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Facilities
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Buildings

Established Camping

Chuchupate Campground

Chuchupate Campground, near Los Padres National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. With its spacious sites surrounded by towering pine trees, it’s perfect for pitching a tent or parking your RV.

This campground is a favorite for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, especially at sunset. Visitors have raved about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the pit toilets, and the well-kept sites that offer a good amount of privacy. As one camper noted, “The site was spacious, not too close to neighboring sites,” making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway.

For adventure seekers, there are plenty of hiking opportunities right from the campground. A popular trail leads to breathtaking views of Pyramid Lake and the Mojave Desert, and the dirt roads around the area are perfect for exploring with a 4x4. Just remember to bring your own water and check fire restrictions before you head out, as campfires are tightly regulated.

Chuchupate Campground is a great choice for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors without the distractions of modern life. Whether you’re stargazing at night or hiking during the day, this spot has a lot to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Description

National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Overview

Nestled near the Tejon Pass, your escape from the city to this remote and beautiful high desert hide-away awaits. This perfectly primitive-style campground is a favorite "retreat from the heat." Conveniently located, Chuchupate Campground is just minutes from Los Angeles. Ditch the cell phone and the laptop, and leave the grind behind. Following a serpentine ascent to Chuchupate, you will take in views of the Lockwood Valley; through the pines you can glimpse Frazier Mountain and the Tehachapi Mountains.

Recreation

Hikers who want a bit of a challenge can make a day trip from Chuchupate Campground up the Frazier Mountain Trail with some panoramic views of Lockwood Valley and the high desert. The lower portion of the hike is almost entirely exposed and can be hot during the summer, but the upper half is pleasantly shaded. The Dark Sky element at Chuchupate makes it a favorite for star gazing. This campground also offers access to miles of OHV recreation.

Natural Features

Chuchupate is the Chumash name for California rock parsnip or celery weed, a yellow-flowered plant that grows amidst the scrub-oak and manzanita here. During the late spring, the hillside is accented by wildflowers including Matilija poppies, Indian paintbrush and lupines. The campground is sufficiently shaded by hearty pinyon pines.

Nearby Attractions

Trails, beautiful views, biking, hiking, off-road vehicle riding all within minutes. There is a small market, deli and pizza parlor at the intersection of Lockwood Valley Road and Cuddy Valley Road. Frazier Park located nearby offers several other dining options.

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Location

Chuchupate Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Los Angeles: Take I-5 north past the Gorman exit to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Road. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Frazier Mountain Road (FS 8N04). Proceed 3 miles past the Chuchupate Ranger Station.

Coordinates

34.7858 N
119.0019 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2021

Great Mountain Campground

Great area to explore. Site 23 is level for a 2 door jeep wrangler with a roof top tent. it is a great site to stay due to very open and lots of trees to choose to hang hammock. Larger cars could be an issue due to entrance of campsites being with an ok designed. Clean, calm and great sunsets views to enjoy. Site 23 had a picnic table and metal fire grill/ring. Could not have a fire due to tight restrictions and a penalty of $5000 if evidence of fire was found. Fire fighters on constant patrol to enforce fire restrictions. Right before entering campground there is a Fire Forest dirt road great for exploring with a 4x4 vehicle. Lower Loop sites look better due to being more level.

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Carlos G., September 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Carlos G., September 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Carlos G., September 10, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed May. 17, 2021

Peaceful getaway!

What a terrific campground! Up at about 4000’ elevation, the night sky is clear and bright!

We drove up the one lane, two way road and luckily didn’t have to pass anyone. Look ahead to see if anyone is making their way towards you as there’s only a few pullouts

Small campground which is very well kept. The site we had was spacious not only to park but the area around it was large and not too close at all to the neighboring sites. No cell coverage at all! No water or trash areas - plan accordingly. Pit toilet facilities were very clean but note that we went in day one of this season opening.

Camp host is not on site but came through to check on things during our stay.

We took a nice hike up the road from the campground entrance. I guess it’s about a 4.8 mi hike to the top. We didn’t go all the way but the part we did was very nice, gorgeous views and a well kept trail.

We will absolutely return here!

Site25
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Bower , May 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Bower , May 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Bower , May 17, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2021

Camping in the Pine Trees

I have been going to this campground for over 30 years most often in October right before the campground closes for the season. I have found it easy to get a site for the weekend. There are hunters there during October for deer season. It is nice to have space and some privacy to spread out away from other campers. The scenery is is wonderful. It is also a great place if you want to camp of the grid. Just be prepared to bring your own water with you and check the fire restrictions before you go up.

Campsite 4 has a slight incline with space for a large 2 room tent near the table and fire pit. Campsite 5 has a lot of space for a group. If you have a large group Campsites 26 and 28 give you a large flat area between the two sites.

You need to take your trash out with you. There is a store down the hill about 5 miles from the campground with cell service if you need to purchase some items or make a call.

I plan to continue to camp here often.

Site4 and 28
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed May. 8, 2020

Great campground

Great campground if you want to go for a long hike up the mountains to awesome views of pyramid lake and Mojave’s dessert. You can hike or drive up the dirt roads to these areas. You will come across lots of hunters, wildlife and find some creeks around. First of the canpground here are very clean there are many spots to choose from. Bathrooms are accessible around the campgrounds. There are many areas that are private which trees and bushes covering your site. It does get crowded over the weekend with party people but other than that it is an awesome place with incredible views. The road is a bit bumpy with lot holes everywhere but any car can make it up here.

  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Jessica P., May 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Jessica P., May 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Jessica P., May 8, 2020
  • (22) View All
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2019

Great Campground

A nice alternative to the higher campgrounds near Mt Pinos. Went on Labor Day weekend and surprisingly there were not that many other campers. Nice well separated sites with awesome views of lock wood valley and Frazier mountain. Area is a great for star gazing and ohv riding. Took a great scenic drive up to Frazier mountain lookout. Bathrooms and camp sites were clean. Great scenery all around and overall a beautiful campground.

  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Antonio  C., September 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Antonio  C., September 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Chuchupate Campground by Antonio  C., September 6, 2019
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Chuchupate Campground?

    Camping at Chuchupate Campground can cost between $30.00 and $34.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Chuchupate Campground?

    Chuchupate Campground allows vehicles up to 26 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Chuchupate Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Chuchupate Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Chuchupate Campground?

    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 Chuchupate Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Chuchupate Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Chuchupate Campground?

    There are 29 campsites at Chuchupate Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts