Best Camping near Los Padres National Forest

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Los Padres National Forest, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Los Padres National Forest, CA (136)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    1. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    56 Reviews
    239 Photos
    849 Saves
    Santa Ynez, California

    Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground

    2. KCL Campground

    21 Reviews
    43 Photos
    82 Saves
    New Cuyama, California

    Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, we do not take reservations. Twelve campsites (two are elevated ADA compliant), with picnic tables, fire pits, horse corrals and ADA compliant vault toilet. Electricy and drinking water is not available. There is no garbage service, please act responsibly and pack out any refuse you have. It has some of the few shade trees on the monument. Formerly owned by the Kern County Land Company, the KCL still has a few of the original barn structures as well as some of the corrals. Please refrain from entering the barn structures.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground

    3. Mt. Figueroa Campground

    21 Reviews
    35 Photos
    234 Saves
    Los Olivos, California

    Overview

    Experience life elevated when you enjoy vistas of wildflowers, star gazing, and summer campouts atop Figueroa Mountain. Lose yourself in a grove of beautiful red manzanita, oaks and pines as Figueroa Campground lifts your spirits and your senses. Take a leisurely walk up the mountain ridge to watch a beautiful sunset or walk the trail around the campground to see the wildlife and all of nature's beauty. During the spring season, the area features an amazing wildflower display. This easily accessed pedestal in the pines is also very popular with hunters during the annual deer season.

    Recreation

    Trails, horseback riding, off road vehicle use, mountain biking, fishing, camping, backpacking, seasonal hunting, shooting and photography are all popular recreational uses on Figueroa Mountain. Figueroa Campground serves as a centralized location to various trailheads, including the Davy Brown/Fir Canyon and Ballard Trails. On Figueroa Lookout Road, you will also find amazing views of rolling hills and the shimmering Pacific Ocean in the distance.

    Natural Features

    Figueroa Campground is surrounded and shaded by red manzanita and a variety of oak and pine trees. During spring, Figueroa Campground is an ideal place to camp while you enjoy the magnificent wildflower displays that Figueroa Mountain has to offer. This is also the home of numerous spring migrating birds, such as the exquisite western tanager, which breeds and raises its young on Figueroa Mountain until August.

    Nearby Attractions

    A few miles away, Davy Brown Campground is the starting point for several trails, including the spectacular Davy Brown/Fir Canyon Trail. Two miles further are the Lower Manzana and Upper Manzana trailheads, entry points to the majestic San Rafael Wilderness. Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are within an hour's drive.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 - $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground

    4. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    45 Reviews
    107 Photos
    1000 Saves
    Goleta, California

    El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area.

    Activities and Facilities Include:

    -Picnic Areas

    -Exhibits and Programs

    -Fishing

    -Guided Tours

    -Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

    -Beach Area

    -Swimming

    -Windsurfing/Surfing

    -Family Programs

    -Geocaching

    Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $45 - $320 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    5. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    105 Photos
    921 Saves
    Carpinteria, California

    Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria camping offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Although dogs are not allowed on beach, we have a great picnic area where they are allowed to enjoy the outdoors as well. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round and lifeguard towers are staffed roughly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" here. This was because of naturally-occurring surface tar, which was used to waterproof the canoes.

    Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $180 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    6. Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    61 Reviews
    257 Photos
    65 Saves
    Grover Beach, California

    Oceano Camp (sites 1-42)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    7. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    34 Reviews
    87 Photos
    381 Saves
    Arroyo Grande, California

    Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.

    Lopez Lake with its 22 miles of shoreline is the ideal year-round recreational destination for everyone. There are 377 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical, full hook-up, and group campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $60 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground

    8. Sycamore Campground

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    65 Saves
    New Cuyama, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Selby Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selby Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selby Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selby Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selby Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Selby Campground

    9. Selby Campground

    5 Reviews
    21 Photos
    79 Saves
    New Cuyama, California

    Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis. Thirteen campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, horse corrals and a wheelchair accessible vault toilet. Electricity and drinking water is not available. There is no garbage service, please act responsibly and pack out any refuse you have. This campground is more secluded and the camper is only steps away from unlimited hiking in the Wilderness Study Area that lies outside the campground.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort

    10. Flying Flags RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    89 Photos
    183 Saves
    Buellton, California

    With a s’more in your hand and a brand new friend at your side, you might not remember all the things that inspired you to visit Flying Flags in the first place. Like the fact that it’s surrounded by miles and miles of lush, Central Coast vineyards. Or the fact that it’s just down the road from an outrageously charming ostrich refuge. Or the fact that it’s on the edge of the village of Buellton—the home of split pea soup. Because when you’re at Flying Flags, you’ll see that these grounds create a village in themselves.

    Here, poolside cabanas keep families cool late into the afternoon. And expertly groomed bocce courts host brackets late into the evening. Front porches foster interactions between neighbors. And fire pits tend to spark a few stories among them too. Sure, the beauty of this place is more than enough to inspire you to come for a vacation. But the beauty of our community is what just might inspire you to come back.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 136 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Los Padres National Forest

Recent Reviews in Los Padres National Forest

808 Reviews of 136 Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Nov. 7, 2024

    Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    Don’t bother if you wanna use a restroom after 10pm

    Nice rv park but pretty ridiculous that all the toilets and showers in the rv park are locked from 10pm-7:30 am. When you’re paying a minimum of $59 a night I’d expect I would At least be able to Use the restroom in the middle of the night wouldn’t recommend for that reason

  • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Not Worth staying here

    Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

  • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    For $70 a night we Expected More!

    Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Oct. 27, 2024

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    A winner

    I skipped out on Oceano and came here hoping they might have something open. Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay. Loved this campground so much. It’s well laid out and all the sites are well spaced and clean. The evening was much quieter, with a sunset and sounds of waves. A ten minute walk to the beach and right next to the butterfly grove. I have already made another reservation to see about the butterflies when they are in season. Pismo Beach is fantastic!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    You can do better

    Probably just due to the time of year but this campground was way too rowdy for my taste, all the sites are close together and it seemed almost every site was a very large group, generators running after 10pm, amplified music and tv! If that’s your jam you’ll love it. I took off after 1 night.

  • Connor B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Good spot for a quick night

    pretty easy to find, road is also easy to drive. found a pretty good level spot, definitely camping right off the side of the road. pretty nice and low key tho

  • AnnaEvan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Campo Alto Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Campo Alto Campground

    Great Escape!

    This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.

    There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.

    The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.

    My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!

    Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.

    We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!

  • Michelle M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    A beautiful Lake

    This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.

    There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.

    So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.

    But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Lovely hillside spots

    Picked the first nook from the GPS pin but hiked up road and there are quite a few others, some shaded, some exposed. Bit of highway noise.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Wheeler Gorge Campground

    Peaceful and Calm!

    We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.

    There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.

    Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Military Park Vandenberg AFB Pine Canyon Campground

    Nice and quiet

    Located on Vandenberg base which requires a membership card (military I.D.) This helps keep the camp site more private. No one goes here. It is tranquil and has trails to hike and lakes to fish in. Hunting is also allowed during select seasons. If you like quiet and keep to yourself, this is the place. There are no trash cans and a permit is required for campfire. There are a couple of port-a-pots and they are very clean. Go SpaceForce! Lastly, watch out for poison oak. Stay on the trails and all is well. Semper Fi.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This — OOPS

    This is tragi-comedy: I was invited to a wedding in Santa Barbara. It was summer and the most fleabitten motel prices were astronomical. I began to look at campsites within driving distance, I was desperate. Booked Catchuma and thought, hoorah, I’ve defeated the tourism trap. 

    Well… from the moment I arrived . . . I really could not care less about the wedding. My god. I think I’ll leave it at that. 

