First come, first served campites and reservable campsites.
About
The rolling green hills of Central California along the coast. The dramatic beauty of Big Sur. The mountains surrounding the artsy town of Ojai. All this gorgeousness is called Los Padres.
This national forest is split into two parts—North and South. Pick up an Adventure Pass to have access to dozens of well-maintained campgrounds. You don't need a permit to hike into the wilderness areas, which are first-come, first-served, but you will need a campfire permit for those s'mores.
You can drive into huge sections of this 1.75-million(!) acre forest, making it an ideal choice for a day trip if you're vacationing in
The rolling green hills of Central California along the coast. The dramatic beauty of Big Sur. The mountains surrounding the artsy town of Ojai. All this gorgeousness is called Los Padres.
This national forest is split into two parts—North and South. Pick up an Adventure Pass to have access to dozens of well-maintained campgrounds. You don't need a permit to hike into the wilderness areas, which are first-come, first-served, but you will need a campfire permit for those s'mores.
You can drive into huge sections of this 1.75-million(!) acre forest, making it an ideal choice for a day trip if you're vacationing in Santa Barbara or Solvang. Keep your eyes on the road through the hairpin turns up Mount Figueroa or heading into Big Sur.
You'll enjoy stunning views from many spots in the forest. Don't miss the fields of bright orange California poppies exploding in the spring.
The aptly named Colson Canyon Camp is located in the scenic Colson Canyon just outside of Santa Maria. This small and quaint camp is first-come, first-served and offers a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding nature. Mountain biking, hiking, campfires, and oceans of stars await!
A stay here has the word ‘adventure’ written all over it… no, really. You’ll need an Adventure Pass in order to stay here. Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees and even has the Manzana River trickling through it. Practice the sport of river lounging, spend your time hiking the surrounding trails, and casting an angler or two. A Read more...
Miranda Pine is looking very fine. Take in the sweeping ridge top vistas of the Cuyama Valley—from up here you’re close enough to Santa Maria but far enough away to feel like you’re back in the wilderness. Make sure to pack in your own water and pack out your trash!
Springtime at Figueroa Mountain is where it's at! Dust off those flower identification books because these hillsides are known for being jam packed with wildflowers. Birds come from all over during their migration to stop at this beautiful spot, and so do the people—being in such close proximity to various trailheads, this campground can be used a Read more...
Time to watch them California Condors soar at the high elevation Pine Mountain Campground. These remote and spacious sites will offer peace and solitude (and if no one is camping with you, a chance to get in touch with your wild side). If you need some inspiration, there are trails nearby that are great for wildflower and wildlife viewing.
Close to Santa Barbara, Reyes Peak Campground is a high mountain escape that offers sweeping views of the Cuyama Badlands and even the Channel Islands! Once you settle into the quaint camp, in a grove of pines and fir, you can head out on the Chorro Grande Trail, Raspberry Spring Trail, or the Reyes Peak Trail. After all that hiking, you’ll be loo Read more...
Reyes Creek Campground might just be the campground of your dreams. Sites along the creek, ample hiking, the perfect hammock spots, dipping holes, and a trout-stocked stream make this place a real monster of a spot. The campground also features nice views of Pine Mountain and is right down the street from a bar and grill (woo-hee!).
Bates Canyon Campground is car camping at its best. Campsites are nestled in a grove of large oaks and sycamores with fire rings and grills. Get the fire roaring, open up the cooler, and put your culinary skills to the test. By the end of the meal you’ll be wanting s’mores!
An extremely vast terrain with all types of climates, it’s hard to know just what to expect from Los Padres National Forest. A little research before hand on the National Forest Website or a quick call to the ranger’s station at (805) 968-6640 can save a lot of headache and confusion. So too will you be saved from unwanted surprise by checking out Read more...
Be still my beating heart! Just 18 short miles outside of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean lies Paradise Campground. Nestled softly in an oak tree laden forest this hidden gem provides campers with convenient access to a variety of gnarly trails, and a quick jump off point to the Santa Ynez River. The campsites themselves are wide-open and offe Read more...
