Islay Creek Campground

Open — The campground is currently open year-round. Reservations are available through ReserveCalifornia. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

About

Islay Creek Campground sits in a canyon within Montaña de Oro State Park, one of California's largest coastal state parks spanning over 8,000 acres. The park features seven miles of shoreline with rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, and hills including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. The campground offers 47 primitive sites suitable for tent camping and recreational vehicles up to 27 feet in length. The park's name, meaning "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom across the landscape in spring. Spooner's Cove Beach is located directly across from the campground, offering tide pooling, surf fishing, and beachcombing opportunities. The park provides extensive recreational opportunities including over 50 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Popular trails include the Valencia Peak summit trail and the Islay Creek Trail to a small waterfall. The campground is set inland from the ocean but close enough to hear the waves. Wildlife viewing opportunities include black-tailed deer, bobcats, California quail, and black oystercatchers. The historic Spooner Ranch House serves as the park's visitor center with interpretive exhibits about early 1900s ranch life. The park experiences moderate coastal weather, often 30 degrees cooler than inland areas during summer, so visitors should dress in layers.

Directions

From Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo, take the Los Osos Valley Road exit and head west toward Los Osos for approximately 11 miles until it becomes Pecho Valley Road. Continue about 3.5 miles to the Spooner Ranch House and turn left into the campground. From Morro Bay, take South Bay Boulevard south for about 6 miles, turn right onto Los Osos Valley Road, and follow it 1.5 miles until it becomes Pecho Valley Road, then continue 3.5 miles to the campground entrance on the left.

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