- Los Padres National Forest
The best cabins in Los Padres National Forest, CA
95% (452)
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Los Padres National Forest
Blue Sky Center
Blue Sky Center
94%
(752)
19mi from Los Padres National Forest · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
100%
(14)
36mi from Los Padres National Forest · 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
A-Frame Bliss
A-Frame Bliss
100%
(25)
36mi from Los Padres National Forest · 1 site
Learn more about this land:Our beautiful and rustic A-Frame cabin is exactly what you imagine when you dream of a mountain getaway. The cabin is nestled amongst the pine trees with two large decks. Inside, you will enjoy relaxing in the family room which has soaring wood vaulted ceilings and forest views from the floor to ceiling windows. You can imagine sitting in front of a roaring fire in the open style wood fireplace on winter nights and enjoying time on the deck just listening to the forest sounds.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$144
/ night
Romance in the Pines
Romance in the Pines
93%
(15)
36mi from Los Padres National Forest · 1 site
Romance in the Pines is a cozy, hidden gem located 6200 ft high, surrounded by 100 ft pine trees and over 300 year old oak trees. This magical 2-story cabin sits on a half-acre lot with pines growing right through the large deck. The interior features raw cedar walls, gorgeous wood laminate floors, the comfiest fireplace, carpeted bedrooms and large spectacular view windows. You can have your morning coffee in the enchanted garden and enjoy sunset on the deck with a complimentary bottle of wine.Close to the Waterfall Trailhead, a cool and easy hike with a waterfall if there has been rain. Even without the waterfall the views are beautiful. Welcome!
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$160
/ night
Peaceful Mountain Cabin
Peaceful Mountain Cabin
96%
(41)
38mi from Los Padres National Forest · 1 site
Rustic cabin on family ranch tucked away from main house. Private patio includes BBQ and fire pit for evenings under the stars. Nestled in the Los Padres Forest in beautiful Lockwood Valley. At 5500 feet elevation, highs are in the upper 70s and cools to the low 50s at night. Enjoy miles of trails for hiking, dirt biking or horseback riding. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, writers or artists and only 90 minutes from Los Angeles! Horse boarding available on property or rentals available nearby.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$125
/ night
Lisa S.’s Land
Lisa S.’s Land
89%
(303)
21mi from Los Padres National Forest · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
This is Glamping at its best! We have two cabins that have kitchens with mini frig, microwaves and sinks. Complimentary coffee and tea as well. Very comfortable queen beds. Each cabin has a living room and table area along with gas fireplaces inside and A/C. Outdoor courtyard area with firepit, picnic tables and string lights to enjoy the days or evenings.
Each cabin sleeps two but both can be rented to sleep four. Both cabins are historic to the area.
All of this is in the center of the Santa Ynez valley close to Los Olivos , Santa Ynez and Solvang.
Wine tasting, bike riding and hiking. Great restaurants and wineries within walking distance.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$85
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Julie
3 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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Jenny
December 2025
1 night at Lisa S.’s Land
I really love the little bunk house...this was my second time staying there. It is very convenient to Los Olivos village and quiet...It really is best for just one person unless you are a couple that are used to camping and being very close.
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yolee
December 2025
1 night at Lisa S.’s Land
Absolutely love this property .. Beautiful, peaceful and perfect for a getaway in nature .. we made a fire and and had a lovely evening.. cannot wait to come back!
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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:)
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Caprice
November 2025
With kids
Courtney was such a sweetheart and was kind enough to have a happy birthday banner hung for my husband's birthday. Her beautiful vintage cabin was the perfect getaway! I'd definitely visit again!♡
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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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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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Sheryl
November 2025
With pets
Traveled with family and our dog and loved the fresh air, trails and cozy ambiance of the A-Frame bliss. Would def go again
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Wendy
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land
It's a really charming little cottage with a comfy single bed with a trundle. Loved the decor with an deer antler rack hanging on the wall, cow hide table covering and lovely lamps, etc. It's rustic for sure but was a great very affordable option right around the corner from the amazing Bob's Well Bread.
