99% (474) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Sherwood
Gem of the Bend (Horses welcome)
1. Gem of the Bend (Horses welcome)
100%
(16)
44mi from Lake Sherwood · 1 site · RV
The Chumash called the peak of Mount Piños the center of the universe, or center of the world depending on the translation. This campground is at the southeast base of this mountain. The San Andreas fault is just about 8 miles away, and many other faults meet nearby. The mountains here are full of geological signs of the Forces that ripped away Santa Barbara from the North American plate as it was flipped upside down. This is the entrance to the Enchanted Forest.
Learn more about this land:
Lockwood Valley is so close to Los Angeles and other urban areas, but feels 1000 miles away. Our neighborhood is a gem within Lockwood Valley. The community has less than 20 residences so it is very rural, but neighborly. There are horses nearby, you will hear some roosters in the distance, and if you are lucky, you may hear the African lions or wolves from the next canyon over where there is a (fully contained) wildlife sanctuary called Steve Martins Working Wildlife (not the funny guy).
Great secluded spot for a fully contained RV. Easy entrance from a good dirt road. The actual property of the site is 1/8 of an acre and is surrounded by forest and fields. A picnic table is nestled in a grove of trees next to a steel fire pit ring. Bring your hammock to relax under big shady piñon pines. The site is about 200 yards from the entrance to the Los Padres National Forest with great hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, hunting, etc. There is currently no privacy barrier between the campsite and the dirt road, but the traffic is extremely minimal.
There are two 12’x24’ horse corrals on the property. This area is ideal for horseback trail riding and the campsite location makes for the perfect base camp.
This is a superb stargazing spot, far from the city lights. Many amateur astronomers come to this area for the dark skies. At a mile high, nights can be very cold, and in the winter it is possible to get up to a couple feet of snow. Weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can make the roads and campsite impassable at times so cancellations are possible in this case (this happens a lot less than we would like, of course, because we need the precipitation!).
Pets
from
$56
/ night
North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
2. North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
100%
(14)
45mi from Lake Sherwood · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging
Where Forest meets the Farm. The North Fork Ranch began as a 100 year old homestead Apple Orchard and Turkey Ranch. The ranch surrounded by the Los padres forest is now a diversified farming ranch including cider apples, hops, cattle, babydoll sheep, chickens, dogs and a vineyard. We are at 5500 ft so we get the luxury of seasons and wildlife. The ranch includes a bunkhouse and dry land camping areas. There are hiking trails, seasonal hunting, ohv and motorcycle trails. Bring the horses and explore the mountains
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$64
/ night
99% (474) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Sherwood
Gem of the Bend (Horses welcome)
1. Gem of the Bend (Horses welcome)
100%
(16)
44mi from Lake Sherwood · 1 site · RV
The Chumash called the peak of Mount Piños the center of the universe, or center of the world depending on the translation. This campground is at the southeast base of this mountain. The San Andreas fault is just about 8 miles away, and many other faults meet nearby. The mountains here are full of geological signs of the Forces that ripped away Santa Barbara from the North American plate as it was flipped upside down. This is the entrance to the Enchanted Forest.
Learn more about this land:
Lockwood Valley is so close to Los Angeles and other urban areas, but feels 1000 miles away. Our neighborhood is a gem within Lockwood Valley. The community has less than 20 residences so it is very rural, but neighborly. There are horses nearby, you will hear some roosters in the distance, and if you are lucky, you may hear the African lions or wolves from the next canyon over where there is a (fully contained) wildlife sanctuary called Steve Martins Working Wildlife (not the funny guy).
Great secluded spot for a fully contained RV. Easy entrance from a good dirt road. The actual property of the site is 1/8 of an acre and is surrounded by forest and fields. A picnic table is nestled in a grove of trees next to a steel fire pit ring. Bring your hammock to relax under big shady piñon pines. The site is about 200 yards from the entrance to the Los Padres National Forest with great hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, hunting, etc. There is currently no privacy barrier between the campsite and the dirt road, but the traffic is extremely minimal.
There are two 12’x24’ horse corrals on the property. This area is ideal for horseback trail riding and the campsite location makes for the perfect base camp.
This is a superb stargazing spot, far from the city lights. Many amateur astronomers come to this area for the dark skies. At a mile high, nights can be very cold, and in the winter it is possible to get up to a couple feet of snow. Weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can make the roads and campsite impassable at times so cancellations are possible in this case (this happens a lot less than we would like, of course, because we need the precipitation!).
