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Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.
Lopez Lake with its 22 miles of shoreline is the ideal year-round recreational destination for everyone. There are 377 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical, full hook-up, and group campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
Lopez Lake is 184 miles North of Los Angeles and 254 miles South of San Francisco. Whether you’re driving North or South on Highway 101, take the Grand Avenue exit in Arroyo Grande. Turn East onto Grand Ave and head toward the mountains. You will drive through old town Arroyo Grande and then turn right onto Huasna Road. Huasna Road becomes Lopez Drive. Stay on Lopez Drive for approximately 10 miles until you come to the entrance of Lopez Lake.
Lopez Lake Campground encompasses drive-in tent and RV campsites along the eastern side of the resevoir. Choose from a variety of campsite locations along the lake on the Lopez Lake camping map. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, docks hiking trails and restrooms.
Beautiful with tons of wildlife. The lake is drying up which is exposing more land to explore. The campsites are as varied as the land. Summer season sees the hill campsites opened up. There are some gems of campsites up there worth looking for.
The marina is a great place to visit for food and games and the store is one of the best stores I've been to at a campground.
Great place to bring the family! Yes there is water now! Lol. Staff is friendly and helpful. Sites are well maintained and bathrooms are cleaned well and regularly. Be sure to check the size of your camper if you have one, sites are not one size fits all and if you don't fit some times they are booked up and switching sites can be a problem. Also ask what amp the electrical is because some sites are only 2 prong and if you don't have a converter it will be a problem. There is a small store and Restaurant and Bar in the marina area 4 convenience. You can also rent jet skis, boats, kayaks, and such at the marina. There is a water park with slides with a different entrance fee to get in and also zip lining for a separate fee. But there is always fishing, hiking or hanging out on the "beach" area. Oh and there is a area for volleyball and one for horse shoes. Love waking up to the sound of turkeys, seeing deer, squirrels, woodpeckers in the day and raccoons at night and hearing the owls. Be sure to put your ice chests and other foods away at night because there really is bears out there. I've seen them up close with my own eyes on different occasions. Love that there is next to no cell service so I can just enjoy the present.
Beautiful place! Only downside was that the grills were closed due to summer fires but other than that very nice! (You can use gas stoves though)
The lake is 100% full. The camping is always fun. We had a great time. With great weather.
Beautiful drive, beautiful lake, and what a convenient store/ restaurant. When The lemon groves along the way are flowering the smell is amazing. Dogs are allowed on leash. Park rangers Emily staff are awesome and friendly. There are docks to fish off and picnic tables with BBQ grills in beautiful spots all around the lake. They are a bit of a walk from the lake's edge though. I believe it's due to Lake level fluctuation. Beautiful place year-round.
