Montana De Oro Sp Environmental Camping

About

Montana de Oro State Park Environmental Camping provides four primitive backcountry campsites for those seeking solitude along California's rugged central coast. The sites are Bloody Nose Camp and Hazard Grove Camp located north of Islay Creek Campground, and Badger Flat Camp and Deer Flat Camp to the south. Each requires a hike of approximately 100 yards to half a mile from the parking area. These environmental sites sit at roughly 197 feet elevation amid the park's 8,000+ acres of dramatic cliffs, coastal plains, streams, and canyons. The park features Valencia Peak at 1,347 feet and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Summer days are often 30 degrees cooler than inland areas due to marine influence. Amenities are intentionally sparse to preserve the primitive character: pit toilets serve the area, but campers must pack in all drinking water. Campfires are prohibited, and dogs are not permitted on the trails accessing these sites. Each site accommodates up to eight people. Reservations are available through ReserveCalifornia; unreserved sites can be claimed via self-registration at Islay Creek Campground.

Directions

From Morro Bay, head south on Highway 1 to Los Osos. Take Los Osos Valley Road west, which becomes Pecho Valley Road. Continue approximately 7 miles to the park entrance. Environmental campsites are accessed via trails from the Islay Creek Campground area.