Montana de Oro State Park
Yesterday, after we picked Annie up at Petco, we set out for Montana de Oro State Park. The park is west of San Luis Obispo near the town of Los Osos. We'd been here on one other visit to Pismo, so we decided to come back and bring our picnic lunch.
Los Osos is probably about 10 miles or so (west) from San Luis. Montana de Oro is another 4 miles west of Los Osos right on the coast. The name Montana de Oro means "Mountain of Gold" in Spanish. The name comes from the fact that in late spring golden wildflowers grow throughout the area.
As you begin the drive onto the park's 8,000 acres, you can look across the bay to see the town of Morro Bay, and Morro Rock. There is no charge to enter this state park or to use the day-use areas and trails.
We made our first stop at this picnic area....we were hungry!
This park is mainly used by hikers, mountain bike riders, horseback riders, picnic people, and swimmers (if you can stand the cold water). Here are several photos taken at various points throughout Montana de Oro. (click on photos for larger view)
There is one open campground here-- Islay Creek Campground. You can bring small RV's in (30 foot or less probably) but there are no facilities. Pit toilets and water faucets. There was one camp host in place, 1 motorhome camping and a few sites taken up with tenters.
Spooner's Cove is a swimming beach...but very rocky and not suitable for much swimming, in my opinion.
If you're just looking for a place to do some easy hiking or to enjoy some time sunbathing, this may be a place you'd like to check out sometime. It is a quiet haven from the hustle and bustle of city life, not that Los Osos or San Luis have much hustle and bustle!
Just thought you might like to take a peak at a little known state park here in central California.
Until next time.....so long for now!
Oh thanks for the little tour through the park. So rigs under 30ft only? Bummer, I like to mark pretty places like this with the link back to a blog or photo, on our Streets and Trips so if we are in the area we can check it out. I think we are too big at just about 40 ft. ?
ReplyDeleteKaren and Steve
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
Margie, good for you for poking around! Looks like Montana de Oro is designed for younger families, with the smaller sites. Of course, some of us old-timers have smaller rigs also, and can boondock for a day or three in a smaller site like that. Us folks with the longer rigs have lots of places to go that are just as nice, but many of them are in a different part of the country! The Corps of Engineers parks are a good example, but try to find one where you want to be at the time!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great eye! Thanks for the pics. All the Best, M&C
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