Discover Diverse Camping Options in Los Padres National Forest: Top Campgrounds & Ranger Districts
Explore the natural beauty of Los Padres National Forest with diverse camping options tailored for every adventurer. Choose from the serene sites in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, where oak woodlands and coastal views create a perfect backdrop for relaxation. For those seeking rugged terrain, the Mount Pinos Ranger District offers pristine mountain settings that are ideal for both tent camping and RV enthusiasts. The Monterey Ranger District boasts picturesque campsites near stunning lakes and hiking trails that showcase the forest's rich biodiversity. Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman or a family looking for a peaceful getaway, Los Padres National Forest's campgrounds deliver unforgettable experiences. Discover your next camping adventure in one of California's most treasured natural landscapes!
Arroyo Seco Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (59 min south of Salinas, CA) with an elevation of 956 feet. There are a total of 39 campsites including 17 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 22 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $35.00 to $150.00. Some amenities include shower. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Ballinger Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 1 min northeast of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 3,118 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking, ohv allowed from campsite.
Campo Alto Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 27 min south of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 8,269 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $30.00 to $150.00. Activities include biking.
Cerro Alto Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (32 min northwest of San Luis Obispo, CA) with an elevation of 1,196 feet. There are a total of 22 campsites including 13 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 9 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $35.00 per night. Some amenities include drinking water, swimming, restroom, trash dumpster. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
China Camp is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 20 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 4,311 feet. There are a total of 10 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Chuchupate Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 34 min northeast of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 6,216 feet. There are a total of 29 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 26 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Davy Brown Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 18 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 2,157 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Escondido Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 14 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 2,186 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 25 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $38.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Fremont Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 23 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 1,027 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites including 7 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 7 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 34 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $40.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, floating sports.
Kirk Creek Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (3 hrs 21 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 508 feet. There are a total of 32 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 26 and 56 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $45.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming, restroom. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
La Panza Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 2 min east of San Luis Obispo, CA) with an elevation of 2,206 feet. There are a total of 7 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Limekiln Campground is part of Limekiln State Park in California (3 hrs 26 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 105 feet. There are a total of 23 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 18 and 24 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $35.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, accessible, swimming, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Los Prietos Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 24 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 945 feet. There are a total of 37 campsites including 10 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 27 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $40.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing.
Mcgill Group Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 3 min south of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 7,256 feet. There are a total of 73 campsites including 37 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. 30 sites can accommodate RVs between 14 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $30.00 to $150.00. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Memorial Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 1 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 2,102 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Middle Lion Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 7 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 3,150 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Mt. Figueroa Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 12 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 3,498 feet. There are a total of 32 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking.
Mt. Pinos Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 8 min south of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 7,453 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs between 18 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Navajo Flats Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (58 min east of San Luis Obispo, CA) with an elevation of 2,185 feet. There are a total of 6 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails, ohv allowed from campsite.
Nira Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 24 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 1,829 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is open all year. 9 sites can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Paradise Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 23 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 961 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 22 and 48 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $40.00 to $80.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Pine Mountain Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 31 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 6,641 feet. There are a total of 7 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Plaskett Creek Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 32 min west of El Paso de Robles, CA) with an elevation of 386 feet. There are a total of 46 campsites. The campground is open all year. 23 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $45.00 to $200.00. Some amenities include flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Ponderosa Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (about 47 miles from El Paso de Robles, CA) with an elevation of 2,084 feet. There are a total of 23 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 22 sites can accommodate RVs between 15 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $37.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Reyes Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 3 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 3,906 feet. There are a total of 27 campsites including 15 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 11 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $30.00 to $150.00. Activities include biking, fishing.
Reyes Peak Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 36 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 7,061 feet. There are a total of 6 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. Max equipment length is 25 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Rose Valley Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 3,408 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking.
Sage Hill Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 27 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 1,301 feet. There are a total of 5 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $150.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Upper Oso Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (37 min north of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 2,368 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites including 5 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of November. 3 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 32 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $40.00 to $45.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Wheeler Gorge Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (40 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 1,810 feet. There are a total of 66 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 15 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $35.00 to $70.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
White Oaks Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 8 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 4,013 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
map icon in the lower right corner.
*Earn our 
Show your commitment in keeping our forests healthy and protecting our public lands by earning the Leave No Trace badge.