How much does camping cost at Mt. Pinos Campground?

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

Is Mt. Pinos Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mt. Pinos 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 Mt. Pinos Campground before I book?

Yes! Mt. Pinos 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.

What is the best time to visit Mt. Pinos Campground?

Mt. Pinos Campground is open May 15 to October 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 Mt. Pinos Campground?

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

How many campsites does Mt. Pinos Campground have?

Mt. Pinos Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mt. Pinos Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mt. Pinos 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 Mt. Pinos Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Mt. Pinos Campground?

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

Mt. Pinos Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mt. Pinos Campground?

Fire policies at Mt. Pinos Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.36

225 reviews

Mt. Pinos Campground

Top 15% in CASummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

C-Report Card

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

This seasonal campgr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

This seasonal campgr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Mt. Pinos 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 campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

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Provider

805 434 1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Mt. Pinos Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Mt. Pinos Campground

34.8137, -119.1022

Nearby places

Pine Mountain Club (15 miles), Frazier Park (19 miles), Lake of the Woods (10 miles)

Weather at Mt. Pinos Campground

Current alerts(16)

2 night minimum stay on weekends.
3 night minimum stay on holidays.
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.
Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer or RV site. $10 fee for each extra vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Mt. Pinos Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, pleasant weather at 7,800 ft — warm, sunny days (roughly 60–75°F) and crisp nights (40s°F) that make hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and world-class stargazing ideal. Trails are snow-free and the campground is fully open, so you can access summit routes and ridge views without winter hazards; expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and minimal light pollution for spectacular Milky Way viewing. Be prepared for cool nights and occasional afternoon thun Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Summer (May–Oct) offers warm days, cool nights ideal for hiking, biking and stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: This seasonal campground is open daily, May through November.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Mt. Pinos Campground

Mt. Pinos Campground sits at 7,800 feet in Los Padres National Forest, operated by Camp One as a seasonal high-elevation retreat. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing visitors for mountain biking, summit trails, and exceptional stargazing under dark skies. Summer brings warm days and cool nights ideal for ridge hikes and wildlife viewing, though road and restroom maintenance can lag during busy weekends.

Mt. Pinos Campground caters primarily to primitive and tent campers, with limited accommodations for RVs. It does not offer luxury camping options such as glamping or cabin lodging.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, pleasant weather at 7,800 ft — warm, sunny days (roughly 60–75°F) and crisp nights (40s°F) that make hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and world-class stargazing ideal. Trails are snow-free and the campground is fully open, so you can access summit routes and ridge views without winter hazards; expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and minimal light pollution for spectacular Milky Way viewing. Be prepared for cool nights and occasional afternoon thun Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7800 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines dominate the campground, framing views of Lockwood Valley and Frazier Mountain. At this elevation, the forest opens periodically to reveal ridge-to-valley panoramas shaped by erosion and tectonic uplift. The high-country setting delivers clear night skies with low light pollution, making the Milky Way visible on cloudless nights. The terrain is uneven in places, with some sites offering more shade than others.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are available at Mt. Pinos Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for Mt. Pinos Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group-specific sites are available at Mt. Pinos Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly mentioned in official materials or reviews for Mt. Pinos Campground.

Site SizeSites are described by users as spacious, with plenty of area between campsites. However, some sites are noted to be uneven and small for RVs.

PrivacySites offer privacy with significant space between them. Some users specifically highlight the peaceful and secluded atmosphere.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #3 and #4 are suitable for larger motorhomes. Site #15 offers spectacular views. Sites near trails and restrooms offer convenience.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets mentioned for views. Site 19 sits close to facilities. Reviews note that sites vary in size and levelness, with some too uneven or small for larger RVs.

Need help booking Mt. Pinos 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

Mt. Pinos Campground is a seasonal facility located at an elevation of 7,800 ft. It provides basic amenities suitable for campers who prioritize natural features over modern conveniences. The campground has 19 single campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and fires are only allowed in designated fire rings. There are two vault toilets available on-site, but users must be entirely self-sufficient as there is no potable water, electricity, Wi-Fi, or dump station. Cell phone service is limited, but some users report coverage in parts of the campground. The campground adopts a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy for waste. User reviews frequently highlight the lack of maintenance in vault toilets and overflowing trash bins, with some also noting the need for repair of campsite pads and roads.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Mt. Pinos Campground

Mt. Pinos Campground offers recreational activities appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking on trails like Mount Pinos Trail and McGill Exploration Trail, biking to the summit of Mount Pinos, and stargazing under dark skies recognized as one of California's prime astronomical viewing locations. Nearby attractions extend recreational opportunities for fishing and swimming within a 30-minute drive. Wildlife observation is also popular, although no specific details about species are mentioned.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Biking trails available in-camp and nearby; users highlight mountain-biking to the summit.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Campground is seasonal (May–Nov). Nearby Nordic skiing exists but winter access is limited.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Ridge panoramas, forest scenes and excellent night skies make it highly photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 at Mt. Pinos Campground. Vault toilets are the sole option, but many reviews report issues with cleanliness, smell, and maintenance.

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 PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 8 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are limited. User reviews describe overflowing trash bins and lack of maintenance, which pose risks of attracting animals.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available in limited areas of Mt. Pinos Campground. Some users note receiving coverage, while others experienced difficulties.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Mt. Pinos Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

225 reviews

Recommended

Mt. Pinos Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Mt. Pinos Campground reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences. Many campers praise the site's natural beauty, stargazing opportunities, and hiking trails, while others criticize the lack of amenities, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and unreliable trash disposal.

Review Summaries

Based on 225 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 225 reviews.

Site 15Loved
Site 15 is frequently praised for its stunning view, though some note uneven ground.
Site 19Loved
Site 19 is considered spacious and close to vault toilets without unpleasant odors.
Site 3Mentioned
Site 3 has a bike path running through it but is described as respectful by other campers.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's scenic views, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to hiking and biking trails. Stargazing is particularly emphasized as a highlight due to the area's...

Based on 225 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean vault toilets, overflowing trash bins, uneven campsite pads, and poor road conditions within the campground.

Based on 225 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users suggest bringing potable water, additional toilet supplies, and being prepared for cold nights due to the high elevation. Campers also advise arriving early during peak stargazing...

Based on 225 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight stargazing and pleasant weather but also mention flies and gnats. Winter accessibility is limited yet offers opportunities for Nordic skiing in nearby areas. Fall reviews...

Based on 225 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Awesome campground, top of the mountain and nice views." - Wei Li 2. "Night skies are breathtaking. Wildlife is all around." - Alice C 3. "Bring your own water. Always be bear-aware." - Lyle Q 4....

Based on 225 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not specifically addressed in reviews. However, uneven ground and lack of potable water may pose challenges for individuals with mobility or other disabilities.

Based on 225 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some reviews suggest being bear-aware for safety reasons. No additional pet-specific amenities are mentioned.

Based on 225 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Mt. Pinos 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 campsite 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

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

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805 434 1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

Go if

You want alpine access, dark-sky stargazing, and mountain biking at elevation without needing developed amenities.

Skip if

You need well-maintained roads, clean restrooms, or solitude during summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.2

(348)

Mcgill Campground And Group Campground

Los Padres National Forest

McGill Campground sits high in Los Padres National Forest, offering spacious sites for tent, RV, and primitive camping alongside dedicated group areas. Managed by Parks Management Company, this mid-sized campground draws hikers and mountain bikers to its trail network, with summer bringing the most reliable weather and clear valley views. The setting is peaceful, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though there's no running water on-site.

Mt. Pinos Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Mt. Pinos Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Mt. Pinos Campground

Current alerts(16)

Best Time to Camp at Mt. Pinos Campground

Planning Tips

About Mt. Pinos Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Mt. Pinos Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Mt. Pinos Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Mt. Pinos Campground

Current alerts(16)

Best Time to Camp at Mt. Pinos Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Mt. Pinos Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Mt. Pinos Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns