Best Tent Camping near Los Padres National Forest in California

Searching for a tent campsite near Los Padres National Forest? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Los Padres National Forest. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Los Padres National Forest (32)

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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Los Padres National Forest

704 Reviews of 32 Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds


  • Daniel J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beartrap Number 1 Campsite
    Mar. 17, 2020

    Beartrap Number 1 Campsite

    Great Winter or beginner backpacking campsite

    This is a great campsite if you want to get out during the winter, but don't want to get stuck in deep snow. It's also great for beginners. The second time I visited this campsite, I brought a friend who was coming out for his first backpacking trip. The trail to get here is technical enough to be challenging and fun, without the high altitude lung busting that is usually necessary for dense tree areas.

    When you get there you'll find several fire rings that can be used during safe seasons. Be sure to check with the Los Padres National Forest site to make sure you can have an open fire.

    The creek here runs year round, so you can expect to find easy water access throughout the campsite.

    Another big plus is the abundance of trees in this area. This worked out beautiful for my friend and I as we were hammock camping. But there are tons of tent sites available here too.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Nov. 27, 2022

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Something to please everyone

    We’ve camped here many times over the last 15 years. We’ve tent camped on primitive sites and camped with a pop-up with electricity & water. None of the full hookup sites have a view but some of the tent sites do. There isn’t much fishing now, because the water is so low, but there are still pretty hikes to be had and water slides if it’s hot. We’ve been to the ropes course too, which is really fun.

  • Alejandro L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Feb. 19, 2021

    Mt. Figueroa Campground

    Make your own camp

    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 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. ☺️⛺️

  • Tracey The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful retreat from the craziness

    We just spent one night at Cachuma Lake (a Sunday), camping near Chumash Meadows. The tent camping sites were probably only ~30% full, which made for a very peaceful (albeit short) stay! The sites are big with picnic tables and fire pits, and many are shaded by large trees. The nearby toilet block was clean, as were the showers (a little further away). Our tent site had a view out to the lake, and was a bargain! 

    There is a store (with a not-so-great assortment of goods), a restaurant and a fishing/boat hire shop. The roads and paths make for great cycling, and there are trails to explore too.

    We drove through the whole camp ground checking out the various areas (full RV sites, partial RV sites, tent sites, yurts & cabins). The full RV sites were (not surprisingly) still pretty full, even in mid-October, but the rest were not. We loved the campground, and plan to return for longer next time. Its proximity to cute little nearby towns is a bonus!

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Valle Vista Campground
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Valle Vista Campground

    Great view

    Nice little campground in the Los Padres National Forest. Gets pretty hot in the summer. Great view of the valley on a nice clear day.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Rose Valley Campground
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Rose Valley Campground

    USFS developed campground

    Beautiful 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.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Wheeler Gorge Campground

    Great campground at Wheelers Gorge, Ojai Ca

    A 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.

  • Antonio  C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Halfmoon Campground
    Oct. 2, 2019

    Halfmoon Campground

    Nice and lonesome

    Beautiful 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.

  • Margo A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park

    Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Riding Horses at Santa Margarita Lake

    Santa 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.

  • J.Lynn J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hi Mountain Campground
    Aug. 1, 2017

    Hi Mountain Campground

    Almost To The Top!

    There 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...

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Prietos
    May. 16, 2018

    Los Prietos

    A beautiful place to camp near Santa Barbara

    This 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.

  • Alejandro L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Figueroa Campground
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Mt. Figueroa Campground

    Another site, another find

    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. One near our tent where we’d chill and I prepped another down by the babbling brook for the morning and our French press breakfast. I made 2 separate fire rings and made sure we had proper safety to prevent any wild fires. They were properly extinguished and buried before we left camp. The site was cool. Unfortunately the wind picked up to gusts of 30+mph and it made for a rough morning given the wind kept us up. The site also was hidden from the sun path so sun didn’t hit it till 930am and it set early around 430pm. Prob better summer spot then or maybe spring so good to know it’s there as an option in Los Padres National Forest. Regardless we made the best of it and also ended up going for a 2mile hike to Ballard Camp to check it out for possible future backpacking trips.

