Cottonwood Campground

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<p>This campground is currently closed to visitors. The peaceful grounds await their next chapter, but for now, nature reclaims the campsites in quiet solitude.</p><p>For the latest updates on reopening dates and current conditions, we encourage you to reach out to the knowledgeable staff at the Acton Work Center by calling (661) 269-2808. They'll be happy to share information about future availability and help you plan your outdoor adventure.</p>

1190 E. OJAI AVE, OJAI, CA 93023, USA

Escape to Wheeler Gorge Campground, where the gentle murmur of Matilija Creek sets the soundtrack for your outdoor adventure. Tucked away in the embrace of Los Padres National Forest, this beloved destination welcomes families, nature enthusiasts, and weekend warriors alike. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find the perfect spot among the campground's thoughtfully arranged sites—some available by reservation for those who plan ahead, others welcoming spontaneous adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis.

1190 E. OJAI AVE.

Nestled in the heart of Live Oak Canyon, Holiday Group Campground beckons adventurers seeking a perfect basecamp for outdoor exploration. This secluded group site sits beneath a canopy of towering trees, offering natural shade and the soothing sounds of nearby Matilija Creek. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or gathering of friends, the campground provides an ideal setting with its central kitchen area featuring a traditional Santa Maria-style grill for memorable outdoor cooking. Miles of surrounding trails invite exploration on foot, horseback, or off-road vehicle, while convenient vault toilets ensure basic comfort during your wilderness retreat.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled within the rugged beauty of Los Padres National Forest, Rose Valley Campground beckons adventurers with nine generously-sized campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and BBQ stands. The crown jewel of this wilderness retreat is the spectacular 300-foot Rose Valley Falls, cascading in two dramatic tiers just a short hike away. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience without running water or shower facilities, the campground provides essential pit-style toilets and serves as your gateway to exceptional trail networks. As darkness falls, the absence of artificial light reveals a breathtaking celestial display, while days bring encounters with diverse wildlife and the ever-changing tapestry of seasonal foliage.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled alongside a babbling creek, Middle Lion Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with its single-loop design that creates a close-knit camping community. This charming retreat welcomes tent campers and small RVs (under 20 feet) to settle into sites equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it rewards visitors with an authentic wilderness experience where the sounds of the creek replace the noise of modern life.

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Tucked away in the rugged wilderness of Angeles National Forest, Oak Flat Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience just northwest of Los Angeles. This intimate, dispersed camping haven sits beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees, where the whisper of wind through leaves mingles with the gentle sounds of nearby Piru Creek. While the campground embraces a rustic charm with basic amenities that appeal to those who prefer simplicity over luxury, visitors should note that maintenance levels vary. Despite mixed reviews on upkeep, Oak Flat remains a treasured escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts who value solitude and direct access to scenic trail networks over polished facilities.

Forest Road 7N03C, approximately eight miles south of the Lockwood Valley Road

Nestled beneath the towering canopy of ancient Jeffrey Pines, Thorn Meadows Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude among fascinating rock formations and pristine wilderness. Following storm damage in July 2023, this rustic retreat has transformed into a walk-in sanctuary, where determined campers can still discover its hidden charms. The campground maintains its authentic backcountry character with essential amenities including a pipe corral for equestrian visitors, four cooking stoves with accompanying tables, and vault toilet facilities. Without piped water, visitors should come prepared for a true wilderness experience in this secluded mountain haven.

Los Padres National Forest

Perched majestically on a ridge at 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude above the clouds. From this lofty vantage point, sweeping vistas unfold across the dramatic Cuyama Badlands, while the Pacific Ocean shimmers in the distance. On crystalline days, the Channel Islands emerge like ancient sentinels on the horizon. Six intimate campsites dot this mountain sanctuary, each thoughtfully appointed with a sturdy table, cooking grill, and stone fire ring where stories are shared under star-swept skies. Here, where eagles soar and the wind whispers through ancient pines, visitors discover the raw, untamed beauty that defines California's high country.

Pyramid Lake Road, Hard Luck Road, CA

Escape the urban hustle and discover your perfect outdoor retreat at Los Alamos Campground, where adventure meets tranquility just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Nestled near the sparkling waters of Pyramid Lake, this scenic destination beckons with endless possibilities for camping enthusiasts, anglers seeking their next big catch, and boaters ready to explore 21 miles of pristine shoreline. While the open-air sites embrace the natural landscape with sandy gravel aprons and selective shade, they offer unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness that will take your breath away.

