Camping near New Cuyama, California offers desert plains and oak woodlands at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this high desert region have limited natural shade, and strong winds are common year-round.
What to do
Hiking through native grasslands: At KCL Campground, trails provide access to California's largest remaining native grassland. "You can go out for a hike with great scenic views. This place has a lot of monumental history," reports Jessica P. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging routes up surrounding ridges.
Wildlife watching: Spring through fall offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the Carrizo Plain. "We saw kangaroo rats, bats, hawks, rabbits, ground squirrels (that are going extinct), and lots of fun insects," shared one camper at KCL Campground. Morning and evening hours provide the best viewing conditions.
Astronomical observation: The remote location of Selby Campground provides exceptional dark sky conditions. "The evenings here are spectacular -- very little light pollution so you get a clear view of the night sky and all of the stars. The Milky Way was so vivid and we saw shooting stars the entire evening," writes one reviewer. Bring red-light flashlights to preserve night vision.
What campers like
Secluded camping sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Songdog Ranch, noting the "spacious and beautiful private property" with "lots of campsite choices along the ridge with beautiful expansive views of the plain." Sites are well-spaced along elevated terrain, providing natural separation between campers.
Clean facilities despite remote location: Despite the rural setting, campgrounds maintain basic sanitation. At Songdog Ranch, "the chemical toilets are actually clean" according to Linda S. Similarly, at Figueroa Campground, "the latrines near our site were some of the cleanest we've seen so far."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Selby Campground, there is "zero cell reception at the campground, but if you hike up the hill behind the campground you can get decent Verizon and ATT." This information helps visitors plan accordingly for communication needs.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful driving. For Bates Canyon Campground, "the road was manageable in a 4x4 although not well-maintained, but we did see a sedan driving it the next day that didn't seem to have any problems." Allow extra travel time when planning your arrival.
Seasonal bug activity: Insect presence varies dramatically by season. At Figueroa Campground, campers report "tons of flies from dawn until about 6pm" during summer months. One visitor warned: "The flies were absolutely unbearable. No chance of relaxing without being totally swarmed by flies."
Water availability: Most campgrounds have limited or no water sources. At Selby Campground, visitors note that sometimes "there was no running water during my visit" despite facilities normally being available. Always bring sufficient water supplies for your entire stay plus emergency reserves.
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection: Choose sites with amenities matching your family's needs. Cuyama Oaks Ranch offers more developed facilities including tent and RV sites along with glamping options and yurts, making it suitable for families with younger children or those new to camping.
Temperature preparation: Pack clothing for extreme temperature swings. "It was definitely cold at night, so bring proper equipment for near freezing temps," advises a camper at Figueroa Campground. Daytime temperatures can be 40-50 degrees warmer than nighttime lows.
Educational opportunities: Use the unique ecosystem for learning experiences. "In the spring there are poppy runs blooming in a couple places close to the campground. Venturing up on the ridges will yield a spare bit more floral variety if you watch the ground," notes a visitor regarding seasonal wildflower viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection and size: Most area campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Figueroa Campground, one RVer states "I would not recommend trailers or fifth wheels. This is mainly tent camping." Advance research on specific site dimensions is essential.
Water management: RVers should arrive with full tanks. One visitor at Selby Campground advises: "No trash service, please pack out what you bring in so this campground stays free and open." The same applies to water—bring all you'll need as most sites have no hookups.
Road accessibility: Check current conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles. Gabriel R. warns about Bates Canyon: "Because of recent rains, it made the dirt roads a bit muddy and difficult for my small car. Lost traction in a few areas and it can be a bit bumpy."
