Halfmoon Campground

4.70

35 reviews

Forest Rt. 7N13, Los Padres National Forest, California

Featured in:Primitive Camping California Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Halfmoon Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground requires an Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year), or Annual Interagency Pass, Senior Interagency Pass, or Interagency Access Pass. No...

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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USFS

Provider

661-805-1057

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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 35 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"User reviews describe Halfmoon Campground as serene and remote, with beautiful rock formations and sparse pine forests. However, challenges include rugged access roads with creek crossings and limited facilities. Positive sentiments emphasize quiet surroundings and opportunities for family getaways."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Rt. 7N13, Los Padres National Forest, California

Halfmoon Campground

Forest Rt. 7N13, Los Padres National Forest, California

Driving directionsFrom Frazier Park, CA, take Frazier Mtn Park Rd 1.8 miles to Lockwood Valley Rd sign. Turn left onto Lockwood Valley Rd. and go 10.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 7N03 and go 7.5 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear left, staying on Rt. 7N03, and go 2.5 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn left at intersection onto 7N13 and go 0.2 miles to campground entrance on left.

The last 8.5 miles of the road are winding and feature several challenging creek or wash crossings. This portion is not RV-friendly due to steep grades, single-lane stretches, and lack of turnouts. Forest Rt. 7N03 is rugged and better suited for vehicles with high clearance.

Nearby places

Frazier Park (12 miles away, approximately 30 minutes driving time)

Nearby supplies

The nearest location for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies is in Frazier Park, which is 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Halfmoon Campground

From May through October, Halfmoon Campground transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Summer days bring warm, golden sunshine filtering through the pine canopy, while crisp mountain air keeps evenings refreshingly cool. As autumn approaches, the weather becomes delightfully unpredictable—morning mists may give way to brilliant afternoons, and unexpected rain showers can sweep through, leaving the forest fragrant with petrichor. Early and late season visitors should come prepared for nature's surprises, as snow occasionally dusts the landscape during shoulder months, creating magical moments for those lucky enough to witness the transformation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; reviewers cite warm, sunny summer days with cool nights—popular season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late spring/early fall highlighted as especially pleasant for camping in reviews.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Open beginning May 1; late-spring visits noted as having good camping weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site is seasonally open May 1–Oct 31; winter use restricted by closure.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 through October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 1 through October 31, weather dependent.

About Halfmoon Campground

Tucked away in the rugged embrace of Los Padres National Forest, Halfmoon Campground offers an intimate escape into California's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem features 10 secluded campsites nestled beneath towering Jeffrey and Ponderosa Pines, where the whisper of wind through ancient branches creates nature's own symphony. Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts have long discovered this remote sanctuary, making it a beloved basecamp for off-highway vehicle explorers and those seeking the thrill of deer hunting season in the surrounding backcountry.

Halfmoon Campground is a compact, remote site offering primitive camping opportunities. It is suited for tent campers and small RVs but not for large RVs or pull-through sites.

Historical SignificanceSince the 1970s, Halfmoon Campground has served as a cherished gathering place for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. This storied landscape has witnessed countless hunting tales shared around crackling campfires and heard the distant rumble of off-highway vehicles exploring hidden trails at dawn. The surrounding forest bears the scars and renewal of nature's cycles, with evidence of past wildfires creating a dynamic ecosystem that continues to evolve. These fires have shaped not just the landscape but the character of the campground itself, creating a place where resilience and natural beauty intertwine.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, Halfmoon Campground transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Summer days bring warm, golden sunshine filtering through the pine canopy, while crisp mountain air keeps evenings refreshingly cool. As autumn approaches, the weather becomes delightfully unpredictable—morning mists may give way to brilliant afternoons, and unexpected rain showers can sweep through, leaving the forest fragrant with petrichor. Early and late season visitors should come prepared for nature's surprises, as snow occasionally dusts the landscape during shoulder months, creating magical moments for those lucky enough to witness the transformation.