Pets
from
$56
/ night
North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
2. North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
100%
(14)
45mi from Lake Sherwood · 8 sites · RVs, Lodging
Where Forest meets the Farm. The North Fork Ranch began as a 100 year old homestead Apple Orchard and Turkey Ranch. The ranch surrounded by the Los padres forest is now a diversified farming ranch including cider apples, hops, cattle, babydoll sheep, chickens, dogs and a vineyard. We are at 5500 ft so we get the luxury of seasons and wildlife. The ranch includes a bunkhouse and dry land camping areas. There are hiking trails, seasonal hunting, ohv and motorcycle trails. Bring the horses and explore the mountains
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$64
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Julie
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
We had a wonderful, cozy, and very restful time. Everything was perfect, and we truly enjoyed our stay. Thank you to Mary and Gregg
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R
Robert
November 2025
40 ft travel trailer
Loved the location and the hilltop campground.
The stars were absolutely amazing!
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Samantha
November 2025
2 nights at North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
Such a fun stay! The bunkhouse was very comfortable and had everything we needed. The hosts are very kind and. A great spot as long as you don’t mind a faint background of poultry noises. Would definitely come back!
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Meredith
November 2025
2 nights at North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
What a wonderful cozy cabin this is! I stayed here on the way down to south Cali and it was a great remote stopover not too far from the main highway. Beautiful stars at night, responsive thoughtful host, lots of amenities in the cabin, super cozy bed. 10/10 for me:)
See moreL
Lilia
November 2025
Weekend Trip to North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
I appreciated how quiet and cozy the house was. On a rainy day- it was the perfect space for staying in. Host was very helpful and communicated immediately. Definitely coming back in the spring.
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B
Ben
November 2025
Weekend Trip to North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
This place was just what we were looking for. A quiet getaway in a beautiful setting. There is a farm and our toddler loved seeing the goats, chickens and donkey. We were shown great hospitality from the host and made us feel at home. Great hikes right outside the door! We were even able to purchase some meat and eggs from the farm! A unique experience all around, would highly recommend!
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Devon
October 2025
2 nights at North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
Excellent get away. Cabin was cute and super cozy. Plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the sunset. Hiking just outside the front door. Lovely peace and quiet.
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S
Sabrina
September 2025
3 nights at North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
Everything about our stay was absolutely lovely. The home itself is warm and inviting with everything I needed to cook there and enjoy a nice weekend away. It’s also surrounded by a private fence so it made us feel even more disconnected from the world, making our trip that much more relaxing. Definitely a place worth staying over and over again. The bed was super comfortable and there was almost no outside noise to disturb us but the best part had to be the stargazing. The view of the night time sky was breathtaking. This has been my favorite place to stay.
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J
Jim
August 2025
10 ft campervan
Daniel is a fabulous host! Very welcoming and gave us lots of information about the area. His site is well maintained and had everything we needed. The star gazing was an added bonus, and we loved being walking distance to hiking trails. It exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend Daniel’s place!
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K
Katlin
July 2025
28 ft fifth wheel
My husband and I took our two horses to Daniel’s camp and had the most amazing time! We stayed two nights and spent the days riding through the Los Padres National Forest. The views are spectacular and you can tell how much he cares about the land and his property. Daniel also told us about the trails behind the property and where to go for the best sunset views!
We were able to park a three horse gooseneck with mid tack and weekender into the site without a problem, but anything bigger may take some creative backing or not fit. He had water available for the horses which was also a huge plus!
This is an amazing gem of a find and we can’t wait to go back!
See moreK
Kate
July 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
Daniel was an amazing host! He took the time to go over all of the beautiful nearby trails upon our arrival and made sure we had everything new needed for a comfortable stay.
The site was beautiful-a stones throw from endless exploration of the Los Padres. The views of the stars were incredible. There was even an observatory next door. We will definitely be back! ❤️
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Marthine
April 2025
1 night at North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
Such a great spot, in a quiet, peaceful valley. I had everything I needed for a cozy one night stay!
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J
Joel
April 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With kids
This was a nice destination to avoid the congestion of LA and have a good overnight spot before continuing southward. Our host could not have been nicer!
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Gabriel
February 2025
Weekend Trip to North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
The Communication, property, are top notch! Don’t miss your opportunity to stay in this hidden gem 💎
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Sarah
January 2025
1 night at North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
We really enjoyed staying here. It was very cozy and had everything we needed. Mary was very responsive.
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