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Established Camping

American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest

Description

USDA Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

Overview

American Canyon is a small, secluded campground which borders the Machesna Wilderness. While the campground is accessible through the wilderness, it is a long and strenuous hike as vehicles are not permitted in wilderness areas. The only motorized entrance is through the Avenales Ranch. This is a working cattle ranch, and the owners have been generous to grant access to American Canyon through their ranch. Entrance via the ranch gate is opened only during deer hunting season, by reservation only on rec.gov and with an issued combination code provided. The campground is an Adventure Pass site managed by the Forest Service.__The campground is embedded within beautiful oaks, providing much shade and cooling during the hot summer days. While the days do have a tendency of getting rather toasty, ranging between the 90s and 100s, the nights cool down into the 50s and 60s.

Recreation

The campground is surrounded by wilderness and private lands, so mountain biking isnt practical. Horseback riding, hiking and wildlife viewing isnt really recommended during rifle season. This really is a hunting camp. There are cattle trails in abundance and a rigorous trail (1800 of elevation gain) from the campground to the Nunez Potrero and Pine Spring near the top of the ridge. The American Canyon watershed is dry in deer season.

Facilities

The American Canyon campground offers 12 campsites for tent and car camping (no RVs due to size restriction). Each site includes a picnic table, and a combination fire ring/grill. There are two outhouses with pit toilets in the campground. No drinking and non-potable water at the site.__No trash service, so pack it in, pack it out.

Natural Features

The campground is in a grove of mature oaks. The watershed is dry during deer season. The lower areas are a mix of open grasslands with oak and pine woodlands. The higher terrain is covered in chaparral, with coulter pines near the top of the ridges and scattered open grasslands.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its remoteness, there are only a couple of nearby places that might be of interest. The Vintage Cowboy Winery in Pozo opens on most weekends. The Pozo Saloon is also open on some weekends, but not consistently.__Both are approximately 10 miles west of the campground.

Fee Info

American Canyon Campground is under the Adventure Pass permit ($5/day or $30/year).

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Location

American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hwy 101, take the Santa Margarita exit, turning off at El Camino Real and across the railroad tracks at the east end of town on Estrada Avenue/Hwy 58. After 1.4 miles Hwy 58 turns left but continue straight on Pozo Road. From where Hwy 58 leaves Pozo Road, follow Pozo Road for almost 20 miles, through the town of Pozo, keeping right at the La Panza Road junction, until you reach the Avenales Ranch Road. Follow Avenales Ranch Road about 5 miles, through a gate (keep closed!) to the sign for American Canyon where you turn left and continue another 2 miles.

Coordinates

35.27681554 N
120.3075311 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
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Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

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  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest has water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest?

American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest allows vehicles up to 18 feet.

Are fires allowed at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

How hard is it to get a campsite at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest?

There are 12 campsites at American Canyon Campground — Los Padres National Forest and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts