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Santa Margarita Lake

3 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park and Natural Area, managed by San Luis Obispo County, holds this drive-in and boat-in campground on the edge of a reservoir where a no-body-contact rule keeps the water reserved for fishing and non-motorized recreation. The seven RV sites sit close to the water's edge but occupy a paved area with no hookups; a dump station is available. Tent sites sit closer to the shoreline. No cell reception reaches the campground. The on-site marina rents kayaks and other water toys, and two boat launches are within walking distance of the camping area. A seasonal pool, clean showers, and a well-stocked camp store round out the facilities. Water levels vary by year, which affects lake access. The campground suits anglers, paddlers, and families who want direct water access with basic amenities in place. Campers planning a broader Central Coast trip can also browse camping near Santa Margarita for additional context on the region.

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Map & DirectionsSanta Margarita Lake is located in California near Santa Margarita

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Address

4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road
Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Coordinates

35.3247611 N
120.49250682 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Santa Margarita Lake

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1 Star

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2019

Nice quiet campground on a great fishing lake

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. 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.

  • Review photo of Santa Margarita Lake by Corey L., August 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Santa Margarita Lake by Corey L., August 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Santa Margarita Lake by Corey L., August 2, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2019

Pretty Lake and decent campground

I came here in July of 2018. It was extremely hot and I made good use of their pool. Campground is decent but spots are close together. It’s a really pretty lake though. There is a camp store, showers, and pretty much anything you need on site.

  • Review photo of Santa Margarita Lake by Andre V., July 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Santa Margarita Lake by Andre V., July 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Santa Margarita Lake by Andre V., July 4, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018

Options for Everyone

Nice place to stay with fishing, biking, hiking and a pool for families. Water toys, kayaks etc. are available to rent. Probably best to visit in spring and fall like most So CA campgrounds due to heat but the pool helps cool off. No hookups but does have a dump station.

Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map available of Santa Margarita Lake Campground?

Yes, maps of Santa Margarita Lake Campground are available. You can obtain a map at the campground's entrance station or at the camp store when you arrive. For planning purposes, it's recommended to check the official San Luis Obispo County Parks website or contact the campground directly before your visit to request a current map. The map will show the layout of the campground's sites, including the seven RV spots along the water's edge, as well as the locations of amenities like the swimming pool, camp store, and dump station.

How do I make reservations for Santa Margarita Lake Campground?

Reservations for Santa Margarita Lake Campground can be made through the San Luis Obispo County Parks reservation system. You can book online through their official website or by calling their reservation line. It's advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall when the campground tends to be most popular. The campground offers both standard sites and waterfront RV spots, so specify your preference when booking.

What recreational activities are available at Santa Margarita Lake?

Santa Margarita Lake offers numerous recreational activities. Fishing is a primary attraction as this is a no body contact lake, meaning it's quiet without swimming or jet skiing allowed. Water toys, kayaks, and other watercraft are available to rent at the marina. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking on trails around the lake area. There's a seasonal swimming pool located across from the RV spots for cooling off during hot days. The campground also has a camp store for supplies and basic necessities. The serene environment makes it ideal for nature appreciation and wildlife viewing.

Are there cabins or other accommodations at Santa Margarita Lake?

Santa Margarita Lake doesn't offer cabins. The main accommodations include standard campground sites and seven RV spots located along the water's edge. The RV area is situated on a parking lot-style surface without hookups, though there is a dump station available for use. For those seeking more amenities, the campground does provide showers and a camp store. The sites are relatively close together, so privacy is limited. All camping is considered dry camping as there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites.

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