Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Friends and new campers
Vibe · Relaxing and chill
Reservations · Reserve a site at Islay Creek Campground
Drive · 3.5 hours from LA
Ideal dates · April to June (for wildflowers!)
Pets · Welcome at camp and Spooner’s Cove beach, but not on other beaches and trails
Montaña de Oro State Park is a stunning 8,000+ acre escape along the Pacific Ocean. It boasts seven miles of coastline, which is mostly covered by an ancient rock called Miguelito Shale. For real: these rock formations are about 5 to 6 million years old. Find cool stones and a sliver of serenity at Montaña de Oro.
Main image credit: Sean Crane Photography
Each campsite comes with a:
Islay Creek Campground has 50 reservable campsites in the summer and 25 spots during the winter (the rest are first-come, first-served). The campsites are well spaced out so you can have your own nook near the coast. You're only a short walk away from the ocean so reserve a spot as early as you can.
Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: Noon
Nightly Rate: $25
Image credit: Trey Duffy
Montaña de Oro translates to "Mountains of Gold" in Spanish, inspired by the golden wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
For at least nine thousand years, the Chumash and Salinan people inhabited the San Luis Obispo county coastline, which includes the state park.
Montaña de Oro State Park has at least a dozen marine terraces, which are formed by waves eroding the coastline over time, eventually creating a marine platform at the base of a sea cliff.
