Are you planning a trip to Pismo Beach with your horse? We've got you covered. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Pismo Beach campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.
Lopez Lake with its 22 miles of shoreline is the ideal year-round recreational destination for everyone. There are 377 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical, full hook-up, and group campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
$60 - $70 / night
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.
A primitive campground in the canyon behind the Spooner Ranch House offers 47 campsites for tents, trailers, or motorhomes. The vehicle length limit for all trailers and motorhomes is 27 feet. Tables, firepits, drinking water, and primitive toilets are nearby. There are no showers or dump stations. Some campers may prefer the walk-in environmental campsites, which are secluded but campers should not be surprised to wake up to the yapping of coyotes or the rustling of other nighttime creatures.
For those who wish to bring horses to the park and camp overnight, there are six horse camps for family and group outings, complete with pipe corrals and limited parking for horse trailers. No horse rentals are available.
$25 - $150 / night
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.
$40 / night
This recreation area is part of Santa Margarita Lake
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.
This facility does not accept reservations.
Appealing to ATVs, quad runners, dual sports and single track riders, visitors will find access to 45 miles of marked and rated trails geared toward the beginner to experienced rider, and all accessible from your camping spot or the day use staging area. The facility even has a kids track for those beginner riders.
Appealing to ATVs, quad runners, dual sports and single track riders, visitors will find access to 45 miles of marked and rated trails geared toward the beginner to experienced rider, and all accessible from your camping spot or the day use staging area. The facility even has a kids track for those beginner riders.
Oak, conifer and various chaparral trees dot the landscape in this rider's paradise. The terrain is mostly rocky and hard packed. On a clear day, take in the expansive views of the coastline and the Sierra Mountains, as well as peaks such as Pozo Summit (elevation 2,635 ft.) and Black Mountain (elevation 3,622 ft.).
Hiking trails, biking, fishing and shopping are all within 29 miles of the campground.
$30 - $34 / night
Nestled in the pines. Nice vistas of the Cuyama Valley.
Adjacent to La Brea Creek. Located in canyon bottom, surrounded by oak trees.
Ranger
We had reservations for 2 nights on an Augugst Friday / Saturday at Lopez Lake in a full-hook-up site in Bandtail (Site 38). The reviews of this place were great, and the photos were beautiful. We arrived to find a HUGE park (yes, I should have noted how many campsites there are). Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland. The park employees were nice though. There were big signs all around "NO FIRES" (more on this later) and I was also told at check in that there were no fires. We found our site easily enough, only to realize how closely packed the sites were in Bandtail. Some nice folks to our right had three sites - 11 kids and 21 people between them. The kids rode their bikes all over, and even onto our site (while also running around our van chasing a chipmunk). We had our daughter's dog, so tried sitting outside in the shade, only to find that in addition to the heat (it was mid 80s), there were biting flies. :( Poor puppy got bit or stung more than once. So we went in our van and turned on the AC (it could run on low with the 20A service there). Then, after dark, a dad and his young son arrive on our other side and had to back in their boat in the dark. We got out of our rig and helped them (twice) with our portable lights and guidance. In the morning, they spoke in very loud voices and we were right next door. We did take one of the trails in the heat, but they are not at all well maintained - basically trampled grass that could easily hold a snake. While the area is pretty, it is just way too crowded for our taste. Oh, and the bathrooms were dimily lit, had a couple of non-functioning toilets, and were dirty. We were ready to get out of there and will not be back. Lastly, though the fire danger was marked as extremely high and "NO FIRES" signs at check-in, along with verbal warnings of no fires, I saw two campsites had open fires in the fire pits. This blatant lack of regard for rules and safety didn't sit well with me. And no one was enforcing the fire ban. Sad.
GuideLarge 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.
Ranger
I loved walking to the ocean in the morning. Many birds and bunnies hopping around.
I would not choose my spot again.
TravelerOne 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.
Traveler
Stayed here in a cabin for 2 yrs because of work in area. Quiet, clean and away from the city. Love this place.
Scout
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.
TravelerCoolest little tucked away camp group with the most amazing beach and view of the coast line
ScoutWe 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!
GuideCalled 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.
ScoutVery popular but everyone stayed home! Hilly area, lots of trails, lots of rain…
ScoutYou
GuideWe’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.
GuideHad a great time here. Cool hiking trails where you’ll see lots of deer.
LegendSmall 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!
