Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos

Plus: Great free shaded sites with fire rings and tables. The 12 sites are spread out Great hiking trails thanks to all the cross country skiing trails. Camping is free but so is most of the land along the roadway. It’s called dispersed camping. Great hike to Mount Pinos,

Just a few caveats:

1. The toilets sometimes don’t have TP.
2. “Bears were active” signs are posted.
3. No water
4. It’s a three yard hike back to the parking lot.

5 Ranger said he has written 100 tickets this summer for people having campfires when it’s posted no campfires. I think he visits the site daily.

At 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.

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. It’s a lot cooler up here so it’s a nice way to get away from the summer heat. Awesome area for stargazing. The bathrooms could use some cleaning but other than that it’s a beautiful area.