Colson Campground

Star3.69
15 reviews
.

Quick Facts

2,008 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Closed permanently s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Santa Lucia Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Colson Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
null
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
nullnull
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.69

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

.

Colson Campground

.

Driving directionsnull
null
Nearby places
null
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Colson Campground

Though Colson Campground no longer hosts campers, the area continues to experience the natural rhythm of seasonal changes that once delighted visitors throughout the year.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Campground closed permanently since April 2021; not open in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed permanently since April 2021; not open in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed permanently since April 2021; not open in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed permanently since April 2021; not open in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Closed permanently since April 2021.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Colson Campground

Once a beloved gateway to outdoor adventures, Colson Campground bid farewell to its final visitors in April 2021, closing its gates permanently after years of providing memorable camping experiences. While no longer welcoming new guests, its legacy lives on in the countless stories and cherished memories created within its boundaries.
Colson Campground provided minimalistic and primitive camping options before its closure in 2021.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null


Activities you can enjoy

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 viewingUser reviews consistently highlight the presence of diverse wildlife, including bobcats, mountain lions, frogs, toads, and owls. "Lots of wildlife, especially bob cats and mountain lions," noted one user, while another mentioned "big frogs and toads during and after the rainy season."
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Colson Campground

Reviews

3.7
15 reviews
Mixed 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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Colson Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Los Padres National Forest
Colson Campground