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

Colson Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. null

What is the best time to visit Colson Campground?

Colson Campground is open null. 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 Colson Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Colson Campground?

Fire policies at Colson Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Colson Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Colson Campground?

Popular activities at Colson Campground include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Colson Campground

3.20

15 reviews

Quick Facts

2,008 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Closed permanently s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,008 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Closed permanently s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Colson Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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No campsite fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Colson Campground

Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Weather at Colson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Colson Campground

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground closed permanently since April 2021.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Closed permanently since April 2021.

About Colson Campground

Colson Campground closed permanently in April 2021. It sits at 2,008 feet in Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by rutted roads that require high ground clearance. Before closure, it offered primitive tent sites that were small and often unlevel.

Colson Campground provided minimalistic and primitive camping options before its closure in 2021.

ElevationThe grounds that formerly hosted Colson Campground remain at their natural elevation, a testament to the enduring landscape that outlasts human endeavors.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupied a quiet, secluded position in Los Padres National Forest. Wildlife was active enough that one reviewer specifically mentioned the diversity of species visible from camp. The area's isolation kept it overgrown in its final years.

Geological RegionThe geological foundations that supported Colson Campground for years remain unchanged, a reminder that the Earth's ancient story continues long after human chapters close.

Scenic Viewsnull

Lodging & AccommodationsThere were no lodging facilities such as cabins or lodges at this location before its closure.

Programs & ActivitiesThere were no cultural or educational programs mentioned in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group-specific facilities were described in the sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsSanta Lucia Ranger District

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate that the sites were small and lacked level ground, making them less suitable for larger setups.

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Colson Campground is permanently closed as of April 2021. Prior to closure, it was a minimalistic site with no restrooms, potable water, or other standard facilities. User reviews describe it as overgrown and lacking level ground.

I manage this campground

Things to do at Colson Campground

Prior to its closure, the campground offered a quiet, out-of-the-way experience with wildlife viewing opportunities. Recreational activities were limited due to the absence of developed facilities.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Users consistently highlighted diverse wildlife (bobcats, frogs, toads) visible from camp.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Quiet, secluded Los Padres location suggests good night skies, though not documented.

Photography3.5/5Wildlife (bobcats, frogs, toads) offers photo ops; few landscape/view notes and overgrown sites.

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.

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

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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

3.2

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Colson Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a mixed picture of Colson Campground before its closure. While some appreciated its quiet, secluded setting and wildlife, others criticized its lack of facilities and overgrown conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Some users enjoyed the quiet, out-of-the-way nature of the campground, its proximity to Orcutt/SM, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. One user described it as a "great place to go away for a...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Reviews noted the lack of facilities, including restrooms and potable water, and described the campground as overgrown and challenging to navigate. One user specifically mentioned the "very little...

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user mentioned there were only two sites available, with "very little level ground," emphasizing the limited capacity and challenging terrain.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user advises that a vehicle with high ground clearance is necessary to access the campground due to its rutted roads: "You'll need a vehicle with some ground clearance to make it up there."

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Wildlife activity, including frogs and toads, was noted to increase during and after the rainy season.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Out of the way, fairly quiet, nice area. A little overgrown sometimes," noted one user, while another stated, "Great place to camp!" before its closure. "Lots of wildlife, especially bob cats and...

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or pet-related experiences.

Based on 15 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Colson Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

null

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

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Go if

Historical reference only: before closure, this free primitive spot in Los Padres rewarded patient campers with bobcats, mountain lions, and owls within sight of camp.

Skip if

It's permanently closed. There are no sites, no facilities, and no legal camping here. Plan elsewhere in Los Padres National Forest.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(3)

Horseshoe Springs Campground

: null

Horseshoe Springs Campground sits in a secluded oak grove in the Los Padres National Forest foothills. This very small, primitive campground operated by the Forest Service offers basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables amid natural beauty. The rough access road keeps crowds light, making it ideal for tent campers seeking solitude.

Colson Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Colson Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Colson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Colson Campground

Planning Tips

About Colson Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Colson Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Ask Camp Sage about Colson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Colson Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Colson Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews