Islay Creek Campground
A tranquil, rustic campground in Montaña de Oro State Park, offering a peaceful escape with stunning coastal access and hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Islay Creek Campground
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, rustic campground in Montaña de Oro State Park, offering a peaceful escape with stunning coastal access and hiking trails.
"This is a great 'off the beaten path' campground offering a smaller and more quiet experience."
Bring Extra Water 💧
Water pressure is very low; consider bringing your own or using campground water for topping up only.
Choose Your Site Wisely 🏕️
Some sites are small and roadside. Site #40 offers space but is a trailhead. Research ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spooner's Cove
Short walk from campground
A stunning cove with tide pools and beautiful coastal views. Perfect for exploring and enjoying the ocean.
Bluff Trail Access
Directly from campground
Spectacular coastal trails offering breathtaking ocean vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Shady Oak Spots
Off main trails
Discover hidden, sheltered spots within live oaks for a peaceful, shaded retreat away from the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Primitive Charm
Site Selection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
good spots in MDO to trip?
Bring Extra Water 💧
Water pressure is very low; consider bringing your own or using campground water for topping up only.
Choose Your Site Wisely 🏕️
Some sites are small and roadside. Site #40 offers space but is a trailhead. Research ahead!
Watch for Ticks & Poison Oak ⚠️
Be cautious on trails, especially through brush. Consider setting up tents on pavement if concerned.
Generator-Free Zone 🤫
Mostly tent and van campers; generators are rare but can be disruptive. Quiet hours are enforced.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Extra Water 💧
Water pressure is very low; consider bringing your own or using campground water for topping up only.
Choose Your Site Wisely 🏕️
Some sites are small and roadside. Site #40 offers space but is a trailhead. Research ahead!
Watch for Ticks & Poison Oak ⚠️
Be cautious on trails, especially through brush. Consider setting up tents on pavement if concerned.
Generator-Free Zone 🤫
Mostly tent and van campers; generators are rare but can be disruptive. Quiet hours are enforced.
Pack Light Essentials 🎒
The on-site store has memorabilia but no food or drinks. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Islay Creek Campground for its peaceful, 'off the beaten path' atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, including Spooner's Cove and the Bluff Trail. While many appreciate the quiet and the prevalence of tent campers, some note that certain sites are small and close to the road. The low water pressure and vault toilets are considered part of its primitive charm, but require preparation.
"We camped here in site #40 for 10 days in November, 2025. This is a great "off the beaten path" campground. Many like the larger and popular Morro Bay Campground. It is more centrally located and larger. Islay Creek, however, offers a smaller and more quiet experience.
Some sites offer space and some privacy. However, many are very small sites located right on the road. So pick a site carefully for your needs.
We camped in site #40, which I think is the best in the campground. It is at the far end (top) of the campground. It offers lots of space and some privacy from neighbors. The only drawback is that a trailhead starts right in that site. We greeted a few hikers each day and, a couple days, a school bus full of kids were dropped off for a day hike. Despite the trail, I still think this is the best site. See my pics.
Though we camp now with a small trailer, we are tent campers at heart. We don't like generators! We found that this campground was probably 90% tent / van / pickup campers vs. maybe 10% trailers or motorhomes. But, of course, all it takes is one large RV to fire up a generator and then half the campground gets to listen to that! But overall, the campground was pretty laidback and quite.
The bathrooms are vaults but well maintained and cleaned each day, Monday through Friday. The campground hosts were super friendly and drove around a couple times each day.
Water is available, but not like most campgrounds. The water is trucked in and stored in tanks around the campground. This is fine, but the pressure is super low, pretty much a dribble. To fill my 4-gallon jugs took a lot of time, so much that I used a bungee to hold open the water valve and then came back 5-6 minutes later to check on the progress! If it works for you, consider coming loaded with water and then using the campground just to top up.
The overall location of Islay Creek CG is great. Spooner's Cove is right there, as is the bluff trail, which is spectacular. Just down the road is Point Buchon trail, which is amazing. Oh, and the trail that takes off right out of site #40 is very nice and ends up toward the bottom of the campground. Along the way you get to a bluff where you can look right down onto the campground.
Overall, this is a great campground and I would return."
Rob Vomund
"Everyone has plenty of space. The SSTs are clean and dont stink. Its primitive camping unless you have a generator. Everyone quieted down at 10 pm. We counted about 60 quail at one time. And the mascot was a female peacock! Walking distance to a beach and lots of trails! Lots of poison oak and 2 friends got ticks when hiking thru brush! Tons of gopher holes do you gotta watch where u r walking. Like I said, primitive, but I loved it."
J Jenkins
"Fun campground. Host came by to say hello and had campfire wood available for sale. Camp was super quiet, which was great after a long day. We set up our tent on the pavement since we didn't want to risk any encounters with ticks.
Spooners Cove is beautiful and a short walk from the campsite. The blue jellyfish were washing up on shore while we were there.
The campsite has bathrooms scattered throughout that are toilets only, no running water/sinks. There is a store located at the entrance right before you head to the campsites. There are cute items for sale for memorabilia but no food or drinks.
You dont have to check in when you arrive if you've reserved a spot, but the host will come by to say hello soon after you arrrive and collect money for the vehicles you have in your spot."
