How much does camping cost at Pine Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Pine Mountain 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 Pine Mountain Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Mountain 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 Pine Mountain Campground before I book?

Yes! Pine Mountain Campground has 6 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 Pine Mountain Campground?

Pine Mountain 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 Pine Mountain Campground?

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

How many campsites does Pine Mountain Campground have?

Pine Mountain Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Mountain Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pine Mountain Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pine Mountain Campground?

Pine Mountain Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pine Mountain Campground?

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

Pine Mountain Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Pine Mountain Campground?

Fire policies at Pine Mountain Campground: Campfires are normally permitted year-round without a California Campfire Use Permit. Under some conditions, wood fires and barbecues may be prohibited in all areas of the national forest. Fires at the campground are only permitted in fire rings provided by the Forest Service. Please check for fire restrictions prior to your arrival.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.09

62 reviews

Top 12%Spring

C-Report Card

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,650 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak season dates: M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Los Padres National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,650 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Peak season dates: M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Los Padres National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Mountain 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.

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Pine Mountain Campground

34.6388, -119.3269

Nearby places

Nearest stores and gas are located in Ojai, approximately 15 miles south along Hwy 33.

Weather at Pine Mountain Campground

Current alerts(13)

2 night minimum stay on weekends.
3 night minimum stay on holidays.
Avoid hiking alone. Tell someone where you plan to go and then stick to your plans.
Avoid taking unnecessary chances-help for emergencies is miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Mountain Campground

Best season: spring. Late spring (roughly mid‑May through June) offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F), cool nights (30s–40s), open trails, and peak wildflower and understory growth beneath the Jeffrey and sugar pines. Hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are at their most rewarding — streams and springs (offsite) still have some flow and animals are active after winter. Crowds remain light because the campground holds only six sites, so you get solitude without the winter/ Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in US

Late spring is 'best season'—mild temps, open trails and peak wildflower displays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season dates: May 15 - October 31, 2025.

About Pine Mountain Campground

Pine Mountain Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Los Padres National Forest, operated by the Forest Service with a 14-day stay limit. This very small campground offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables beneath Jeffrey and sugar pines. Reviewers praise the quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, scenic views, and trail access for biking and wildlife watching, though the vault toilets draw consistent complaints for poor condition and fly problems.

Pine Mountain Campground is a small, rustic campground with six tent-only sites, suitable for those seeking a quiet and remote camping experience. It is not equipped for RVs, group camping, or glamping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Late spring (roughly mid‑May through June) offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F), cool nights (30s–40s), open trails, and peak wildflower and understory growth beneath the Jeffrey and sugar pines. Hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are at their most rewarding — streams and springs (offsite) still have some flow and animals are active after winter. Crowds remain light because the campground holds only six sites, so you get solitude without the winter/ Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6650 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested slope above the Sespe Wilderness, where Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, and white firs create a mixed-conifer canopy. Manzanita, California sage, and scrub oak fill the understory. Late spring brings peak wildflower displays on surrounding hillsides. Red-tailed hawks circle overhead, woodpeckers work the tree trunks, and California condors occasionally soar on thermals. The elevation provides commanding views and a noticeable drop in temperature compared to the valleys below.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or other accommodations are available at Pine Mountain Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per site
$10 fee for each extra person per night.

Groups

No group camping sites are available within Pine Mountain Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov and other platforms indicated in the official source.

Site SizeThe six campsites are described as nicely sized and spacious, with room for typical camping setups.

PrivacyThe privacy level varies by site, with some offering more seclusion than others. Site 6 is noted for being the most private as it is located on its own side of the campground.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #6 is recommended for its privacy and shade. Site #1 has easy access to trails. Avoid site #6 due to a broken bench seat as mentioned in reviews.

Best CampsitesSite 6 sits on its own side of the campground and offers the most privacy. Sites 5 and 6 are popular for groups wanting to camp near each other. All six sites are described as nicely sized with room for typical setups.

Need help booking Pine Mountain 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

Pine Mountain Campground offers a range of basic amenities suitable for a secluded camping experience. The campground features six campsites arranged in a circular formation with an open area in the middle. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue grills. However, it is a dry campground, meaning no potable water is available on-site—campers must bring their own water. The single vault toilet available has been noted for its poor condition by multiple user reviews, which describe it as 'horrific,' 'smelly,' and 'dated.' There are no trash or recycling facilities, so campers must pack out all their waste. No showers or public laundry facilities are available, and cell service is generally unavailable at the campground. Firewood can only be used if purchased locally due to environmental restrictions.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Pine Mountain Campground offers limited recreational activities directly within its boundaries, but its surrounding areas provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring natural features. The Boulder Canyon trailhead is accessible nearby. While biking and fishing are available within a 30-minute drive, the campground's primary appeal lies in its quiet, relaxing atmosphere and access to nearby trails.

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. The single vault toilet present is noted for being poorly maintained, with multiple user reviews describing it as old, full of flies, and having a warped door that does not close properly.

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 normally permitted year-round without a California Campfire Use Permit. Under some conditions, wood fires and barbecues may be prohibited in all areas of the national forest. Fires at the campground are only permitted in fire rings provided by the Forest Service. Please check for fire restrictions prior to your arrival.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available; visitors must pack out all their waste.

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

Rate Pine Mountain Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

62 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and beautiful setting, but also raise significant concerns about the condition of the vault toilet, the prevalence of bugs, and the lack of potable water. The campground is appreciated for its seclusion and scenic views, while its remote location and basic amenities require careful preparation.

Review Summaries

Based on 62 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the quiet and relaxing atmosphere, scenic views, spacious campsites, and access to nearby trails. Many campers enjoy the wildlife sightings and the natural beauty of...

Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the poor condition of the vault toilet, pervasive issues with flies and yellow jackets, the difficulty of the narrow access road, and the lack of water and trash...

Based on 62 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6 is noted for its privacy and shade, while Site 5 is mentioned for its proximity to a short trail with great views. Some reviews highlight issues with specific sites, such as a broken bench at...

Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, bug spray, and packing out all trash. Some suggest bringing a portable toilet due to the vault toilet's poor condition.

Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention bugs such as flies and yellow jackets as a significant nuisance. Winter reviews occasionally note snow, which adds to the picturesque scenery but requires...

Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing campground, the only reason I give it four stars is because of the bathroom situation.' - Brigette Thoresen 2. 'Quiet, relaxing, and beautiful. Bring lots of water and trash bags.' - El...

Based on 62 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 62 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.

Based on 62 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Pine Mountain 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 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 a peaceful, uncrowded forest basecamp for spring biking and wildlife watching and can tolerate basic facilities.

Skip if

You need modern restrooms or want a campground with more than a handful of sites.

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Pine Mountain Campground

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 3% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 40 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Campsites
Grade A-.Value
Grade B+.Belonging

Watch-outs

Grade F.Facilities
Grade F.Cleanliness
Grade D.Bugs & weather

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall