Reservations are available at Chuchupate Campground, a drive-in Forest Service site in Los Padres National Forest running $30 to $34 per night, open May through November. The access road is one lane and two-way, with limited pullouts, so drivers should watch ahead for oncoming traffic. RVs are capped at 26 feet. No water is available on site, and there are no trash facilities, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient and pack everything out.
Sites are well-separated, with trees and brush providing natural screening between neighbors. The campground sits at roughly 4,000 feet elevation, which keeps nights cool and the sky clear after dark. Cell coverage is essentially nonexistent. Weekends draw larger crowds, including off-highway vehicle users and, in October, deer hunters. Reviewers consistently note that the pit toilets are kept clean, and a camp host makes periodic rounds. Lower loop sites tend to be more level, which matters for tent setup and vehicle parking. Site 23 specifically has a picnic table and fire ring, though fire restrictions are enforced strictly and can prohibit campfire use entirely during dry periods.
"No water or trash areas, plan accordingly," notes Bower, a detail worth taking seriously given the remote setting. A hiking trail begins near the campground entrance and leads several miles into the mountains, with open sightlines toward Lockwood Valley and Frazier Mountain along the way. Campers interested in campgrounds around Los Padres National Forest will find this one among the more accessible options in the range. If the self-sufficient nature of the site suits your style, Chuchupate rewards a well-planned visit.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChuchupate Campground is located in California near Frazier Park
Public CampgroundDirections
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 41 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 10 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 26 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 55 min from Santa Maria, CA
