Colson Campground

Star0
4 reviews
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Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Closed permanently s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Santa Lucia Ranger District site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 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."

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Fees & Passes at Colson Campground

Free

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: null

Cancellation: null

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Santa Lucia Ranger District website.


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.

Best
Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
Historical SignificanceThe site where Colson Campground once stood holds untold stories of generations of campers who found solace in nature's embrace, though specific historical details have faded like morning mist.
Weather and SeasonsThough Colson Campground no longer hosts campers, the area continues to experience the natural rhythm of seasonal changes that once delighted visitors throughout the year.
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 SceneryWhile Colson Campground has returned to nature's care, the surrounding landscape continues its timeless display of natural beauty that once drew outdoor enthusiasts to this special place.
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.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeUser reviews indicate that the sites were small and lacked level ground, making them less suitable for larger setups.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonClosed permanently since April 2021.
Reservation PlatformsSanta Lucia Ranger District
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull

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 viewing
User 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."
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • null
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsnull
Active alertsnull

Weather at Colson Campground

72
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 29%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 6.1 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

Weather History
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Emergency Services

null

Good to know

Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities were mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull

Campground Map

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Driving directionsnull
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Nearby places
null
Nearby supplies
null

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Colson Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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...
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Based on 4 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...
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Based on 4 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 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Wildlife activity, including frogs and toads, was noted to increase during and after the rainy season.
Based on 4 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...
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Based on 4 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 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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