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PG&E recreational areas

Visit California hiking trails, including Point Bouchon Trail and Pecho Coast Trail, campgrounds, and day-use areas

Campgrounds and Day-use areas

Make a camping reservation

Recreational areas

From the Pit River country in the Cascade Range to the coast of San Luis Obispo County, our recreational facilities are ready for you to enjoy.

Locations such as Lake Almanor, Lake Spaulding, and Lake Britton, are engineered to create clean energy through our hydroelectric system. Our sites feature campground and picnic facilities located throughout the Sierra Nevada available for reservation. Most of the lakes also offer fishing, swimming, and boating.

PG&E is proud to be the steward of over 12,000 acres located between Avila Beach and Montaña De Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo County. The land surrounds our power plant, Diablo Canyon. Through our Land Stewardship Program, PG&E preserves two hiking trails (Pecho Coast Trail and Point Buchon Trail) for visitors to see remarkable vistas of California's central coast in its rugged, natural state

Learn about our hydroelectric system

Learn about hydropower and water safety

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Reservations for the recreation season can be made beginning in the spring of each year.

 

Some of our campgrounds are first come, first serve only. These campgrounds do not accommodate reservations. To learn more about reservations, facility opening and closing dates, frequently asked questions, and other information related to our recreational facilities please Visit PG&E Reservations and Information.

 

important notice Note: Reservations that are made within the first week of the reservation system opening date for the season each spring can't be modified. Cancellation will result in forfeiture of 100% of the associated fees.

Due to wildfire damage, the following facilities will be closed indefinitely:

  • Camp Conery Group Campground
  • Last Chance Creek Campground
  • Last Chance Creek Group Campground 

For seasonal or intermittent closures please check PG&E Reservations and Information

 

  • Kilarc Reservoir 
    Due to damage sustained during the winter and spring storms, the Kilarc Canal is not operable. After extensive repairs were not successful Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has made the decision to suspend operations at Kilarc Powerhouse. Kilarc Powerhouse is fed by the Kilarc Canal and Kilarc Reservoir. Due to the suspended operations of Kilarc Powerhouse, the reservoir has been drained and the recreation area will remain closed until further notice.
  • Grace Lake 
    The Grace Lake levee has experienced some seepage which has caused PG&E the need to draw down the reservoir so a full assessment can be made. The reservoir will remain partly drained until further notice. The lake and recreation area will remain open to the public.
  • Camping season 
    Most of our campgrounds are at higher elevations and therefore are not open year-round. Typically, they open in the spring soon after snow melts and they generally close in the fall when temperatures drop and camper use decreases. The actual opening and closing dates for each campground is dependent on the elevation and weather so our estimated dates are subject to change.
  • Reservation season 
    Some of our campgrounds offer reservations in addition to first-come first-served camping. At these campgrounds, since weather and snow melt are so unpredictable, our reservation season is shorter than our camping season. For example, at a particular campground, we may plan to open the gates to first come first serve campers on May 1 but we may not begin our reservation season at that campground until May 20. We're trying to minimize the chances that we'll have to cancel a reservation you made due to weather conditions or snow melt. Where possible, our typical reservation season starts the Monday before Memorial weekend and closes a week after Labor Day weekend.

important notice Note: California continues to experience extremely dry conditions which are affecting our lakes, reservoirs, and facilities throughout the state. Please be aware that this will likely impact the use of open flames and fire at PG&E recreation facilities. View our current restrictions.

 

    Choose a recreational facility that's close to home or plan a longer trip. Our facilities are located all across the state and range from sea-level elevations to 8,200 feet. Whether you drive, boat or hike in, the natural beauty is yours to enjoy.

    Reserve a campsite

    To make reservations or find more information on our campgrounds and day-use facilities visit PG&E Reservation.
     

    • Reservations require a 2-night minimum.
    • Except for group campgrounds, all campgrounds have sites designated for first come, first serve use.
    • Please read all notices, rules & regulations before completing a reservation.
    • For questions contact the Recreation Help Desk via email at recinfo@pge.com.