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Grace
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land
The cottage was adorable and was the perfect spot for me to spend the night.
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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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Camille
September 2025
With pets
The cabin is very cute - shabby chic decor with a rustic touch. The bed was very comfortable and the place was clean. We had a great time!
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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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Jordan
September 2025
Weekend Trip to A-Frame Bliss
This cabin was perfect for a weekend getaway for my girlfriend and I. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors
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Melissa
September 2025
With pets
Cabin 2 was very charming, clean, and peaceful. The instructions were clear and easy. The location was perfect! A short 5-10 minute drive to Solvang and Los Olivos. I would stay here again. 👍🏼
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Eliot
August 2025
With kids
Fantastic old cabin, full of charm on a stunning property! The cabin had everything we needed for one night, the location is within a wonderful distance to Solvang, and the backyard was spectacular.
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Liz
August 2025
With pets
We loved our stay at A-Frame Bliss! Jessica was a fantastic host and was super communicative and helpful for making our stay a 10/10. Jessica provided detailed information about the cabin along with fun activities to do in the area. The cabin was absolutely stunning and cozy! The space was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. I would recommend this place to anyone!
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stacy
August 2025
With pets
We absolutely loved our stay at Lisa’s country cabin!! So cute and cosy and even better than the photos. A peaceful get away
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Kelly
July 2025
With kids
We had a wonderful family getaway in Debra’s cabin! This home was clean and comfortable, and well equipped for a relaxing weekend. We particularly enjoyed the large board game collection. The deck has amazing views and great spots to relax and enjoy a book. I would recommend this spot for anyone looking for a peaceful place to enjoy quality family time. Debra was easily reachable and provided helpful tips, recommendations, and other information about the area. We would love to come back someday!
See more 95%
452 ratings · 172 reviews
One of a kind campground with amazing views!! The views alone are worth it. There is some raccoon action at night, so keep your food locked up!
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Sara W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
My absolute favorite place to camp in California
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Jessica K.
4 reviews
Not recommend
· July 2025
Tent ·
Kirk Creek Campground
Aggressive raccoons issue for years that has not been dealt with - Old aluminum trash can is a welcoming call for them.
The Camp allow RVs next to tent and had to leave two days prior to the end because the camper was turning on his generator from 6.20 till 10PM Non stop - Surrounding campers left the campsite earlier as well.
It used to be a relaxing place where you could contemplate the pacific ocean now it is not worth the $45 a day and deal with raccoons and noisy RV's blocking the view
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Patrice L.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Peaceful and close to river adventures
Tent · Group trip ·
Arroyo Seco Campground
This was a surprisingly peaceful campground. When I first arrived it was busier than I expected, and sites closer than I wanted. But it was pretty calm and quiet, and the surroundings are beautiful. The best part is the proximity to the river. My group and I hiked ~3 miles up the river where we started our river float (wearing wetsuits), and it was incredibly fun and adventurous. Cheap firewood! BYO soap for bathrooms.
Caitlin F.
44 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Travel trailer · With pets · Group trip ·
Plaskett Creek Campground
Spacious campground with clean bathrooms, nearby beautiful beaches and hikes. Stayed with a large group (20+ and dogs) and there was plenty of room. Great spot for that.
Caitlin F.
44 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Travel trailer · With pets · Group trip ·
Kirk Creek Campground
Liked the steep hike down to the rocky beach, sunsets, and proximity to Big Sur magic everywhere. Aggressive raccoons though haha. Just be careful with your food!
Caitlin F.
44 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
The campsite was really nice the right on a man-made pond. Our seven-year-old love to feed the ducks got to look at some horses the frogs at night. I really enjoyed the sound, but she thought they were a little loud. It was nice to have a campfire and they had a lot of Greets and things so we were able to make steaks and everything would recommend.
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Blake J.
10 months on Hipcamp
March 2023
Is anyone willing to sell me their spot for may 10-12 just two nights?
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Colette M.
2 years on Hipcamp
November 2022
currently closed
Mick D.
3 years on Hipcamp
June 2022
Pros:
Lots of shady spots for tents, multiple fire rings. counter-height prep tables near grill. 3 trash cans on site. visitors center has A/C and clean flush toilet.
Cons:
Vault toilet was THE most disgusting I've encountered in 40 years of camping in places with vault toilets, no piped water (there is a spigot, but it's non-operational). One and only cooking fire pit grill has more hole in the grill grate than it has grill grate. The site had trash throughout (around trash cans, in fire rings, ash piles advertising that previous campers made fires in random places) upon arrival. In June the place was a hot, hot, hot hole. Black flies are plentiful, and their bites hurt.
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A And M C.
3 years on Hipcamp
April 2022
It’s a Beautiful campground and close to the beach; however, there was an extremely rude employee (DANA) that worked at campsite that was overcharging people that reservations and for parking claiming that original reservations were lost. At one point she started screaming at a camper that asked for a refund money back that she had overcharged. So, if you visit, please make sure you confirm all your information and have a printout of it.
Eleazar S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2021
We camped here over Labor aday 2021. NFS contracted maintenance to a private company more concerned with our dogs being on leash than with our safety! We ran out of water on a long hike, looking tired and red faced, and the host employees we more concerned with us being near the "employee only" area (where the trail deposited us) and our dogs sacked out on the side not being on leash, than with our well being! The Forrest service employee who came by gave us water and Gatorade because he could tell we needed it, but the employees for the host company just reminded us of rules! The campground was also very spread out and we had to drive to the swimming areas. Overall, very disappointing and we won't be back!
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Jill C.
5 years on Hipcamp
Tent camped 4 nights from June 21, 2021. On the reservation it allowed 2 vehicles on site #17 but then they wanted $10 a night for the 2nd vehicle. I checked with recgov and they admitted it was their error that they did not mention the 2nd vehicle counted as an extra vehicle. I never had this happen anywhere I have camped. Apparently this happens there frequently and I guess it is OK with the campsite because they make more money. So far recgov has done nothing to correct the situation. I may contact GAO.
Steven B.
4 years on Hipcamp
April 2021
McGill is such a great campground within the greater LA area. Site 29 is fully accessible for physically disabled folks and my go-to spot. It's right across from a disabled vault toilet, but unfortunately it has very little shade. The shade issue is really the only (though kinda major) flaw of the site, especially in summer months. Sadly, only a few other sites are relatively accessible. I learned this the hard way by booking a site that required walking down a bunch of steps. Thankfully the camp host Harry was wonderful and helped us secure one of the more accessible sites since Site 29 was already booked. Harry also helped us notice the Milky Way! It's wildly gorgeous darks skies here. I love it!
Nicki P.
7 years on Hipcamp
April 2021
What’s the numbered sites by a creek?
Cari L.
4 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· March 2021
Good site for a multi-family trip. And the Santa Ynez River is just a short walk down the road, which was a perfect way to beat the heat when we stayed.
David V.
3 reviews
Not recommend
· October 2020
BEWARE OF CAMP HOST: Did a solo camp trip last Sunday (10/11). At 8pm, I’m reading up in my tent & it’s pitch black. The male camp host drove a golf cart to my camp site, staggered towards my truck & started yelling at me. He was very drunk, SCREAMING that I had parked wrong, needed to un-camp & leave immediately. Hipcamp doesn’t allow for long reviews, so I’ll summarize: It was INSANE. I was a woman alone in a campground w/ no signal & a drunk man aggressively threatening me for no reason. For full account, go to https://www.yelp.com/biz/wheeler-gorge-campground-ojai
I’ve contacted a Forest Service Harassment Hotline & been in touch with the contractor (campone.com) that manages the camp hosts. Both said they are “investigating.”
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Liza M.
5 years on Hipcamp
August 2020
Contrary to the Hipcamp description, this campground has 4 are reservable sites and 2 walk-ups. You can reserve sites on the recreation.gov site.
The campsite was really cool with good views and tons of big rocks to explore/boulder on. It was a bit smoky due to fires in the area, but at night the skies cleared up and stars were plentiful. As some other reviews have mentioned the flies were a MAJOR annoyance. Luckily the flies didn't bite, but even with a thorough dousing in bug spray me and my gf couldn't stand more than one night. Flies were a dealbreaker for me, so I recommend checking out this site during spring or fall and hope that the flies aren't so rampant.
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Kevin R.
5 years on Hipcamp
August 2020
I had campsite #2 and would book it again — it felt pretty private, I had trees for shade, and had direct creek access. Overall, #1 and #2 are the most private, and #2 and #3 have creek access. Some of the other sites feel a little too close together and lacked shade (#4 is right in the middle of several others, I'd avoid it). Lots of pretty quail and bluebirds, running water in the creek was perfectly chilled, and the Lion Canyon Trail starts at the back of camp site #1 which leads to several other trails (Nordhoff Ridge, West Fork, East Fork). Road to get to the campground was pretty chewed up — be prepared for lots of potholes.
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Lauren C.
5 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2020
cc
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Saji V.
2 reviews
July 2020
Hi there,
Is there's a shower in the campground?
Scott C.
5 years on Hipcamp
July 2020
I camped here at Site #6, near the stream over the 4th of July weekend. It was relatively quiet and while there were some flies and mosquitoes, it was a fairly low-to-normal amount for any summer camping. We kept citronella tikis and repellant and were fine.
Lila B.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2020
This was a great campground. Lots of trees and shade. Great place to hang a hammock. They did say they had water, but when we arrived all water spouts had been capped. We stayed in spot 47 and had a ton of room. Lots of flat ground to put tents. Any site in loop 3 is pretty good. The top spots are probably 55, 66, 71.
Andrea W.
7 years on Hipcamp
June 2020
The problem isn’t the campsite. It’s the campground host, Michael, who blatantly threatened us with death.. Our campsite was next to his trailer and he helped himself over to our camp essentially anytime One night he was drinking with us around our campfire and at some point he just snapped, aggressively telling everybody to be quiet even though he was louder than all of us. But still, we complied and sat quietly around the campfire without saying a word. This was not good enough apparently. He pointed to my friend and said “you need to shut the fuck up.” I got up and told him that wasn’t cool and he went on a full-throated tirade which included “this is my fucking forest” and “I’ll fucking bury you out here.” Not a safe environment AT ALL
Jason C.
5 years on Hipcamp
September 2019
Best free camping in California. Period. Surreal tent sites rest on dramatic hills overlooking the mighty pacific ocean. The road to get here is a little treacherous, but it is completely worth it. Nacimiento road has so many great camp spots, but the most important thing with this area is to leave no trace and pack up all trash. Keep Big Sur beautiful!
Emmett M.
6 years on Hipcamp
August 2019
Have not stayed here yet, but the site does offer bookings on
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273878
Chad A.
6 years on Hipcamp
July 2019
great place for free camping. Lots of shade, though still warm in summer. Road has been improved. Gates get closed in the winter due to muddy roads so you can;t get there then.
Jeff J.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2019
Magical. The views here require no phone filters. Walk up to the cliffs and water. Most popular sites are 8 and 9 that directly overlook the cliffs. 9 has its own path to the trail down towards the water. There's a bathroom but no running water here. Haven't ever experience any wild animals here. Some walk-in/bike-in sites. Otherwise, it's best to reserve the campsites far in advance. If you try to walk up during peak season, you'll be out of luck.
Kimothy D.
6 years on Hipcamp
June 2019
Permanently closed according to Google Maps.
Julie K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2019
Absolutely gorgeous and great location!
Erin O.
2 reviews