Miranda Pine Campground

Star4.05
26 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

4,085 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website
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Miranda Pine Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground requires an Adventure Pass, Annual Interagency Pass, Senior Interagency Pass, or Interagency Access Pass for access.
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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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"Miranda Pine Campground is highly regarded for its remote location, scenic views, and peaceful environment. However, consistent complaints focus on the poor condition of the restroom facilities and the challenging access roads. High winds are frequently mentioned as a notable drawback."

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Campground Map

Miranda Pine Campground

35.0355, -120.0377

Driving directionsFrom Santa Maria: Hwy 166, 25 miles northeast, Sierra Madre Ridge 10 miles southeast.
The campground is accessible by dirt roads that vary in condition. User reviews indicate that while 4x4 is not strictly necessary, a vehicle with high clearance is recommended, especially after rains when the roads can become slippery or rutted. One reviewer stated, 'Made it up no problem in my outback wilderness after airing down my tires a bit. Some sections of the road are pretty rutted out.' Another noted, 'The westerly road from Rock Front Ranch was a lot harder, but a stock jeep did it in 2WD.' However, one reviewer warned, 'The road was so bad, there was no way you could get to the top without either breaking your car or falling off the cliff.'
Nearby places
Santa Maria (25 miles northeast)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Miranda Pine Campground

Miranda Pine experiences the dramatic seasonal shifts of high-elevation camping, where crisp winter nights can plunge into bone-chilling cold while summer days warm the pine-scented air. The campground's exposed ridgetop position means wind is a constant companion—sometimes gentle, often forceful. As seasoned campers note, the nighttime gusts can transform your tent into a percussion instrument, so come prepared with heavy-duty stakes and a spirit of adventure. Those who embrace these elements are rewarded with crystal-clear skies and unobstructed stargazing.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm summer days, great views; persistent high winds remain a frequent complaint.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant temps and lower crowds; winds still noted in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Mild spring weather and good views, though reviewers still mention wind and road issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but cited "bone-chilling" nights and slippery/poor road conditions in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round (January - December).
  • Current Alerts: Check the Los Padres Forest website for current accessibility status, especially after rain, as roads may become impassable.

About Miranda Pine Campground

Perched high among whispering pines, Miranda Pine Campground offers an escape into solitude where panoramic vistas of the Cuyama Valley stretch endlessly before you. This remote mountain sanctuary rewards those who venture along its scenic access road with a peaceful retreat far from civilization's hum. The persistent mountain breezes that sweep across the ridge serve as nature's reminder to pack sturdy gear and embrace the wild character of this elevated hideaway.
The campground offers a primitive camping experience with facilities like fire rings and picnic tables. It is suitable for both tent camping and RV camping, but access requires vehicles with high ground clearance.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
14 day stay limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Miranda Pine Campground provides opportunities for various outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The scenic views of the Cuyama Valley and 360-degree vistas from the mountain ridge enhance the outdoor experience.
HikingHiking is available and offers scenic views. Specific trail details such as length or difficulty are not provided.
BikingMountain biking is possible, but no specific details about trails or terrain are provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, as one reviewer mentioned seeing '2 bobcats, a coyote, and lots of birds.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind is a recurring concern at this campground, with multiple user reviews emphasizing its intensity: 'It gets SUPER WINDY,' 'Can get VERY WINDY,' and 'Because it is at the top of the mountain, it could be very windy.' Additionally, the pit toilet is noted to be in poor condition, described in reviews as 'disgusting,' 'very stinky,' and 'could use a good hose down.'
Active AlertsCheck the Los Padres Forest website for current accessibility status, especially after rain, as roads may become impassable.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Miranda Pine Campground

Reviews

4.1
26 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Miranda Pine Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Miranda Pine Campground is highly regarded for its remote location, scenic views, and peaceful environment. However, consistent complaints focus on the poor condition of the restroom facilities and the challenging access roads. High winds are frequently mentioned as a notable drawback.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the stunning 360-degree views, the remote and peaceful setting, and the availability of fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Many users appreciated the solitude, with...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the poorly maintained and unpleasant restroom facilities ('Pit toilet, very stinky, seems it hadn't been cleaned for a while') and the difficulty of accessing the campground...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rough roads, adequate warm clothing and blankets for the windy conditions, and proper camping equipment to handle the lack of...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews consistently highlight high winds and challenging road conditions regardless of season. Winter may bring additional challenges such as slippery roads due to rain, but the cooler weather is...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Awesome campsite off the beaten path with sweet 360deg views of the nearby mountains.' - Campbell Smith. 'Perfect spot for camping. The restroom facility is not maintained at all so it's absolutely...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is described as having five campsites, each equipped with a table and fire ring. Reviewers often commented on the cleanliness of the sites, but the restroom facilities received...
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Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, and the challenging road conditions may pose difficulties for those with mobility issues.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. One reviewer mentioned camping with their dog, but no other pet-specific amenities or features are highlighted.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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