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.
"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."
"Picnic tables at each site. Named for the larged Pine tree at the top of the mountain. Sunset and Sunrise views are incredible. Brought my dogs and they loved it."
"not stay at this site but I did stop on my way back into town it's well taken care of and has a 360° view literally at the top of a mountain so that's the good and that also makes it the bad too if winds"
"Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."
"Bring water. But 100% recommend."
"There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes.
We stayed here during our PCT thru hike after crossing mile 100."
"private road that would be a great way to get to this campground if the gate was not locked talking to the US Forrest firemen across the street they said if that road was open it's about a 15 minute drive"
"Nice small campground with Rancho Nuevo creek flowing right next to it. We had to walk about a mile and a half to the campground as the seasonal gate was closed."
"The entrance and exit are build for traffic going south, so you have to be comfortable doing a freeway u-turn if you're going north."
"This is a California Highway rest area right off the 101 just north of Goleta/Santa Barbara. As the sign says, one is allowed to park their 8 hours."
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...
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.
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.
GuideDuring 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.
LegendNira is a small, primitive campground in the San Rafael wilderness behind the Santa Ynez Valley. The campground is a bit of a haul to get back to, and is often used as a base for backpackers entering the San Rafael wilderness or the Manzana Creek trail. I myself have only tent camped at Nira, just to go somewhere different - my boyfriend and his friends have backpacked out of Nira into the San Rafael Wilderness and to the Manzana Schoolhouse on multiple occasions.
Nira is the second, smaller campground back on Sunset Valley Road - Davy Brown Campground is up the road a little ways. Nira is small, with only 12 sites in a densely wooded live oak grove. The oaks provide a lot of shade and help separate the various camp sites. The Manzana Creek runs behind the campground; the main road leading into Nira is right above the campground, however, you’re pretty far back in the hills, so there isn’t a lot of noise from traffic.
Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are no hook ups and only pit-toilets are available. There is NO DRINKING WATER available at Nira Campground, so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to backpack through the area.
WARNING: You ARE in black bear country! While it is unlikely that a black bear will enter the campground, I would suggest locking your food and coolers in your car at night, as there are no food lockers in the campground. When hiking the Manzana Trail be aware of your surroundings: Black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, bob cats, and coyotes have been seen on the trail. CAMPSITE SPECS
Fees: $20/night (+ $10/ extra vehicle)
Plumbed Toilets: No - vault
Drinking Water: No
Showers: No
Picnic Table: Yes
Firepit: Yes
Cooking Grate: Yes
Shade: Yes
Cell Service: No
Animal Bins/Food lockers: No
Trash: Yes
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. ☺️⛺️
GuideAt the top of the Cuddy Valley road is a large parking lot (Adventure Pass required) for the hiking trail to the top of Mt. Pinos. Off to the other side is a dirt trail on the edge of a meadow, after about 200/300 yards is Chula Vista Campground. The camp sites vary greatly in size and flatness, so check around for the good ones.
First Come First serve camping, with some great spots overlooking the nearby meadow. The sites were clean and decently spread out, with fire rings and picnic benches.
It can get pretty windy up here so make sure your tent is staked down well. 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. (you can get a second year pass for only $5).
Met a guy named Bob and helped set up his telescope in the parking lot, he let anyone who wanted check out the amazing night sky!
Pros: Free camping!
Great hiking nearby.
Shady, clean sites.
Great sky gazing!
Cons: Lots of flies, very active during the day.
Bathrooms were pretty messy. below average for vault toilets. Bring extra TP.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Los Padres National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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