Montaña de Oro State Park Campground

California's Best Camping

Spooner Cove, Montana de Oro State Park
Spooner Cove, Montana de Oro State Park

Montaña de Oro State Park
Islay Creek Campground

San Luis Obispo County


Islay Creek Campground

Montaña de Oro State Park spreads along the San Luis Obispo County coast, 6 miles southwest of Morro Bay. The park is well known for its rugged shoreline, several picturesque sandy beaches, canyons, hills, and streams. Mountain bikers, horseback riders, naturalists, and hikers find plenty of trails to explore.

Islay Creek, the main Montaña de Oro State Park Campground, offers 48 standard campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is set inland from the beach, out of view of the ocean but still close enough to hear the waves crashing ashore. Shade is limited. In addition to the standard sites, there are 3 Horse Campsites, 2 Group Horse Campsites, and 4 Environmental Campsites.

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Montaña de Oro State Park Campground Basics
Montaña de Oro State Park Campground Location: 7 miles south of Los Osos on Pech Rd, 6 miles southwest of Morro Bay
Campground Open: year-round
Number of Sites: 48
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: Fees cover 1 vehicle and 1 legal tow, fee for additional vehicles
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Information: (805) 528-0513

Reservations for Montaña de Oro State Park Campground
Reservations available Mid-May through mid-October, otherwise first come, first served
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of your arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 27 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #35, 48, and two others to be assigned upon arrival
Fees: Standard sites - $25 per night
Hike & Bike - $5 per person per night
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Montaña de Oro SP Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, Check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Islay Creek Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilers, piped water, campfire circle
Showers: No, may use showers at Morro Bay State Park
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Islay Creek Campground Map
Attractions near Montaña de Oro State Park Campground: Have fun at Spooner's Cove Beach (dogs permitted). Visit the Spooner’s Ranch House Visitors Center. Tour the Holloway Garden. Hike along Bluff Trail, Valencia Peak Trail, and Reservoir Flats Trail.


Montaña de Oro Equestrian Campsites

Montaña de Oro has 3 standard campsites apart from the main campground for those with horses. Sites can accommodate up to 4 vehicles. Pit toilets are provided. Water is available for horses, but no potable water. The first horse is included in the price of the campsite, additional horses up to a maximum of 6 are $2 each per night.

Group Equestrian Camps

There are 2 group equestrian sites. Each site can accommodate between 9 and 50 people along with up to 20 vehicles. A minimum of 7 horses is required to reserve a group site. Additional horses are $2 each per night, up to a maximum of 25. Limited corral space is provided. Water for horses is available, but not for people.
Campground Map: Hazard Canyon Horse Camps Map
Fees: Standard horse site - $50 per night, Group sites $150 per night
Reservations (year-round): Montaña de Oro SP Equestrian Campsite Reservations

Montaña de Oro Environmental Campsites

Montaña de Oro has 4 environmental campsites which require a hike of from 100 yards to ½ mile to reach. These campsites have pit toilets but no potable water. Dogs and fires are not permitted at the sites.
Fees: $20 per night
Reservations (year-round): Montaña de Oro SP Environmental Campsite Reservations

Montana de Oro State Park, CA

Montaña de Oro State Park

San Luis Obispo County Attractions

San Luis Obispo County's coastal region has a wide range of wonderful place to visit and exciting adventures to enjoy. Campers at Montana de Oro State Park Campground have all the beauty of the coastal park to enjoy along with nearby Morro Bay.

  • Spend a day at Morro Bay, visiting shops, beaches, and other attractions.
  • Go stand-up paddleboarding at Avila Beach or Morro Bay.
  • Visit old Mission San Miguel.
  • Go cycling around Cambria, set out on scenic Highway 1 or pick a quiet country road.
  • Fish from Pismo Beach's 1370-foot pier.
  • Explore the tide pools at Shell Beach.
  • Head out sea kayaking through the Dinosaur Caves.
  • Set out on a wine tasting tour through the San Luis Obispo countryside.
  • Hike up the Valencia Peak Trail.
  • Watch elephant seals at Piedras Blancas.
  • Explore Montana de Oro State Park.
  • Take a tour of the famous Hearst Castle.
  • See all the animals at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.

Key Montana de Oro State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under adult supervision at all times. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Dogs are permitted on Spooner's Cove Beach.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  3. Generators may only be operated between 10 AM to 8 PM.

Check with Montaña de Oro State Park for any campground updates.