  • Amanda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Carpinteria State Beach Campground

    Carpinteria State Beach Campground is a one of our frequently visited “staycation” spots. We live in nearby Santa Barbara, but will use Carp State Beach as a midway meeting point when friends from Southern California and Central California meet up.

    The campground is pretty large, and caters mostly to RVs and trailers. There are loops within the campground that are essentially just asphalt lots with small dirt spaces for fire pits and picnic benches - these are intended for RV campers, but we have tent camped there in a pinch. Since we are tent campers we do prefer to camp in the grassy tent sites, but they are limited in number and tend fill up quickly. Because of the moderate year-round weather, Carpinteria State Beach Campground stays pretty full all year long!

    The campground has full hook ups, clean plumed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. There are grocery stores and conscience stores within short walking distance for anything you might need. Train tracks run directly behind the campground, so there is some noise pollution from the passing trains.

    The campground is at the very end of downtown Carpinteria, right next to the ocean. There are no “ocean front” sites, but the beach is a quick 1-minute walk from essentially anywhere in the campground. Some small sandy dunes separate the campground from the beach, and there is an accessible paved boardwalk running along the length of the dunes. There are beautiful tide pools just south of Carpinteria State Beach Campground that are a must see. Check the tide charts on the internet to visit the tide pools at low to mid tide.

    While we really enjoy camp cooking, we tend to opt to walk into town to eat when camping in Carpinteria. Linden Avenue is right next to the campground, and is the main street in downtown Carpinteria. There is a wide variety of restaurants, breweries and coffee shops downtown. Island Brewery CO is a local favorite just on the edge of the campground - while I don’t think they have food available (yet), their beer is GREAT! Their avocado beer is a must try - I know it sounds weird, but it’s delicious (and doesn’t taste like avocados)! Rincon Brewery is a few blocks up from the campground, and also has great beer, and TASTY FOOD!

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $45/night (normal campsite)

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: Yes (coin-operated)

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: No

    Cell Service: Yes

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Jun. 20, 2018

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Nice State Beach Campground

    This is a nice little spot, close to town, but not as close to the train as some of the other Southern California state beaches. The campground hosts went above and beyond to keep the bathrooms clean and even provided nice soap. The tent camping spots were a pretty good size for beach camping.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Green grass near beach

    Green, grassy campground with well separated spaces. Most pull thru and level. All surrounded by grass for nice tent camping. Surf sound is continuous. Masks other sounds except noisy generator in next site. Nice restrooms

  • Andrea R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    It has a pool!

    As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!

    The bathrooms are well maintained and there are flush toilets and coin operated showers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. I tent camped, like always, but they have cabins, yurts and rv spots. The guys enjoyed the fishing.

    I still have a problem paying $25+ for a place in the dirt, but families love it.

  • e
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    May. 3, 2021

    El Capitán State Beach Campground

    Awesome beach, too close to freeway

    The beach is amazing. But if you’re tent camping don’t bother going if you can only get a site on the back side by the freeway. Way too loud, especially when the trains go by. Sites by the beach are night and day

  • Steve J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River Park (City Park) - CLOSED
    Jan. 15, 2022

    River Park (City Park) - CLOSED

    Middle of the road

    It is a fine enough campground, the nearby park being its main selling point. There is nothing special in the way of amenities or things to do, but it is peaceful and you are mostly left alone,

    Bathrooms are closed, tent camping is closed.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Quiet in the off-season

    General: Many different options from tent sites to premium tent sites, water/electric, and FHU sites in addition to yurts and cabins. 

    Site Quality: Varies greatly depending on what type of site you choose. The only sites with gravel paved pads were the ones with water/electric hookups or FHU; all others were grass. Most seemed level. It was raining heavily when we were there and some of the sites were flooded. Very little to no separation/privacy between sites. We were in a w/e site, and it was long enough to easily accommodate two camper vans.

    Activities/Amenities: Off-season, everything was closed but in-season, there is a marina, boat rentals, restaurant, store, gas station, pool, and laundry. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean but very basic. No hooks or shelves for toiletries. Cold water only. The shower looked nice but did not use so cannot comment on it. 

    IMO, the best options are the premier tent sites, yurts, and cabins as they offer the best lake views. We had not planned on camping here but after evacuating from Jalama Beach, we were told this park would honor our reservation. It rained most of the time we were there, and it was off-season, so I imagine it would be an entirely different experience in the summer when all amenities were offered and the campground was full.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Jun. 27, 2021

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Great County Campground

    Nice spot, sites are well spaced, FHU spots have concrete pads.

    Lots of tent/group sites available, tent sites are roomy many with great shade.

    Large disc golf course, well stocked general store, gas station (no diesel) boat rentals.

    No body contact is allowed with the lake.

  • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
    Apr. 14, 2023

    KCL Campground

    Great location

    Nice and clean. Vault toilets. There’s water, but not sure if it’s potable, there wasn’t a sign. No trash service, you have to pack it out. There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Lopez Lake Recreation Area
    Sep. 26, 2016

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Squirrel Campsites

    The squirrel campsites for tent camping is great as they have more shade than other spots. Restrooms were clean and always had toilet paper stocked. They have been having bears coming into camp but we kept our food locked up and cleaned up all trash and didn't have any issues with them. The lake is low but they have great hiking trails and the wild turkeys are always fun to see.

  • Lauren H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzana Campground
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Manzana Campground

    Perfect site for relaxing by the water

    I have been here a few times over the years and it never disappoints! This year the swimming holes were perfect for some post hike cools downs. On the way to the site prepare for about 12 water crossings. There are roughly 6 tent sites all close together. There was a pretty rowdy crew of guys so get there early to pick your spot!

  • Dianne S.
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitán State Beach Campground
    Aug. 28, 2018

    El Capitán State Beach Campground

    Love it! One of my favs!

    I've camped here a handful of times. Our friends camp here regularly. It's convenient, easy drive-up and set up tent camping. The campground and the bathrooms are well taken care of and clean. It's also nice that the beach is nearby. Down at the beach, there is an area where the wind is also pretty decent and great for kite flying. Central California is a wonderful area to camp. Sometimes we stay at the campground and enjoy the beach or chill at our site. Other times we've driven and gone wine tasting nearby for a couple hours. Either way we always have a great time! Just wish it was easier to get a weekend reservation in the summer.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Margarita KOA
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Santa Margarita KOA

    Friendly staff..great for kids..bathrooms clean

    Eenjoyed 2 days here with many other campers. Staff helpful..friendly..restrms clean..quiet at night..fun things for kids..lake nearby also. Only 1 pitfall...we tent camped in space #63..next to a dirt road which looped around the campground. We got nailed with dirt dust every time someone drove by. Other than that..all was well...saw wild turkey and dear right next to our site. Inwould return but not at that camp space.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    May. 17, 2018

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Beautiful ocean sunsets at this quaint campground

    Nestled between Ventura and Santa Barbara just north of Los Angeles is this picture perfect State Beach campground. This location has both full hook-ups as well as tent camping right up to the coast This campsite also has showers availa le and restrooms There are plenty of miles of bike trails as well as hiking tails to the Bluffs that overlook a sea lion protected sanctuary But the most glorious reason to come here are the breath taking sunsets viewable from your own campsite


Guide to Los Padres National Forest

Tent camping near Los Padres National Forest in California offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails around Colson Canyon Campground, where you can experience the beauty of the forest while getting some exercise.
  • For those seeking solitude, Miranda Pine Campground provides a peaceful atmosphere with stunning views, perfect for a quiet getaway.
  • At Bates Canyon Campground, you can enjoy a variety of hiking trails and the chance to spot local wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.

Campground amenities for tent campers

  • Brookshire Campground features well-maintained sites with picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Barrel Springs Campground, you'll find ample shade and spacious spots to set up your tent, along with nearby hiking opportunities.
  • Wagon Flat Campground offers basic amenities like toilets, making it a convenient choice for those looking to camp without sacrificing comfort.

Unique features of nearby campgrounds

  • Lazy Campground is known for its secluded spots, perfect for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • The remote location of Baja Campground provides a true wilderness experience, ideal for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy nature.
  • Buck Spring Campground is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, making it a picturesque spot for tent camping and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Los Padres National Forest is Bates Canyon Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Los Padres National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Los Padres National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.