The best camping near Santa Margarita Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Santa Margarita Lake adventure.

100% (9 reviews)

Do a bit of hiking, fishing, or boat-in camping at this popular California lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Santa Margarita Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Santa Margarita Lake

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(9)

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

57 sites · RVs, Tents In Santa Margarita Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Margarita Lake

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(133)

La Montaña Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents142 acres · Santa Margarita, CA

Our property is 142 acres located on the top of east Cuesta grade, elevation approximately 2100. We are secluded enough to feel like you're far away from city life but in reality only 20 minute drive to downtown San Luis Obispo. The main road up continues past our property and turns into the Los Padres National Forest and is very popular for hiking and biking with locals. We also have private trails within our property. We have a farm consisting of 10 sheep, 10 goats, 30 chickens, 2 pigs, 4 dogs, a cat. Interaction with farm animals may be possible upon request. Most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Guests have enjoyed having a morning coffee in the company of sheep and a couple of pigs on the other side of the fence. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)

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(871)

Camp Arroyo Grande

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents29 acres · Arroyo Grande, CA

Welcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Enjoy our 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the Village of Arroyo Grande where you will find restaurants, coffee, shopping, parks and roosters. The property is home to many youth groups and local non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as an Event Center and Retreat Space. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, dinners, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, festivals and more since 1897. Community Events are likely to be taking place but follow quiet time guidelines. *pool is seasonal and subject to availability

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Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

2 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Lockwood, CA

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

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Relaxing Natural Hot Springs

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Templeton, CA

Franklin Hot Springs is an all-natural hot spring in the middle of beautiful Paso Robles wine country. We are located about a mile from the city limits " out in the country". Our water has one of the healthiest and dense mineral breakdowns compared to waters tested around the world. Our natural hot springs has been a treasured local gem since the 1950's offering relaxation and rejuvenation to visitors of all ages. Experience the therapeutic benefits of our pure, chemical-free waters, naturally infused with Magnesium, Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium. Our spring fed pools maintain a blissful temperature of 98 - 100 degrees. Our springs are considered among the top 5 destinations for psoriasis treatment. Our water follows a natural " flow-through" system, originating from a main well, then replenishing our fish filled lake before winding its way through parts of Paso Robles and eventually merging with the Salinas River. In addition to overnight camping and soaking in our natural hot springs, we offer fishing and boating as part of your stay. You do not have to have a fishing license; we are a member of the Fish and Wildlife and are considered an Aquaculture Farm. We offer several Dry camping sites (no electricity) and 3 sites that have electric hook-ups.

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SLO Country Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · San Luis Obispo, CA

SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: wash/kitchen prep, and cold-water outdoor shower. Site 1 is best for trailers but Site 2 is adequate. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, my favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. My favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.

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Union Road Wine Trail Sites

3 sites · RVs20 acres · Paso Robles, CA

We bought this place as our eventual retirement home. We love to share the space with friends and family hence here we are even sharing it on this platform

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(603)

Enney's Ranch

4 sites · Lodging850 acres · San Miguel, CA

Enney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast. We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries. We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields. Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.

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Vinyl Vineyards

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Vinyl Vineyards is a 120 acre ranch, working vineyard, wine label, and 10 site private glampground on the Union Rd wine trail in Paso Robles, CA. The magnificient property includes hiking trails through vineyards, ancient oak forests, canyons, and flower filled fields, creeks, two seasonal ponds, 26 acres of vineyards, alpacas, vegtable gardens, sunset vistas, bbq grills, outdoor tables, frisebee golf, and more... We also raise alpacas, chickens, and honey bees which you can experience on the ranch. Just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, we are walking distance to several wineries, a 5 minute drive to golf, Sensorio, Vina Robles, and boast enough natural beauty and amenities to never leave your site. Check our website for FAQ's, how to plan your trip, and liability waiver downloads.