     

    Pecho Coast Trail

    Make a hiking reservation

    Learn about hiking on the Pecho Coast Trail

    pecho coast trail logo

    The Pecho Coast Trail is located on the southern end of the PG&E Diablo Canyon Lands and is accessed through Avila Beach. Choose from two free guided hikes, the 3.75-mile roundtrip Pecho Coast Trail hike to Point San Luis and the 8-mile roundtrip hike to Rattlesnake Canyon.


    This scenic coastal trail is a joint partnership between PG&E and the California Coastal Commission.

    The Pecho Coast Trail has been open for guided hikes since 1993 and is known for its panoramic views of Avila Beach. Hikers are treated to stunning landscapes while learning interesting facts from docent naturalists. Topics include the local history of the Avila Beach area and information on the Northern Chumash tribe who once inhabited the area.

    The trail is home to many native plants, animals, and interesting geological formations. Wildflowers are prevalent along the trail during the spring months and California gray whales can be seen spouting offshore.

    Reserve your spot

    This free docent-led hike requires a reservation.

    Register now

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    The trail is open year-round, except on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
     

    • Point San Luis hike: Wednesdays and Saturdays
    • Rattlesnake Canyon hike: First Monday of the Month

    To preserve and maintain its unique resources, the trail is limited to 20 hikers on Mondays, 20 hikers on Wednesdays and 40 hikers on Saturdays.

    • All hikes start at 8:45 a.m. at the Fisherman's Memorial in Port San Luis Harbor.
    • Same day sign ups may be allowed as space allows.

    Getting there

    • Trailhead address:
      Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
    • Trailhead coordinates:
      35.174146, -120.756013
      (35° 10′ 26.92″N 120° 45′ 21.64″W)

    For more information

    Call: 805-528-8758
    Email: DiabloCanyonTrails@pge.com

    Hikers meet the docents at the trailhead, sign in and check the box verifying they have viewed the waiver. By checking the waiver box, hikers acknowledge and assume all risks and waive any claims. View complete rules and regulations in advance.

     

    Download the Pecho Trail rules and regulations (PDF)

    Download the waiver (PDF)

    The Pecho Coast Trail has a diverse terrain and can pose risks to hikers, including changing weather conditions, heat exposure, and elevation change. The trail runs along steep cliffs and coastal bluffs with narrow dirt trails, steep grades (up to 45 percent), crumbling earth, and possibilities of other strenuous hiking conditions.

     

    Pecho Coast Trail is located on a rare, undeveloped area of coastline with poison oak, thistles, and other vegetation that can cause discomfort. There can be wildlife in the vicinity of the trail, as well as rattlesnakes and ticks.

     

    pecho coast map

    Join our team of talented docent volunteers by completing our at-home training course, along with in-field training with our knowledgeable docents. It's a great way to learn more about the local history and natural beauty of the area, all while hiking in one of the most beautiful spots on the Central Coast!

     

    Contact us to learn more and get a copy of the docent manual.

    Call: 805-528-8758

    Email: DiabloCanyonTrails@pge.com

    Dip into the past of Pecho Coast Trail

     

    This pristine area is situated west of the Irish Hills on California's Central Coast.

     

    The Pecho Coast Trail has been open for free docent-guided hikes since 1993. Before that time, the secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, and broad coastal terraces of the Pecho Coast had been privately owned and had once been known as Rancho San Miguelito.

     

    The wooded canyons, fertile headlands, lush shoreline, and tide pools have provided human sustenance for at least 10,000 years. When the Spanish began exploring and settling along the Central Coast, Northern Chumash people inhabited the area. Their rich and varied culture was significantly impacted by the establishment of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772. The Mexican Period (1822 – 1846) marked the first subdivision of lands along the Pecho Coast, which were split among very large land grants. PG&E works with Northern Chumash descendants to ensure responsible management of the coastline's rich cultural resources.

     

    The development of Port San Luis and its important shipping industry coincided with the increasing settlement of the area during the nineteenth century.

    The trail passes through rolling green pastures on the way to Rattlesnake Canyon.
    Hikers walking downhill on a trail
    A hiking trail and a bench overlooking a body of water
    Docents share information on the area's history and the natural environment.

    Point Buchon Trail

    Explore the pristine Point Buchon Trail

    point buchon trail logo

    Point Buchon Trail offers some of the most scenic views of the Central Coast coastline, perfectly preserved and protected. The trail is a 6.6-mile roundtrip hike located on the northern end of PG&E property and is accessed through Montaña de Oro State Park. This scenic coastal trail has been open to the public since 2007 and is known for its panoramic views of beautiful headlands and off-shore sea stacks.

     

    PG&E follows predator-friendly ranch practices so that hikers may observe bobcats, coyotes, badgers and other wildlife. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and numerous hawk and passerine species are often observed flying above the coastal bluffs. In addition, the nearshore marine habitats and pristine tidepools support a wide variety of marine wildlife visible from the trail. Brown pelicans, black oystercatchers, southern sea otters, and migrating grey whales are common sights.

     

    Wildflowers flourish in the springtime, a benefit of PG&E's rotational grazing practices.

    Visit Point Buchon at your leisure

    The trail is open Thursday through Monday, year-round.

    Please call ahead to the trailhead at 1-805-528-8758 to get the current trail status.

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    The trail is open Thursday through Monday, year-round.

    It's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

    • Summer hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.*
      (April 1 to October 31)
    • Winter hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.*
      (November 1 to March 31)

    *Hikers must sign out at the check-in station 15 minutes before closing.

    • To preserve and maintain its unique resources, the Point Buchon trail is limited to 275 hikers a day.
    • This limit is frequently reached during wildflower season (late February to mid-May).

    Getting there

    • Trailhead address:
      Pecho Valley Road, Montaña de Oro State Park, Los Osos, CA 93402
    • Trailhead coordinates:
      35.257964, -120.887483
      (35° 15′ 28.67″N 120° 53′ 14.93″W)
    • Parking:
      Park in Montaña de Oro State Park's Coon Creek parking lot, then proceed to the trail attendant station to check-in.

    For more information

    Call: 805-528-8758

    Email: DiabloCanyonTrails@pge.com

    Hikers must stop at the trailhead check-in station to sign their name and check the box verifying they have viewed the waiver. By checking the waiver box, hikers acknowledge and assume all risks and waive any claims. View complete rules and regulations in advance.

     

    Download the Point Buchon Trail rules and regulations (PDF)

    Download the waiver (PDF)

    The Point Buchon Trail has a diverse terrain and can pose some risks to hikers, including changing weather conditions, heat exposure, and a 300-foot elevation change.

     

    The trail includes areas along steep cliffs and coastal bluffs, with narrow dirt trails, steep grades (up to 21% grade), crumbling earth, and other possibly strenuous hiking conditions. It travels along an undeveloped area of coastline with thistles and other vegetation that can cause discomfort.

     

    There can be agricultural operations including cattle and electric fences present. Native wildlife can be seen in the vicinity of the trail, as well as rattlesnakes and ticks.

    point buchon map

    Dip into the past of Point Buchon Trail

     

    Once known as Rancho Cañada de Los Osos y Pecho y Islay, this pristine area is situated just south of Coon Creek (Montaña de Oro State Park) and west of the Irish Hills on California's Central Coast. The scenic coastal trail has been open to the public since 2007.

     

    The area around the Point Buchon Trail was occupied by Native Americans for over 10,000 years. The magnificent headland known as Point Buchon is named in honor of a prominent Northern Chumash leader so-named Buchon by the Spanish in 1769.

     

    The land has been put to agricultural use since its days as a Mexican rancho. Crops were primarily grown on the coastal terrace, while livestock grazed in the hills further inland. During the 1920s and 1930s, much of the coastal terrace was leased to Japanese-American farmers. They continued to farm the land until 1942, when they were involuntarily relocated to internment camps established during World War II. Descendants of former tenant-farmers still visit the Point Buchon area and their story is memorialized on a trailside interpretive sign at Windy Point.

     

    In 1942, Oliver C. Field acquired the Spooner Ranch. It included the lands that now comprise Montaña de Oro State Park, south to the present-day boundaries of Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Eventually, Field gave up farming because of difficulties in tapping enough water to irrigate his crops. While this coastal terrace is no longer farmed, rotational cattle grazing is currently practiced.

     

    In 1976, Walt Disney filmed a portion of Pete's Dragon (1977) on a headland south of Point Buchon. A lighthouse was built for filming and equipped with such a large beacon that Disney had to get special permission from the Coast Guard to operate it. Although the lighthouse was dismantled, hikers on the Point Buchon Trail can see the filming location at the aptly named "Disney Point."

    A spring show of Goldfields (Lasthenia californica) and California poppies (Eschscholzia californica)..
    Windy Point offers a view of The Diablo Canyon Power Plant in the distance.
    Stonehenge is one of the most popular rock outcroppings visible from Point Buchon Trail.
    In the 1920s and 1930s, Japanese sharecroppers and their families lived at Point Buchon.

    Frequently asked questions

    Make planning your next trip easy. Learn about locations, what's available at each site, fees, camping, and more.

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    Our online tool lets you search for recreational facilities by type, dates availability, location and amenities, and lifestyle options. When you find an ideal location, you can also reserve camping spaces.

    Visit PG&E Recreation

    Pets are allowed at day use areas and at campgrounds for a small fee. Pets must have a current rabies vaccination and be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pets. Pets are not allowed on Pecho Coast and Point Buchon Trails.

    You can create a user account to track your reservations, reserve and pay for campsite reservations by using our online tool.

    Visit PG&E Recreation

    Some of our campgrounds offer reservations in addition to first-come, first-serve camping. You can check the availability for these campsites with our online tool. 

     

    Campground hosts do not accept credit cards for the campsites. Please pay camping fees by cash or check.

    Visit PG&E Recreation

    Most developed campgrounds provide the following amenities:

    • Tent space
    • Tables and benches
    • Fire rings 
    • Garbage cans
    • Water
    • Vault toilets
    • Parking spurs, which generally fit 20 to 34 foot trailers 

    important notice Note: Recreational vehicle (RV) hook-ups are not available at any of our campgrounds.

     

    Remote campground locations offer only some of the amenities. Visit PG&E Recreation to check available amenities at each campground. 

    Most campgrounds require a fee, and all of our locations have an occupancy limit of 14 days. Check a specific campground for restrictions.

    Some facilities have on-site staff available during the open season to answer questions. Visit PG&E Recreation for more information. 

     

    For off-season questions, email our Recreation Desk staff or call 916-386-5164.

    Help us protect the natural beauty of these areas by following some important actions:

    • Preserve Native American culture and leave archeological sites untouched. These sites are protected by law and disturbing a site or collecting artifacts is strictly prohibited.
    • Drive on established roads and park in established parking areas. Driving on lake beds and off-road is strictly prohibited.
    • Prevent forest fires and protect resources by building campfires only in designated fire rings.

    Check for mussels

    Quagga and zebra mussels from the Eastern U.S. are devastating for our lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. If you've visited infested waters, check your boat and equipment for the mussels.

     

    We appreciate your vigilance and support to keep California's waters free of invasive mussels.

    More about recreational areas

    Check the weather

    Be prepared for changeable conditions.
    Weather in Avila Beach
    Weather in Los Osos

    Visit local websites

    Charming towns, historic sites. Find what these unique areas have to offer.
    Avila Beach
    Montana de Oro Park
    Point San Luis Lighthouse