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.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
55 sites
Up to 8 guests per site
Equestrian
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

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

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16 Reviews

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Drop some Islay Creek Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Peter
Peter D.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
February 4th, 2019

Aggressive raccoons. Be warned.

Hipcamper Marisa
Marisa D.
recommends this listing.
September 23rd, 2018

If you have the opportunity to visit Montana de Oro State Park, DO IT! It is beautiful!

This campground was great for our needs! It was a quick walk to the beach, hiking trails, and mountain biking trails.

Here are important things to know:
- Raccoons do come out at night, so remember to hide all trash and food!
- The Bluff Trail is walking distance to the campground. It's an easy to walk trail with gorgeous views of the ocean.
- Los Osos, the town you drive through before entering the park, has Ralph's and a drive thru Starbucks. There is also a liquor store in town with amazing chicken tenders and fries. And a Mexican market with the best nachos ever...if you happen to want food before or after your trip, haha.

Hipcamper Dwight
Dwight V.
didn't provide a recommendation.
March 21st, 2018

Nice mountain bike trails. Fast and flowing with a 5 mile climb and fun descend.

Hipcamper Andrew
Andrew J.
recommends this listing.
November 27th, 2017

If you are tenting try to get one of the "environmental" walk in sites.

Hipcamper Cynthia
Cynthia F.
recommends this listing.
July 16th, 2017

Great hiking. Fall is magnificent

Hipcamper Paul
Paul B.
didn't provide a recommendation.
June 25th, 2017

wonderful campground, pretty remote from the rest of morrow bay, great trails and beach adjacent walking. also great horse trails nearby. also campground spaces are further apart then most campgrounds i have been to. . only negative is the lack of showers. you can drive to the morrow bay campground and use theirs, but its over 20+ miles away

Hipcamper renee
Renee W.
recommends this listing.
June 2nd, 2017

Tucked away, modest campground. Main attractions are tide pools, beach and small cliffs. Caves make for good photo ops at sunset. Not too far of a drive to towns like morro bay and San Luis Obispo.

Hipcamper Megan
Megan G.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 31st, 2017

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.

Hipcamper Adam
Adam R.
recommends this listing.
May 7th, 2017

beautiful and isolated. Often foggy by the beach.

Park
Montaña 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)