Lake San Antonio
Lake San Antonio draws boaters, water skiers, campers, and anglers. The 17-mile lake offers hundreds of campsites, miles of horseback riding and mountain biking trails, and a dazzling array of springtime wildflowers. Bald eagles nest in the area while deer and other wildlife roam the surrounding hills.
Located 25 miles inland on California's central coast area, Lake San Antonio is only 30 miles from Paso Robles and 7 miles from Lake Nacimiento.
Entrance Fees
Vehicle (maximum of 8 people): $15 ($5 October-March)
Boating (motorized): $15 per day per vessel
Boating (non-motorized): $5 per day per vessel
Boating
Lake San Antonio offers all kinds of boating from houseboats to sailing, from jet skis to water skiing. The long narrow configuration of the lake along with few inlets makes San Antonio less attractive to pleasure boaters as some other nearby lakes. Several launch ramps around the lake make it easy to get on the water.
Marinas
Lake San Antonio has one marina with limited boat rentals. The marina provides a variety of services including fuel, towing, minor repairs, and boat storage. A cafe and store are located near the marina. Friendly people there are ready to help you and answer questions.
Fishing
Anglers at Lake San Antonio is great for striped bass. Some trophy stripers have been pulled from the lake. An abundance of structures provides plenty of good habitat for smallmouth and largemouth bass. The usual bluegills, catfish, and sunfish are also found here.
Campgrounds
Lake San Antonio has hundreds of campsites. Many are located in three well organized campgrounds on the South Shore, while others are found along the shoreline on the northeast side of the lake. Most are first come, first served, but a few may be reserved. A good number of sites have RV hook-ups. Showers and restrooms are found in all the campgrounds. Group campsites are also available. Outside the lake area, few campsites can be found in the vicinity except at several RV Parks.
Lodging
Lake San Antonio has a few cabins for rent. They offer basic necessities. Outside the lake lodging is very limited. You have to head south to Paso Robles or even San Luis Obispo to find a good selection of hotels and motels.
Scenery
In the springtime the hills around Lake San Antonio come alive with wildflowers. By early summer the hills dry to a golden color. Oak trees are scattered about the slopes. Only a few inlets offer variety to the long, narrow shape of the lake.
Nearby Communities
Lake San Antonio is about 30 miles northwest of Paso Robles. Almost any service or supply needed can be found there. Fifty-five miles south of the lake is San Luis Obispo and beyond that the coastal towns of Pismo Beach and Grover City.
Nearby Beaches
Within easy driving distance of Lake San Antonio are all the great beaches along the San Luis Obispo Coast:
Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Oceano State SVRA, Avila Beach, Cayucos Beach, Moonstone Beach, San Simeon Beach,
and many more. Find them all at California's Best Beaches