ScoutGreat spot super close to dunes about a mile to the ocean
TravelerBeen camping at Lopes Lake since 2016 with my friends and it’s never a disappointment to go for fun and good relaxation from the city.
ScoutThere 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. Many folks leave their shoes at the edge of the campground so they those shoes don’t fill full of sand.
You’re packed in fairly tightly in this campground, and it can get a bit noisy with loud trucks and motorcycles, but it wasn’t constant nor overwhelming.
The roads inside the park a paved, but the sites are gravel which will invariably end up inside your RV. My site #171 was a pull-through and was completely level, a definite plus.
The camp store has a very limited amount of items.
TravelerWe recently stayed at Lopez Lake with our three children (all under age 9). The sites are easy to navigate, the wildlife flourishes throughout the area for some fun viewings, the rangers and staff were super helpful and there was plenty of room for the kids to run around. The Lake was low, but this is California so, ya know. Water was chilly but the kids were soldiers and it was a good time and extra relaxing for us parents. For $30 a night, it’s worth every penny!
Guide
Driving by I would not have known this was closed. It looked to be in bad shape.
Guide
This place is amazing. Nice private sites. Our site was on the side of a large hill overlooking everything. We were king of the mountain. Campground is remote but SO worth it. A bit pricy but each site has concrete patio along with patio furniture and a nice charcoal grill. Sitting out at night with a clear view of the stars was breathtaking. Very quiet and they even had an ostrich! Staff met us on the way in and even checked on us as we were setting up as to if we needed any help. Would highly recommend!!!!
ScoutThere are outlets in the bathroom. The shower with the door lock is okay but the dust on the windowsill and screens are not. It's a pretty dusty place overall.
ScoutBeautiful park. We thoroughly enjoyed our drive-in tent site, the scenery, and the abundant bird life.
ScoutFirst time camping in the back of our truck..really fun, rented a little motor boat and watched the kite surfers for 2 hrs then went and had a drink at the bar and played pool, saw two little harmless bears come through our campsite around 3-4am. our 2nd night… wild turkeys, squirrels… just wish there was a spot to hang up a hammock…NO FIRES were allowed-don’t forget a lantern like we did. Also bring some bug/gnat repellent!
GuideIt's a nice area, multiple camp grounds throughout the lake, some having hookups and other areas undeveloped and better for tent camping. Bathrooms and showers are typically clean but do get dirty during peak seasons. Showers cost money so bring quarters and it's hit or miss whether they have decent hot water. Roughly 15 miles from the beach entrance in Grover Beach so you get lucky with a marine influence during the evening. Can be windy and low lake levels. Also fires have been prohibited during fire season these past few years. This includes fires for cooking. Only electric or propane for cooking. It's super dry. Zip line and the water slides are cool and the marina rents all sorts of things. Fishing is decent. The marina has decent food and boose! Turkey, deer, and bear cruise through as well. Cool place for groups and families.
GuideLong time campers in California are probably familiar with the feeling that the prep work required simply to get a reservation at the most popular national and state parks is more than prepping for the trip itself. This is true not just for the most famous parks, like Yosemite, but for many others as well. Wanna camp between late May and early October in a well known state park? Better book that reservation months in advance. This is especially true for RV sites, as there are even fewer of those.
But sometimes you want to just get away on shorter notice. This is where the CA county park system comes to the rescue. County parks are numerous and much easier to get reservations at. And Lopez Lake, part of San Luis Obispo county doesn’t disappoint. The lake itself is a man made reservoir, and the campground sits right behind it. It’s got a mixture of tent sites and RV sites, some will full hookup - although some may only have 15/20A power. There’s lots to do on the lake, and Pismo Beach is a short drive away. Is a weekend at Lopez going to be like that epic 4 day trip you took to King’s Canyon or Zion or Yellowstone that you planned years in advance? No. But if you decide to take a long weekend in the late summer, there’s a good chance Lopez Lake will have spots available, especially during the week. Highly recommended.
GuideEasy check-in experience. You can walk off the property and directly into the sand dunes. Multiple bathroom and dumpster locations. Clean and warm showers available during the day.
TravelerEvery time I have gone I was there by myself or with friends. You can hunt fish hike horse back riding and wake up to the sound of birds. I have seen bears and mountain lions so be prepared for that. Never been attacked by them. Bring your own water.
Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pismo Beach, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pismo Beach, CA is Lopez Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pismo Beach, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Pismo Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
