Top Horse Camping near Nipomo, CA

Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Nipomo. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Finding a place to stay in California while traveling with your horse is easy. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Nipomo, CA (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground

    1. Lopez Lake Campground

    34 Reviews
    87 Photos
    381 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch

    2. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    26 Photos
    222 Saves

    Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort is the most unique RV resort in California's Pismo Beach region, with rolling sand dunes and rollicking waves in the beautiful Oceano Preserve. At Pacific Dunes Ranch, you'll enjoy an RV resort that highlights breathtaking vistas and trails to the beach. In California, we call this a winning combination - secluded and quiet but not remote. With its coastal location, Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort lends itself to numerous water sports and activities. Swimming, boating, fishing and surfing are popular forms of recreation at our RV resort in California , and biking and hiking are at the top of list for those without their sea legs. Secluded RV Resort in California Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park

    3. Montaña de Oro State Park

    21 Reviews
    94 Photos
    517 Saves

    Montana de Oro camping features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park's trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner's Cove, across from the campground. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    4. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    56 Reviews
    239 Photos
    848 Saves

    Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita KOA

    5. Santa Margarita KOA

    7 Reviews
    1 Photo
    74 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colson Canyon Campground

    6. Colson Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    22 Photos
    42 Saves

    Colson Campground is a primitive campground located approximately 40 miles from the city of Santa Maria, CA. There are five campsites with tables and fire rings. There is no running water and no bathroom. Popular campground for hunters, as this campground is easy access to the Alejandro Trail. Please pack out all of your trash.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground

    7. Kcl Campground

    21 Reviews
    43 Photos
    82 Saves

    Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, we do not take reservations. Twelve campsites (two are elevated ADA compliant), with picnic tables, fire pits, horse corrals and ADA compliant vault toilet. Electricy and drinking water is not available. There is no garbage service, please act responsibly and pack out any refuse you have. It has some of the few shade trees on the monument. Formerly owned by the Kern County Land Company, the KCL still has a few of the original barn structures as well as some of the corrals. Please refrain from entering the barn structures.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    8. Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    36 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake

    9. Santa Margarita Lake

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    48 Saves

    This recreation area is part of Santa Margarita Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Miranda Pine Campground

    10. Miranda Pine Campground

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    141 Saves

    Nestled in the pines. Nice vistas of the Cuyama Valley.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Nipomo

178 Reviews of 15 Nipomo Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This — OOPS

    This is tragi-comedy: I was invited to a wedding in Santa Barbara. It was summer and the most fleabitten motel prices were astronomical. I began to look at campsites within driving distance, I was desperate. Booked Catchuma and thought, hoorah, I’ve defeated the tourism trap. 

    Well… from the moment I arrived . . . I really could not care less about the wedding. My god. I think I’ll leave it at that. 

    Bring binos. Boat, bring your canoe/kayak.

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Lopez Lake Campground

    Great time with the whole family

    Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities. This site backs up into the hills and there are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that. The lake is full and lots of areas to fish.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    May. 3, 2024

    Montaña de Oro State Park

    Beautiful, clean & quiet

    One of my favorite established campgrounds this far. Small and secluded and plenty of space between most sites. Wood and water both widely available, not sure about electric though. Short walk to Bluff Trail trailhead and Spooner’s cove.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Pacific Dunes Ranch
    May. 2, 2024

    Pacific Dunes Ranch

    Best camping spot in the area.

    Stayed here in a cabin for 2 yrs because of work in area. Quiet, clean and away from the city. Love this place.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    May. 1, 2024

    Kcl Campground

    Quiet rolling hills

    Small campground for 12 smaller than 30 ft rigs or tents. Most are much smaller. Rough bumpy road for miles ether direction on a first come, first serve campground. Has vaulted toilet with no water or other services. If full, would seek off road area on right just as you approach. Has older building of interest. There was a great horned owl in one of the few eucalyptus trees at the campsite. Quiet and nice area to take a hike or two with pretty nice views if you like the high desert landscape. Warning not to travel dirt roads after a rain as you’re likely to get stuck. Better if you come in from the north side(58) on paved roads, but would limit you to boondocking likely because unable to get to this or Selby campgrounds. Selby is another first-come site to the NW

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Huge County Campground with Numerous Site Types

    The lovely county run park in the hills above the Santa Barbara coastline, is a great campground offering a wide variety of camping experiences from full hook ups to grass covered spaces under the trees along the shores of this lovely reservoir. The sites offer the usual camp picnic table and fire ring, and the many group sites offer large grills and even a few picnic shelters. 