The Pacific isn’t the only aquatic attraction in the Santa Barbara area. Mere steps from the Santa Ynez River, Sage Hill Campground offers a quiet alternative to coastal camping. Just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, this flat campground affords fishermen prime pickings: carp, bluegill, and catfish make their home in these waters, while the occa Read more...
The Middle Santa Ynez Campground, close to Santa Barbara, is an outdoor enthusiast's delight! Spacious sites are placed under the shade of spreading oaks, are close to the river, and aren't far from the primitive Big Caliente Hot Spring! Swimming holes, hot springs, and Southern California stars—sounds like a winner of a spot!
Got solitude? Head to Brookshire Campground and nestle into a grove of spreading oaks if you crave it. These primitive sites are quaint and mellow. They're close to Pine Canyon and the area's hiking, mountain biking, and hunting opportunities. Good deal, huh?
Outside of Frazier Park, the Dome Springs Campground offers camping for the rugged folks out there, with access to the Chumash Wilderness. Dome Springs is a great camp for off-roaders, hunters, and mountain bikers. OHV trails and target shooting are abundant, as are hiking and stargazing opportunities. Time to put the dust back on your boots, folk Read more...
Close to Santa Barbara, Davy Brown Campground offers some of the best camping in Los Padres National Forest. Campsites are located along a soothing creek that offers waterfalls and swimming holes. What’s more is there are ample trails to hike up Davy Brown Campground. Once you get back from a long hike, crack a cold one and dip your toes in the ic Read more...
Fremont Campground is shady, the good kind of shady--think oak trees as your SPF from the hot summer sun. This cool campground off of California’s western coast is hiking-, biking-, horse-, and even OHV-friendly! And the sites are large to boot, which makes this a great place to bring the kiddos, friends, or just get really comfortable in your sur Read more...
An extremely vast terrain with all types of climates, it’s hard to know just what to expect from Los Padres National Forest. A little research before hand on the National Forest Website or a quick call to the ranger’s station at (805) 968-6640 can save a lot of headache and confusion. So too will you be saved from unwanted surprise by checking out Read more...
Close to Frazier Park, Valle Vista Campground offers spacious and wide open campsites under a pine- and oak-shaded grove. The best thing about these campsites is the epic views of California’s golden rolling hills and mountain ranges!
Set up on the ridge of Brush Mountain, Marian Campground offers a small campground with big views. The roads are steep and narrow, so be sure to go in a high clearance vehicle. Once you’re here, get the fire roaring and watch the sunset over the mountains.
True to the National Forest land’s tagline—‘Land Of Many Uses’—the Los Padres is no exception to this. Wagon Flat Campground is tucked away in the Central California area along with the valley oak trees and wild turkey. The best thing this site has to offer is it’s proximity to hunting, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle opportunities. Just Read more...
South of Lockwood Valley, Pine Springs campground sits in a pinyon-shaded grove. The area offers hiking and off-roading, while the campsites provide scenic views. Time to unwind in the great outdoors!
Aliso Park Campground offers a good camping option for the equestrian loving adventurers. Located south of New Cuyama, these quaint campsites are located under a grove of oak. Nearby activities include hiking and horseback riding on picturesque trails. Deer hunt’n is popular in the fall.
Looking for some stellar mountain views and solitude in Southern California? Head to Middle Lion Campground in the Los Padres National Forest outside of Ojai. The campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by cottonwood trees, and is next to a refreshing waterfall and stream. There is ample hiking nearby, and the foliage is pr Read more...
Time to get your hiking on at Thorn Meadows Campground. Campsites are placed beneath the shade of Jeffrey pine and offer trailheads that lead into the Sespe Wilderness. When you are this far out in the wilds, be sure to bring what you need.
Traverse down dusty roads and get out into the thick of it at Horseshoe Springs Campground. Once you’re this far out you can either enjoy the solitude or whoop it up, depending on the vibe. OHV, hiking, and mountain biking abound!
Time to get buck wild at Buck Springs Campground. OHV enthusiast abound in this area, and you are far enough out in these primitive campsites that you can get the campfire blaz’n and howl like a coyote.
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 Read more...
Baja or bust! Baja Campground in the Los Padres National forest, that is. Here you can hang out in a large oak-shaded camp on the banks of Alder Creek, spend your day swinging in a hammock, or cook up some backcountry burritos by the campfire. Mother Nature provides everything you need, but you should bring the Coronas!
Humming with tranquility, McGill Campground is nestled within the mountainous evergreens of the Los Padres National forest. Treat yourself to a weekend―or, better yet, week―of the area’s valley views and four-mile stretch of scenic trails. Oh, and that “humming” we were referring to in the former sentence was alluding to the McGill Campground’s me Read more...
Yep…this is the one that you’re not supposed to tell anyone about. Perhaps one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets, Wheeler Gorge Campground has plenty of sites adjacent to a picturesque stream and rocky mountains.
It's perfect for tent camping and each site contains a table, BBQ, and fire ring. There is no dump station or portable water Read more...
Close to Frazier Park, Chuchupate Campground is the perfect spot to mellow out and leave the rat race behind. Ditch the phone and computer—you won’t need them (but do bring the water). Time to embrace the solitude at these spacious campsites.
Come chill out in a grove of Jeffrey pine at Campo Alto Campground. Campsites are spacious, the air smells pine-sweet, and you will enjoy end-of-the-road privacy. If you have a hankering for a hike, head out on the Vincent Tumameit Trailhead and enjoy them scenic mountain vistas. Bring what you’ll need.
If you have a hankering to explore the Los Padres National Forest, outside of Frazier Park, grab your high clearance vehicle and head to Dutchman Campground. In true camping spirit, your rig, gear, and body will be caked in dust, and you’ll be smiling with a beer in hand under a shady grove of Jeffrey Pine. Long live California!
Calling all of Southern California’s hikers, mountain bikers, and mountain-climber-likers. Mt. Pinos Campground is where it’s at! The scenery is spectacular, the campground is sweet (bring water), and Mount Pinos itself is national park-caliber recreation. Time to flee the city!
Los Padres National Forest
From Ojai to Monterey, Los Padres is coastal California beauty at its best.
Sat to Sun: Closed
The rolling green hills of Central California along the coast. The dramatic beauty of Big Sur. The mountains surrounding the artsy town of Ojai. All this gorgeousness is called Los Padres.
This national forest is split into two parts—North and South. Pick up an Adventure Pass to have access to dozens of well-maintained campgrounds. You don't need a permit to hike into the wilderness areas, which are first-come, first-served, but you will need a campfire permit for those s'mores.
You can drive into huge sections of this 1.75-million(!) acre forest, making it an ideal choice for a day trip if you're vacationing in
The rolling green hills of Central California along the coast. The dramatic beauty of Big Sur. The mountains surrounding the artsy town of Ojai. All this gorgeousness is called Los Padres.
This national forest is split into two parts—North and South. Pick up an Adventure Pass to have access to dozens of well-maintained campgrounds. You don't need a permit to hike into the wilderness areas, which are first-come, first-served, but you will need a campfire permit for those s'mores.
You can drive into huge sections of this 1.75-million(!) acre forest, making it an ideal choice for a day trip if you're vacationing in Santa Barbara or Solvang. Keep your eyes on the road through the hairpin turns up Mount Figueroa or heading into Big Sur.
You'll enjoy stunning views from many spots in the forest. Don't miss the fields of bright orange California poppies exploding in the spring.
Activities in the park
62 campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest
The aptly named Colson Canyon Camp is located in the scenic Colson Canyon just outside of Santa Maria. This small and quaint camp is first-come, first-served and offers a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding nature. Mountain biking, hiking, campfires, and oceans of stars await!
A stay here has the word ‘adventure’ written all over it… no, really. You’ll need an Adventure Pass in order to stay here. Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees and even has the Manzana River trickling through it. Practice the sport of river lounging, spend your time hiking the surrounding trails, and casting an angler or two. A Read more...
Miranda Pine is looking very fine. Take in the sweeping ridge top vistas of the Cuyama Valley—from up here you’re close enough to Santa Maria but far enough away to feel like you’re back in the wilderness. Make sure to pack in your own water and pack out your trash!