    Bring binos. Boat, bring your canoe/kayak.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Not our scene: hot, crowded, buggy

    We had reservations for 2 nights on an Augugst Friday / Saturday at Lopez Lake in a full-hook-up site in Bandtail (Site 38). The reviews of this place were great, and the photos were beautiful. We arrived to find a HUGE park (yes, I should have noted how many campsites there are). Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland. The park employees were nice though. There were big signs all around "NO FIRES" (more on this later) and I was also told at check in that there were no fires. We found our site easily enough, only to realize how closely packed the sites were in Bandtail. Some nice folks to our right had three sites - 11 kids and 21 people between them. The kids rode their bikes all over, and even onto our site (while also running around our van chasing a chipmunk). We had our daughter's dog, so tried sitting outside in the shade, only to find that in addition to the heat (it was mid 80s), there were biting flies. :( Poor puppy got bit or stung more than once. So we went in our van and turned on the AC (it could run on low with the 20A service there). Then, after dark, a dad and his young son arrive on our other side and had to back in their boat in the dark. We got out of our rig and helped them (twice) with our portable lights and guidance. In the morning, they spoke in very loud voices and we were right next door. We did take one of the trails in the heat, but they are not at all well maintained - basically trampled grass that could easily hold a snake. While the area is pretty, it is just way too crowded for our taste. Oh, and the bathrooms were dimily lit, had a couple of non-functioning toilets, and were dirty. We were ready to get out of there and will not be back. Lastly, though the fire danger was marked as extremely high and "NO FIRES" signs at check-in, along with verbal warnings of no fires, I saw two campsites had open fires in the fire pits. This blatant lack of regard for rules and safety didn't sit well with me. And no one was enforcing the fire ban. Sad.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great Campground

    We stayed here a few years ago, but on the primitive / non-hookup side. We stayed on the E/W hookup side this time and liked it as well, though it does have the more typical RV/parking lot feel as compared to the other side.  There's a nice walking trail that connects the two sides. It's $50 for an E/W site, plus an $8.25 reservation fee.

    There's a cool lagoon that you can walk all the way around on, with lots of birds, and much of it accessible as well which is nice. There's a cool visitor center, open 12-4. The beach is a short walk away. There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also, Old Juan's, it's so good and has great vegan options.

    The showers here are nice and clean, and $1 gets you 4 minutes.  The showers are individual, private, and non-gendered. There was no host on site when we were there, but the rangers were very present.  This campground, like all California State campgrounds we've been to recently, has trash, recycling, and a food compost bin which I love.

    There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt and complete other challenges.

    No dump station here, but there's one just 2 miles north at North Beach Campground, and it's $10 for dump and water fill there.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    4 x 4 recommended

    We love being able to camp directly on the beach, and have done so many times in Texas and in Louisiana, but wouldn't recommend it here unless you are in a 4wd. We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that.

    Camping overnight is only $10, and the beach is wide open for camping. It was very busy during the day on a weekday in August, so I can imagine the weekends are packed. 

    This is a fun beach in a fun, low key beach town, and we love coming here.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Sierra Madre
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Old Sierra Madre

    Nice Car Camping Spot

    Pretty solid! Had great cell service and was a lovely drive to get there. Probably wouldn’t recommend if you have a tent or RV as the spots were a little small and rocky. But I only went a little past where the directions take you, so not sure what else is up there.

    Arrived just at sunset and loved the views! It was very peaceful and far enough from the highway. It seemed like the same truck was driving up and down a couple times which was the only downfall.

    Overall a good experience.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Comfort Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Camp Comfort Park

    Nice Little Campground

    This is such a nice and small campground, it's low key and seems to be overlooked because there always seems to be sites available.

    We stayed in site #13, which is a weird "pull in" site, which in all the traveling we've done, we've never stayed in one before. So you pull in forward (not back in), because  all your hookups are to the left of the site, on the driver's side.  Which is fine, except that unless you have a long sewer hose, your hose won't reach from the back of your RV to the sewer connection. Luckily there were vacant spots when we left, so we backed into a vacant spot with a  traditional setup and dumped on our way out.

    The best part of this campground is the creek that runs behind it. It's so nice and refreshing on a hot day, and safe for little kids to splash around in. There's also a park, day use area, playground, and some sort of meeting spot adjacent to this campground. The showers were nice (coin operated) and as a full timer I always love to see laundry machines at campgrounds.

    Pricey, but that's just the norm now.  I think our one night was about $50.  Great little place.

