The best camping in Lopez Lake Recreation Area, CA

·

Lopez Lake campers can enjoy a tranquil waterfront, waterpark, ziplines, and more.  

Camper favorites near Lopez Lake Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds

Comfortable Creekside Campsite

96%
(69)
3.3mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Arroyo Grande, CA
NOTE: The campsite is fully occupied from Oct 2023 through March 2024 by monthly tenants. Check back for Summer of 2024 openings. Get away to serene Upper Lopez Canyon in Los Padres National Forest. Picturesque creekside campsite with year round flowing water right at the site, and offsite hikes to beautiful nearby waterfalls. 48' RV Barn with full hookups. 2nd RV hookup area with creek views also available (see 2 trailer add on for groups with 2 trailers). Fire pit with 2 chairs and picnic table provided. Campsite host occupies main house on property. About 20 minutes to Lopez Lake Park and Boat Ramp. Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. There is a pretty good phone signal at the property. WiFi is weak and unreliable, but you can use your phone as a HotSpot. Fire Ban currently in effect.
Pets
Campfires
Full Hookups
from 
$68
 / night

SLO Country Camp

99%
(1360)
11mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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: big sink and counter, and a cold-water outdoor "beach-type" shower. 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, our 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. Our 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night

Hazel Homestead- Central Coast Farm

100%
(99)
12mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Nipomo, CA
We are a small farm on a 1 acre gated property that has two RV spots and a bar shed. We have full hookups in both sites. Our town is rural but it's still close to HWY 101. We do live on the property, close enough if you need anything but far enough for privacy. We host happy hour for campers who are interested. Although the hours depend on arrival and our availability. We have a common area between the two sites that offered a nice fire pit. Our farm has 3 goats, 2 pot bellied pigs and 20 chickens that lay fresh eggs daily. We LOVE animals but we CANNOT ALLOW PETS. Also, sorry no tent camping. RV's only. We do not provide bathrooms or showers on site. Don’t have an RV? RENT OURS! We have everything you need for your family. Enjoy a weekend on the farm and glamp in our RV. We have all the amenities of home. Coming to enjoy the area? The property is just a few mins off the 101 freeway on the Central Coast. We are only 15 mins South of Pismo Beach, 30 mins south of San Luis Obispo and an hour North of Santa Barbara. The beach, wineries and shopping are all very close. Or if you are looking for a quiet retreat with some super sweet farm animals stay here and enjoy the farm. We do rent both sites out at the same time so if it’s privacy you are looking for please message us. Or If you would like to camp with friends or family we can accommodate two additional trailers. Again please message us to arrange this. Come stay awhile! It doesn't get any better than this!
Toilets
Campfires
Full Hookups
from 
$75
 / night

Kindred Acre Wood

99%
(152)
15mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · San Luis Obispo, CA
We are living our dream after recently finding and purchasing this beautiful 10 acre parcel, one of the sunniest in the canyon with a bucolic creek that flows all year. See Canyon itself is a special place. Home to a multitude of birds and wildlife, a beautiful scenic winding road, lush landscaping and a host of apple orchards. Thanks to the micro climate we have here, we grow some of the best fruit in the country. The coastal canyon is just a short distance to the beach and 15 minutes into town but feels like a world away when you are here. The star gazing is incredible as the canyon walls block the light pollution and the milky way shines! Welcome to our little slice of 10 acre heaven in the Canyon! Just bring yourself and we have everything else!! Nestle up in the Cozy Gnome Home, a 1967 vintage trailer and listen to the symphony of frogs in the creek just outside your window. With love and labor... we gutted, redesigned and restored this little trailer for the ultimate functioning space for two. Nice little kitchen with copper counters and everything you need for cooking and dining. A Berkey filter for clean water, hardwood floors and a comfy bed complete with organic mattress, down comforter and cotton sheets. Fold out dining table if you care to (or need to) eat indoors. There is also an outdoor kitchen space with a sink (no hot water), gas grill, propane burner (bring your own small canister) and a patio table and chairs. We have a charcoal grill available too. The creek runs mostly year round so feel free to get your feet wet on a hot sunny day. We also have an outdoor warm shower and sink as well as a hot water kitchen sink that you can share with other campers. You are welcome to cruise the property and check out the chickens, ducks and horses. We have three dogs on the ranch, a deaf and incredibly sweet pitbull ( he is a food thief so store food and garbage as though raccoons were a problem), a curious and playful ranch dog Pluto (who will be your tour guide) and a Boston Bulldogge, Astrid. We are surrounded by orchards which have some of the best apples and pears in the country. Seasonally you can stop by many apple markets and do a tasting. We also have a lively wine tasting venue less than a mile away. Avila Beach is a short 4 miles away and we are happy to share bikes if we have them available but can't guarantee any. Our location is a bikers' dream as the 13 mile scenic road takes you all the way into SLO. NOTE: If you want to bring others to camp, please note that they need to bring their own tents and supplies, we only have room for two but welcome self sufficient campers to join you :) also, we have a camp stove you can use to cook on but bring your own little green propane canister.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$145
 / night

