How much does camping cost at Friis Campground?

Camping fees at Friis Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

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

What is the best time to visit Friis Campground?

Friis 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 Friis Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Friis Campground?

Fire policies at Friis Campground: "3+ fire pits" available for use.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Friis Campground have?

Friis Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Friis Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Friis Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Friis Campground?

Friis Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Friis Campground?

Popular activities at Friis Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Friis Campground

3.11

9 reviews

Top 9% in CAWinter

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

2,293 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

January - December

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,293 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

January - December

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Friis Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"Looks to be the only free site around here." This site does not charge fees.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Friis Campground

35.3811, -120.3264

Nearby supplies

null

Weather at Friis Campground

Current alert: "Status: closed" per authoritative source.

Best Time to Camp at Friis Campground

Winter brings the best conditions here. Daytime temperatures settle in the mid-50s to mid-60s, nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s. The oak grove feels especially quiet after fall, and light winter rains refresh the landscape without turning the access road to mud. Summer is dry but brings swarms of flies in the mornings, a significant annoyance according to multiple visitors.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 9% in CA

Described as 'best conditions' in winter; mild days (mid-50s–60s) and cool nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: January - December

About Friis Campground

Friis Campground sits deep in Los Padres National Forest at 2,293 feet, accessible only by rough road requiring a high-clearance vehicle. The three primitive tent sites spread through a large oak grove, offering plenty of space and genuine isolation. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided, but there's no potable water.

Primarily suited for tent camping and OHV-related activities. Vehicle access may be challenging due to the rugged roads leading to the site.

Weather and SeasonsWinter brings the best conditions here. Daytime temperatures settle in the mid-50s to mid-60s, nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s. The oak grove feels especially quiet after fall, and light winter rains refresh the landscape without turning the access road to mud. Summer is dry but brings swarms of flies in the mornings, a significant annoyance according to multiple visitors.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryA dense oak grove creates a canopy overhead, the kind of old-growth California woodland where twisted branches filter sunlight into shifting patterns on the ground. Trails wind directly beside camp. The isolation is real: you're far enough in that the forest feels undisturbed, the only movement coming from leaves and the occasional bird working through the understory.

Geological RegionTucked away in the heart of Los Padres National Forest, this campground sits within one of the region's most impressive oak groves. The surrounding forest ecosystem creates a unique microclimate where these majestic trees have thrived for generations, offering campers a chance to sleep beneath some of California's most stunning native oaks.

Scenic Views"Fairly isolated" location surrounded by oak trees.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information is available on lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is provided regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

14 day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThe size of campsites is not explicitly described, but the campground appears to be relatively small based on user reviews.

PrivacyThe site is described as fairly isolated, suggesting a good level of privacy.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesTent camping with a barrier already in place to keep vehicles out.

Amenities available

The Friis Campground is a relatively isolated and small campground located in a large grove of oaks within the Los Padres National Forest. Notably, there are no potable water facilities at this site. "Restroom information is not currently available for this site," making it unclear whether any restroom facilities exist. Reviews suggest that there are at least three fire pits and a couple of picnic benches available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational opportunities but is notably associated with Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) activities. A walking trail runs beside the campground, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions may be hazardous for non-off-road capable vehicles. Flies are noted as a nuisance during summer mornings.

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

3.1

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

The Friis Campground is noted for its isolation and natural surroundings but has mixed reviews regarding accessibility and conditions. A common theme in reviews is the ruggedness of the road leading to the site, which limits vehicle options. Users generally appreciate the space and privacy, although some issues with insects have been mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the natural setting, describing it as 'nestled in a large grove of oaks' and emphasizing the site's isolation. Another highlight is the spaciousness of the campground, with one...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviews highlight the difficult access via rugged roads, with one user commenting, 'DO NOT go without a car suited for off-roading.' Another concern mentioned is the presence of 'lots of...

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring a vehicle suited for off-roading due to the challenging road conditions. Since potable water is not available, campers should also bring their own supply of drinking...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews mention a high presence of flies, while no other seasonal variations are explicitly detailed.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'DO NOT go without a car suited for off-roading.' 2. 'Once you get there, you'll likely have plenty of nice space to yourselves!' 3. 'Tent camping with a barrier already in place to keep vehicles...

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and wear a collar with current tags, as per state and county regulations.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

High-clearance rigs and tent campers who want a free, uncrowded base in Los Padres will find real solitude here in fall or winter, when temperatures are mild, the flies are gone, and only three sites means you'll likely have the oak grove to yourself.

Skip if

The campground is currently listed as closed, so confirm it's open before making the drive. Even when it is open, no potable water means hauling everything in, and the access road has stopped standard cars cold.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Navajo Flats Campground

11156 Red Hill Rd, Santa Margarita, CA

Navajo Flats Campground sits in the foothills of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Margarita, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This very small campground serves as a base for exploring 45 miles of marked trails popular with OHV riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. The setting is quiet and family-friendly, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site.