American Canyon Seasonal Campground

Star0
3 reviews

Quick Facts

1,749 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open August through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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American Canyon Seasonal Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Adventure Pass required ($5/day or $30/year). Alternatively, Interagency Passes including Annual, Senior, or Access Passes are accepted.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

1 Google reviews

"No user reviews are available for this campground."

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Campground Map

American Canyon Seasonal Campground

35.2834, -120.2666

Driving directionsFrom San Luis Obispo: Hwy 101, 8 miles north to Hwy 58, 3 miles east, Pozo Rd. 19 miles east, Pozo-Branch Mtn. Rd. 7 miles southeast, Forest road 30S04 2 miles northeast.
Directions suggest access via highways and forest roads, but note: "There is currently no access to American Canyon Campground via the Avenales Ranch." Seasonal closures may apply.

Best Time to Camp at American Canyon Seasonal Campground

Late summer transforms American Canyon into an outdoor paradise, with August and September delivering perfect camping weather. Expect comfortable days averaging 79°F that invite endless exploration, while evenings cool to a refreshing 56°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. These golden months bring reliably dry conditions and crystal-clear skies, creating spectacular stargazing opportunities and ensuring your wilderness adventures remain uninterrupted by weather concerns.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late summer (Aug–Sep) described as 'perfect' with comfortable temps (~79°F).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through September; early fall likely good though season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside its Aug–Sep season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside its Aug–Sep season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: August - September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open August through September.
  • Current Alerts: "There is currently no access to American Canyon Campground via the Avenales Ranch."

About American Canyon Seasonal Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest, American Canyon Seasonal Campground serves as your gateway to authentic wilderness adventures. This rustic retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with prime access to the untamed Machesna Mountain Wilderness, where hunting expeditions, horseback riding trails, and backcountry exploration await. Whether you're saddling up for a dawn ride through canyon trails or setting off on foot into the wilderness, this campground offers the perfect basecamp for those seeking genuine connection with California's wild landscapes. Please note: The campground is temporarily closed. Check with forest service for current status.
The American Canyon Seasonal Campground operates seasonally, open only from August to September. As of the latest update, it remains closed for the 2023 season, with plans for a reservation system to be implemented for the next hunting season.
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Policies & Safety

Active Alerts"There is currently no access to American Canyon Campground via the Avenales Ranch."
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at American Canyon Seasonal Campground

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
American Canyon Seasonal Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for this campground.
Review Summaries

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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