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Great time with the whole family

    Large sites with plenty of room for tents and all the other camping necessities. This site backs up into the hills and there are black bears that roam the area so be sure to prepare for that. The lake is full and lots of areas to fish.

  • Maria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    Perfection!

    Everything in this campground is 5 stars, the BEST one you will find in the Bakersfield area. They have a waiting list for monthly rates. Clean, grassy, bath houses and laundry, many different flowers, pool and hot tub, pool table near the gym.

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Flags RV Resort
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Flying Flags RV Resort

    A lot of amenities and great for family with kids

    Very tight space, lots of amenities like pools, playgrounds for kids, restaurants, activities, performances on weekends but can get quite busy and crowded. Close by solvang town and many pretty hiking trails

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Nice place but dog owners beware

    Just to be clear, I love lake Casitas. I grew up camping here with my family. The reason I’m writing this review is to warn pet owners about the abundance of foxtails and burs. We have 2 poodle mixes with med-long hair and they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails. So much that it required a vet visit. This was from a weekend camp in our RV that had a large rug and they have raised dog cots.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach
    May. 31, 2024

    Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Beautiful, but a little squirrely

    This campground is awesome. It’s very beautiful, with lots of wildflowers, trees, trails, beach dunes…and squirrels. Lots of them. But we also saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds. We also saw a cute little weasel. There’s also lots of rangers, which makes for very well-mannered campers. Loved it!! You can walk to the beach or drive on the beach. Driving in the beach was fun, but it was so windy and so cold! This was the end of May. Not sure what the weather is over months. The actual campground was not as cold or windy, since it’s behind the dunes. The bathrooms have hot water and Flush toilets. Showers are huge and are self-contained and not in the bathrooms. Tokens needed. Starting in May there’s a market night at the main pier, small but fun to visit. Lots to do, from renting dune buggies to playing at the main pier. Loved it and can’t wait to go back. Oh, and about the squirrels. They’re not afraid. They ate through my little pantry that’s canvas that’s connected under my table. Also, mosquitoes! How could I forget. Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills. They’re out and about and it’s not fun if you’re not prepared. There’s a Walmart not too far away. After the citronella incense weren’t working, we went to Walmart and it was war! Another note, campsite 68 does not look like the photo. Tree is gone and the ice plant has invaded the site and made it smaller. One tent will fit, not another.



Guide to Los Padres National Forest

Camping near Los Padres National Forest, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Boating: Enjoy the water at nearby lakes. A review highlighted that "the lake is perfect for boating," so don’t forget your kayak or canoe.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "There are raccoons, squirrels, and deer around," adding to the natural experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A review stated, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious," which is a big plus for many.
  • Variety of Campsites: Many campgrounds offer different types of sites. One camper shared, "The lovely county-run park... offers a wide variety of camping experiences," from tent sites to yurts.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A review noted, "The camp host was lovely," which can make a big difference in your stay.

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper pointed out, "Most sites are in the shade of lovely Oak Trees, but they are spaced well apart," which is good for privacy.
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One visitor warned, "It was much colder than expected at night," so pack accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review mentioned, "The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent," but be sure to check what’s available before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. One camper said, "Lots of amenities like pools, playgrounds for kids," which can keep the little ones entertained.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby markets. A review mentioned, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something," which can be handy.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor noted, "The swimming pool was great," but always supervise children around water.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. One camper advised, "I wouldn’t try coming in anything bigger," as some sites are smaller and may not accommodate larger rigs.
  • Prepare for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A review stated, "The road getting there is long and pretty rough," so be ready for a bit of a drive.
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds may not have potable water. A visitor mentioned, "Be prepared to bring your own water," which is crucial for a comfortable stay.

Camping near Los Padres National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With a variety of campgrounds like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area and Mt. Figueroa Campground, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Los Padres National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Los Padres National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Los Padres National Forest and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Los Padres National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Los Padres National Forest is Cachuma Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 56 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Los Padres National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Los Padres National Forest.

  • What parks are near Los Padres National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Los Padres National Forest that allow camping, notably Carrizo Plain National Monument and Channel Islands National Park.