Lake San Antonio - North Shore offers horse corrals for equestrian campers, combining accommodations for both horses and their owners within the campground area. The campground provides access to riding trails while maintaining facilities suitable for multiple camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options. Water hookups and a dump station support extended stays with horses, while picnic tables at each site offer convenient areas for equipment sorting and meal preparation. Fishing opportunities from shore are particularly productive during morning and dusk hours. The facilities remain open year-round with spacious campsites that can accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers.
The equestrian area at Montana de Oro State Park includes pipe corrals for horses alongside primitive camping facilities. Trail systems connect riders to coastal paths with beach access, sand dunes, and cliff views throughout the 8,000-acre park. The park features both designated horse camping areas and regular campsites within Islay Creek Campground. Horse-friendly trails traverse diverse terrain including eucalyptus groves, coastal bluffs and mountainous inland routes. A paved road system allows for easy horse trailer access to parking areas near trailheads. Pack extra water and supplies as facilities are basic with pit toilets and no showers available. Raccoons are highly active in the campground, requiring secure storage of both human and horse feed.
$25 - $150 / night
"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."
"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."
$60 - $70 / 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."
$40 / 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."
"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."
"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."
"Close to the beach."
"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."
$30 - $34 / night
"Turkey Flat is a great place for groups to camp and drink beer around a fire. Wake up and fire up those off - road vehicles and maybe take a gun out to where they hunt turkeys or wild boar."
GuideIt's worth dragging your stuff up a small path to get away from the crowds. You can surf and mountain bike here. Our tent was even visited by some people on horse back!
LegendThis is a great spot if proximity to water is important to you. Sites are well maintained but hard to come by—make reservations in advance! Hop away from water and another highlight are the nearby monarch groves where the butterflies migrate to the trees and you can walk through on paths.
GuideSanta Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps. There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed. Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats. Amenities include flush toilets in main camp, picnic table, fire pits but no hook ups. Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night.
LegendMy favorite thing about this campground are the 4 primitive sites scattered throughout the park—#4 being particularly incredible. Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill. It is close to the hiking trail so there’s typically foot traffic throughout the day, but you really couldn’t ask for a more quintessential coastal camping experience. Non-strenuous, short distance, easy access hike/gentle walk to the site from where you park. You can request it with the host in the main camp during check in—you won’t regret it. So many stars, beautiful skies and trails accessible to all hiking levels
TravelerI 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.
TravelerI camped in Mustang during the last weekend of September. It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season. The campsites were pretty close to each other and unfortunately we were stuck between two different groups that did not obey the quiet hours. Not a huge deal at night since they were quiet by midnight or so but one of the groups was also loud with kids early in the morning as well. This didn't make the best camping experience but we tried to make the best of it.
The lake was within walking distance but since the water level is so low, you had to walk quite a way out. There are some decent hiking trails you can go on right from the campground. We took the Escondido trail from camp that took us to the top of a ridge and had numerous switchbacks. Great views from the top.
LegendYou can camp just steps from Spooners Cove (great place for swimming!) in Islay Creek Campground. It’s in the Montana De Oro State Park. There are about 50 campsites on either side of a in and out kind of lollipop road up on a flat hill above Spooner’s Cove. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with grill, and there are a couple of clean vault toilets scattered in the campground. There are some nice trees, but most sites are not suited to hammocking. Many sites will be in full sun most of the day, and there is not much privacy. There is a trail that cuts through the campground, and there are many trailheads nearby. I would not suggest bringing your dog with you because while pets are allowed in the campground, they are not allowed on the trails or on the beach. Also, if you want a fire plan on bringing your own wood or buying it from the camp host as you are not allowed to forage for downed wood. The camp host didn’t seem to have a problem with me collecting some of the wild nasturtiums to add to my dinner (so fun to have edible flowers on my salad, wish I took a picture!).
Supposedly there is a horse camp not too far away, but I can neither confirm or deny as I did not go looking for it.
LegendLopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA.
Lopez is a frequently visited spot for us - We generally camp in a primitive site the back of the Squirrel Loop of the park. The Squirrel Loop is not a lakeside loop (you cannot see the lake at all from here), but we have found it to be one of the quieter, less trafficked campground in the park. The Squirrel Loop is nestled inside a canyon, surrounded by big, beautiful live oak trees.
Lopez Lake is a very large campground with many different loops, so many of which are nearby the lake. If you haven’t been to the campground before and are not worried about reserving a site ahead of time, take some time to drive around the park when you arrive to see what area you would most like to camp in - there are a lot of great spots here there and everywhere!
Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are clean plumbed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. Lopez has full hook-ups for RVs, and a marina to launch boats. There is a small but well-stocked convenience store in the marina with food, ice, firewood, beer, fishing gear, etc. There is also a small cafe located in the marina store, with limited hours.
Lopez Lake is the home of the Mustang Waterpark, a small, but super fun water park. I believe the park is closed during the fall and winter months, but is open during the spring and summer. Swimming is allowed in the lake, and there are some “beach” areas that have been cleared of lake plants and rocks for safe swimming.
