Montana de Oro Overnight Camping
Oct 16 - Oct 17, 2026
$70
Escape for a weekend of camping at Montaña de Oro State Park! We’ll spend the weekend exploring the park, relaxing on the beach, hiking scenic cliffs and peaks, and checking out local tide pools. Don’t miss this classic Central Coast getaway!
Skill Level: Mild, Moderate
Activity Level: Beginner
Trip Highlights
- Exploring the state park
- Tide pooling
- Camping at Islay Creek Campground
Details
Head out late Friday afternoon to Montana de Oro (MDO)’s Islay Creek Campground, watch the sunset on the beach, set up camp and grub. Enjoy a campfire amongst new friends before heading to bed. Hike to Valencia Peak in the morning and relax on the beach and tidepool in the afternoon. Head back to campus in the early evening. Participants can expect to be back on campus by 5:00pm on Saturday.
Mileage: 4.2 miles
Elevation: 1,276ft. Gain, 1,276ft. Loss
What's Included
- Tents
- Group gear including: cooking equipment, food storage, first aid kits, sunscreen, camp tools.
- Water
- Picnic benches
- Basic instruction
- Transportation to and from campus
- Meals: dinner on Friday, breakfast on Saturday, lunch on Saturday, and snacks throughout the trip.
What to Bring
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Duffel bag or large backpack
- Day bag for hiking
- Headlamp
- Bowl, mug, utensils
- 2 hard-sided water bottles
- Toiletries and personal medications
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
- Warm layers
- Rain jacket
- Hat and sunglasses
- Personal snacks
- Any additional craft supplies that you want to use
If you don’t have all the listed equipment, please reach out to us at asipolyescapes@calpoly.edu to inquire about rentals or borrowing equipment.
An extensive gear list will be provided at the mandatory pre-trip meeting. Trip leaders will contact participants in advance with more information.
The Poly Escapes Rental Center at the Cal Poly Recreation Center has the gear you need for your next adventure! Explore our selection online, then visit the Rental Center to equip your trip.
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