    The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hook ups you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system. We’ve run on solar for over 10 years, and it saves us thousands of dollars each year for our full-time camping life. 

    The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious. Water spigots were plentiful throughout the campground. The coin operated showers got the job done, but since we were there during a chilly March, things could have been warmer. But hey, everything important got clean… 

    The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water. So plan on using the campground pool to cool off during the summer months. Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area, and kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

    The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake. These are often booked out so plan ahead. 

    The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something, including ice, snacks, fire wood, and gas.  There is also a cool pub down by the boat ramp which offers live music in the weekends.  The nearby tourist town of Solvang offers a great day trip to sample the amazing Dutch pastry treats, pick up some groceries, wine tasting, or a night out on the town.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Quiet in the off-season

    General: Many different options from tent sites to premium tent sites, water/electric, and FHU sites in addition to yurts and cabins. 

    Site Quality: Varies greatly depending on what type of site you choose. The only sites with gravel paved pads were the ones with water/electric hookups or FHU; all others were grass. Most seemed level. It was raining heavily when we were there and some of the sites were flooded. Very little to no separation/privacy between sites. We were in a w/e site, and it was long enough to easily accommodate two camper vans.

    Activities/Amenities: Off-season, everything was closed but in-season, there is a marina, boat rentals, restaurant, store, gas station, pool, and laundry. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean but very basic. No hooks or shelves for toiletries. Cold water only. The shower looked nice but did not use so cannot comment on it. 

    IMO, the best options are the premier tent sites, yurts, and cabins as they offer the best lake views. We had not planned on camping here but after evacuating from Jalama Beach, we were told this park would honor our reservation. It rained most of the time we were there, and it was off-season, so I imagine it would be an entirely different experience in the summer when all amenities were offered and the campground was full.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Fantastic place to chill -- look at the stars and relax

    loved this place!!!  Was a bit of escape from heat - nice breezes.  And no internet!! YAY  I spent almost two weeks there -- camping at different spots.  If you are in a tent Roadrunner is the place to be.  Good shade.  No RVs - you can pull a trailer up there which some people did.  Beautiful views of the lake from #3,4 and 6.  #3 has less shade but a great rock to sit on for morning coffee and looking at the lake.  #4 is huge --2 picnic tables -- and good views.  #6 set off a little more and great views.  Osprey on lake -- no tents.  Coyote -- most well shaded but no view of lake

    Also stayed  at Grey Pine on weekend (I had no reservations - for weekends must for Roadrunner and Coyote)  Limited shade up here -- also can be a lot of RVS but lots of tents too. Good stars here too -- I would stay on outer rim - Stayed at #12 and #14 -- great views of the valley.  Nice breezes so even when really hot doable.

    Bathrooms and showers are fine. And pool when open (limited amount of staff) so nice and cool.

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Camp ground site 143 partial hook ups

    Stayed at camp site #143 no shade trees very dusty site. Rental boats pontoon type are brand new. Boat rental opens at 7am close at 7pm boat harbor is very nice with new boat docks. If going fishing the K boats are nice but anchor line to short to use I bring my own 50’ of anchor rope and use their anchor. Came hear to get away from all the illegal fire works where I live. Not one fireworks at the park yea the dog had a great nights sleep. Plus the swimming pool was great open from 12 noon to 5:30pm they have plenty of chairs and have life guards

  • Jessie F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Montaña de Oro State Park

    Try the environmental campsites!

    We spent our first night in environmental site 3, which was absolutely stunning. The walk to the campsite is short, but be advised, uphill. We had all our car camping equipment and big tent so it was a lot of work. Totally worth it though to get up there and be perched alone at the top of a little bluff with the hills behind us and the ocean/cliffs sprawled below. Absolutely snag this site if you can. 

    The second two nights we stayed down in the regular campground at site 27. Very spacious sites. Our site was along the road and didn't have shade. All sites on the south side of the road back to a large hill and I'd try to get something in sites 8-17 or back in the 40s if we go back. They had more shade and seemed more private than sites along the main stretch of road.

    Ticks are SO bad this year, so come prepared and diligently check yourselves and things. The campground host was very friendly and helpful. 

