Looking for the best campgrounds near Santa Maria, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Santa Maria is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Santa Maria, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$60 - $70 / night
"I grew up going to Lopez since we lived in Santa Maria so maybe I’m biased."
"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."
"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."
"Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."
"Clean site Areas are well spaced out First compound of campsites are the best end of the road are the trails to hike and only able to fit 3 trucks up there comfortably Bring your own toilet amenities"
"We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."
"As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"
"There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes.
We stayed here during our PCT thru hike after crossing mile 100."
$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."
"private road that would be a great way to get to this campground if the gate was not locked talking to the US Forrest firemen across the street they said if that road was open it's about a 15 minute drive"
"We arrived on Saturday 4th of July and all the sites were taken so we decided to drive another 15 miles up the road to a nice shaded location just right off the road."
"I drive up on Old Sierra Madre Road from hwy 166, and it took about an hour."
$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."
"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."
ScoutFew fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon.
TravelerWe attempted to get here based on some GPS coordinates we found online (I later noticed Google has it listed as a campground in the same spot we were were looking at). However, we arrived at a locked gate with a “private property, no trespassing” sign and didn’t see any other way to get to where we thought the campground was. We had passed by the ranger station on the way and it was closed so we had to find a different spot. The official directions do seem different than where we were, so maybe try this way or get directions from the rangers: “From Santa Maria: Highway 166 to Sierra Madre Road. Sierra Madre Road to Miranda Pines Road. Take Miranda Pines Road to Forest Road #11N04 and make a right into Brookshire Campground.” If you can find it, make sure to have a California Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year).
TravelerI grew up going to Lopez since we lived in Santa Maria so maybe I’m biased. Unlike many other campgrounds on the central coast which are a little pricy and have you feeling a little packed like sardines- not so here. There are many types of sites to pick from; tent, rv, group, cabin. Of course we have our favorite “loops” and site within those. The full hookup sites are priced reasonably and you have a good amount of space between you and your neighbor (some are better than others). You are about 15 mins from the beach or 20-30 mins from SLO. The lake has good fishing. The marina store is well stocked with food and tackle. If you go during the summer there are water slides available for an extra charge. There is also an obstacle course and zip line- also an extra charge. I would recommend checking this place out.
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!
GuideBathrooms, vaulted tent spots, fire pits. Has a water spigot but doesn’t work (maybe off during winter?) trail to hill top. Equestrian site for sure.
GuideNice, quiet and beautiful campground. Campground host was super nice and friendly. Bathrooms were clean and flushable. Creek was flowing and had an abundance of toads. Water was available from the many spigots around the campground. The soothing sound of the flowing creek and the hooting of an owl made for a peaceful night. Ample distance from other sites which gives some privacy. The upper equestrian sites were closed off due to the access road being washed out.
GuideNice and clean. Vault toilets. There’s water, but not sure if it’s potable, there wasn’t a sign. No trash service, you have to pack it out. There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free.
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.
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.
Horse camping in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect place to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Santa Maria, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Santa Maria, CA is Lopez Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Santa Maria, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Santa Maria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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