How much does camping cost at Scrub Oak Campground?

Camping fees at Scrub Oak Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Scrub Oak Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Scrub Oak Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Scrub Oak Campground?

Scrub Oak Campground is open Spring and Fall are considered peak seasons due to mild temperatures.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Scrub Oak Campground?

Scrub Oak Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Scrub Oak Campground?

Fire policies at Scrub Oak Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and must be fully extinguished before departure.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Scrub Oak Campground have?

Scrub Oak Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Scrub Oak Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Scrub Oak Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Scrub Oak Campground?

Scrub Oak Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Scrub Oak Campground?

Popular activities at Scrub Oak Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Scrub Oak Campground

4.44

72 reviews

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Scrub Oak Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $10 per night for campsites at Scrub Oak Campground. These include basic amenities such as fire pits with grills, picnic tables, and pit...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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Provider

(661) 248-7007null

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Campground Map

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Scrub Oak Campground

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Nearby places

Gorman (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes), Santa Clarita (30 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Bakersfield (38 miles, approximately 40 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Gorman, within 1 mile of the campground. Larger stores are available in Santa Clarita or Bakersfield.

Driving directionsTake Interstate 5 north to the Gorman exit. Drive to the McDonald's and make a right on Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign (Gold Hill Road). Follow the signs and drive 2.5 miles until you see the Scrub Oak Campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads with signage guiding visitors. The entrance is through the north kiosk at Gorman. Seasonal closures may impact accessibility due to post-fire recovery efforts.

Weather at Scrub Oak Campground

Current alerts(1)

Update (October 22, 2024): California State Parks announced the partial reopening of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) on Friday, Nov. 1, nearly four months after the devastating Post Fire tore through more than 10,000 acres of the park and forced its closure.

Best Time to Camp at Scrub Oak Campground

Fall brings the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures between 60 and 80°F and nights dropping into the 30s and 50s. Summer heat climbs between 90 and 100°F. Winter turns harsh: freezing temperatures and strong winds require warm layers. Spring and fall see lower wildfire restriction risk and fewer bugs than summer months. Dust settles in fall mornings, and weekdays stay quieter than holiday weekends.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring listed as peak season with milder temps and reduced dust after rains.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring and Fall are considered peak seasons due to mild temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Scrub Oak Campground is open year-round, but closures due to post-fire recovery may occur.

About Scrub Oak Campground

Scrub Oak Campground sits at 4,000 feet within Hungry Valley SVRA, offering 30 sites for tent, RV, and primitive camping at $10 per night. The campground provides direct access to OHV trails while maintaining clean vault toilets and basic amenities across its upper and lower sections.

Scrub Oak Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with limited facilities. It is suited for small groups, and some user reviews highlight its privacy and spaciousness.

Historical Significance

The Post Fire burned through the area, altering vegetation and wildlife habitat. Ranching families once held large properties here before the land became part of Hungry Valley SVRA. Nearby cultural sites preserve that ranching legacy.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures between 60 and 80°F and nights dropping into the 30s and 50s. Summer heat climbs between 90 and 100°F. Winter turns harsh: freezing temperatures and strong winds require warm layers. Spring and fall see lower wildfire restriction risk and fewer bugs than summer months. Dust settles in fall mornings, and weekdays stay quieter than holiday weekends.

ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, Scrub Oak Campground offers a unique montane desert experience where thin mountain air meets desert resilience, creating a climate that shifts dramatically from scorching days to crisp, star-filled nights.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity, where scrub oak vegetation spreads across sandy desert soils. Sites sit approximately 40 feet in length, surrounded by the sparse, hardy plants characteristic of this montane desert zone. The Tejon Pass region frames the landscape with distant mountain views. Volcanic rock formations punctuate the sandy ground beneath the oak canopy.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Tejon Pass region, Scrub Oak Campground rests on ancient geological foundations where montane desert terrain meets fascinating volcanic rock formations. The sandy soils beneath your feet tell a story millions of years in the making, shaped by volcanic activity and desert winds into the unique landscape that defines Hungry Valley SVRA today.

Scenic ViewsViews include scrub oaks and surrounding rugged desert terrain with occasional glimpses of the Tejon Pass hills.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge accommodations are provided within Scrub Oak Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesHungry Valley SVRA offers geocaching and educational programs such as the Agents of Discovery App, which include augmented reality missions related to park wildlife and history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

All campsites have a stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows up to 8 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into upper and lower sections. Most sites are pull-through, around 40 feet long, with fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets serve both sections. The upper area provides more seclusion but requires a longer walk to facilities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the LAZ Parking website or app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability is limited due to required reservations for weekend day use during post-fire recovery efforts.

Cancellation PolicyAll sales are final, and no cancellations or refunds are allowed for reservations made through LAZ Parking.

AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not clearly mentioned.

Site SizeSites at Scrub Oak Campground are approximately 40 feet in length, accommodating standard camping setups.

PrivacySites at Scrub Oak Campground vary in privacy; the upper section is reported to have a private area which is suitable for groups of up to 10 people but is located further from the bathrooms.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, upper campground sites on the south are recommended. Note that these sites are farther from bathrooms.

Best CampsitesThe upper section's south side offers the most privacy, suitable for groups up to 10 people. Trade-off: these sites sit farther from the bathrooms. Reviews mention dirt bike noise in some areas, so the upper section's distance helps.

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Scrub Oak Campground is located within Hungry Valley SVRA, a large recreational area known for off-highway vehicle activities and scenic trails. It offers a range of basic amenities suitable for camping, including pit toilets and picnic tables. The campground is noted for its easy accessibility and proximity to trails, but lacks advanced facilities like showers, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Trash and recycling bins are available, but users are prohibited from moving them as per park regulations.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Scrub Oak Campground

Scrub Oak Campground provides direct access to numerous trails, making it ideal for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife observers. Recreational activities at Hungry Valley SVRA are well-suited for both beginners and experienced users. Various trails are marked to indicate difficulty levels.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Hungry Valley's 130+ miles of trails; campsite provides direct trail access.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Extensive trail network in Hungry Valley supports biking of varying difficulty.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing noted as a notable activity on designated trails in the SVRA.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Open year-round but winter is harsh; no winter-sports facilities mentioned.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Montane desert at 4,000 ft with sparse development suggests good night skies.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes and excessive water runoff during rains pose safety concerns. Naturally occurring cliffs and erosion gullies in the park require caution.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; pit toilets are the main sanitary facility provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings and must be fully extinguished before departure.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, 30 miles south in Valencia at 23845 McBean Parkway. State Park Rangers are trained Emergency Medical Responders and can summon help in emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are available within the campground, but their removal or relocation is strictly prohibited under park regulations.

Water FeaturesNo significant natural water features nearby.

Cell CoverageCellular coverage is intermittent throughout Hungry Valley SVRA; reliable service cannot be guaranteed.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

72 reviews

Recommended

Scrub Oak Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally appreciate Scrub Oak Campground for its centralized location within Hungry Valley SVRA and its suitability for off-road vehicle activities. Some reviewers highlight the clean vault toilets and spacious campsites, while others note disturbances caused by dirt bikes in certain areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained restrooms, spacious sites, and proximity to trails. The upper section offers secluded camping spots ideal for groups.

Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints center around noise and dust caused by dirt bikes, particularly when they circle campsites. Some users also mention the lack of advanced camping facilities like showers.

Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 and #8 share a fire ring, and this proximity may affect privacy. The upper section is noted for having more private spots.

Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It is recommended to pack warm clothing during winter due to harsh wind conditions. Users suggest opting for sites in the upper section for more privacy and distance from noisy areas.

Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and Fall are considered the most pleasant seasons for camping due to milder temperatures and occasional rain showers that reduce dust.

Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Sweet spot, not too many kids riding around in the camp site making noise and kicking up dust.' - Kevin Still 2. 'Upper and lower scrubs campgrounds are both very cool... upper has a section on...

Based on 72 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must remain on a leash, as noted in regulations. Reviewers generally express satisfaction with pet-friendly policies.

Based on 72 reviews

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Scrub Oak Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $10 per night for campsites at Scrub Oak Campground. These include basic amenities such as fire pits with grills, picnic tables, and pit...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

(661) 248-7007null

Go if

OHV riders and mountain bikers who want direct trail access and don't need hookups or showers. Upper section sites offer real separation from the noise; fall weekdays are the sweet spot at 60-80°F daytime temps.

Skip if

Dirt bike noise and dust reaching campsites is the most consistent complaint, especially on weekends. Light sleepers and anyone not into OHV culture will find this a rough stay. No showers, no cell signal, and no refunds if plans change.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.4

(57)

Cottonwood Campground

5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243

Cottonwood Campground sits in the Tejon Pass area of Hungry Valley SVRA, a 3,000-foot-elevation pocket where mountain meets desert. The campground has 9 pull-through sites for tent and RV camping at $10/night, with vault toilets, fire rings, and potable water. Reviews praise the privacy and direct trail access but warn about dust and occasional noise from other campers.

Scrub Oak Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Scrub Oak Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Scrub Oak Campground

Current alerts(1)

Best Time to Camp at Scrub Oak Campground

Planning Tips

About Scrub Oak Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Scrub Oak Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Scrub Oak Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

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Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Scrub Oak Campground

Current alerts(1)

Best Time to Camp at Scrub Oak Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Scrub Oak Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Scrub Oak Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews