OHV riders heading into the hills of Los Padres National Forest will find La Panza Campground a useful base, with access to multiple off-highway vehicle trails directly from the area. Sites are spaced well apart. The campground sits back in forested terrain near a creek, with drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables on-site. Drive-in access makes it straightforward to reach. Reservations are available, and pets are welcome. Note that the campground is currently listed as temporarily closed, so confirm status before planning a trip.
Description
Overview
La Panza Campground is full of opportunities to relax or explore the forest. Nearby is Machesna Mountain Wilderness where hiking, hunting and horseback riding are popular. Off-high vehicle (OHV) recreation is also plentiful in the area.
Recreation
La Panza Campground is best enjoyed by campers who prefer a rugged outdoor experience. The Pozo La Panza 18,867-acre area has approximately 44 miles of routes that vary from sandy washes to a ridgeline route including a section known to expert OHV riders as the Stair Steps. With proximity to OHV trails, this spot will keep the adrenaline junkies enthused as well as the avid hiker. Bring your bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the amazing trail experience!
Facilities
This campground is open daily and year-round. There are 15 single and spaciously situated campsites ideal for tenting, and moderate RVs under 16 ft. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) or electricity onsite. There is no dump station. This is a "dry" campground with five vault toilets. The road into the campground ends cul-de-sac style, but with adequate turn around.
Natural Features
La Panza Campground is situated in a canyon setting, encompassed by a gathering of established oak trees, and accented by a seasonal creek. Fox, coyote, road runner, deer, wild pig, jack rabbit, quail, and very rare black bear, all visit this area.
Nearby Attractions
Lakes, trails, beautiful views, biking, hiking and off-road vehicle riding are all within minutes of the campground. The nearest shopping is 29 miles in Santa Margarita.
Reservation Info
14 day stay limit
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLa Panza Campground is located in California near Santa Margarita
Directions
Directions from Santa Margarita, CA: Travel Highway 58, 3 miles east, Pozo Road approximately 26 miles east, Forest Road 29S18, 1.5 miles east. Alternate route: Highway 58, 26 miles east, Navajo Road 3 miles south, Pozo Road half a mile east.
Coordinates
35.3533 N
120.26 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 53 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 2 hrs 8 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 19 min from Hanford, CA







