Environmental Campground
01 review3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402
Environmental Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are required for environmental camps and are payable upon entry or via ReserveCalifornia.com.
About this campground
Escape to the Environmental Campground at Montaña de Oro, where adventure begins with a scenic hike from the parking area to your secluded wilderness site. This primitive camping experience strips away modern distractions, offering pure connection with nature. Leave your expectations of running water and evening campfires behind—this is camping at its most authentic, where the sound of crashing waves replaces crackling flames and starlight provides your evening entertainment.
The Environmental Campground is one of several options within Montaña de Oro State Park, offering primitive camping accommodations that require a hike to access.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of centuries of California history at Montaña de Oro, where ancient Chumash and Salinan peoples once gathered shellfish along these same shores. Spanish missionaries later traversed these coastal paths, followed by Mexican rancheros who carved vast land grants from the wilderness. Today, the weathered Spooner Ranch House stands as a window into early 20th-century coastal life, its walls holding stories of hardy pioneers who transformed this rugged landscape into a working ranch.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate control at Montaña de Oro, where ocean breezes create a natural air conditioning system that keeps summer temperatures up to 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. The park's moderate year-round weather makes it an ideal escape in any season, though savvy visitors know to pack layers—morning fog can give way to brilliant sunshine, and coastal winds can transform a warm afternoon into a crisp evening adventure.
ElevationThe environmental camps nestle into the coastal landscape at varying elevations, offering hikers the chance to choose their perfect vantage point between ocean vistas and sheltered canyon sites.
Natural Features and SceneryMontaña de Oro earns its name—Mountain of Gold—when spring wildflowers paint the hillsides in brilliant yellows and oranges. This dramatic coastline showcases nature's artistry with towering cliffs that plunge into secluded sandy coves, while inland trails wind through peaceful stream corridors and hidden canyons. Keep your camera ready for encounters with black-tailed deer grazing in meadows or the elusive bobcat padding silently through the chaparral. Every turn reveals a new perspective on California's spectacular central coast.
Geological RegionStand atop ancient seafloor at Montaña de Oro, where dramatic cliffs of Miguelito Shale tell a story written millions of years ago. These weathered formations, sculpted from prehistoric mudstone deposits, create the park's signature rugged coastline and marine terraces. Each layer in the exposed rock faces represents eons of geological history, transformed by time and tide into today's spectacular coastal playground where land and sea engage in their eternal dance.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis campground requires a hike of up to half a mile, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility constraints. Official sources do not mention accessibility features for this site.
Sites SizeThe Environmental Campsites are walk-in sites of minimal size, suitable for small tents. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are described as secluded, offering solitude but minimal protection from wind and little shade.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSecluded sites appeal to those seeking solitude; some protection from wind but little shade.
Best CampsitesEnvironmental camps are not individually ranked; the sites are secluded and primitive.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2p.m.
Check-out
12 p.m.
Stay Limit
Stay limit not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight people maximum per campsite as per park-wide regulations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites require a hike of 100 yards to half a mile; no vehicle access.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round camping is permitted.
Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia.com, phone reservations at 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilitySelf-registration is available for campsites without reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled via ReserveCalifornia.com, but specific deadlines are not stated.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at the Environmental Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities within Montaña de Oro State Park, such as hiking and wildlife viewing. However, certain activities like campfires are prohibited.
Hiking
Montaña de Oro State Park offers numerous trails suitable for hiking, including trails through coastal bluffs, canyons, and hills like the Valencia Peak Trail. Many trails provide spectacular ocean views, but poison oak is prevalent throughout the park.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available in the park, but biking may be challenging near the campground due to sandy terrain, as noted in user reviews. "I had to walk my bike for a small part of the trail," one user mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including black-tailed deer, bobcats, raccoons, and California quail. "More than half a million people visit Montaña de Oro each year because of its wonderful setting for outdoor activities," according to official sources.Cultural and Educational Programs
Montaña de Oro State Park offers nature programs, such as docent-led walks and educational activities during summer months and year-round. "State Park docents are happy to assist you at the visitor center," according to official sources.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for the Environmental Campground.Water Sports
No water sports are specifically mentioned for the Environmental Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison oak throughout the park. Rattlesnake warnings during warm weather.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 94%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
9-1-1 for emergencies; closest hospital services are likely in San Luis Obispo, approximately 15 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season not explicitly defined.
Trash and recyclingUsers must carry out all trash as no receptacles are provided within the Environmental Campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresEnvironmental camps are near the ocean; Spooner's Cove is the most accessible beach area.
Common complaints"Quite sandy in parts" and "not much shade," as noted in reviews.
HostHosts are stationed at Islay Creek Campground for firewood sales and assistance.
Campground Map
3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402
Driving directionsFrom San Luis Obispo: North on Highway 1 to the South Bay Blvd. offramp in Morro Bay. Turn left, go about 6 miles and turn right onto Los Osos Valley Rd. Continue 1.5 miles until it turns into Pecho Valley Rd. Continue about 3.5 miles to the Spooner Ranch House and turn left into the campground. From the south on Hwy 101: Northbound on Highway 101 to the Los Osos Valley Road offramp in San Luis Obispo. Turn left toward Los Osos and travel about 11 miles until it turns into Pecho Valley Rd. Continue about 3.5 miles to the Spooner Ranch House and turn left into the campground.
Pecho Valley Road terminates at the park, and visitors must exit the way they came. Unpaved and winding stretches may present challenges for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Los Osos: 4 miles
Morro Bay: 10 miles.
Nearby supplies
Los Osos (4 miles) and Morro Bay (10 miles) offer grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Environmental Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the Environmental Campground as secluded and peaceful but challenging to access due to sandy terrain. "Clean camp area with a porta potty on site," noted one camper.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the secluded nature of the campground and the cleanliness of the site. "Some protection from wind but not much shade," a user observed.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water and fire rings was a noted drawback. "Quite sandy in parts," mentioned one user in frustration.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing adequate water and supplies due to the lack of on-site amenities. Poison oak is prevalent, and hikers should stay on designated trails.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summertime offers moderate temperatures, but poison oak and minimal shade could affect comfort. Cooler coastal weather makes layers essential year-round.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean camp area with a porta potty on site. Some protection from wind but not much shade." "Quite sandy in parts. I had to walk my bike for a small part of it."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsites are walk-in only and require a hike of up to half a mile. Users did not identify specific sites within the Environmental Campground.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility features are discussed, and the hike to the campground may not be suitable for individuals with mobility constraints.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed in the Environmental Campground, as stated in authoritative sources.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025