Angeles National Forest

Forest Rt. 7N13, Los Padres National Forest, California

Tucked away in the rugged embrace of Los Padres National Forest, Halfmoon Campground offers an intimate escape into California's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem features 10 secluded campsites nestled beneath towering Jeffrey and Ponderosa Pines, where the whisper of wind through ancient branches creates nature's own symphony. Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts have long discovered this remote sanctuary, making it a beloved basecamp for off-highway vehicle explorers and those seeking the thrill of deer hunting season in the surrounding backcountry.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled beneath towering Jeffrey Pines, Dutchman Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This rustic mountain retreat combines the serenity of old-growth forest camping with the thrill of off-highway vehicle exploration, serving as your gateway to the legendary Miller Jeep Trail #129. Here, the scent of pine mingles with campfire smoke as generations of outdoor enthusiasts have discovered their own slice of wilderness paradise.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the shadow of the Sespe Wilderness, Reyes Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Here, where the babbling waters of Reyes Creek carve through ancient stone, you'll discover 24 intimate campsites perfect for tent camping and small RVs under 22 feet. Days unfold lazily as you string up a hammock between towering trees, cool off in crystal-clear swimming holes, or cast a line into the creek's promising waters. This is primitive camping at its finest—no running water means you'll need to pack in your own, but the trade-off is an undisturbed natural sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water.

Angeles National Forest

Upper Shake Campground stands as a silent sentinel in the wilderness, its gates temporarily closed to visitors. This beloved camping destination, which has welcomed generations of outdoor enthusiasts, awaits its next chapter while nature reclaims its quiet spaces.

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Discover a hidden gem where twelve thoughtfully spaced campsites nestle beneath a canopy of fragrant pinyon pines, creating natural privacy screens between each spot. This intimate single-loop campground embraces a 'pack it in, pack it out' philosophy, inviting responsible adventurers to experience pristine wilderness camping at the doorstep of the magnificent Sespe Wilderness.

Angeles National Forest

Tucked away in the rugged backcountry, Sawmill Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience with just 8 intimate campsites. This first-come, first-served hideaway welcomes adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity. While you'll need to bring your own water and larger RVs won't fit (16 feet maximum), the campground provides essential vault toilets and the rare gift of disconnecting from the modern world.

Angeles National Forest

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Escape into the untamed wilderness at Bear Campground, a secluded primitive retreat tucked deep within Angeles National Forest. This hike-in sanctuary rewards adventurous souls with seven intimate campsites, each thoughtfully furnished with sturdy picnic tables and traditional fire rings for those cherished campfire moments. Here, you'll experience camping in its purest form—no running water, no restrooms, and no trash services mean you'll truly disconnect from modern conveniences. Pack your water bottles full and your backpack light, as everything you bring in must journey back out with you on this authentic wilderness adventure.

Los Padres National Forest

Adventure awaits at this gateway campground, where the excitement of the Snowy Motorcycle Trail begins right from your campsite. Whether you're seeking a peaceful night under the stars before hitting the trails or looking for a basecamp after a day of riding, this campground serves as the perfect launching point for your off-road adventures.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nestled within the adventure-filled expanse of Hungry Valley SVRA, Lane Ranch Campground beckons off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to experience California's premier OHV playground. Here, sandy trails wind through a landscape purpose-built for exploration, where the rumble of engines mingles with the whisper of desert winds. This unpretentious campground offers a perfect basecamp for riders seeking authentic outdoor adventures, with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable while maintaining that coveted connection to the wild terrain that surrounds you.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nestled within the adventurous expanse of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, Smith Forks Campground stands as a gateway to endless off-highway vehicle adventures. Consistently praised by outdoor enthusiasts as the crown jewel of the park's camping options, this beloved basecamp offers direct access to an extensive network of thrilling OHV trails that wind through California's rugged backcountry.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nestled within the adventure-packed Hungry Valley SVRA, Scrub Oak Campground serves as your gateway to over 130 miles of thrilling OHV trails. This rustic retreat embraces you with its characteristic scrub oak canopy and sandy terrain, offering essential camping amenities while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the high desert landscape.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Escape to Circle Canyon Campground, a hidden gem nestled within the adventurous expanse of Hungry Valley SVRA. At just $10 per night, you'll discover your choice of convenient pull-through or cozy back-in sites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire pits with grills, and protective lean-to shelters. While vault toilets provide essential facilities, the real luxury here is the untamed beauty surrounding you. Your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, though they'll need to stay leashed as they explore alongside you.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled within the dramatic Dry Canyon area, Dome Springs Campground offers a unique desert camping experience beneath ancient pinyon pines. Please note: This campground is temporarily closed under a Forest Service law enforcement closure order. The current safety restrictions prohibit all hunting, OHV use, hiking, and camping activities in the area. Check with local ranger stations for the most current status before planning your visit.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nestled within the adventure-filled Hungry Valley SVRA, Sterling Campground serves as your gateway to an off-road paradise. This well-loved basecamp connects riders and outdoor enthusiasts to an impressive network of 130 miles of OHV trails, making it the perfect launching point for dusty adventures and memorable expeditions through California's rugged backcountry.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the high desert near Tejon Pass, Chuchupate Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary delivers sweeping panoramic vistas and the kind of profound quiet that only comes from true solitude. Whether you're navigating rugged trails on your OHV, exploring hidden hiking paths, or simply lying beneath one of California's most spectacular night skies, Chuchupate offers the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their camping experiences untamed and unforgettable.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled beneath the aromatic canopy of ancient pinyon pines, this intimate campground offers a perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. While the sites are designed for smaller RVs and tent camping, the compact layout creates a cozy atmosphere where the sounds of nature take center stage. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the crossroads of scenic hiking trails and thrilling OHV routes, making this hidden gem an ideal launching point for both peaceful nature walks and adrenaline-pumping off-road expeditions.

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Nestled among towering Jeffrey pines at 8,300 feet, Chula Vista Walk-in Campground offers adventurers a serene mountain escape without the price tag. This free wilderness retreat in Los Padres National Forest rewards those willing to carry their gear a short distance with fair to good privacy between sites and a landscape that transforms with the seasons. Spring and summer visitors are greeted by meadows bursting with wildflowers, while the campground serves as the perfect basecamp for the rewarding 2-mile trek to Mt. Pinos summit—a place where ancient Chumash traditions meet modern-day hikers seeking both adventure and spiritual connection.

Los Padres National Forest

Perched high at 7,800 feet where the stars seem close enough to touch, Mount Pinos Campground beckons adventurers seeking refuge from city lights and digital distractions. This mountain sanctuary transforms into nature's own planetarium after dark, where the Milky Way sprawls across an ink-black canvas unmarred by light pollution. By day, winding trails invite exploration through pine-scented forests, whether you're navigating rocky paths on foot or challenging yourself on two wheels through the rugged terrain.

Los Padres National Forest

Perched high in the mountains, McGill Campground beckons adventurers seeking refuge from the hustle of city life. Here, winding hiking trails lead through towering pines, while mountain biking paths challenge riders with scenic rewards. Whether you're planning a solo retreat or gathering with friends, this tranquil haven delivers panoramic valley vistas and the kind of deep forest quiet that restores the soul.

Los Padres National Forest

Perched high in the Los Padres National Forest, Campo Alto Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking refuge from the crowds below. This intimate mountain retreat features 15 secluded single campsites and 2 group sites, each thoughtfully spaced among towering Jeffrey pines to ensure the privacy and tranquility that draws campers back season after season. As a primitive, high-altitude sanctuary operating seasonally, Campo Alto embraces the 'Pack it in, Pack it out' ethos—there's no running water, electricity, or dump stations here. Instead, you'll find something far more valuable: the rare opportunity to disconnect completely and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of California's backcountry.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled deep within a secluded canyon, this intimate campground offers a tranquil escape beneath a canopy of ancient cottonwoods and aromatic pinyon pines. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the perfect basecamp for hiking scenic trails, pursuing seasonal hunting opportunities, and exploring rugged terrain on OHV adventures. Despite its small size, this hidden gem provides an authentic wilderness experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant bird calls.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the rugged wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, Caballo Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience for adventurers seeking solitude beneath ancient Pinyon Pines. This intimate, dispersed camping area serves as a gateway to the legendary San Emigdio Jeep Trail, where off-road enthusiasts and hikers can explore miles of challenging terrain and discover hidden corners of California's untamed landscape.

4201 Fort Tejon Road, Lebec, CA 93243

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.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away near Pine Mountain Club, Marian Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-basics camping experience. This intimate mountain retreat sits beneath a canopy of towering Jeffrey Pines, where the only amenities are the ones you bring yourself. Without potable water or flush restrooms, this pristine campground rewards self-sufficient campers with solitude and unspoiled wilderness—a true escape from the modern world where preparation meets adventure.

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Los Padres National Forest

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Los Padres National Forest

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342

Los Padres National Forest

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Pyramid Lake Road, Hard Luck Road, CA

Forest Rt. 7N13, Los Padres National Forest, California

Angeles National Forest

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4201 Fort Tejon Road, Lebec, CA 93243

Forest Road 7N03C, approximately eight miles south of the Lockwood Valley Road

Los Padres National Forest

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.