Hiking to Big Falls is a fun adventure if you want to leave the campground. There are certain times when the falls are not accessible without 4WD, however, we have been in severe drought conditions in Central California for the last few years, so you don’t have to worry about crossing any deep creeks, if any. A super low clearance vehicle may have a challenging time crossing the creek beds, even when dry. The drive to Big Falls trailhead from Lopez is short, but probably takes 15-20 minutes as you are driving through a curvy, narrow canyon road. The hike is through live oak trees most of the way, so most of the hike is nice and shaded. Keep and eye out for salamanders when crossing the creek beds! While it is unlikely, black bears mountain lions have been spotted on the Big Falls trail, so be aware of your surroundings. Here are directions to the Big Falls trailhead: http://www.hikeslo.com/big-falls/
WARNING : While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/ food lockers at Lopez Lake. I would suggest locking your food and coolers up in the car at night to avoid attracting wild animals to your campsite.
CAMPSITE SPECS
Fees: $35/night (primitive site)
Plumbed Toilets: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Showers: Yes (coin-operated)
Picnic Table: Yes
Firepit: Yes
Cooking Grate: Yes
Shade: Yes
Cell Service: No
Animal Bins/Food lockers: No
Trash: Yes
TravelerThis 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. It is a dry campground and the 7 rv spots are basically on a parking lot but are on the waters edge which is nice. The tent sites are nice and are close the the lake. There is a well stocked and surprisingly well priced store as well as a marina that rents boats and kayaks. The lake has 2 boat launches and miles of hiking trails all within a short walk to the camping area. We get a few tv channels on our antenna but there is no cell reception. We launch our kayaks 20’ from our camper and when we had a boat we would launch it when we got there and leave it in the water right next to the camper which was very convenient. 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.
Equestrian camping near San Simeon, California offers options across varied terrains from coastal bluffs to inland foothills at elevations ranging from sea level to about 2,000 feet. The region experiences mild temperatures year-round with summer highs typically reaching 75°F while winter lows rarely drop below 45°F. Fall months bring particularly stable weather patterns, making September through November ideal for extended trail riding trips.
Trail riding with lake views: At Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, riders can explore miles of trails with lake vistas. "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," notes reviewer Margo A.
Beach riding access: Coastal riding opportunities extend to Oceano's dune system near Pacific Dunes Ranch, where dedicated riding trails connect to beach areas. "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/piano," reports Wutang P.
Off-road adventures: For those who prefer motorized recreation with their equestrian activities, Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area offers a combination of horse trails and OHV access. "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.
Peaceful lake atmosphere: Lopez Lake Recreation Area receives praise for its tranquil setting and wildlife. "We've been to the ropes course too, which is really fun," shares Linda S., highlighting recreational opportunities beyond riding. Another camper notes, "There's lots of trails and quite a bit wildlife: squirrels, deer, turkey, and even some mountain lions and bears."
Spacious campsites: Riders appreciate ample room at Lake San Antonio - North Shore for their equipment. "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," reports Jack J.
Diverse terrain: The variety of landscapes accessible from Montaña de Oro State Park impresses trail riders. "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. reports.
Wildlife concerns: Riders must secure feed and equipment due to active wildlife. At Montaña de Oro State Park, raccoons are particularly problematic. "Raccoons will 100% rush your site as soon as you go to sleep to see if there are any fun goodies laying about. Put stuff away," warns Ryan W.
Tick prevalence: Some campgrounds report significant tick issues during spring and early summer months. "Although the location is very scenic and a 10 min walk to the beach, I wouldn't return because there are ALOT of ticks at the campground. We went with a party of 11 and found multiple ticks on 5 people," cautions Val H.
Water availability: Water access varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds requiring riders to bring additional water for horses. Seasonal variations affect water levels at Lake San Antonio, as one camper notes: "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry."
Pool facilities: Santa Margarita KOA offers family-friendly amenities that complement equestrian activities. "They have yurts for tent & cabins," mentions Martha G., while another camper adds, "Fun bounce pad. There is frisbee golf and horse shoes. They even have an Emu that is friendly and your kids can pet."
Educational opportunities: Schedule time to visit the Spooner Ranch House at Montaña de Oro for historical context about regional ranching. "Spooner Ranch House open daily 10am-4pm provides good historical background before taking scenic coastal walk along the Bluff Trail," recommends Leonard H.
Reservation timing: For family equestrian camping trips, book well ahead for holiday weekends and summer dates. "You can make reservations online and you can reserve a specific site. They have sites ranging from primitive to full hookups," advises Jeremy F.
Hookup availability: While many equestrian campgrounds offer basic services, full hookups are limited. "The site has full hookups with 50 amp. The water pressure was a little low compared to other places," notes stacey S. at Santa Margarita KOA.
Leveling requirements: Many equestrian sites require additional leveling equipment due to natural terrain. "Asphalt paved parking slots a little sloped but can level with blocks," shares Leonard H. about Montaña de Oro.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from high-traffic riding areas to minimize dust. "We tent camped in space #63..next to a dirt road which looped around the campground. We got nailed with dirt dust every time someone drove by," cautions Lauretta M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near San Simeon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Simeon, CA is Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near San Simeon, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near San Simeon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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