Colson Canyon Campground

Driving by I would not have known this was closed. It looked to be in bad shape.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=81875

I was so sad to find out that this campground is now permanently closed.

Colson is basic, fun, old school camping. This place has been here forever. I'm sure in its day it was packed but now it's always quiet. Beautiful area to get away but close enough, you don't have to go far. No bathrooms. Bring water. But 100% recommend.

Clean site Areas are well spaced out First compound of campsites are the best end of the road are the trails to hike and only able to fit 3 trucks up there comfortably Bring your own toilet amenities and water

Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon.

This is a nice bare-bones campground with a few tables and fire rings. You will need a truck to get here, but Colson Canyon is a beautiful area that has streams, caves and plenty of oak trees. Just know that there is no faucets or toilets here, so you will need to filter water from the creek and/or pack it in. There are few that use this camp, so you can have this camp to yourself outside of hunting and summer seasons. I would not try to bring any type of RV or trailer here, as the road is very rugged. There are no reservations or camp site numbers--first come first served.