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(51)

Feather River Ranch+solar pool+spa

2 sites · RVs6 acres · Paso Robles, CA

Feather River Ranch Eco Homestead is the perfect place to pull up and hook up your RV or camper van and enjoy the property. 110 plug (it’s green) conveniently located for use in the RV carport. Please park along the vines or by corral entrance if your travel trailer/ RV is too large. Enjoy the newly built 16•34 ft solar heated pool, private hot tub, and a walk down to the river. There is no bathroom on site so your rv or camper is needed. We are hands off and have another home so we may or may not be able to greet you if we are away. Please enjoy the private guest cabin with a queen bed that is included.

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Vineyard Oasis

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Paso Robles, CA

A small family owned vineyard in the heart of Paso Robles wine country.Bring your trailer, RV or tent to our 7.5 acre Vineyard. You will be able to camp right in the center of our vineyard next to our 1/2 acre foot ornamental pond. Our site is located just 12 miles from downtown Paso Robles and offers you a unique camping experience that we know you'll enjoy.We offer only 1 campsite, so you will have privacy.Amenities include: toilet, potable water, trash disposal, picnic table, area for a campfire (outside of a burn ban). We are also pet friendly! We sell campfire wood on site.Guests love staying here: "Wonderful stay! It was very private as we were the only ones on the site, no other campers, vehicles or other people were in our area at all the entire time. It really felt that we had space to settle and enjoy. The two dogs that live on site were a wonderful greeting and farewell crew! The portable toilet was clean and conveniently located on the site. Lots of vineyards to go wine tasting to that were a short drive away. Brought some twinkle lights with us that we put up to add more lighting and a special feel."

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Dare 2 Dream Farms

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Lompoc, CA

Dare 2 Dream Farms began in 2009 as a small scale egg farm. Today we raise and sell chickens from Los Angeles to San Francisco and sell eggs at over 20 egg retailers from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles county. The farm has 1.5 acres of organic produce growing. Nestled in the back of a canyon with old growth oaks and eucalyptus, the birds chirping in the canyon in the wee hours of the morning and the beautiful stars at night are two of the things that make the farm a magical place to live, work, and host others.

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Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles

8 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Lake Nacimiento, CA

Our 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles. Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait. Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay. We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea. We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water. Please bring your own drinking/cooking water. It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker! On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey). Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots. but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them. We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen. Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited. Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.

The best camping near Santa Margarita Lake guide

Overview

About

In the hills outside of the city of San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. Lake swimming is prohibited as it’s used as a source of drinking water, but there's a seasonal pool for those who want to take a dip. For travelers wanting to spend the night, 60 non-hookup campsites are spread across four campgrounds, plus two additional boat-in campgrounds with primitive camping. You can reserve campsites up to a year in advance and it’s wise to do so, particularly if visiting during the busy summer season.

Where to go

Inland San Luis Obispo County

While San Luis Obispo County is known for its beaches, there's also plenty to see and do inland. If you want a lake you can swim in, Lake Nacimiento is the place to go, while the city of Paso Robles is known for its hot springs and wineries.

California's Central Coast

Stretching from just outside of Los Angeles clear up through Monterey, this expanse of coastline is characterized by beautiful beaches—some cliff-lined, some sandy—along with numerous state park campgrounds, especially when you get up into the rugged Big Sur area. This region is also great for wildlife viewing, providing a winter refuge for monarch butterflies and housing all sorts of birds and otters year-round.

Santa Ynez Wine Country

In neighboring Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley is known for its wineries and vineyards, many of which produce outstanding syrah. Tasting rooms abound in towns such as Los Olivos and Santa Ynez.

When to go

Santa Margarita Lake draws in visitors throughout the year, but summer is by far the busiest season, when kids are out of school and the weather is at its warmest and driest. Spring is the best time for fishing, though it can be a bit chilly and rainy at night, while September and early October are ideal for people wanting warm weather without the crowds.