Santa Margarita Lake is off Highway 58, east of San Luis Obispo and southeast of the town of Santa Margarita. The lake is popular for boating and fishing. Because the lake serves as a drinking water supply, no body contact is allowed with the water. Instead, a swimming pool is open at the lake during the summer. Visitors to the lake enjoy the adjoining Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.
Santa Margarita Lake Campgrounds include 60 campsites spread among 4 campgrounds. Campsites have picnic tables and fire pits. None of the campgrounds has hook-ups.
Coyote Campground has 13 tents-only campsites close to the lake.
Roadrunner Campground has 7 tents-only campsites close to the lake.
Grey Pine Campground has 24 RV or trailer campsites. It is located on a hillside near the entrance to the park, a short distance from the lake.
Osprey Campground has 10 RV-only campsites along the lake's edge.
Attractions near Santa Margarita Lake Campgrounds :
Visit the Santa Margarita Lake Marina with boat rentals, launch ramp, and store. Cool off in the Swimming pool (summer only). Clamber around on the playground. Explore area hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and mountain biking routes.
Sapwi and Khus Boat-in Campgrounds
Sapwi and Khus are remote, boat-in campsites. They are accessible via the Blinn Trail from River Road Access and Staging Area. Campers must bring in their own water and firewood. The 5 campsites at each campground are equipped with fire pits with benches and picnic tables. Chemical toilets are located close by. Food must be stored in a safe way to prevents bears from getting to it. What you pack in you must pack out.
Check-in time is 3:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM.
Individual Site Fees: $21 per night plus a $9 reservation fee
Group Fees: $107 per night plus a $27 reservation fee
Reservations: (805) 788-2397.
Santa Margarita Lake Pool
Heron Group Campsite
Santa Margarita Lake's Heron Group Campsite
Heron Small Group Campsite is a tent campground near the main facilities at the lake. Heron can accommodate up to 50 people and 8 vehicles included in the reservation price. A maximum of 15 vehicles can be parked in the Heron group area. Vehicles beyond the first 8 will be charged $21 per night. Heron has 2 chemical toilets. Restrooms are a short drive away. The campsite has shaded picnic tables, BBQ, and a campfire circle. The campground is available from May through October.
Fees: $200 per night plus a $27 reservation fee
Reservations: (805) 788-2397.
Southern Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County offer wonderful attractions and many scenic points of interest. Those who stay at Santa Margarita Lake Campgrounds have both the lake and the nearby beaches to enjoy.
Enjoy Lake San Antonio for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Find good camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
Head over to nearby Lake Nacimiento with excellent camping, fishing, and boating. Waterskiing is popular on the lake along with jet skiing. Visit the Lake Nacimiento Resort.
