Montaña de Oro State Park

With over 8000 acres, including seven miles of shoreline, Montaña de Oro is one of the largest state parks in California. Spectacular views, fresh breezes, and the sound of the pounding surf add up to invigorating, memorable visits.

Montaña de Oro State Park features starry nights, rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park's many back country trails (Camping is not permitted outside of the campgrounds). There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails for the more adventurous. The best-known beach is Spooner's Cove, across from the campground. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer, bobcats, raccoons, California quail, black oystercatchers and much more!

Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
Montaña de Oro State Park has moderate weather. During summer days, the area is often 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. Dress in layers, especially near the ocean. As the water here is cooler than in Southern California, surfers generally wear wetsuits.

Location & Directions

Montaña de Oro State Park & Islay Creek Campground are located:

• 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo on Los Osos Valley Rd. until it turns into Pecho Valley Rd.
• 40 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center on Highway 1 to South Bay Blvd., to Los Osos Valley Rd., until Pecho Valley Rd.
• 158 miles south of Monterey through Big Sur via Highway 1 (When road conditions permit)
• The small town of Los Osos is located 4 miles to the north of the campground and offers gas stations, grocery stores, and dining options.
• The oceanside community of Morro Bay is located 10 miles to the north of the campground and offers even more gas stations, grocery stores, and dining.

Campgrounds & Environmental Camps

The Islay Creek Campground offers 47 primitive campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 27 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table with water spigots and toilets nearby. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

The Hazard Canyon Horse Camp offers 4 campsites designed solely for horse camping (You must have a horse present to camp at this campground). Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table with water spigots, chemical toilets, horse stalls and watering troughs nearby. Firewood is for sale from the campground host at the nearby Islay Creek Campground.

The Environmental Camps require a hike of approximately 100 yards to half a mile to reach. These 4 campsites have pit toilets but no potable water. Campfires are not permitted at these sites.

Note: RV electrical hookups, RV sanitation station/water-fill station, and showers are not available at Montaña de Oro SP. Please check with the Morro Bay Campground for nearby amenities.

Junior Ranger Program

This is a special program for kids that provides the chance to partake in a variety of fun and educational nature-oriented activities at Montaña State Park. When offered, parents or guardians may bring kids to the Campfire Center at the Islay Creek Campground for fun, regularly scheduled programs about the Central Coast!

Spooner Ranch House & Nature Store

The Spooner Ranch House offers a glimpse into what life was like for the Spooner family in the early 1900’s, with period furnishings and the opportunity to interact with living history docents. The historic house serves as a visitor center for the park with trail maps and park information. The Ranch House also includes a nature store, with a variety of park-related merchandise available for purchase.

The Spooner Ranch House is within minutes of the Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve, Point Buchon Trail, El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.