Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Families 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. These people were the original inhabitants of the land, and had a special connection to it, living in harmony with nature and respecting its resources. We can learn a lot from this way of life and respect for nature.
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.
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.