Mcgill Campground And Group Campground

Our experience at McGill Campground in Frazier Park was incredibly disappointing and concerning. We arrived around noon and began setting up our site. Around 1:30 PM, the campground host(an older gentleman from Iran) came by and asked if we were aware of the rules. We said yes, and he reminded us that music must stop by 9:30 PM and everyone should be asleep by 11:30 PM-- which we respected. Later that afternoon, my husband attempted to fly his drone to explore the area. We had already checked all relevant federal regulations and confirmed that drone use is allowed in national forests(unlike national parks). However, the host immediately came over, aggressively telling us drones were not permitted and insisting we check their website. We did-- and found nothing that prohibited drones as he claimed. There were also no signs anywhere indicating this restriction. At 9:21 PM, the same host entered our camp-- visibly intoxicated-- and started yelling at us, claiming we were disturbing the peace. We were quietly eating dinner; there was no music and no loud noise. His behavior escalated quickly, and he even threatened to use pepper spray on us, which was shocking. For more detailed content, I also want to mention that he spent most of the day across from us drinking at another campsite, and we witnessed him argue with other campers as well, seemingly without cause. At 9:30 PM, he said he would call the police. By 1:00 AM, law enforcement arrived, woke everyone up, and told us we had to leave because the host"wanted us gone." We explained that most of our group had been drinking(except me), and driving at that hour would be unsafe and illegal. Despite this, some of our friends were arrested for refusing to leave and spent 12 hours in jail. This experience was beyond unacceptable. What was meant to be a relaxing outdoor weekend turned into a traumatic ordeal because of an aggressive, intoxicated host abusing his authority. I will strongly caution anyone considering a stay at McGill Campground. I would never be back there after everything that happened. I will also file an official complaint against the staff at the park.

Our moto-escape from L.A. to McGill Campground in Frazier Park/ Pine Mountain was absolutely perfect. Coming from the south, we took the back way through Ojai, up the 150 and 33 over to Lockwood Valley Road and then Cuddy Valley Road. The fresh air and cooler temps were a welcome exchange to our music as service was spotty gliding through the twisties leading to the site. There is a very helpful map posted on the board as you enter to ensure navigation of the campsite loops which can be steep, so go slow! We were in Loop 3, and objectively think our spot #56 was out of this world: FANTASTIC view, shaded, flat ground for the tent, plenty of space by the table and fire, close to the bathrooms but not too close to our neighbors and in perfect alignment of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. There is no power or running water at this site, so the toilets do not flush and you may need to grab extra water & supplies at the local Pine Mountain General Store which is about 17 miles away, so don't be running on fumes when you arrive. Our host was extremely lovely and check in was simple. Would also note that we didn't love spot #57, which did not have a view of the mountainside and was tucked behind the bathrooms, but spot #55 would be a great second choice to #56 - great view, lots of open space, just a little less shade. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Our journey to this campground started after a failed attempt to camp at Sequoia National Forest. On our way to the forest, the air was so thick from the SQF complex fire that we turned around and stopped at a parking lot near Taco Bell to plan our next move. After a lunch of packed sandwiches and a quick search on Apple Maps, we head towards McGill Campground in Mt. Pinos.

The road to the campground itself was superior to spending my 23rd birthday in the hustle and bustle of Orange County. On our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to see that we could camp at any spot that was not reserved for our planned trip. Each camp site has a little sign that says what days the camp site has been reserved, and if you happen to arrive on a day that the site is not reserved, you can use the spot. So we chose campsite number 18. 

Upon getting out of the car, the smell of the pine trees immersed my nasal canal and I felt an immediate sense of joy to be outside. There is nothing like smelling mother nature. I went over to pay for the campsite near the entrance and conveniently that campsites hosts happened to be there to accept my payment. We payed $30 to stay two nights with two cars. 

Each campsite has a bonfire pit with a fire stake, a family sized bench, and is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. We chose a site near the bathroom. Word of advice: try to choose a site away from the bathroom, or don’t choose site number 18! In the morning/daytime, the smell of the pit toilet rises through the chimney looking thing, and the camp site did smell like mother nature indeed. When the wind pushed the smell away from our site, the smell completely disappeared, but if it didn’t the smell is quite overbearing. Despite this, the bathrooms were kept relatively clean and the site had a beautiful view of the sunrise through the trees. If we walked further, there is a little ridge where the sun rises. If you can get the camp site, you should. There is also a beautiful hiking trail on the site where you are walking through the trees.

Overall the site was awesome, and I would definitely go again. Maybe for my 24th birthday!