1. Lopez Lake

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Arroyo Grande, CA

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Lopez Lake

3.7 (136 reviews)

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Alex K.

From what we could see it was beautiful. Didn't know or heard about this place at all. Until someone had mentioned it while we were in arroyo grande. You could go to it from the main road which takes you through the country side. Also wineries along the way which we found out. Along the whole stretch of the drive, there is no parking along the highway. Sucks that you can't get out for a picture of the lake. We finally made it to the entrance which there's a fee to get in. We literally just wanted to see the lake and get a pic. Give or take, 5 minutes or so. Spoke with the entrance guards, it was 12.00 per vehicle and as we had our dog with us, that would be another fee for pets. Instead, we just opted out to leave. Honestly, kind of sucks that you can't check it out without having to pay to get in. Not only that, they do offer camping which the camp site wasn't that far. Hiking trails as well as a boat ramp. The parking area when you enter is where the check in and customer service are. I believe there's a public restroom as well. We ended just getting out and stopping right at the gate to take a quick picture of the lake. From what we could see, there was people fishing right along the base. Curious to know if you could just leave your car at the lot and walk down to the water which was a like couple min walk when we left. Or maybe even that, you still have to pay a fee. Regardless, it was somewhat beautiful from what we could see off the road. Along the whole drive in till the entrance, no stopping or parking along the road.

Nadia S.

Gorgeous campsite. We came here with the Boy Scouts. About 10 families. We stayed in 7-19 Mustang. Gorgrous!! A nice tree for the kids to climb. Flat ground for the tents, good fishing off a dock. Room for the kids to ride bikes, play baseball. Weather was amazing, we came in November. Would highly recommend. Close enough to the city. However, still quiet. Bathrooms were very clean and close. No showers. Overall very fun time.

Bryan A.

So fun. Just as I remember it! Went for a weekend and had a good time. Relaxing and peaceful as always! Lake was full! So beautiful.

Boat dock. You can sit outside and enjoy a beer from the bar.
Eric G.

Had a wonderful time at Lopez Lake. It's been 8 years since my last visit and this time, what a difference a full lake can make. Perfect weather in the in 90s, surrounded by amazing wild life and of course family fun. From morning walks, to the witnessing the zip lining to bumming it at the lake, nothing could beat a great week away from work. This was a 2 1/2 trip for me and I would come back dinner than later. Only negative thing I would say, would be the restrooms. Besides a well needed update, a thorough cleaning and removal of spiders and webs is needed. Not. Deal breaker since I have a trailer but for those who dry camp, I'm sure a clean restroom(s) is what is expected. Overall, I had a wonderful time at Lopez Lake and recommend this to anyone who wants a family get away. Photos are available to view.

Family fun at the lake
Blanca F.

The most amazing, beautiful camp sight !! So perfect ! Staff is so nice ! Area is super clean ! Lake is full With so much to do ! Such an amazing experience with family !!! Until Next year

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Mark B.

Depending on what you're looking for this could be a great spot. It's car camping in any area I've seen with areas for RVs and "primitive" sites. I've never been to the primitive areas. Being car camping you drive a paved road to an assigned spot. Spots have at least electrical outdoor plugs and nearby water for cleaning dishes and such. There are also bathrooms within a couple hundred of feet of most sites. Showers are located only in a few areas so prepare to feel less than squeaky clean. Right now there are no fire pits due to drought /fire hazard. It is a bit inland so it can get a little warm during day but generally cools off at night. Staff is pleasant but we brought no issues for them. It's not the African plain or San Diego Wild Animal Park but you will have close encounters with birds, buzzards, turkeys, chipmunks and foxes/ coyotes so be aware but it was no drama for me. Deer may walk near your site in the morning! You can find spots with nice views and/or shade. I was last here about 10 years ago and used the in park store/bar which was pleasant enough. They have a water park my kids once enjoyed. I heard it is still good but can be very crowded summer weekends.

Hello, Mr. Bear!
Mark Y.

Lopez Lake was really nice. Since the waterpark was closed I set up behind it and had the entire back of the campground to myself except for deer, turkey, squirrels, a raccoon, and a bear. The bear liked to hang out in a culvert nearby, but as long as I knew where he was it was fine. NEVER startle a bear! The store is nicely stocked and the restaurant/bar isn't bad. They charge $5 to connect to the internet, but I had great cell service in the park. Roads were in pretty good shape overall. Restrooms were clean and offered free (cold) showers. The website has pretty good descriptions of each campsite. I think I picked the best spot possible (Mustang 12) for my hammock. The only negative I could see? Many of the firepits had missing or broken grates so I wouldn't plan on cooking over a fire until I check it out first. Overall? Very nice. Thumbs up!

Marcus F.

Fun recreation lake that's not too far from Arroyo Grande. We visit the Central Coast often and we were looking for a new place to explore. I saw this lake on Google Maps and decided to make a day trip out of it. We rented a pontoon and gave ourselves a tour of the lake. If you're planning on spending several hours at Lopez Lake a pontoon rental is the best way to explore, swim and have a picnic lunch all in the same afternoon. Simply find a cove, drop anchor, put on some sunscreen and relax... - There's a day use fee here ($10 parking). - High Street Deli in SLO has great sandwiches. Perfect for a picnic at Lopez Lake.

Jill B.

We have been coming here for 15 years and we always camp for about 10 days. We secured what we consider to be a premium site here and were so excited. Unfortunately, on day 4 (a Saturday) part of a tree had come down in our site and we were forced to move our motorhome to a very small site close to the marina. The staff promised to clear up the problem Monday morning, and they did. By 1030 on Monday, we were back at our reserved site. No fires were allowed, as the probability of fire is high this time of year. There was a lot of dry brush and foxtail in every site and all over the common areas. Be cautious of this if you have dogs. June weather is almost always nice, and we were able to fish almost every day of our visit. We had parked our boat trailer at the marina parking lot, as we had reserved a slip. Unfortunately, it seems someone hit our boat trailer and broke a guide pole, which was a bummer. It would have been nice if they'd at least left a note, but this is not particularly shocking. We saw at least 10 deer in our site during night time, which was cool. No bears spotted, although we were told they were out. Trash pandas everywhere! We visited the Mustang water park (good for little kids), which was enjoyed by all. The number of children screaming at the playground until 10pm (easily tolerated by us as we knew what we were getting into when we picked the site that we did) and the people walking their dogs and infringing on our spot were the only real downfalls, and not the fault of SLO County parks. One guy- pretty sure he was highly intoxicated- walked between my motor home and our very set up kid tents and picnic tables (honestly, in the absolute middle of our site) in an attempt to get to the parking lot below. Some folks are just clueless. He hurried to the path after being corrected by my 3 large, leashed dogs. There were also many nice, respectful campers, which makes up for the few who weren't great. In any event, another successful summer of lopez camping. We love this place and hope our kids will take their kids here when they're grown.

Nice cold ones with the best views
Adriana P.

I really enjoyed this campground, we got lucky enough to find a spot without reserving months before staff were so friendly and welcoming My family and I first time here, and we enjoyed everything about it, lots of trails and so many things todo from boat riding to hanging out in the bar and or swimming out I the lake, and the water park!! We will definitely be back, In Gods willing

Lake is almost full

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2 years ago

It was several years ago and the lake was really low. We still had a great time and would recommend camping at Lopez lake.

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Ask the Community - Lopez Lake

What is best area for motorhome hookups?

There is an area close to the marina.

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Review Highlights - Lopez Lake

“however i would chose the mustang campsite as it's right next to the water park as well as the beach/lagoon.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Lopez Lake - boating - Updated October 2026

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