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.
"Dogs allowed. Easy to access."
"Great hikes nearby and the beach is just a short walk away! We saw lots of cute animals during our stay. The campsite pass also gets you free parking at pretty much any beach along the PCH."
$30 - $34 / night
"While visiting Los Padres National forest on a Valentines Weekend, we unfortunately couldn’t do much camping near the higher altitudes due to high wind gusts so we headed toward the other camps, Davy Brown"
"During our second visit to the forest we settled on a spot we found close to the road but still hidden with a definite moving water source. We ended up making 2 separate campsites."
"Don’t know why people are saying it’s remote when there’s a main highway only a few miles away and ranch houses near by and cell Service."
"I am a native of Santa Barbara, CA, so I grew up going to Cachuma Lake. Cachuma Lake’s main recreational area is on a bluff overlooking the lake."
"Fire pit at 409 put in a strange location so that we is located on the back side of our trailer. Really no other way we could have configured it."
"Great hiking around campground. No cell service."
"Brought my dogs and they loved it. No real services up here so its especially important to pack out all your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics."
"We arrived on Saturday 4th of July and all the sites were taken so we decided to drive another 15 miles up the road to a nice shaded location just right off the road."
$30 - $34 / night
"Nira is a small, primitive campground in the San Rafael wilderness behind the Santa Ynez Valley."
"Beautiful drive to get to Nira with stunning views. Had a nice visit having the whole campground to ourselves, although the nearby trailheads had several cars."
$125 - $145 / night
"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."
"Bit of highway noise."
GuideWhile visiting Los Padres National forest on a Valentines Weekend, we unfortunately couldn’t do much camping near the higher altitudes due to high wind gusts so we headed toward the other camps, Davy Brown and Nina. Only problem was these were all reserved!! Why I hate most camping in California Bc nothing is ever available. Either way I hate these type of campgrounds where there are fire pits, and bathrooms, and typically more humans nearby. So we ditched that and settled on a campsite off the road since the sun was setting. It was off one of the many horse/hike trails and was at least flat and somewhat further from the road and hidden by brush and trees. It was a nice night and enjoyed a quiet night alone on the forest. We only needed to do an overnight since we were doing the wineries and we’re staying at an bed and breakfast the next night. Overall it was nice but rather stay in 2 other spots we found that could make for future camping trips. ☺️⛺️
ScoutNice little campground in the Los Padres National Forest. Gets pretty hot in the summer. Great view of the valley on a nice clear day.
GuideBeautiful drive down grade valley to get to this awesome site. We were looking for a more remote place to camp and this site satisfied all our needs. We were the only ones there and the scenery was pleasing. There is access to some nice hiking trails of Los Padres National Forest. There was some water still available in the nearby creek.
ScoutNeeded a one night stay and we came across Paradise Campground in Los Padres National Forest so we took a chance on FCFS availability and loved Site 1 with its beautiful shade trees!
TravelerBeautiful area. Spring and early summer water is in the 2 small lakes or hike to the Rose Valley Water falls. Hiking, biking or just hang out. Gateway to some beautiful hikes in the Los Padres National Forest. Plenty of trails to explore.
ScoutA great campground in the Los Padres National Forest. It is well maintained and has a small creek running through it. There are some good shady spot, however, they fill up quick. Toilets are basic but fairly cleaned and stocked. Fire pit, fire restrictions may apply, stand alone grills and picnics tables are encluded.
GuideThis site is in the Los Padres National Forest and is managed by a third party and not the USFS.
It is a clean and quiet site with lots of shade provided by huge oak trees.
Each site has a table, bbq, and fire pit. There is running water. There are flushing toilets.
each site is allowed one car, but there is parking right outside the site along the road.
The site is near many trails and about 6 miles from the red rock day use area.
It was 20.00 a night to stay. You can make reservations online but there is a 10.00 charge to do so.
Dogs are allowed must be on leash.
TravelerThere are a handful of parking pads just below the Hi Mountain Lookout. Pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings only. No water. AT&T cell service, but no Verizon (as of Summer 2016). Partial view through the trees out across the Los Padres National Forest, depending on the site selection.
Higher ground clearance is recommended getting up here! The dirt fire roads can get pretty rutted. AWD/4WD make the trek up a breeze, tho!
Flies can be INCESSANT in the shade during the hotter months...
GuideSanta Margarita Lake is a lovely, quiet medium size lake used for drinking water in San Luis Obispo County, Los Padres National Forest. There are 60 campsites; 54 tent/RV, 2 Boat-in and 4 horse camps. There is a playground and a pool available in summer as swimming in the lake is not allowed. Canoe/boat rentals are available as well as a launch ramp and marina store. This lake is popular with smaller fishing and recreational boats. Amenities include flush toilets in main camp, picnic table, fire pits but no hook ups. Reservations are online except for horse camps which require a phone call to County Parks 805-788-2387, fees run 38$-36$ per night.
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Los Padres National Forest in California, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities for a memorable outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Los Padres National Forest is Sycamore Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near Los Padres National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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