Description

California, Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

Directions

Driving North or South on Highway 101, take the Highway 58 exit into Santa Margarita. Follow through town and look for Highway 58 signs. At the end of town you will turn right onto Highway 58. This is also referred to as Santa Margarita Lake Road/Pozo Road. Follow this road for approximately 7 miles to Santa Margarita Lake Road. turn left onto Highway 58. Continue until you get to Santa Margarita Lake Road. Turn left (the Rinconada Store will be on your right). The entrance to Santa Margarita Lake is at the end of this road.

Please see the Campbase map tab for the exact location.

Comment

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area has 60 primitive campsites in four(4) different camping areas.  No RV hookups are available in any of these campgrounds.  The RV dump station was out of service during our visit.  One campground, Heron is a group campground.  Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.  The drive-in campgrounds in the park are: Coyote, Roadrunner, Grey Pine, Osprey and Heron campgrounds.  The Sapwi and Khus campgrounds are primitive boat-in sites that can be reserved by individuals or groups (up to five sites maximum).  There are coin-operated shower facilities available however, most campgrounds have portable toilets.  The parks pool is seasional and closed in the winter.  The park has a launch ramp and marina.  The marina has fuel that may only be available during the summer months.  Most camp spots have shade and are well sized.  RV's up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some camp spots.  There is no cell service, air TV, or WiFi available in the park due to its remoteness.  Click here for campground reservations.  Group sites and group horse sites are available.  Firewood and ice can be purchased at the marina.  Pets are allowed in the park.  The park does have ticks so, avoid grassy areas and use a repellant.  Poison Oak can also be found in the park.

Note:  A KOA campground is located at the entrance to the recreation area and has full hookup RV sites available.  Click here for the link.  The KOA has an available dump station.

Local Recreation:

Boating is popular on this very large lake.  

Fishing.

The Horsebacking trails and hiking trails are extensive in the park.