ElevationPerched at 4,900 feet above sea level, Halfmoon Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clean. This elevation provides a natural air conditioning system, offering welcome relief from the heat of California's valleys below. Here, summer temperatures remain comfortable even during the warmest months, while the thin mountain air adds a touch of exhilaration to every breath. The elevation creates perfect conditions for stargazing, with less atmospheric interference revealing a brilliant tapestry of stars each night.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape surrounding Halfmoon Campground tells a story of nature's power and persistence. Sparse stands of pine create an open, park-like setting where shafts of sunlight dance across the forest floor. The terrain reveals its rugged character through weathered rock formations and dramatic vistas, while nearby Piru Creek provides a gentle soundtrack of flowing water. Evidence of past wildfires has created a unique ecosystem where new growth mingles with mature trees, offering visitors a chance to witness nature's remarkable ability to regenerate and thrive. Ancient rock formations stand as silent sentinels, their surfaces carved by millennia of wind and weather into natural sculptures that capture the imagination.

Geological RegionHalfmoon Campground sits within the diverse geological tapestry of Los Padres National Forest, where sparse pine forests meet rugged mountain terrain in dramatic fashion. The campground's floor is carpeted with a thick layer of aromatic pine needles and cones, creating nature's own cushioned pathway. Majestic Jeffrey and Ponderosa Pines stretch skyward, their sparse canopy allowing dappled sunlight to create an ever-changing pattern of light and shadow. The absence of dense understory vegetation opens up sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, where the raw beauty of exposed rock faces and distant ridgelines creates a photographer's paradise. This unique geological setting offers visitors an authentic taste of California's wild mountain country.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly specified.

Check-out

Not explicitly specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit per site is not stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a single loop layout with 10 sites, each equipped with a table and a grill. Parking aprons are dirt and approximately the same size.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not supported; camping is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a walk-up basis, as reservations are not supported.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available. The campground terrain is rugged and may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe parking aprons are dirt and generally uniform in size, accommodating small RVs and tent campers.

PrivacyThe campground has an open-air feeling without an understory, offering limited privacy between campsites.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with proximity to Piru Creek for scenic views and natural ambiance.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of outdoor activities are available, including hunting, off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, hiking along Piru Creek, and opportunities for fishing rainbow trout. Spectacular rock formations and sparse pine forests add to the recreational appeal.

HikingThe Piru Creek OHV Route #20W07 offers a 3-mile trail, popular among OHV enthusiasts but also suitable for hiking.

FishingRainbow trout are available for fishing, as noted in official sources. However, details about fishing seasons or permits are not provided.

Wildlife viewingThe sparse pine forest and remote location provide opportunities for observing local wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include water crossings along Piru Creek, steep and winding roads, and fire history. Wildlife may also pose risks, although no specific warnings are given.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings at the campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest ranger station: Mt. Pinos Ranger District (661) 805-1057, located in Frazier Park. The closest hospital is in Frazier Park, approximately 12 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingPack it in, pack it out policies apply. There are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Piru Creek, offering scenic views and potential fishing opportunities.

Camp HostNo information regarding campground hosts.

Weather at Halfmoon Campground

Reviews

4.7

35 reviews

Top-Rated

Halfmoon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews describe Halfmoon Campground as serene and remote, with beautiful rock formations and sparse pine forests. However, challenges include rugged access roads with creek crossings and limited facilities. Positive sentiments emphasize quiet surroundings and opportunities for family getaways.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the quiet and serene environment, beautiful rock formations, sparse pine forests, and opportunities for family camping away from crowds. The availability of cell service is also...

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the rugged access road with challenging creek crossings, lack of potable water, boarded-up vault toilets, and absence of toilet paper. Some users also lament the closure of nearby...

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water, firewood, and all supplies due to the lack of facilities. Vehicles with higher clearance, such as SUVs, are advised for navigating the rugged access roads.

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight good camping weather in late spring and early fall, with end-of-November visits noted as warm for campfires. Summer may be better for hunting and other seasonal activities.

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful, serene campground. BEWARE the two (at least) water crossings." - Steve Johnson; "End of November, still warm, great firewood opportunities. On a half moon night! :)" - LittleRed Reiner;...

Based on 35 reviews