Annie Sprinks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Islay Creek Campground is located within Montaña de Oro State Park. Access is typically via Highway 1. Follow signs for the park and then for the campground. It's a scenic drive along the coast.
Public transportation options directly to Islay Creek Campground are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if coming from nearby towns like San Luis Obispo.
The park has several access points and trailheads. For the campground, follow the internal park roads. Many visitors park at lots like Hazard's and explore trails on foot.
It's always a good idea to check the official Montaña de Oro State Park website or call ahead for any current road closures or advisories, especially after heavy rains.
Islay Creek Campground is approximately a 30-40 minute drive southwest of San Luis Obispo, offering a feeling of remoteness while still being accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends. You can book through the California State Parks reservation system.
Camping fees vary but generally include a per-night charge for the site and potentially an extra vehicle fee. Check the official reservation site for current pricing.
Standard check-in is usually in the afternoon (e.g., 2 PM) and check-out is around noon. Confirm these times when booking or upon arrival.
While walk-in sites may be available, reservations are strongly advised. If you arrive without one, inquire with the campground host about availability and payment.
There is typically a day-use fee for entering Montaña de Oro State Park if you are not camping. Camping fees usually cover park access for registered campers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The campground offers vault toilets, potable water (with low pressure), and picnic tables at each site. There's no running water in the restrooms themselves.
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent within the campground and much of the park. Don't expect Wi-Fi. It's a good place to disconnect.
Campfires are generally allowed in designated fire rings, but always check for current fire restrictions or burn bans, especially during dry seasons. Firewood may be available for purchase from the host.
You might see quail, peacocks, and various coastal birds. Keep an eye out for deer and other small mammals. Be aware of poison oak and ticks on trails.
The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers, but some sites are small. Generators are discouraged and can be disruptive. Water pressure is very low for filling tanks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Islay Creek Campground does not have on-site food services or restaurants. The small store sells memorabilia but no food or drinks.
The nearest dining options are in the town of Los Osos or San Luis Obispo, which are a short drive away. Plan to bring all your food and cooking supplies.
Yes, you can cook at your campsite using portable stoves or grills. Campfires are also permitted in fire rings, weather permitting.
It's best to stock up on groceries in San Luis Obispo or Los Osos before heading to the campground, as options are limited nearby.
The campground host may have firewood for sale. Ice and other camping essentials are best purchased in town before your arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The surrounding Montaña de Oro State Park offers incredible photo ops, especially Spooner's Cove, the coastal bluffs, and dramatic ocean sunsets.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for coastal landscapes. Midday can be harsh.
The Bluff Trail offers numerous stunning viewpoints. Site #40 also provides a unique perspective looking down onto the campground from a trailhead.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions and sunsets.
Yes, but always maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. The quail and peacocks are often visible within the campground itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a site like #40 if you want extra space, but be aware it's a trailhead. For a more secluded experience, research other sites. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, as the on-site store is limited. The quiet atmosphere is great for younger children who need rest, and the natural surroundings offer a chance to disconnect and explore.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Focus on bringing all your own food and water to avoid relying on expensive nearby stores. The main 'cost' is your time and effort in preparing for a more rustic stay. The incredible natural beauty and access to hiking trails are free once you've paid your camping fee, making it a great value for outdoor enthusiasts.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Site #40 is a good option if you enjoy immediate trail access, though other sites offer solitude. The campground's remoteness means you can truly disconnect and enjoy nature. Be sure to inform someone of your itinerary and carry a reliable map and communication device, as cell service is unreliable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Montaña de Oro State Park
Key attractions within the park include Spooner's Cove, a picturesque spot perfect for tide pooling and beachcombing, and the Bluff Trail, which offers panoramic ocean views and is easily accessible from the campground. For those seeking more challenging hikes, trails like the Valencia Peak Trail provide rewarding summit vistas. The park is also a popular destination for mountain biking and horseback riding, with designated trails available.
Remember that much of the park is wild and undeveloped, so be prepared for varying trail conditions and potential encounters with wildlife. The park's natural beauty is its main draw, offering a serene escape from urban life. Always check park conditions and be mindful of the environment during your visit.
Campground Amenities and Experience
The campground is predominantly populated by tent campers, van dwellers, and those with smaller trailers, contributing to a laid-back and quiet atmosphere. Generators are uncommon, and quiet hours are respected, typically starting at 10 PM. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and quiet. The campground hosts are known to be friendly and helpful, often circulating the campground and offering firewood for sale.
While the campground itself is basic, its location is a major advantage. It provides direct access to hiking trails and is within walking distance of Spooner's Cove. The on-site store is minimal, offering souvenirs rather than essentials like food or drinks, so planning your provisions is crucial.
Navigating Trails and Wildlife Safety
Many trails, like the one originating from site #40, lead to scenic overlooks where you can view the campground from above. Some trails may be affected by erosion or weather; for instance, the trail to the tide pools has been closed in the past due to washouts. Always check for trail status updates if possible.
Wildlife sightings are common, including numerous quail and occasionally peacocks within the campground itself. While generally harmless, it's important to observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. Be mindful of gopher holes on the ground, as they can be a tripping hazard.
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