Established Camping
Nira Campground
Nira Campground, near Los Padres National Forest, is a cozy spot that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With its small number of sites nestled among dense oak trees, it provides a nice sense of privacy and shade, perfect for those looking to unwind.
Visitors have enjoyed the serene atmosphere, often finding themselves with the campground to themselves, especially on chilly nights. The nearby Manzana Creek adds to the charm, with its gentle flow providing a soothing backdrop for your stay. As one camper noted, “The whole area is serene and pleasing,” making it an ideal place to relax.
For those eager to explore, Nira serves as a great starting point for backpacking trips into the San Rafael Wilderness. The trailheads are conveniently located right from the parking lot, offering access to stunning views along the Manzana Trail. Just remember to pack in your own water, as there are no drinking water facilities available.
While the campground is primitive, it does have essential amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Keep in mind that you’re in bear country, so securing your food is a must. Whether you're camping in a tent or RV, Nira Campground is a solid choice for a peaceful getaway in the heart of nature.
Description
Overview
Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees and located along Manzana Creek. Whether you come to cast a line in the river, camp and relax, ride horses, mountain bike or hike, Nira offers a scenic location with a variety of recreation activities.
Recreation
Along with hiking, mountain biking, fishing and swimming, Nira Campground is a great starting point for backpacking and deer hunting expeditions into the San Rafael Wilderness. Located on Manzana Creek just upstream from the mouth of Davy Brown Creek, a trailhead provides access for various trails up and down Manzana Creek that enter the San Rafael Wilderness.
Facilities
While tent camping is best enjoyed in this cozy campground, there is room for small RVs under 20 feet. Nira has 12 campsites, each site includes a picnic table, barbecue grill and/or a fire ring. Sites 1-3 are tent and car camping sites only (no RVs due to size restrictions). There is a vault toilet in the campground. There is no drinking water at this site.
Natural Features
Nira Campground is surrounded and shaded by oak tree- covered mountains. Whether you're a beginner in the art of birdwatching, or an experienced birder, Nira will not disappoint. A bounty of birds such as king-fishers, juncos, Stellar jays, white-breasted nuthatches, warblers and many more flourish in this section of the Los Padres National Forest.
Nearby Attractions
The Manzana River runs through the campground where swimming and fishing are favorite activities. The trailhead for San Rafael Wilderness is easily accessible. Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are all within a one hour's drive.
Location
Nira Campground is located in California
Directions
To get there from Hwy 154: Armour Ranch Rd./ Happy Canyon Rd. 11 miles northeast to Cachuma Saddle, Sunset Valley Rd. 6 miles north.
Coordinates
34.7705 N
119.9375 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Mono Campground - CLOSED
3 hrs 27 min away
Selby Campground
4 hrs 25 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 49 min from Santa Maria
- 2 hrs 16 min from San Luis Obispo
- 2 hrs 21 min from Oxnard
- 3 hrs 45 min from Bakersfield
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
