Description

Camp out, chill out, and stargaze at the Chula Vista Campground, located in a welcoming grove of Jeffrey pine. Ample hiking and mountain biking are nearby, so bring some water and make some memories.

Mount Pinos is one of the best places to see the night sky in Southern California. The Chula Vista parking is the best spot on the mountain to take in some stars.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
12 sites
Up to guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Picnic table available
No potable water

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recomme...Read more

Fishing

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dolla...Read more

Hiking

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique exp...Read more

Horseback riding

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly f...Read more

Paddling

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountai...Read more

Swimming

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be...Read more

Wildlife watching

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Pad...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Chula Vista Campground.

Beach
Cave
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

9 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Chula Vista Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Dan
Dan O.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 6th, 2017

Awesome campsite, however there are some inaccuracies in the list of activities. There is no body of water anywhere near here. So, no fishing, swimming or paddle sports.

Hipcamper Tori
Tori S.
recommends this listing.
July 12th, 2017

FREE?! yes. free. little known secret just a short trip north on the 5 from la. great short little hike up to the summit from the campground, super nice for sunset

Hipcamper Shalaka
Shalaka G.
recommends this listing.
February 23rd, 2017

Pack in water! Bring books! This place is so so perfect to just STAY at - hiking trails leave right from the campsite and across the parking lot. Also, 1 corner turn away from the lot is a perfect place to watch the sunset

Hipcamper Jason
Jason R.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 20th, 2015

I should add that the parking lot is about a 100 yards from the campsites. It feels isolated, but it isn't.

Hipcamper Jason
Jason R.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 20th, 2015

I've camped here many times with large groups for decades. No reservations, but we've never had an issue finding a place to set up tents. It's a relaxing place with GREAT star gazing. On some weekends with a new moon many astronomers will set up in the parking lot. (We've seen RVs and campers in the parking lot too).

There's one very large camp that's great for groups an multiple smaller camps around the area.

Plenty of trails for mountain biking or hiking. In the winter there's plenty of x-country skiiing.

No fees, but make sure you have your Nat'l Forest Adv Pass!

Hipcamper Raffa G.
recommends this listing.
October 31st, 2017
Hipcamper Kaylee C.
recommends this listing.
July 18th, 2017
Hipcamper Dan O.
recommends this listing.
April 8th, 2017
Hipcamper Sean Q.
recommends this listing.
January 13th, 2017
Park
Los Padres National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(805) 968-6640
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
34.814° N, 119.124° W
Unknown price
Tent / Van: 12 Sites
(Up to people per site)