Grade Valley Road · Photo: U.S. Forest Service
Sleep under a canopy of stars and pines. From U.S. Forest Service campgrounds high on Mt. Pinos to private mountain ranches that welcome horses and tents, Frazier Mountain offers a range of ways to pitch camp in the great outdoors.
Before you go
- Reservations vs. first-come. Most Los Padres National Forest campgrounds in this area are first-come, first-served. Some private and OHV sites take reservations. Confirm before you drive out.
- Seasonal access. Many high-elevation campgrounds are seasonal. McGill and Mt. Pinos campgrounds are generally used during the warmer months. Chula Vista is listed as year-round, but it may be snow-covered in winter and requires a walk from the parking area. Always verify current road, campground, and fire conditions with the Mt. Pinos Ranger District before leaving home.
- Hungry Valley SVRA. Hungry Valley SVRA offers camping, but availability and access can change because of weather, wildfire recovery, capacity limits, and temporary closures. Check the official Hungry Valley update before visiting.
- Fire restrictions. Seasonal fire restrictions are common. A free California Campfire Permit is required for any stove or fire use. Check current restrictions with Los Padres National Forest or Cal Fire before building a fire.
- Water & restrooms. Mt. Pinos Ranger District campgrounds typically do not provide drinking water — bring your own. Most have vault toilets. Private and OHV campgrounds vary; check the listing.
- Vehicle suitability. Some forest-road campgrounds need a high-clearance vehicle. RVs should confirm site lengths and road access before booking.
- Wildlife & food storage. Bears and rodents are present. Store food securely and keep a clean camp.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out all trash. There is no trash service at most forest campgrounds.
For closures and current restrictions, check the Los Padres National Forest site, Recreation.gov for reservations, and the Hungry Valley SVRA page for OHV camping.
Public Camping
U.S. Forest Service campgrounds high in the Los Padres National Forest — first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables amid the pines.
Chuchupate Campground
A scenic campground along Frazier Mountain Road, approximately 3 miles east of the Chuchupate Ranger Station. Features 29 campsites surrounded by pinyon pine trees, accommodating RVs up to 24 feet. Perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. First-come, first-served.
Chula Vista Walk-In Campground
A first-come, first-served walk-in campground at the end of Mt. Pinos Road, perched at approximately 8,300 feet. The 12 campsites are about 500 yards from the parking area, offering a peaceful high-country retreat with vault toilets. No fees. Pets allowed. A popular base for hikers heading to the Mt. Pinos summit.
Cottonwood Campground
A primitive trail camp in the southern Los Padres National Forest, featuring picnic tables—one under a giant cottonwood tree—and a spacious camping area with excellent water flow. A quiet, rarely visited spot perfect for backpackers seeking solitude.
Halfmoon Campground
A small, primitive campground in the Los Padres National Forest with 10 shaded campsites near Piru Creek. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets available; no drinking water. First-come, first-served. A quiet retreat perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the forest.
Lily Meadows Camp
A small, primitive trail camp on the North Fork Lockwood Trail in the Chumash Wilderness, accessible by hiking approximately 1.2 miles from the trailhead. Surrounded by beautiful meadows and pine forest. No facilities beyond a fire ring. No reservations required. Perfect for backpackers seeking solitude.
McGill Campground and Group Campground
Escape the city at this remote and beautiful campground in the Los Padres National Forest, perched at 7,400 feet in a dense stand of Jeffrey and ponderosa pine. Bursting with views of mountains and valleys, it's an ideal base for several biking and hiking trails, with nicely spaced sites and two group camps.
Mt. Pinos Campground
Shaded by Jeffrey pines about 16 miles west of Frazier Park, this high-country campground offers 19 sites with vault restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. A peaceful base for summit hikes, wildflower walks, and stargazing on Mt. Pinos.
Pine Springs Campground
A peaceful, first-come, first-served campground in the Los Padres National Forest, nestled among shady pinyon pines at 5,800 feet. Offers 12 campsites arranged around a loop, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets available; no drinking water. Accommodates RVs up to 22 feet. Perfect for a quiet mountain escape with hiking and stargazing.
Salt Creek Campground
A primitive trail camp in the Los Padres National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 9N22 off Cuddy Valley Road, about 11 miles from the I-5 Frazier Park exit. Requires a hike of approximately 1 mile with 500 feet of elevation gain. Elevation 3,000 feet. Features a pit toilet and picnic table. No fees or permits required.
Private Camping
Mountain ranches and retreats on private land — tent camping, bunkhouses, equestrian facilities, and unique stays from farm-to-table ranches to animal encounters.
Bethany Pines
A serene 20-acre retreat nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, surrounded by pristine mountain pine forest at 6,000 feet. A Christian camp and conference center offering camping for individuals, families, and groups. Features campsites with nightly rates, pet-friendly facilities, and cell service. Located 11.3 miles from the I-5 Frazier Park exit.
Camp St. Nicholas
A serene retreat center atop Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest, hosting camps, retreats, and Orthodox gatherings operated by St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles.
Gem of the Bend (Horses Welcome)
A mile-high private campsite in Lockwood Valley, perfect for equestrians. The fenced site features two 12'x24' horse corrals and plenty of room to pitch a tent or park an RV amid beautiful Southern California scenery.
Lone Juniper Ranch
A magical mountain-top retreat on 100 private acres next to Tejon Ranch, offering comfortable cabin stays and a one-of-a-kind animal experience. Hand-feed and interact with camels, llamas, guanacos, donkeys, and alpacas, then relax by the campfire under the stars. Miles of hiking trails and 360-degree views of Southern California.
North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)
A premier farm-to-table ranch and outdoor adventure destination offering a bunkhouse and dry-land camping nestled in the pines. With cozy accommodations, ample outdoor seating, and equestrian-friendly facilities, this hidden gem is ideal for riders, families, and adventurers alike. Hosts the annual Harvest Fest each fall.
Pine Mountain Club Campground
A scenic campground in Pine Mountain Club offering tent and RV accommodations with beautiful mountain views, hiking trails, and pet-friendly facilities. Operated by the Pine Mountain Club Property Owners Association, with reservations available for both members and visitors.
OHV Camping
Off-highway vehicle camping in Hungry Valley SVRA with direct access to over 130 miles of OHV trails across diverse terrain.
Aliklik Campground
A first-come, first-served campground in the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), popular with off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Offers open camping with direct access to over 130 miles of OHV trails. Vault toilets and picnic tables available.
Edison Campground
A campground in the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) offering RV sites and tent sites, popular with off-road enthusiasts. Direct access to over 130 miles of OHV trails across diverse terrain.
Honey Valley Group Campground
A large group campground in the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) with shade ramadas, picnic tables, barbecue, and fire rings. Available by reservation for day use and overnight stays. Ideal for group camping, special events, and club gatherings, with direct access to over 130 miles of OHV trails.
Smith Forks Campground
A campground in the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) with open spaces and rugged hills, popular for off-road vehicle activities. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Direct access to over 130 miles of OHV trails.
Find Camping on the Map
Chuchupate Campground
A scenic campground along Frazier Mountain Road, approximately 3 miles east of the Chuchupate Ranger Station. Features 29 campsites surrounded by pinyon pine trees, accommodating RVs up to 24 feet. Perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. First-come, first-served.
Public Camping
Private Camping
OHV Camping