Springtime at Figueroa Mountain is where it's at! Dust off those flower identification books because these hillsides are known for being jam packed with wildflowers. Birds come from all over during their migration to stop at this beautiful spot, and so do the people—being in such close proximity to various trailheads, this campground can be used a Read more...
Time to watch them California Condors soar at the high elevation Pine Mountain Campground. These remote and spacious sites will offer peace and solitude (and if no one is camping with you, a chance to get in touch with your wild side). If you need some inspiration, there are trails nearby that are great for wildflower and wildlife viewing.
Close to Santa Barbara, Reyes Peak Campground is a high mountain escape that offers sweeping views of the Cuyama Badlands and even the Channel Islands! Once you settle into the quaint camp, in a grove of pines and fir, you can head out on the Chorro Grande Trail, Raspberry Spring Trail, or the Reyes Peak Trail. After all that hiking, you’ll be loo Read more...
Reyes Creek Campground might just be the campground of your dreams. Sites along the creek, ample hiking, the perfect hammock spots, dipping holes, and a trout-stocked stream make this place a real monster of a spot. The campground also features nice views of Pine Mountain and is right down the street from a bar and grill (woo-hee!).
Bates Canyon Campground is car camping at its best. Campsites are nestled in a grove of large oaks and sycamores with fire rings and grills. Get the fire roaring, open up the cooler, and put your culinary skills to the test. By the end of the meal you’ll be wanting s’mores!
An extremely vast terrain with all types of climates, it’s hard to know just what to expect from Los Padres National Forest. A little research before hand on the National Forest Website or a quick call to the ranger’s station at (805) 968-6640 can save a lot of headache and confusion. So too will you be saved from unwanted surprise by checking out Read more...
Be still my beating heart! Just 18 short miles outside of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean lies Paradise Campground. Nestled softly in an oak tree laden forest this hidden gem provides campers with convenient access to a variety of gnarly trails, and a quick jump off point to the Santa Ynez River. The campsites themselves are wide-open and offe Read more...
The Pacific isn’t the only aquatic attraction in the Santa Barbara area. Mere steps from the Santa Ynez River, Sage Hill Campground offers a quiet alternative to coastal camping. Just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, this flat campground affords fishermen prime pickings: carp, bluegill, and catfish make their home in these waters, while the occa Read more...
The Middle Santa Ynez Campground, close to Santa Barbara, is an outdoor enthusiast's delight! Spacious sites are placed under the shade of spreading oaks, are close to the river, and aren't far from the primitive Big Caliente Hot Spring! Swimming holes, hot springs, and Southern California stars—sounds like a winner of a spot!
Got solitude? Head to Brookshire Campground and nestle into a grove of spreading oaks if you crave it. These primitive sites are quaint and mellow. They're close to Pine Canyon and the area's hiking, mountain biking, and hunting opportunities. Good deal, huh?
Outside of Frazier Park, the Dome Springs Campground offers camping for the rugged folks out there, with access to the Chumash Wilderness. Dome Springs is a great camp for off-roaders, hunters, and mountain bikers. OHV trails and target shooting are abundant, as are hiking and stargazing opportunities. Time to put the dust back on your boots, folk Read more...
Close to Santa Barbara, Davy Brown Campground offers some of the best camping in Los Padres National Forest. Campsites are located along a soothing creek that offers waterfalls and swimming holes. What’s more is there are ample trails to hike up Davy Brown Campground. Once you get back from a long hike, crack a cold one and dip your toes in the ic Read more...
Fremont Campground is shady, the good kind of shady--think oak trees as your SPF from the hot summer sun. This cool campground off of California’s western coast is hiking-, biking-, horse-, and even OHV-friendly! And the sites are large to boot, which makes this a great place to bring the kiddos, friends, or just get really comfortable in your sur Read more...
An extremely vast terrain with all types of climates, it’s hard to know just what to expect from Los Padres National Forest. A little research before hand on the National Forest Website or a quick call to the ranger’s station at (805) 968-6640 can save a lot of headache and confusion. So too will you be saved from unwanted surprise by checking out Read more...
