction at Pacific Dunes Ranch, with on-site riding facilities available to guests. The location provides a somewhat secluded experience compared to other coastal campgrounds, with no nearby OHV activity making it safer for horses and riders to navigate the surrounding terrain. The campground maintains several amenities including a basketball court and remote-controlled car track. Lopez Lake Recreation Area, located approximately 25 miles northeast, offers additional camping options with larger sites suitable for families with horses. Trail access throughout the region connects riders to various natural areas, though the walk to the actual beach from Pacific Dunes requires about 30 minutes of hiking through sandy terrain.
"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
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
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.
Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a popular choice for horseback riding enthusiasts exploring equestrian camping near Nipomo, California. The area sits among the rolling hills of the coastal range at approximately 1,100 feet elevation. Camping options for horse owners extend throughout San Luis Obispo County with facilities designed specifically for riders and their animals. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-65°F, while summer months can reach 85-100°F with minimal rainfall.
Trail riding opportunities: Lopez Lake Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks connecting riders to various natural areas. According to Jeremy F., "Lopez Lake campground is a pretty area surrounding a nice lake. There is an abundance of wildlife. It's a really nice, clean, and large campground."
Fishing trips: Santa Margarita Lake provides anglers with access to a quiet fishing environment. Corey L. notes, "This lake has a no body contact rule which makes it a great quiet fishing lake with no jet skiing, swimming etc... the 7 rv spots are basically on a parking lot but are on the waters edge which is nice."
Hiking excursions: The area surrounding Islay Creek Campground offers multiple coastal trails with ocean views. Ryan W. reports, "The state park offers days worth of outdoor activity and views forever and ever, with the ability to feel alone only miles from town. The sunset from the cliff is a must."
Lake access: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the water activities despite swimming restrictions. Chanel C. explains, "Lots of lake activities. You can bring your own boat and they have a small gas station for boat fuel. The camp shop also carry bait and other fishing gear. There are boat, kayak rentals, and you could also sign up for a lake boat tour."
Privacy options: Sites positioned away from central campground areas provide better experiences. At Santa Margarita KOA, David H. notes, "This 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."
Natural surroundings: Horse campgrounds near Nipomo feature diverse landscapes. Crystal J. describes Lopez Lake: "This is one of our favorite campgrounds. 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."
Weather considerations: Coastal influence creates temperature variations requiring preparation. At Pacific Dunes Ranch, Annette A. advises, "Upper area closer to the dunes is preferred for breezes. Lots of permanent residents, but the park is well kept."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance planning. Jeremy F. explains about Lopez Lake, "You can make reservations online and you can reserve a specific site. They have sites ranging from primitive to full hookups."
Wildlife awareness: The region contains diverse animal populations. Amanda M. cautions at Lopez Lake Recreation Area, "While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/food lockers at Lopez Lake."
Swimming alternatives: While some lakes prohibit swimming, other options exist. At Santa Margarita Lake, Gary G. notes, "And pool when open (limited amount of staff) so nice and cool."
Playground facilities: Santa Margarita KOA provides child-friendly amenities. Angel Q. shares, "The highlight for my kids was the Easter egg hunt put on by the staff. A happy surprise for sure."
Kid-friendly hikes: Shorter trails accommodate younger hikers. Rachel A. describes Lopez Lake: "My family used to visit this campground for its easy accessibility for younger children. Deciduous trees and leafy ground cover make for a comfortable experience."
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on specific needs. Rainer M. advises at Pacific Dunes Ranch, "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."
Hookup availability: Several equestrian campgrounds near Nipomo offer full-service sites. James O. notes about Pacific Dunes Ranch, "Easy check-in experience. You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations."
Water and dump station access: Check facilities before arrival. At Lopez Lake, Amanda M. explains, "There are clean plumbed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. Lopez has full hookups for RVs, and a marina to launch boats."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nipomo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nipomo, 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 Nipomo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Nipomo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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