How much does camping cost at Ballinger Campground?

Camping fees at Ballinger Campground range from $30-$32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ballinger Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ballinger 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ballinger Campground before I book?

Yes! Ballinger Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ballinger Campground?

Ballinger Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Ballinger Campground?

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

How many campsites does Ballinger Campground have?

Ballinger Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ballinger Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ballinger 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 Ballinger Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Ballinger Campground?

Popular activities at Ballinger Campground include Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ballinger Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ballinger Campground?

Fire policies at Ballinger Campground: Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Always check local fire restrictions prior to your visit.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.03

74 reviews

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,110 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Los Padres National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,110 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Los Padres National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Ballinger Campground

$30.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Ballinger Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Ballinger Campground

34.8839, -119.4452

Nearby places

New Cuyama (15 miles), Maricopa (25 miles)

Weather at Ballinger Campground

Current alerts(17)

2 night minimum stay on weekends.
3 night minimum stay on holidays.
Bring your gnat/mosquito repellent in spring/summer/fall
Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer or RV. $10 fee for each extra vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Ballinger Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and cool nights (40–50°F), plus the peak display of lupine and other desert wildflowers—making trails and vistas especially scenic. OHV riding, hiking, and biking are at their most comfortable; mornings and late afternoons are ideal for long outings. Expect moderate weekend crowds (more on holiday weekends) but plenty of solitude on weekdays. Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as the 'sweet spot' with 60–80°F days and lupine blooms at peak.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Ballinger Campground

Ballinger Campground sits in the Los Padres National Forest foothills near New Cuyama, a small seasonal base camp popular with off-road vehicle riders. Managed by the Forest Service, it offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Spring brings mild weather and wildflower displays along the trails, though shade is limited and the access road can be rough.

Ballinger Campground is designed for tent and RV camping and caters to OHV enthusiasts. The sites are spacious and have basic amenities but no hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and cool nights (40–50°F), plus the peak display of lupine and other desert wildflowers—making trails and vistas especially scenic. OHV riding, hiking, and biking are at their most comfortable; mornings and late afternoons are ideal for long outings. Expect moderate weekend crowds (more on holiday weekends) but plenty of solitude on weekdays. Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: July, August

Elevation3110 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies badlands terrain between the Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranges. Junipers and scrub brush dot the open landscape. In spring, lupine blooms add purple to the otherwise tan and gold palette. The setting is exposed high desert with views of surrounding peaks. Don't expect shade trees or lush vegetation. This is raw, sun-baked country where the light shifts from gold to amber as the day wears on.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style accommodations. Campers must rely on their own equipment.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One tent, trailer, or RV per site is allowed, along with one vehicle.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for the campground can be made online on Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe campsites are spacious and can accommodate large toy haulers, trailers, and campers. There are no physical barriers or boulders separating sites.

PrivacyThe campsites lack significant privacy as there are minimal barriers or vegetation separating the sites.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers should bring their own shade or a camper for protection, as there is minimal natural shade. Avoid parking near bushes to prevent pack rats from nesting in vehicles.

Need help booking Ballinger Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ballinger Campground is a high-desert facility in the Los Padres National Forest designed to cater especially to OHV enthusiasts. Each of the 13 campsites is outfitted with a picnic table and fire ring. The facility is operational year-round, but campers must be self-sustainable as there is no potable water, dump station, or public showers. Two vault toilets are available and maintained regularly. "The vault toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever used," wrote user AL ALLEN. A staging area is provided for unloading gear, and the campsites are spacious enough to accommodate large trailers and toy haulers. However, the access road is reportedly in poor condition, with users like Ralph Collins stating, "The road getting in is one of the worst I have ever seen."

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ballinger Campground is a hotspot for OHV enthusiasts, offering a network of 68 miles of trails suitable for various skill levels. Additional activities like hiking, biking, and fishing are accessible within a 30-minute drive. The campground is also a staging area for winter trips into nearby mountains.

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides two well-maintained vault toilets. Reviews frequently praise their cleanliness.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Always check local fire restrictions prior to your visit.

Trash & RecyclingThis campground operates on a 'Pack it in, Pack it out' system. Campers are expected to bring their own garbage bags and remove all waste upon departure.

Cell CoverageCell service at the campground is sporadic at best. Some users report being able to connect near Highway 33, a few miles from the campground.

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

From Booking Sources

4.0

74 reviews

Satisfactory

Ballinger Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Ballinger Campground are mixed. Many users appreciate its focus on OHV activities, while others criticize the poor road conditions and lack of management for reservations. Cleanliness of the vault toilets is consistently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 74 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the campground as a great place for off-road vehicle activities. User Jack Crouch wrote, "Awesome spot to enjoy camping and off-road riding in the same area." The vault toilets...

Based on 74 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the poor condition of the access road, lack of site markings, and the unregulated reservation system. Matthew T commented, "Ballinger is not set up well enough for reserved...

Based on 74 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews reveal frustration with the lack of clear site markings. James R remarked, "I had to convince a group to vacate the campsite I had reserved because of no indication at the site."

Based on 74 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all essentials, including drinking water and shade structures. User Damon S noted, "Bring your own shade or a camper. This place can get hot and cold."

Based on 74 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring, summer, and fall see increased insect activity, necessitating mosquito repellent. Winter is a popular time for snow play in nearby mountains.

Based on 74 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Without a doubt, the cleanest vaulted toilets I've ever used." (AL ALLEN) - "Bring your own shade or a camper. This place can get hot and cold." (Damon S) - "The road up to it is washed out and...

Based on 74 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for people with disabilities.

Based on 74 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but no specific reviews focus exclusively on pet-related experiences.

Based on 74 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a no-frills base camp for off-road riding or spring wildflower hikes in the Los Padres backcountry.

Skip if

You need potable water, reliable shade, or a smooth access road for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.0

(46)

Valle Vista Campground

Valle Vista Campground, Los Padres National Forest

Valle Vista Campground sits at 4,823 feet in Los Padres National Forest, offering three primitive sites with sweeping views of the San Joaquin Valley below. Fees range from $5 to $30 per night. The campground attracts visitors seeking solitude and big views, though maintenance and insect issues temper the experience.

Ballinger Campground

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Ballinger Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Ballinger Campground

Current alerts(17)

Best Time to Camp at Ballinger Campground

Planning Tips

About Ballinger Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ballinger Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Ballinger Campground

Current alerts(17)

Best Time to Camp at Ballinger Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ballinger Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews