1 campground with availability next weekend
Lake San Antonio - North Shore campground offers equestrian camping opportunities with dedicated horse corrals. The facility provides full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas near the lakeshore. Campground amenities include drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100°F in summer, with ample space for camping. Horse owners will find the corrals well-maintained and conveniently positioned within the campground. Boat ramps are available for those who wish to combine horseback riding with water activities.
Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park features four specialized horse camps that require phone reservations through County Parks. The equestrian camping area provides access to riding trails that wind through Los Padres National Forest. Horse campers can explore miles of bridle paths suitable for all skill levels while enjoying the picturesque lake views. Water access points for horses are available throughout the property. Campsite amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and access to flush toilets. The horse camping area remains separated from the main campground, providing a quieter experience for equestrians. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding landscape, with abundant wildlife including wild turkey and deer visible from campsites.
"We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around."
"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."
"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 next weekend
from $25 - $150 / night
"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
"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
from $30 - $120 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Turkey Flat is a great place for groups to camp and drink beer around a fire. Wake up and fire up those off - road vehicles and maybe take a gun out to where they hunt turkeys or wild boar."
from $30 - $34 / night
"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."
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.
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.
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.
GuideWe had the best experience here. It was warm, peaceful, and truly the best reset for our family. We took our tent trailer, teenager and 3 dogs. We stayed Thursday through Sunday. The perfect days in my opinion. Water was great for floating and fishing, as well as swimming and watching the boats on the water. We stayed in a campsite, not down by the water. Which was perfect for us. Our dogs loved playing in the water as much as we did. This is truly a great place.
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.
TravelerThis is a huge park with many places to camp. We were the only ones in the camping loop on the water the night we were there. Tons of birds, wildlife. Only downside was some minor litter.
GuideThis campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through.
Showers are available, they take quarters.
Would absolutely stay here again.
RangerIgnore CAMPGROUND FULL sign at north end near Los Osos as you drive into park about 5 miles north of campground. People cancel and sign is not updated on regular basis. Spooner Ranch House open daily 10am-4pm provides good historical background before taking scenic coastal walk along the Bluff Trail. Other more adventurous inland hike/bike trails also available. Front loop offers camping spaces slightly further apart. Pit toilets in center of loops generally clean. Asphalt paved parking slots a little sloped but can level with blocks. Very dry and brown in campground in August. Foggy and cool most of day... only saw sun a few minutes. Nice paved almost level parking lot with views of Morro Bay about half-way between entrance and campground. Beautiful beach with non-RV parking right below Ranch House.
ScoutThis 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. Mostly dirt roads so it is a little dusty. We have a 45’ 5th wheel and had no problem getting in. The space has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places. Great areas for the kids to play and nice pool. Staff is awesome very helpful. There is a large veg fire nearby and we are in a evac warning they made sure everyone was notified and they answered any questions. Definitely will return.
Santa Margarita Lake offers equestrian camping opportunities approximately 20 miles southwest of San Miguel, California. The regional park sits at an elevation of 2,000 feet in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Temperatures range from 50°F in winter to over 90°F in summer, with spring and fall providing moderate conditions ideal for outdoor recreation.
Trail riding access: At Lopez Lake Recreation Area, riders can explore multiple trails throughout the park. "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," notes Linda S.
Fishing opportunities: Lake San Antonio offers fishing from shore or boat. "Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers," shares Jack J., who appreciated the shoreline access.
Dune exploration: Campers staying at Pacific Dunes Ranch can walk directly onto sand dunes. "We came in late and it was hard to find our map and site reservations. Our site was night to the dunes so easy walk to the sand, but about 30 minute hard walk to the ocean, it was worth it," reports Ryan S.
Quiet surroundings: Santa Margarita KOA offers tranquil sites away from busy areas. "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," writes Roxanna L.
Wildlife viewing: Islay Creek Campground at Montaña de Oro State Park provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "A beautiful spot. I was hear with a very large group where we split up into smaller group tent sites. We had a good experience but had problems with raccoons trying to get in our tents at night," Amanda K. mentions.
Water activities: Several lakes near San Miguel offer boating and water sports. "Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the 'Village' of Arroyo Grande, CA. Swimming is allowed in the lake, and there are some 'beach' areas that have been cleared of lake plants and rocks for safe swimming," describes Amanda M.
Reservation systems: Most horse campgrounds near San Miguel require advance booking. "Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night," explains Margo A. about Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects camping comfort at many sites. "It was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. Camping spaces are spread out finding shade can be a challenge," advises Chip K.
Limited cell service: Remote locations mean spotty connectivity. "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," shares Linda S.
Horse camp facilities: Equestrian camping facilities near San Miguel accommodate families with various riding levels. "Santa Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps," reports Margo A.
Swimming options: When visiting during hot months, seek campgrounds with swimming facilities. "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," notes Corey L. about Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "We checked in on Friday (earlier than the posted 3pm time) and setup camp. The site is clean and fairly level. Very little wind and lots of shade made for a perfect weekend," shares Jeremy F. about Lopez Lake campground.
Hookup availability: Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area provides more rugged camping without hookups. "Turkey Flat is a great place for groups to camp and drink beer around a fire. Wake up and fire up those off-road vehicles and maybe take a gun out to where they hunt turkeys or wild boar," explains Margo A.
Site selection: When booking equestrian campsites near San Miguel, consider proximity to corrals and trails. "This campground is only 25 minutes from the beach. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and we're very accommodating to me and my dog during a heat wave that was moving through," writes Haley S.
Water availability: Check water access points before arrival. "This of course always depends on the water level which has been very low some years, but has been good this year. The pool, showers and restrooms are newer, clean and very close to the rv spots but a bit of a walk to most of the tent sites," advises Corey L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near San Miguel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Miguel, CA is Lake San Antonio - North Shore with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near San Miguel, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near San Miguel, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
