Lake San Antonio - North Shore provides equestrian camping near San Lucas, California, about 30 miles from town in the oak-studded hills of southern Monterey County. Water levels at the lake fluctuate seasonally, with recent rainfall restoring lake levels after previous drought periods. The campground operates year-round with sites accommodating horses, tents, RVs, and cabins.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: The San Antonio Lake area hosts abundant wildlife, particularly in early morning and evening hours. At Thousand Trails San Benito, campers report exceptional wildlife encounters. "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!!" notes Samantha N.
Water recreation: Lake access provides swimming and boating opportunities during higher water level periods. Jack J. from Lake San Antonio - North Shore shares, "Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk."
Hiking trails: Several trails wind through the surrounding hillsides, connecting campgrounds to scenic viewpoints. Visitors to San Benito often combine camping with day hikes at nearby parks. Patricia O. explains, "This location is a fairly convenient distance to Pinnacles National Park if you prefer not to stay at the national park campground... Pinnacles is mostly day hikes so this campground is perfect."
What campers like
Space and privacy: Many horse campgrounds near Bradley and San Lucas provide generous site spacing. At Lake San Antonio - North Shore, Emily S. reports, "I love this place! So many beautiful views and amazing spots to camp. The lake is everything."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, most established campgrounds maintain proper sanitation. Jack J. notes, "They had clean bathrooms and showers," a sentiment echoed by many visitors to Lake San Antonio.
Natural setting: The rolling hills and oak woodlands create natural boundaries between campsites. Alberto C. from San Benito RV and Camping Resort shares, "It's absolutely beautiful here, campground was very clean and quite. We stayed towards the back site 353 I believe and had no others around us."
What you should know
Summer heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during peak summer months. Pack accordingly with extra water and sun protection. Lynda D. notes about San Benito, "We went here for the first time end of July when it can be hot. It was only low 90s."
Limited services: While basic supplies are available at some campgrounds, major shopping requires traveling to larger towns. Alberto C. explains, "Nearest town is San Benito about 20 mins away. They have a small store on the grounds with limited items also."
Water conditions: Lake levels change dramatically with rainfall patterns. Emily S. reports about Lake San Antonio, "A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it's back and better than ever."
Tips for camping with families
Cottage rentals: For families wanting amenities beyond tent camping, cabins provide comfortable accommodations. Armando C. shares, "We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around. Grandpa is a local to Bradley and this is a favorite spot when we want to get away but still have all the accommodations of home."
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer organized recreation programs during peak seasons. Bonnie O. from Earth's Skirt LLC notes, "They had a TV, games and arts for the kids in the clubhouse. The pool was closed for the winter but I can't wait to visit again."
Shade importance: Select campsites with natural shade when possible, especially for summer visits. Chip K. advises, "Camping spaces are spread out finding shade can be a challenge."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups fill quickly during peak season. Jose A. notes his experience at Lake San Antonio as a "New camper great experience beautiful place friendly staff great prices."
Access roads: Some equestrian campgrounds near San Lucas have narrow or winding access roads. RVers should check route conditions before arrival. Tyler V. describes San Benito as "A little out of the way but a nice scenic backroad alternate from I5 or 99 if traveling north/south."
Site selection: Request sites away from equestrian areas if horse proximity is a concern. Butch C. recommends, "There is a lot of wildlife here to see. Deer wandered through camp at all times of the day. You can see wild boar passing along the hillsides."
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