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Best Campgrounds near Pine Mountain Club, CA

841 Reviews

Campgrounds near Pine Mountain Club in California's Los Padres National Forest provide access to high-elevation pine forests and mountain terrain. Mt. Pinos Campground and McGill Campground sit at elevations around 8,000 feet, offering developed sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Chula Vista Campground provides walk-in tent camping with mountain views, while Campo Alto Campground features both tent and RV sites. These established campgrounds typically operate from May through November, though some like Chula Vista remain open year-round with limited winter access.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this mountainous region. Most developed campgrounds close during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures, with peak season running from late May through September. Summer temperatures remain relatively cool at these higher elevations compared to surrounding valleys. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during summer months, particularly at popular sites like McGill and Mt. Pinos campgrounds. Many campgrounds in the area have vault toilets but limited or no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. A visitor noted, "This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning."

Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area as highlights. The pine forests provide welcome shade during summer months, and many sites offer scenic views of surrounding valleys. Several visitors appreciate the proximity to Pine Mountain Club village for basic supplies while still enjoying a remote camping experience. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution, with one camper specifically mentioning the area as "awesome for stargazing." Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, birds, and occasionally coyotes. The network of hiking trails accessible from many campgrounds, particularly around Mt. Pinos, allows for exploration of the surrounding wilderness areas without needing to relocate camp.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pine Mountain Club, California (160)

    1. Mcgill Campground And Group Campground

    12 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $154 / night

    "On our way to the forest, the air was so thick from the SQF complex fire that we turned around and stopped at a parking lot near Taco Bell to plan our next move."

    "We love the camp hosts Harry and Carey and we were even going to try to squeeze in one more weekend trip here and as we were leaving they shut down all the national forests in California because of the"

    2. Mt. Pinos Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "Miles of hiking and Mt bike trail's that are well maintained. Lots of wildlife viewing. There is a large parking area to park, close to the campground, then you walk in and grab a site."

    "A great place to walk, mountain bike, camp and in winter it snows .. you can pull off the hey and make a snowman at the base in winter. Camping was easy and plenty of room."

    3. Reyes Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $154 / night

    "It's about a 40 minute drive from the nearest town (and therefore the nearest gas station or market - plan ahead). There is no power, or water."

    "There is a bar at the campground entrance if that is your speed, but we took advantage of the winding creek side path behind site 18."

    4. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos

    6 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    3 miles
    Website

    "It’s a nice drive to get to the campground. Nice clean area with lots of space. Love it that’s it’s a Walk in campground so no cars or RVs. Lots of Hiking trails nearby."

    "Park at the lot up top, then walk about 1/2 mile to campground via dirt path. Plenty of sites. Old rustic bathrooms work well. Picnic tables at each site."

    5. Campo Alto Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $154 / night

    "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."

    "Thankfully we arrived around 8:30pm and found walk-on site 17!"

    6. Wheeler Gorge Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $34 - $74 / night

    "Of course fire, candles and bug spray help but because of the nice creek nearby its kind of unavoidable. With that said, the bugs go night night at dark and a big fire helps."

    "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."

    7. Chuchupate Campground

    5 Reviews
    Frazier Park, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "It is nice to have space and some privacy to spread out away from other campers. The scenery is is wonderful. It is also a great place if you want to camp of the grid."

    "A nice alternative to the higher campgrounds near Mt Pinos. Went on Labor Day weekend and surprisingly there were not that many other campers."

    8. Marian Campground

    2 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 245-3731

    "You have to go off-road a little but it’s nothing crazy. Most cars can get here. No water or bathrooms so be mindful but the campsite is awesome."

    "the campground has 4-5 spots with decent shade under the pine trees. no water or bathrooms (there is a pit toilet near the entrance at the caballo campground). fire road easily accessible by most 4WD cars"

    9. Toad Springs Campground

    2 Reviews
    Pine Mountain Club, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 245-3731

    "Before you turn off for this camp, you are driving along this curvy road that is down in one of the most spectacular valleys I've ever driven through."

    "There was not many trails in the area aside from 1 further down the dirt road to the left. There are no toilets or running water so be prepared to pack out."

    10. Cherry Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frazier Park, CA
    7 miles

    "This place you can drive up to the site. You can find any place to camp out. There is a small creek but it is really small. Lots of animals in the night."

    "If you have 4WD and a strong stomach, you can squeeze all the way up the mountain to a beautiful campsite at the end of the trail at the top of the mountain."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pine Mountain Club, CA

248 Photos of 160 Pine Mountain Club Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pine Mountain Club, CA

841 Reviews of 160 Pine Mountain Club Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Carpenteria State Beach

    Good location

    This was our first stop out of LA, great location. The beach was nice but beware of tar staining. The showers required tokens but the token machine was out of order. A bit annoying for the price of the site.

