Established Camping
Mt. Pinos Campground
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from November 10, 2023 through April 30, 2024.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from November 10, 2023 through April 30, 2024.
About
National Forest
Los Padres National Forest
Overview
Mount Pinos or in the Native American Chumash language, "Iwihinmu," was considered to be the center of the world, the point where everything was in balance. At 7,800 feet, the campground, bursting with views of mountains and valleys, is an ideal base for several biking and hiking trails. The dark and clear night skies make this a picture-perfect stargazing setting.
Recreation
Ride your bicycle to the top of Mount Pinos or hike the Mount Pinos Trail, McGill exploration trail, or enjoy the views of the valleys below from your campsite. Mount Pinos is considered to be one of the best star gazing locations in California due to its dark skies, extremely low light pollution and frequently clear skies. It is a favorite place for amateur astronomers. On a clear day, you can see the entire San Joaquin Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Facilities
This seasonal campground is open daily, May through November. There are 19 single campsites that include picnic tables and fire rings. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. RVs over 22 ft. and trailers are not recommended. There are two vault toilets. 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 also no dump station.
Natural Features
Along with views of the Lockwood Valley and Frazier Mountain, Mt. Pinos Campground is best appreciated by camping enthusiasts who prefer being nestled within the shaded enclave of Jeffery pines that dominate the scenery.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking, fishing and swimming are all within 30 minutes of the campground. Restaurants, gas and shopping are within 15 miles at Pine Mountain Club or 19 miles in Frazier Park. Lake of the Woods and Frazier Park are about 10 miles to the east. Lockwood Valley and Cuddy Valley are located at the base of Mt. Pinos.
Reservation Info
15 sites campsites are now on the reservation system . 4 sites are first-come, first-serve.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TFair
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Beautiful spot, disgusting toilets
I definitely thought the people complaining about the vault toilets were exaggerating, but these are the most foul smelling vault toilets I’ve ever encountered. Not sure if I’ll ever forget that smell. That’s the only negative for me - the campsite is so beautiful and really empties out on Sunday.
Beautiful, for small rigs
Beautiful campground in a secluded mountain area, if only I could fit into it! I reserved a spot based on the site saying it would accommodate 40’, then noticed the campground as a whole recommended 22’ max. I drove up in the car to check it out, and glad I did! The spots are big but the entrance is narrow and there’s a few spots that even a small class C would probably hit low hanging tree branches. Amazing spot for vans or tents but anything bigger, check out McGill campground right up the road.
Mountain getaway
Great mountain getaway. Good options for hiking around the area and the views were phenomenal
Location
Mt. Pinos Campground is located in California
Directions
Take I-5 north to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Rd. Keep right and proceed on Cuddy Valley Road. Continue 5 miles to the "Y" in the road and veer left. Proceed 7 more miles past the first snow and second snow gate past McGill Campground.
Coordinates
34.8137 N
119.1022 W