Wendee's Whimsical Campsite

99%
(152)
24mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent · Atascadero, CA
Nestled in the oak-studded hills of North West Atascadero a charming site awaits you...an unforgettable destination surprise. A charming old country road leads to a sole-campsite exclusively for you and friends/family. The bathroom is straight out of the Hobbit, equipped with hot/cold water, stall shower, fluffy white towels and camping supplies. The propane firepit is perfect for evening gatherings with your companions and marshmallow roasts (read: S'mores). (Sorry...no open wood fires) A hand-carved trail surrounds the area: complete with a suspension bridge, chicken coup, rocky bridge and fish pond. Additionally, we provide a sustainable eco-friendly environment for our guests: including trash, recycling and composting receptacles. Also wildlife galore: plenty of turkeys, deer, racoons and quail. The nights are dark but we provide flashlights...then turn the flashlights off for a dazzling evening of stargazing. Atascadero is the perfect base for discovering the Central Coast: wineries/tasting rooms, olive oil tasting, abundant trails for walking/hiking; golfing as well as exploring the beaches: Morro Bay, Avila Beach, Montana de Oro, and northward to Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon and Big Sur. All of these attractions within a 30-mnute drive. Look forward to seeing you...
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$155
 / night

Frog Hollow Homestead

95%
(376)
24mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 4 sites · Lodging · Atascadero, CA
Welcome to Frog Hollow. Feel free to hike up to the bench, past the deck, on the hill or over to the chairs and table nest to the field where the sheep and donkey are at the other side of the creek. Keep an eye out in the mornings, you may see a family or two of wild turkeys or deer cruising the property. Kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the seasonal running stream and property. Situated on 12 acres, our property is a great spot where you can unplug, unwind and simply check out from your daily chaos. Sit back and enjoy the songs of the evening crickets and frogs. We are located on Hwy 41, a 10 minute drive to the coast, the famous Morro Rock, and 20 minutes from both San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles where you will find shopping, fine restaurants and plenty of local wineries in the area. We are lucky to have over 300 award winning wineries in our area so if you like wine, this is a great place to tour and taste! Frog Hollow is perfectly located for the weekend break or a leisurely mid-week holiday. Come visit us and check out our lovely land and quaint comfy living. Sabyl, our Border Collie, is around and may head down to greet you at some point during your stay. Our free standing casita is cozy and nestled in a natural serene creekside setting. The loft has a spacious queen size bed for your sleeping pleasure with adjustable reading lights on either side of the bed. The living area offers a fold down couch for another adult or 2 kids. There is a kitchenette with a toaster oven, electric tea kettle and coffee maker. There is a charcoal Weber bbq grill and a propane gas 2 burner stove. We provided a propane fire pit during the fire ban, bring propane and charcoal etc. There is a well lit bathroom with hot shower and flushable toilet 50 yards away. Please use that shower for the casita. We have a moderate climb hiking trail down the road, Cerro Alto, that offers beautiful views of our coastline. Simply sit back and watch the the wild turkeys and deer roaming freely on our land, or head out to taste some of San Luis Obispo County award winning wines. Pack in and pack out your trash please.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$127
 / night

