Best Campgrounds near Lebec, CA

The mountainous terrain surrounding Lebec, California encompasses diverse camping environments ranging from pine-forested highlands to open valley settings. Mt. Pinos and McGill Campground provide established sites at higher elevations within Los Padres National Forest, while Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area offers specialized camping for off-road enthusiasts. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos stands out as a walk-in tent camping area with year-round availability. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly across locations. The region sits at the junction of several ecosystems, creating distinctive camping experiences within relatively short distances of Interstate 5.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping conditions near Lebec. Most mountain campgrounds operate from May through September, with limited winter accessibility due to snow at higher elevations. Fire restrictions frequently affect the area during summer and fall months, as one camper noted: "There is high risk of fire and no campfires or BBQ's were allowed." Cell service varies dramatically between locations, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to major highways. Reservations are recommended for established sites during peak summer weekends, while some areas like Chula Vista Campground operate on a first-come basis. Many campgrounds feature basic vault toilets rather than flush facilities, and drinking water availability is inconsistent across sites.

Visitors consistently praise the region's stargazing opportunities and cooler temperatures compared to nearby valleys. One camper at Chula Vista noted it's "a lot cooler up here so it's a nice way to get away from the summer heat. Awesome area for stargazing." At Hungry Valley, campers appreciate the spaciousness: "The area is large and ample where you don't have to be next to each other unless that is what you want." Wildlife sightings, particularly coyotes and birds, are commonly reported across campgrounds. Highway noise affects some lower-elevation sites, while mountain campgrounds offer greater solitude. McGill Campground receives particular praise for its pine-scented environment, though campers recommend selecting sites away from restroom facilities. Most campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of shade depending on elevation and forest cover.

Best Camping Sites Near Lebec, California (157)

    1. Mcgill Campground And Group Campground

    12 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $154 / night

    "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."

    "We love the camp hosts Harry and Carey and we were even going to try to squeeze in one more weekend trip here and as we were leaving they shut down all the national forests in California because of the"

    2. Mt. Pinos Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "Miles of hiking and Mt bike trail's that are well maintained. Lots of wildlife viewing. There is a large parking area to park, close to the campground, then you walk in and grab a site."

    "A great place to walk, mountain bike, camp and in winter it snows .. you can pull off the hey and make a snowman at the base in winter. Camping was easy and plenty of room."

    3. Chuchupate Campground

    5 Reviews
    Frazier Park, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "It is nice to have space and some privacy to spread out away from other campers. The scenery is is wonderful. It is also a great place if you want to camp of the grid."

    "The site we had was spacious not only to park but the area around it was large and not too close at all to the neighboring sites. No cell coverage at all!"

    4. Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    14 Reviews
    Castaic, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $26 - $160 / night

    "Campground has three separate site loops with about 90 Dry Camp camp locations. Water spigots are available in some areas, but not for permanent hookup."

    "There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there."

    5. Hungry Valley State Veh Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Lebec, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 248-7007

    "The place is essentially a wilderness theme park for serious and novice off-roaders of all types. "

    "They ride quads and Hungry Valley has different campgrounds and all kinds of trails which are specifically sectioned off for the type and size of quad or motorcycle."

    6. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos

    6 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "It’s a nice drive to get to the campground. Nice clean area with lots of space. Love it that’s it’s a Walk in campground so no cars or RVs. Lots of Hiking trails nearby."

    "Park at the lot up top, then walk about 1/2 mile to campground via dirt path. Plenty of sites. Old rustic bathrooms work well. Picnic tables at each site."

    7. Cherry Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frazier Park, CA
    8 miles

    "This place you can drive up to the site. You can find any place to camp out. There is a small creek but it is really small. Lots of animals in the night."

    "If you have 4WD and a strong stomach, you can squeeze all the way up the mountain to a beautiful campsite at the end of the trail at the top of the mountain."

    9. Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Lebec, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 248-7007

    "We usually come here to ride our off road bikes, but this time decided to stay for the weekend without our bikes."

    10. Oak Flat Campground

    12 Reviews
    Castaic, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $5 / night

    "*** this review refers to the Oak Flat campground along the Sespe trail and is accessible by backpackers only, 7 miles from Piedra Blaca parking lot***."

    "Spots have picnic and fire pits available, with clean newly updated bathrooms near by. Lots of big boulders and trees on the landscape, providing ample shade and beautiful full trees in the summer."

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Recent Reviews near Lebec, CA

759 Reviews of 157 Lebec Campgrounds


  • Eleanor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Santa Rosa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Great location, parking lot

    We got lucky with a premium spot that opened up on the beach front. It was a gorgeous place to wake up! Definitely a festive tailgate-style vibe in the parking lot. You are close to your neighbors with no privacy but it was a great first stop for us out of LA. Easy walk into town for breakfast burritos!

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Themed Park!

    First of all, staff was amazing. We were originally supposed to arrive on a Tuesday and we’re not able to make it. Staff shifted our reservation instead of us eating the missed night cost. Also super accommodating allowing us to extend a day longer last minute. Park is tight quarters with 200 spots. Two laundry rooms/bathrooms with showers on site, plus a cute little dog park! We stayed for three nights. Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms. My only complaint in the noise level at times which is not from the park itself. Helicopters would fly over randomly, sometimes at night and it could be annoying when trying to sleep. Otherwise, absolute GEM of a place!

  • Ryan C.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Fairways RV Resort

    Very quiet and clean

    Disabled Veteran from the area so getting on base was a breeze. Our trailer is 36ft so parking our long bed dually on the site took some space, but there is extra parking if you don’t mind a short walk. There are parks located throughout the base and the bowling alley is super cheap for unlimited bowling. There is a movie theater on site but limited on how many movies are showing.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Faria Beach Park

    Right in the Ocean

    Campsite are close together but the view & vibe are awesome. Clean excellent facilities with hot & cold showers. Camp sites are packed, but I car camp so had no issues.

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Good place to stop between stops

    So the good first, Quiet, not many ppl in the fall/winter months. Sites are large, dumpsters, vault toilets, close to town amenities. We felt safe staying here. Met nice campers.

    The crappy. Yes you can hear the humm of the freeway from further away. Didn’t bug us, but some it does. There is micro trash everywhere. No one cleans the sites, leaves are outta control on the ground. You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside. The single bathroom is cleanest. The Ranger was super rude He asked way too many personal questions and kept wanting to make sure we weren’t “homeless”. He doesn’t understand the difference between vagrants and choosing to not live in bricks and sticks. He wanted to know exactly how many days we were staying and what day and time we were leaving. You can stay up to 14days and no reservations required.

    It is only free if you have your America The Beautiful Pass, otherwise it’s 5.00 a night And you have to buy that at the Shell Gas Station down the pass.

  • S
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Clean and easy access

    I love Carp State Beach campground. The proximity to everything Carpinteria is within a short walking distance. Staff and venue are amazing.

  • T
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Camp Comfort Park

    It's fine

    It's fine. It is a lower cost option although not exactly low cost. Website says $46 or $48 a night for full hook up but was actually $50 plus $15 (mandatory reservation fee). Farther off of 101 than what we would have liked but ok. Get quarters before you arrive if you want to shower and do laundry.

  • Amber R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Bear Mountain RV Park

    Clean and friendly staff

    The shower/bathroom was kept very clean. Laundry was clean as well as the dog run. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely come back. Highly recommend

  • b
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Very chill

    Great serene spot (aside from a few noisy campers) by the river, liked it so much we camped out for 3 days. Great price too! Close enough to civilization but far enough you forget it's nearby. Would recommend!


Guide to Lebec

Dispersed camping options around Lebec, California center on several distinct recreational areas with different rules and terrain conditions. Elevations range from 3,500 to 8,800 feet, creating temperature differences of 15-20°F between valley and mountain sites. Most dispersed camping requires an Adventure Pass for parking in Los Padres National Forest areas, available for $5 daily or $30 annually at local stores like Mountain View Mini Mart in Frazier Park.

What to do

Stargazing at higher elevations: Mount Pinos attracts astronomy enthusiasts with exceptional dark sky conditions. "Great hike to Mount Pinos, great sky gazing," notes a visitor to Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos, adding that "it's a popular place for stargazing, so enter with your headlights dimmed and be respectful."

Hiking the cross-country ski trails: The trail system originally built for winter recreation creates excellent summer hiking routes. "Great hiking trails thanks to all the cross country skiing trails," reports a camper at Chula Vista. Many trails are well-marked and connect different camping areas across the mountain.

Off-road vehicle recreation: The specialized terrain at Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area provides designated areas for various vehicles. "The area is large and ample where you don't have to be next to each other unless that is what you want," notes one visitor. The recreation area features specialized trails for different vehicle types and skill levels.

What campers like

Cool mountain temperatures: Higher-elevation sites offer significant relief from summer heat. A visitor to Cherry Creek Campground appreciates the "incredible campsite at the top of a mountain," noting that "if you have 4WD and a strong stomach, you can squeeze all the way up the mountain to a beautiful campsite at the end of the trail."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife populations easily observed from campsites. At Hungry Valley, one camper mentions the "nice morning wake up call from coyotes," while others report frequent bird sightings throughout the region.

Spacious, private sites: Most campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At McGill Campground, one camper notes that "the group site is perfect and can easily fit 12-15 families/tents" with a "1/4 hiking trail around the site" that is "perfect for kids exercising some independence."

What you should know

Adventure Pass requirements: Most forest service sites require an Adventure Pass for parking. A Chula Vista camper advises, "If you don't have an Adventure Pass, Mountain View Mini Mart in Frazier Park is the closest place i know that sells them. $5 a day, or $30 for the year pass."

Fire restrictions: Strict seasonal fire bans are common and strictly enforced. At Chula Vista Campground, a visitor cautions that the "Ranger said he has written 100 tickets this summer for people having campfires when it's posted no campfires. I think he visits the site daily."

Limited facilities: Most sites lack running water and full restrooms. At Los Alamos Campground, a camper notes that while the "campground is well maintained" with a nearby "dump station," amenities remain basic with only "water spigots" and vault toilets at most sites.

Tips for camping with families

Group camping options: Several campgrounds offer designated group areas. At McGill Campground, a camper shares, "We discovered this campground with friends who booked a group camping weekend. The group site is perfect and can easily fit 12-15 families/tents. Good parking area with toilets across the road."

Weather preparation: Mountain conditions can change rapidly even in summer. A McGill visitor warns, "Late sept it can get below freezing," suggesting families pack accordingly with proper cold-weather gear even during seemingly warm seasons.

Trail difficulty considerations: Hiking trails vary significantly in difficulty across the region. At Chuchupate Campground, a visitor notes you can "hike or drive up the dirt roads" to reach "awesome views of pyramid lake and Mojave's dessert," offering families options to match their capability levels.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Many campgrounds have limitations for RV access. At McGill Campground, sites can accommodate smaller RVs, but a visitor to Mount Pinos warns, "I reserved a spot based on the site saying it would accommodate 40', then noticed the campground as a whole recommended 22' max. 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."

Level parking considerations: Bring leveling equipment for uneven terrain. At Chuchupate, one visitor notes "Site 23 is level for a 2 door jeep wrangler with a roof top tent" but cautions that "larger cars could be an issue due to entrance of campsites being with an ok designed."

Dump station locations: Plan for limited dump facilities in the area. A visitor to Los Alamos Campground mentions "there is a dump station nearby," making it a "great place to stop heading over the Grapevine" for RVers needing to empty tanks while traveling the I-5 corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lebec, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lebec, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Lebec, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lebec, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lebec, CA is Mcgill Campground And Group Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lebec, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Lebec, CA.