While our first impressions were terrible (we did not love our originally reserved site - #33), once we moved to another available spot and started exploring, we ended up having the time of our lives. 

The campground itself left a lot to be desired (lots of trash, half the sites are extremely rocky / sandy with little shade, some sites have rotting or broken picnic benches and very little privacy, and there is only one place for trash upon exit), but every site has a beautiful view of the mountainside and the stars, and if you get one of the good sites along the river, you're a few steps from the best part during the summer: swimming in the Kern River. 

We stayed at site #29, where (like sites #25, #27, #28 & #30), there were nice, flat, soft surfaces to pitch your tent under the trees just beyond where you park your vehicles for privacy and shade. From these gems, the river is just a short, 1 or 2 minute walk to the River. Though nice to be near the water spouts and bathrooms, we would not recommend sites (#3-19, #22, #24, #26) Further down the river, we noticed that sites opened up a bit more and had much more space and shade, AND that the river was a lot closer - all great for larger groups and especially those with children. If we were to come back, we'd probably choose site #47 which had two shaded, flat places right near the site and was only a few steps from the river - which had a nice shaded space for chairs along it. Only downside for being on the end is that you're next to the Day Use entry point from the road.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, my boyfriend & I came here on our first moto-camping trip together where we serendipitously found a geocache from the year we started dating and got to see the comet Neowise from the top of the nearby mountain just a short hike away from our site, #23. From L.A., it was 80 highway miles out to CA-38, which was beautifully lined with orange trees until it began gently and majestically wrapping around mountainsides. We stopped first in Angeles Oaks for food and supplies and then again at Jenks Lake, just half-a-mile before the entrance to the campsite -- but be forewarned, they close the gates here early and they will lock you in!! We backed our bikes into the#23 spot of the Barton Flats Campgrounds around 4pm and swiftly began setting up the tent as the sun passed just below the tops of the trees. Luckily our host came by with some firewood which we happily purchased just before heading up the hill across from our site overlooking a gorgeous sunset. Overall, I wouldn't choose our particular site again, as it was close to the roads, mostly in the sand and in between the bathroom and the check in building, but we definitely had enough room, and were grateful for the running water, flush toilets and animal-proof metal boxes for our food, etc. If we come back, we'd likely choose a spot between #8-#14, which was deeper in the 'woods' and right at the base of the hill we took the short hike up to view the sunset over the valley and later, see Neowise.

Our moto-escape from L.A. to McGill Campground in Frazier Park/ Pine Mountain was absolutely perfect. Coming from the south, we took the back way through Ojai, up the 150 and 33 over to Lockwood Valley Road and then Cuddy Valley Road. The fresh air and cooler temps were a welcome exchange to our music as service was spotty gliding through the twisties leading to the site. There is a very helpful map posted on the board as you enter to ensure navigation of the campsite loops which can be steep, so go slow! We were in Loop 3, and objectively think our spot #56 was out of this world: FANTASTIC view, shaded, flat ground for the tent, plenty of space by the table and fire, close to the bathrooms but not too close to our neighbors and in perfect alignment of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. There is no power or running water at this site, so the toilets do not flush and you may need to grab extra water & supplies at the local Pine Mountain General Store which is about 17 miles away, so don't be running on fumes when you arrive. Our host was extremely lovely and check in was simple. Would also note that we didn't love spot #57, which did not have a view of the mountainside and was tucked behind the bathrooms, but spot #55 would be a great second choice to #56 - great view, lots of open space, just a little less shade. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!