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • Lee-Ann C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Steckel Park

    Beautiful location

    The camp host came over shortly after we arrived and was very kind and friendly. I appreciate that they enforce quiet hours! The lots were not very private but they were clean and having full hookups was great. The location is pretty, on a creek. And there’s a playground and aviary which our whole family enjoyed. We’ll plan to go back when it’s not so hot!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Dennison Park

    Great spot close to downtown Ojai

    Firstly camp host knocked it out of the park. Site had water which was a nice surprise and very well kept bathrooms. Pay attention to RV vs Tent sites. This was my backup as Wheeler has closed for a bit. It was nice to be so close to downtown and we went there for a bit to get away from the heat. No natural water on site so if you love a creek look elsewhere.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Close to Walkable Swimmable Beach / Close to Town / Nice Sunsets / Crowded

    Santa Cruz non-hook-up sites have: asphalt parking (close to level); picnic table; fire pit.  Individual restrooms with flush toilets and hot/cold water sinks cleaned daily but get lots of use.  Showers (tokens) cleaned but may have beach sand on floors.  Check feet / shoes for TAR from beach before entering tent / RV!  Baby oil helps take it off... plastic bag(s) helps to contain shoes.  Spaces can be tight... neighbor's RV was about two feet from ours.  Non-hook-up fee was $43.00 plus $8.25 online reservation fee.  "Enroute" camping may be available if campground is "full"... no hook-ups or tables - and have to leave by 9am - but you might have more space!   Inquire at front gate even if sign says "campground full".  Quiet after 10pm on Friday night even though campground and group sites were very full.  Thanks fellow campers!  Nice wide and safe swimming beach - close to quaint town - make this a CALIFORNIA CLASSIC.

  • K
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Reservations

    You must register and reserve a campsite before 4 PM local. The website directs you to an unsecured website. I pressed on through and got a human on the phone, so far so good. The total was $35.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Beautiful location. Close to town

    Beautiful location. Close to town. Walkable, hike-able, bike-able, rideable via paths. No dogs on beach. There is a dog beach further up the coast. Sites are pretty tight. Lots of families and tent camping. Need token from kiosk for showers. Train comes by every once in a while. I stayed in Santa Cruz in my 25’ motorhome with no hook ups. Had my own picnic table and fire ring. May stay again only because of the nice walkable paths. Watch where you step near the tar pits.

  • Grace A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Foster Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Currently open! WATCHOUT FOR WASPS!!

    This campground was really nice for a last minute trip. We could have campfires so that’s always a plus. The bathrooms were clean and maintained. No showers but we only stayed one night so it wasn’t an issue. BEWARE OF BUGS! During the day there were a bunch of wasps so keep that in mind. It was annoying trying to eat. Besides that it was a quiet and clean spot! We stayed at campsite 15 and there was plenty of shade. Some of the other spots are not so lucky and have little to no shade coverage. I think each site has a picnic table that I saw. Tent sites and rv sites with hookups! Only like 10-15 minutes to Ventura beach! Definitely would come again!

Guide to Pine Mountain Club

Camping near Pine Mountain Club, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something to offer.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy boating and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water."
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Leo Carrillo State Park. A camper shared, "Great location for beach, biking, and hiking. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
  • Beach Fun: Visit Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach for a day at the beach. One family noted, "The beaches are always nice. The trail that goes to the end of the campground is always a fun bike ride."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. One visitor said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer from El Capitán State Beach Campground mentioned, "This campground is clean and quiet, and the gate is open late."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Wheeler Gorge Campground are great for families. One camper shared, "Great campground for kids, we always have a good time."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area that offer activities for kids. A camper said, "The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for fun activities. One family at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach mentioned, "We also stop at Robitaille's Fine Candy shop."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area noted, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A reviewer at Leo Carrillo State Park said, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets or amenities. A camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electric hookups, check ahead. A visitor at Malibu Beach RV Park noted, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"

Camping near Pine Mountain Club, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping regulations and fees at Pine Mountain Club?

Campgrounds near Pine Mountain Club typically require permits and have established fee structures. Mt. Figueroa Campground has 33-35 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis with fees ranging from $20-25 per night. Many nearby campgrounds like Campo Alto Campground require an Adventure Pass for parking. Most campgrounds in the area enforce quiet hours from 10pm to 6am, limit stays to 14 days, and require proper food storage due to wildlife. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, so always check current regulations before your trip as they can change based on conditions.

What amenities are available at Pine Mountain Club campground?

Campgrounds near Pine Mountain Club typically offer basic amenities. McGill Campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but no hookups or showers. Reyes Creek Campground offers potable water in addition to toilets and standard site features. Most campgrounds in this area are rustic with limited facilities – expect pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills, but no electricity, showers, or RV hookups. Cell service is generally limited throughout the region. The natural setting with abundant shade trees and hiking trails makes up for the minimal facilities.

Where are the designated camping areas in Pine Mountain Club?

Pine Mountain Club is situated near several designated camping areas in Los Padres National Forest. Mt. Pinos Campground is one of the closest options, offering drive-in sites among beautiful pine trees. Another nearby option is Chuchupate Campground, which provides drive-in and walk-in access with toilet facilities. Both campgrounds are reservable and serve as excellent base camps for exploring the Pine Mountain Club area. The region is known for its forested mountain terrain, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat of nearby valleys.

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