    The views, the hike along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Apr. 22, 2023

    Kcl Campground

    Beautiful, quiet and free

    7 regular campsites for car/ RV camping, and about 4-5 or so walk up sites behind the barn for tents only. There is parking at the barn. 

    Pretty busy little campground, but if you arrive and all the spots are taken I’d stick around because a lot of picnickers use camping spots for lunch and are gone shortly after. Not only that, but people kind of squeeze in any which way and make a spot for themselves for the night as well, and it was all fine.  The campground was so nice and quiet and peaceful - nobody had kids with them so it was just a mellow calm vibe the whole time, so relaxing.

    Very friendly and quiet vibes here, we really enjoyed it. Nice walking trails right from the campground as well.  Amazing wildflower blooms in spring.

    Toilets available, as well as water, but the spigot ran dry when we were here in April. 

    Zero Verizon coverage, even with the weboost, even from the top of the hill. ATT had good service, good enough for streaming and web browsing. 

    We made it here in our 26ft class c. The road coming in was rough but doable.  I wouldn't try coming in anything bigger, as it was we were the biggest giant thing there. We did fit in our spot along the edge but still felt very big.  The middle sites are not level but the ones along the edges were.

    Free, 14 day limit.  Ranger came through to check on things.

  • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kcl Campground
    Apr. 14, 2023

    Kcl Campground

    Great location

    Nice and clean. Vault toilets. There’s water, but not sure if it’s potable, there wasn’t a sign. No trash service, you have to pack it out. There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Mar. 25, 2023

    Lopez Lake Campground

    The lake is FULl

    Called to see if they had spots and they did. Super helpful staff to help get us a spot. The lake level is at 100% and is amazing to see. With all the rain some of the sights still have water running through them.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Excellent location

    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. Immaculate bathrooms and showers. Close to Los Olivos (great wine tasting) and Solvang. Disc gold course.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Dec. 27, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Lots of different kinds of sites.

    Good experience overall. There are many kinds of sites including full hook up, partial, primitive, cabins & yurts. Many sites have views of the lake.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Campground
    Nov. 27, 2022

    Lopez Lake Campground

    Something to please everyone

    We’ve camped here many times over the last 15 years. 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. 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. We’ve been to the ropes course too, which is really fun.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Mostly a good camp

    Huge campground! Variety of sites from dry to full hookups. Anything with hookups is cramped though. We originally booked FHU and opted out for much more spacious dry site. Dry sites really vary but all are largish. Fire pit at 409 put in a strange location so that we is located on the back side of our trailer. Really no other way we could have configured it. For such a large park with so many amenities I cannot believe the dog park is downright tiny. But park during week is largely vacant so a lot of space to let your dog run (which is against policy). Sure the place is a muddy mess is the rain. Ground squirrels got the place all torn up but hey they were there first. Generally this is a great destination resort! Go see the monarch butterflies in Goleta in winter months. They overwinter there!

  • Care B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Montaña de Oro State Park
    Oct. 19, 2022

    Montaña de Oro State Park

    Quiet clean and private

    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. Try local restaurant beerwood or the Alehouse on Los osos valley road on the way to the campground. Beautiful year round. All sites equally spaced and good-you’ll love anyone you get!



Guide to Nipomo

Camping near Nipomo, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat or a quiet spot in the woods, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. "Short walk to the dunes, 5 minute drive to downtown Pismo Beach," says one happy camper.
  • Bird Watching: Visit Morro Bay State Park Campground for some great birdwatching. One reviewer noted, "We got to visit the museum this time as well, small and cute and well worth the $3 entry fee."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. A camper mentioned, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Morro Strand State Beach Campground noted, "No showers but your pass gets you into nearby Morro Bay SP where they have nice clean token showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One camper warned, "There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Water: Many campgrounds, like Oceano County Campground, recommend bringing your own water. One camper said, "Make sure you have some dollars for the showers."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. A family at Morro Bay State Park Campground enjoyed the "boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand is a good idea. A visitor at Jalama Beach County Park mentioned, "There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Many campgrounds, like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, have coin-operated showers. One camper said, "The coin operated showers got the job done."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Morro Strand State Beach Campground mentioned, "Campers play loud music way beyond the scope of their campground."

Camping near Nipomo, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

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 Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nipomo, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Nipomo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.