Twisselman Ranch

99%
(905)
24mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · Santa Margarita , CA
Twisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Campfires - We are an ember free site year round due to wildfire risks & insurance purposes. We do however have propane fire pit rentals for $20 per night. - great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have wildflower honey available for sale straight off the ranch. If your interested in purchasing during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. We are a self check-in site. Upon arrival show yourself to the site following welcome note directions. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

Highlands Ranch

100%
(22)
25mi from Lopez Lake Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Atascadero, CA
Highlands Ranch Hip Camp sites are located half way between Atascadero and Morro Bay. The weather at Highlands Ranch is more like the inland Atascadero side hot in the summer months and cold in the winter months. We have 4 terraced, no hook up, spots available all of which can accommodate 2 or 4 wheel drive camper vans, trucks or cars. One of the sites can be used for fifth wheel, small motorhome or multiple camper type vehicles and of course tents can be set up on all sites. Sites range from small to extra large, that are quaintly studded with oak trees and native greenery for a peaceful camp off the road. Also, from our sites available, there is only a 5 minute walk to the local, off the beaten path, restaurant called the Half Way Station (great food, beer/ wine, sweets and live music) open Thursday through Sunday, which you can find on Facebook or Instagram. You may also like, a drive, further west is the Morro Creek Ranch Country Store (Snacks, Oils, Avocados, and more), which you can find on Facebook as well and of course further west with tons of ocean fun is Morro Bay. Thank you, we look forward to meeting every Hip Camp adventurer .
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$50
 / night

The best camping in Lopez Lake Recreation Area, CA guide

Overview

About

Just outside of Arroyo Grande, the Lopez Lake Recreation Area features a beautiful blue reservoir that winds around the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains and offers swimmers, boaters, and fishers a cool reprieve from the Central Coast heat. Lopez Lake features 22 miles of shoreline and windy coves popular with windsurfers, while hikers and bikers can explore trails through the sage scrub and oak forests surrounding the water. And if all that isn’t enough, the Lopez Lake Recreation Area is also home to the Mustang Water Park and Vista Lago Adventure Park, which features a ropes course and ziplines. The single Lopez Lake campground features over 350 RV and tent sites, plus some cabins. Campsites come with picnic tables and fire pits, while amenities range from minimal primitive access to full hookups. Restrooms and hot showers are available throughout the campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations for the Lopez Lake Recreation Area can be made online or by calling (805) 788-2381.
  2. You can reserve sites up to one year in advance.
  3. Summers and weekends are popular, so book ahead.

When to go

Summer is the most popular season at Lopez Lake, when highs reach the mid 80s. But winters are also great, with highs in the 60s and lows in the mid-40s. Rain is most likely in winter, while spring visits typically feature higher water levels on the lake and the possibility of seeing wildflowers.

Know before you go

  • The Lopez Lake Recreation Area features a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, but if you need more, the surrounding Los Padres National Forest contains 1,257 miles of trails throughout the coastal mountains of Central California.  
  • The Lopez Lake area is home to wildlife including black bear, rattlesnakes, deer, and mountain lions, so be on the lookout and store food safely.
  • The park’s marina has a boat ramp, boat rentals, bait shop, bar and grill, and store. Rentable watercraft include pontoons, WaveRunners, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. 
  • The Mustang Waterpark features two 600-foot water slides, a halfpipe slide for inner tubes, a kiddie pool, and a bar for the adults.
  • The Vista Lago Adventure Park has an 850-foot-long zipline and an elevated ropes course to keep thrill-seekers busy.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.