Description
Discover top-notch camping just seven miles south of Los Osos at Montana De Oro State Park. The Islay Creek Campground offers 50 reservable campsites over the summer, and 25 during the winter months (the others are first-come, first-served). There are also six primitive sites to backpack into.
These sites are secluded but campers should not be surprised to wake up to the yapping of coyotes or the rustling of other nighttime creatures. The Islay Creek campground is located along the coast and offers beautiful coastal views.
Although there is no camping on the beach, there is easy access to the Bluff Trail and Valencia Peak trailheads. Tables, firepits, drinking water, and primitive toilets are nearby. For those who wish to bring horses to the park and camp overnight, there are six horse camps for family and group outings.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Boating
While this park’s location along the Pacific means that there are, theoretically, endless possibilities for boating, the park d...Read more
Fishing
The coastline that stretches all along the western border of the park means that there are as many opportunities for you to cat...Read more
Hiking
Camping here means that some of the best hiking in Northern California is literally just outside your door. Depending on which ...Read more
Horseback riding
Greetings, equestrians! If you love to explore by horseback, there are ample opportunities to take in the ruggedly beautiful la...Read more
Paddling
Sea kayaking is big in this area, and the park’s coastal location means lots of beach and water access. Try a sunset cruise alo...Read more
Surfing
Word on the street is Sandspit is the place to go if want to catch a wave, but definitely exercise caution and use your judgem...Read more
Swimming
While those gorgeous waters certainly are tempting, the currents can be pretty dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. Swimmi...Read more
Wildlife watching
A wild coastline usually means some pretty great wildlife, and Montana State Park is no exception. Keep your eye out for the re...Read more
The vibe at Islay Creek Campground
16 Reviews
Bluff trail is a must if your near Islay Creek Campground, trail starts by the Bluff Trail Parking Area, take it all the way along the shore to Corallina Cove, it won't disappoint.



Lovely campground. Make sure to book well in advance because it fills up quick. Something to note -- if you hear strange animal growls in the night, it's the bobcats. They're all over the place. Also, Valencia Peak trail is a must, even if it's shrouded in fog.
Got to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves in the distance and frogs in the nearby creek. Absolutely beautiful. A short walk to the cruel beach, you are tucked I. The canyon so it's not as windy as I would have thought. Drop your money in the camp box as you drive in for the night and you are all good to go!



Beautiful tide pools. There's a historical museum too which is shockingly kid friendly and interactive. The campgrounds like most state parks is busy during the summer and you may find yourslf closer to your neighbors than you like. There are more racoons than I have ever seen at this site. Make sure to secure food and coolers at night.
We had an amazing experience camping here!
The campsite was well maintained, sites weren't too close together, and the surrounding campers were a healthy mix of families and friends group camping.
The beach is a quick walk and provides some great tide pooling!
What's especially wonderful is the hiking in the area. We found a 9.2 mile loop that gets you deep into the hills; the views and surroundings were absolutely breath taking! Plus at the half way mark, there was a great peak to stop and have lunch.
Will be camping here again.




Nice quiet spot away from the cities. There are trails up the canyon and trails along the beach to hike. Nothing too strenuous from what I remember. The beach was beautiful when you could see it. During the Fall there was a ton of fog that would roll in quite often, though.




Nice spacing between sites, can be windy,
Do the cliff walk - flat, easy, stunning
beautiful and isolated. Often foggy by the beach.
- Park
- Montana De Oro State Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (805) 528-0513
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 35.274° N, 120.885° W
- Unknown price
- Tent Only - Hike In: 4 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Equestrian: 3 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Equestrian - Group: 2 Sites (Up to 50 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 46 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)