Fort Tejon Group Campground

4.32

22 reviews

4201 Fort Tejon Road, Lebec, CA 93243

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$6 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$6 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Fort Tejon Group Campground

$6.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fees are $6 per vehicle with discounts for seniors ($5) and disabled persons ($3). Group camping fees are $50 for small buses (10-24...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

661-248-6692interp@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 22 reviews

1168 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspaciouswater

"User reviews often highlight the historic and natural aspects of the park. Positive sentiments focus on the spacious group camping layout, wildlife sightings, and informative exhibits. Complaints include strong winds and burned-out picnic tables."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4201 Fort Tejon Road, Lebec, CA 93243

Fort Tejon Group Campground

4201 Fort Tejon Road, Lebec, CA 93243

Driving directionsThe park is approximately 76 miles northwest of Los Angeles along the "Grapevine" section of the I-5 freeway, via the Fort Tejon exit (Exit 210 heading north or south).

Accessible year-round via paved roads; seasonal weather like snow or strong winds in Grapevine Canyon may occasionally create challenges.

Nearby places

Los Angeles (76 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Bakersfield (40 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Gorman (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in nearby Lebec (approximately 5 miles) or Gorman (approximately 10 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Fort Tejon Group Campground

Experience the dramatic personality of Grapevine Canyon's weather, where each season brings its own adventure. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched retreat with temperatures that can soar above 100°F—perfect for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade. Winter wraps the canyon in crisp mountain air, occasionally dusting the landscape with snow that transforms familiar trails into wonderlands. Throughout the year, the canyon's famous winds sweep through, carrying the scent of oak and sage while reminding visitors of nature's powerful presence.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer often exceeds 100°F; shade helps but heat can be limiting for many campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is listed as a peak season and is noted as ideal with milder temps.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is a peak season and called ideal (milder temps, good wildlife/viewing).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year‑round with freezing temps and occasional snow; some visitors seek snow.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring and fall are considered peak seasons.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Current Alerts: No active alerts, but occasional wind advisories may apply.

About Fort Tejon Group Campground

Nestled beneath towering century-old oaks, Fort Tejon Group Campground invites you to gather with friends and family in a setting where California's frontier past meets modern comfort. Your group will enjoy well-appointed sites featuring picnic tables perfect for communal meals, barbecues for evening cookouts, and crackling fire pits for sharing stories under the stars. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the grounds, while RV adventurers can take advantage of convenient electric and water hookups that make extended stays a breeze.

The Fort Tejon Group Campground exclusively accommodates group camping and RVs, with limited facilities for primitive tent camping.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the days when soldiers patrolled California's untamed frontier at this former U.S. Army outpost. From 1854 to 1864, Fort Tejon stood as a vital guardian of the Tejon Pass, protecting travelers and maintaining peace between settlers and Native Americans. Today, meticulously restored adobe buildings whisper tales of military life on the edge of civilization, while the on-site museum brings history to life with artifacts and exhibits that transport visitors to an era when California was still finding its identity.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of Grapevine Canyon's weather, where each season brings its own adventure. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched retreat with temperatures that can soar above 100°F—perfect for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade. Winter wraps the canyon in crisp mountain air, occasionally dusting the landscape with snow that transforms familiar trails into wonderlands. Throughout the year, the canyon's famous winds sweep through, carrying the scent of oak and sage while reminding visitors of nature's powerful presence.

ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet in the heart of Grapevine Canyon, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets valley warmth. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that offers respite from valley heat in summer while delivering crisp, invigorating temperatures that make autumn camping magical. The altitude shapes everything from the morning mist that clings to the oaks to the brilliant clarity of star-filled nights, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient oak sentinels spread their gnarled branches overhead, creating natural cathedral ceilings that filter golden sunlight by day and frame constellations by night. The life-giving waters of Grapevine Creek nurture a thriving riparian woodland where willows and cottonwoods provide sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Keep your camera ready for memorable encounters—majestic California condors soar on thermal currents above, deer browse quietly at dawn and dusk, and the haunting call of coyotes echoes through the canyon under moonlit skies.

Geological RegionCarved into the rugged embrace of the Tehachapi Mountains, the campground sits at the crossroads of geological drama where the infamous San Andreas Fault has sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. Grapevine Canyon serves as nature's gateway through Tejon Pass, where oak woodlands blend seamlessly with riparian ecosystems to create a biological treasure trove. This dynamic terrain tells a millions-year story written in stone, where tectonic forces continue to shape the dramatic peaks and valleys that make this region one of California's most geologically fascinating destinations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Each group site is spacious, accommodating large events with picnic tables, BBQ pits, and fire rings. The group campground also features two RV/Trailer pull-in spaces with electric and water hookups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFeatures two RV/trailer pull-in spaces with electric and water hookups, open areas for tent camping, and adjacent parking.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via ReserveCalifornia and through park office phone or email.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability. All camping appears to require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations require a deposit (amount varies by activity, such as $50 for day programs) which may not be refundable after booking.

AccessibilityAccessible picnic tables, restrooms, and parking are present near the visitor center. The interpretive trail around historic grounds is generally accessible.

Site SizeSpacious layout suitable for large group camping.

PrivacyThe campground is designed for group use, limiting individual site privacy.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for large group events due to spacious layout and availability of RV hookups.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Fort Tejon Group Campground offers access to historical and nature-based activities. Highlights include visiting restored adobe buildings, exploring historical exhibits, wildlife viewing, and short hiking trails. Living History demonstrations occur on the first Saturday of each month and feature reenactments of frontier life.

HikingShort hiking trails lead to scenic views near the hill foot and gates blocking wilderness access. These trails are described as nice and easy by users.

Wildlife viewingThe park's natural ecosystem includes endangered species like California condors, along with scrub jays, red-shafted flickers, blacktailed deer, bobcats, and badgers. Wildlife sightings are highlighted in reviews.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsLiving History demonstrations and historical exhibits offer cultural insights into 1850s-1860s frontier life.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include strong canyon winds, wildlife encounters (e.g., coyotes), and proximity to an active seismic zone (San Andreas fault).

Active AlertsNo active alerts, but occasional wind advisories may apply.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only within designated fire pits. Barbecues available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley (approximately 30 miles away). Police services are accessible from Kern County Sheriff's Office in nearby Lebec. Park rangers are on-site during operating hours.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are likely available within the park facilities but are not specifically mentioned for the campground.

Water FeaturesClose to Grapevine Creek, a year-round water source attracting diverse wildlife.

Camp HostPark rangers are available during visitor center hours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM).

Weather at Fort Tejon Group Campground

Reviews

4.3

22 reviews

Recommended

Fort Tejon Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews often highlight the historic and natural aspects of the park. Positive sentiments focus on the spacious group camping layout, wildlife sightings, and informative exhibits. Complaints include strong winds and burned-out picnic tables.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

"Spacious historic fort with 400-year-old oak trees." "Well-preserved buildings and detailed exhibits on frontier army life." "Nice quiet place for group events with drinking water and electricity."

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

"Strong winds due to mountain valley location." "Burned-out picnic tables along some roads." "Limited reinactments and more markers instead of authentic sites."

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Layered clothing is recommended due to unpredictable weather." "Take 15 minutes out of your commute on I-5 to visit." "Use large spaces for group events; good for family gatherings."

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making late spring and early fall ideal for camping. Winter temperatures can dip to freezing, with occasional snow.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice quiet place to stop on your drive. Easy access from highway 5 and plenty of parking and restrooms available." "Everything is preserved well. Bathrooms and an informative museum with some things...

Based on 22 reviews