Map showing campground location near Santa Paula, California

Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon

Big Cone Camp sits on a hillside saddle within Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by hiking through Thomas Aquinas College property, horse fields, and oil operations before reaching Santa Paula Canyon. The US Forest Service manages this primitive site among trees above the canyon floor.

The hike follows a trail that changes frequently due to flooding, requiring campers to follow posted signs through the canyon's middle section before ascending to the campsite. From the camp, hikers can reach nearby waterfalls and the "punch bowls" - rock pools with natural water slides and cliff jumping spots when conditions allow. Campfires are permitted at this backcountry location. The site attracts day hikers and overnight visitors, though some leave trash behind, making pack-out practices essential for maintaining the area's condition.

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Location

Public Campground

Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon is located in California

Coordinates

34.44808985 N
119.05635418 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reservations

+18056464348

Drive Time

59 min from Oxnard, CA
1 hr 40 min from Los Angeles, CA
2 hrs 8 min from Bakersfield, CA
2 hrs 19 min from Santa Maria, CA

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1 Review

robherr

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2018

Local easy hike to great waterfalls

This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon. The trail has changed many times over the years because of the nature of flooding through the canyon, but follow the signs through the middle of the canyon and the main trail will head up the mountain to the right.

Atop the hill on the saddle, nestled among the trees is the primitive Big Cone campsite. It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there.

From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the "punch bowls". Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into.

Please pack out your trash. Because this hike is local and easy, there are many party people that frequent the area and leave their trash.

Month of VisitJuly

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Big Cone Campground?

No reservations are required or accepted for Big Cone Camp as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This primitive backcountry site has no formal check-in process. However, you may need a wilderness permit depending on current Los Padres National Forest regulations. Contact the Ojai Ranger District office before your trip to verify permit requirements and any current restrictions. The camp has limited capacity, so weekday visits or arriving early on weekends is recommended during peak seasons.

What hiking trails are accessible from Big Cone Campground?

From Big Cone Camp, hikers can continue deeper into the Los Padres National Forest backcountry via the Santa Paula Canyon Trail. This trail extends further into the wilderness, offering routes to connect with the larger network of trails in the forest. The main trail follows Santa Paula Creek upstream, passing through varied terrain with opportunities to explore side canyons and ridgelines. For day hikes from the camp, you can explore upper portions of the canyon that fewer day-hikers reach. The terrain becomes more challenging beyond the camp, suitable for experienced hikers looking for solitude.

What amenities are available at Big Cone Camp?

Big Cone Camp is a primitive backcountry site with minimal amenities. There are no developed facilities such as bathrooms, running water, or trash service. The camp offers natural flat areas for tent camping and some shade from surrounding trees. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies including water and pack out all trash. Fire regulations are strictly enforced in this area, so portable camp stoves are recommended instead of open fires. The rustic nature of this camp appeals to those seeking a genuine wilderness experience.

Where is Big Cone Campground located relative to the Santa Paula Punch Bowls?

Big Cone Camp is located along the Santa Paula Canyon trail beyond the famous Punch Bowls. The camp sits approximately 1-2 miles past the main Punch Bowls swimming area, requiring hikers to continue further up the canyon. The trail to reach both destinations begins near Thomas Aquinas College, winds through private property and oil fields, before entering Santa Paula Canyon proper. Allow 3-4 hours of hiking time to reach the camp from the trailhead if you're planning to visit both the Punch Bowls and continue to Big Cone.

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