Top Horse Camping near San Luis Obispo, CA
Looking for the best horse camping near San Luis Obispo? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near San Luis Obispo, CA (14)
1. Lopez Lake Campground
34 Reviews•87 Photos•381 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Montaña de Oro State Park
21 Reviews•94 Photos•517 SavesMontana 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
3. Pacific Dunes Ranch
11 Reviews•26 Photos•222 SavesPacific 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
4. Santa Margarita KOA
7 Reviews•1 Photo•74 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$40 / night
5. Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
3 Reviews•10 Photos•36 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
6. Santa Margarita Lake
3 Reviews•7 Photos•48 SavesThis recreation area is part of Santa Margarita Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
7. Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area
1 Review•9 Photos•7 SavesOverview
This facility does not accept reservations.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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.).
Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking, fishing and shopping are all within 29 miles of the campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
$30 - $34 / night
8. Colson Canyon Campground
6 Reviews•22 Photos•42 SavesColson 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
9. Miranda Pine Campground
4 Reviews•7 Photos•141 SavesNestled in the pines. Nice vistas of the Cuyama Valley.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
10. Lake San Antonio - North Shore
5 Reviews•10 Photos•43 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds
Recent Equestrian Reviews In San Luis Obispo
99 Reviews of 14 San Luis Obispo Campgrounds
Jack J.
Traveler
Lake San Antonio - North Shore
Weekend Trip
Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers.
Jeremy F.
Guide
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.
Michelle W.
Ranger
Montaña de Oro State Park
Nice location, my site had no privacy
I loved walking to the ocean in the morning. Many birds and bunnies hopping around.
I would not choose my spot again.- DDannyTraveler
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.
- CClaudia H.Traveler
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.
- GGary G.
Scout
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.
- aavereeTraveler
Montaña de Oro State Park
Amazing spot
Coolest little tucked away camp group with the most amazing beach and view of the coast line
- JJose A.Scout
Lake San Antonio - North Shore
Best so far
New camper great experience beautiful place friendly staff great prices
Jessie F.ScoutMontaña 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!
- ZZakGuide
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.
- GGeorge K.Scout
Lopez Lake Campground
The joys of bad weather
Very popular but everyone stayed home! Hilly area, lots of trails, lots of rain…
- Mario I.Scout
Lopez Lake Campground
Camping
You
- LLinda S.Guide
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.
Ariya B.GuideLopez Lake Campground
Beautiful spot
Had a great time here. Cool hiking trails where you’ll see lots of deer.
Care B.
LegendMontaña 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!
- PPaulScout
Pacific Dunes Ranch
Tightly packed but great spot
Great spot super close to dunes about a mile to the ocean
- JJose Q.Traveler
Lopez Lake Campground
Love it
Been 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.
- RRainer M.Scout
Pacific Dunes Ranch
A unique experience
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. 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.
Frank P.TravelerLopez Lake Campground
Great spot for kids!!
We 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!
- CCollinGuide
Colson Canyon Campground
Closed but no Signage
Driving by I would not have known this was closed. It looked to be in bad shape.
Roxanna L.Guide
Santa Margarita KOA
Beautiful campground
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!!!!
Ben J.ScoutSanta Margarita KOA
Water, no electric for $45/night
There 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.
Bob & Nancy W.ScoutSanta Margarita Lake Regional Park
Great park
Beautiful park. We thoroughly enjoyed our drive-in tent site, the scenery, and the abundant bird life.
- AAly C.Scout
Lopez Lake Campground
Weekend Camping
First 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!
Chip K.GuideLake San Antonio - North Shore
Sunny gem
It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available. During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry. Camping spaces are spread out finding shade can be a challenge. Bathrooms and shower are available.
- CCorey C.Guide
Lopez Lake Campground
Lake camping but close to the coast
It'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.
Armando C.GuideLake San Antonio - North Shore
Weekend with Grandpa
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.
Guide to San Luis Obispo
Camping near San Luis Obispo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for beach access or serene forest settings, there's something for everyone.
What to do:
- Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Morro Strand State Beach Campground. Campers love the close proximity to the beach, with one reviewer saying, "We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice."
- Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Montaña de Oro State Park. A visitor mentioned, "The views, the hike along the bluff trail, the beach cove, all spectacular!"
- Wildlife Watching: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can spot various birds and even some cute critters. One camper noted, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Morro Bay State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "The showers were ok, no complaints."
- Friendly Atmosphere: Many enjoy the welcoming vibe at Morro Dunes RV Park. One local said, "Staff are friendly and helpful."
- Spacious Sites: Campers at San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park appreciate the decent spacing between sites. A visitor remarked, "Sites are spaced a decent amount apart, some with foliage providing privacy."
What you should know:
- No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. For example, Mt. Figueroa Campground lacks showers, which one camper noted as a downside: "The place is beautiful...but no showers."
- Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "It is just way too crowded for our taste."
- Wildlife Caution: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Morro Bay State Park Campground. One camper warned, "There are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities for kids, like scavenger hunts at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. A parent shared, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
- Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills."
- Plan for Early Check-In: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular sites like Morro Dunes RV Park. One camper noted, "Don't try to check in early, you will get suggestions to park until check in time of 2pm."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to verify if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. For instance, San Simeon Creek Campground has no sewer hookups, which one reviewer pointed out.
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be cramped. A visitor at Morro Dunes RV Park mentioned, "Sites are tight but not overly cramped."
- Bring Cash for Showers: At some campgrounds, showers require tokens or cash. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground reminded others, "You need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash."
Camping around San Luis Obispo is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near San Luis Obispo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Luis Obispo, CA is Lopez Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near San Luis Obispo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near San Luis Obispo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.