Close to Frazier Park, Valle Vista Campground offers spacious and wide open campsites under a pine- and oak-shaded grove. The best thing about these campsites is the epic views of California’s golden rolling hills and mountain ranges!
Set up on the ridge of Brush Mountain, Marian Campground offers a small campground with big views. The roads are steep and narrow, so be sure to go in a high clearance vehicle. Once you’re here, get the fire roaring and watch the sunset over the mountains.
True to the National Forest land’s tagline—‘Land Of Many Uses’—the Los Padres is no exception to this. Wagon Flat Campground is tucked away in the Central California area along with the valley oak trees and wild turkey. The best thing this site has to offer is it’s proximity to hunting, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle opportunities. Just Read more...
South of Lockwood Valley, Pine Springs campground sits in a pinyon-shaded grove. The area offers hiking and off-roading, while the campsites provide scenic views. Time to unwind in the great outdoors!
Aliso Park Campground offers a good camping option for the equestrian loving adventurers. Located south of New Cuyama, these quaint campsites are located under a grove of oak. Nearby activities include hiking and horseback riding on picturesque trails. Deer hunt’n is popular in the fall.
Looking for some stellar mountain views and solitude in Southern California? Head to Middle Lion Campground in the Los Padres National Forest outside of Ojai. The campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by cottonwood trees, and is next to a refreshing waterfall and stream. There is ample hiking nearby, and the foliage is pr Read more...
Time to get your hiking on at Thorn Meadows Campground. Campsites are placed beneath the shade of Jeffrey pine and offer trailheads that lead into the Sespe Wilderness. When you are this far out in the wilds, be sure to bring what you need.
Traverse down dusty roads and get out into the thick of it at Horseshoe Springs Campground. Once you’re this far out you can either enjoy the solitude or whoop it up, depending on the vibe. OHV, hiking, and mountain biking abound!
Time to get buck wild at Buck Springs Campground. OHV enthusiast abound in this area, and you are far enough out in these primitive campsites that you can get the campfire blaz’n and howl like a coyote.
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 Read more...
Baja or bust! Baja Campground in the Los Padres National forest, that is. Here you can hang out in a large oak-shaded camp on the banks of Alder Creek, spend your day swinging in a hammock, or cook up some backcountry burritos by the campfire. Mother Nature provides everything you need, but you should bring the Coronas!
Humming with tranquility, McGill Campground is nestled within the mountainous evergreens of the Los Padres National forest. Treat yourself to a weekend―or, better yet, week―of the area’s valley views and four-mile stretch of scenic trails. Oh, and that “humming” we were referring to in the former sentence was alluding to the McGill Campground’s me Read more...
Yep…this is the one that you’re not supposed to tell anyone about. Perhaps one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets, Wheeler Gorge Campground has plenty of sites adjacent to a picturesque stream and rocky mountains. It's perfect for tent camping and each site contains a table, BBQ, and fire ring. There is no dump station or portable water Read more...
Close to Frazier Park, Chuchupate Campground is the perfect spot to mellow out and leave the rat race behind. Ditch the phone and computer—you won’t need them (but do bring the water). Time to embrace the solitude at these spacious campsites.
Come chill out in a grove of Jeffrey pine at Campo Alto Campground. Campsites are spacious, the air smells pine-sweet, and you will enjoy end-of-the-road privacy. If you have a hankering for a hike, head out on the Vincent Tumameit Trailhead and enjoy them scenic mountain vistas. Bring what you’ll need.
If you have a hankering to explore the Los Padres National Forest, outside of Frazier Park, grab your high clearance vehicle and head to Dutchman Campground. In true camping spirit, your rig, gear, and body will be caked in dust, and you’ll be smiling with a beer in hand under a shady grove of Jeffrey Pine. Long live California!
Calling all of Southern California’s hikers, mountain bikers, and mountain-climber-likers. Mt. Pinos Campground is where it’s at! The scenery is spectacular, the campground is sweet (bring water), and Mount Pinos itself is national park-caliber recreation. Time to flee the city!