Established Camping
Chuchupate Campground
About
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.
Facilities
This seasonal campground is open daily May through November. There are 29 single and spaciously situated campsites ideal for tent camping, and RVs under 24 ft. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Pets are allowed. You should plan to be completely self-sustained for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water or electricity onsite. There is no dump station. This is a "dry" campground with six vault toilets. The road through the campground is narrow in places and long trailers are not advised due to obstructions and difficult angles into the campsites.
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerGreat 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.
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GuidePeaceful 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!
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GuideCamping 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.
Location
Chuchupate Campground is located in California
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