El Chorro Regional Park
Rate this placeNearby: Throop Park Anholm Park
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
El Chorro Regional Park is a beautiful and peaceful park located in San Luis Obispo County, California.
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Summary
It covers an area of 1,300 acres and is known for its natural beauty, hiking, and outdoor recreational activities. The park is situated near a canyon and offers visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
One of the main reasons to visit El Chorro Regional Park is for its hiking trails. The park has several trails that take visitors through rolling hills and offer scenic views of the surrounding area. The trails vary in difficulty, so hikers of all skill levels can enjoy them.
Other points of interest in the park include the botanical garden, which features a variety of plant species native to the area. The park also has a disc golf course, a children's playground, and picnic areas. There is also a campground for those who wish to spend the night.
Interesting facts about the park include its history as a cattle ranch and its importance as a natural habitat for several species of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and coyotes. The park is also home to several species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The best time of year to visit El Chorro Regional Park is in the spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be rainy, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Overall, El Chorro Regional Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor recreation. With its hiking trails, botanical garden, and other points of interest, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp San Luis Obispo RV Military
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El Chorro Regional Park
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TV tower road
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Morro Bay State Park
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Cerro Alto Campground
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Cerro Alto
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Throop Park
Anholm Park
Let It Be Park
Priolo-Martin Park - Laguna Lake
Santa Rosa Park