Lopez Lake Camping is spread along the shore of Lopez Lake, 13 miles east of Pismo Beach. Lopez Lake Recreation Area, including the campgrounds, is operated by San Luis Obispo County Parks. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer water temperatures around 70 degrees, the lake is popular for boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. A marina with boat rentals is located near the campgrounds. A swimming beach is also nearby.
Lopez Lake Camping includes over 350 campsites from lake-view spots to scenic oak forest campsites. The campsites are separated into nearly 20 different camping areas across a low, rounded hill. Scattered oaks provide partial shade. Some hook-ups are available, as well as showers. Primitive sites have no hook-ups and are open to RVs, trailers, and tents. Full hook-up sites are designated for RVs and trailers only, with no tents permitted. Sites with electricity are intended for tents only and do not allow RVs or trailers.
Bandtail has 39 campsites all with full hook-ups.
Beaver features 23 campsites with electricity, but no trailers or RVs allowed. Make a short walk to showers.
Blue Jay offers 31 campsites with full hook-ups near showers.
Buck consists of 19 primitive sites near the lake.
Campaneros has 6 primitive sites.
Conejo offers 25 primitive sites near a playground and showers.
Cougar lists 21 primitive sites.
Eagle features 15 full hook-up sites.
Grizzly contains 13 primitive sites near Mallard Cove.
Hawk contains 25 full hook-up sites. Four cabins were added to this campground in 2017.
Lobo has 26 campsites with electricity, but no trailers or RVs allowed.
Mallard offers 9 full hook-up sites, near showers.
Mustang has 21 primitive sites next to the Mustang Water Park. Site #10 is a favorite.
Quail offers 48 full hook-up sites.
Squirrel contains 23 primitive sites within a short walk of showers.
Toro has 16 campsites with electricity, but no trailers or RVs allowed. Showers are within a short walk.
Lopez Dr.,
From Hwy. 101 in Arroyo Grande take the Grand Avenue exit. Turn east onto Grand Ave. Eventually turn right onto Huasna Rd. which leads to Lopez Dr.
Campground Open:
year-round
Distance from major cities:
Pismo Beach: 13 miles
San Luis Obispo (via Orcutt Rd.) - 23 miles
Lopez Lake offers 7 group camping sites spread among the standard family camping areas. In addition to the rate per night, there is a $27 reservation fee.
Reservations: Call (805) 788-2381 to reserve a group site. Fees: Large Group sites are $315 per night for up to 15 vehicles. Each additional vehicle beyond the 15 is charged $21 per night, up to a maximum of 24.
Small Group sites are $168 per night for up to 8 vehicles.
Facilities at group sites typically include a large round BBQ pit, a serving table, picnic tables (4-5 for small groups, 8-10 for large), water, and electricity. Restrooms and showers for some facilities require a several minute walk. All the sites are designed for tent camping. There are no RV hook-ups.
Large Group Sites
Campobello is near the marina. Facilities include a stage.
Del Norte is separated onto 4 tiers. The site is near Vista Lago Day Use Area. Restrooms and cold showers are by the Escondido Group Area.
Escondido is near the Vista Lago Day Use Area. Restrooms and cold showers are on site.
Small Group Sites
El Jardin is near the marina. Restrooms and showers are by the marina.
Live Oak is located near Mallard Cove. Restrooms and showers are nearby.
Pavo sits on top of Bandtail. Restrooms and showers require a short walk.
Sycamore is located near Mustang Water Park. Restrooms and cold showers require a short walk. "There is a lift station near the site that releases pressure which routinely creates loud noise."
Encinal Boat-In Camp
Encinal Boat-In Camp is on a remote shore of Lopez Lake. Access is by boat or on foot via a difficult 4-mile hike on the Duna Vista Trail. The single site is first-come, first-served. Amenities include 2 picnic tables, a fire pit, and a chemical toilet. A bear pole is provided for proper storage of food away from bears. Campers must bring in their own water and firewood. Everything packed in must be packed out. No personal watercraft (jet skis) are allowed at the site. Call (805) 788-2381 for information about use of the site.
Fees: $80 per night
Black Bear Equestrian Campground
Included in Lopez Lake Camping is Black Bear Equestrian Camp. The small group camp is located in a remote spot and serves those with horses. Facilities include 18 pipe horse corrals, a water trough, a large BBQ pit, tables, drinking water, and chemical toilets (reach a flush toilet by walking to a nearby group camping area). The camp is limited to 8 motor vehicles. Plenty of room for horse trailers is available. Several horse trails connect to the camp.
Fees: $168 per night plus a $27 reservation fee
Reservations: (805) 788-2381
Southern Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County offer wonderful attractions and many scenic points of interest. Those enjoying Lopez Lake Camping 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.
