Miranda Pine Campground
4.059 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMiranda 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.05
Satisfactory
Based on 9 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."
Fees & Passes at Miranda Pine Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14 day stay limit
Cancellation: null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Los Padres National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsMiranda 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.
ElevationFrom its commanding position atop a mountain ridge, the campground serves as a natural observation deck where earth meets sky in spectacular fashion.
Natural Features and SceneryMiranda Pine Campground crowns a mountain ridge where towering pines frame breathtaking 360-degree panoramas that seem to encompass half of California. To the west, catch glimpses of the distant Pacific Ocean shimmering on clear days, while surrounding peaks and valleys create a tapestry of green and gold that shifts with the seasons. The sweeping views encompass nearby mountain ranges that fade into blue silhouettes at sunset, offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow across the undulating landscape.
Geological RegionTucked within the vast wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, Miranda Pine occupies a unique perch where pine-covered ridges overlook the expansive Cuyama Valley below. This mountainous terrain creates a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails that wind through fragrant pine groves perfect for hiking and mountain biking adventures. The surrounding national forest lands also attract hunters seeking game in season, while the varied topography provides endless opportunities to explore Southern California's rugged backcountry beauty.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of five campsites, and all are equipped with a table and fire ring. Some reviews suggest the sites are clean and in great shape.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located in a remote area, and many users noted that they were the only campers present during their visits, making it a private and secluded experience.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific campsite is singled out; however, the campground's layout ensures each site has a table and fire ring.
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
There are no designated group camping sites mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 5 campsites, each equipped with a table and fire ring. The sites are spread out enough to provide privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (January - December).
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
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.
Hiking
Hiking is available and offers scenic views. Specific trail details such as length or difficulty are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is possible, but no specific details about trails or terrain are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, as one reviewer mentioned seeing '2 bobcats, a coyote, and lots of birds.'Winter Activities
Winter activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- The campground has fire rings at each site. Specific fire regulations are not mentioned.
- Quiet hours are officially from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWind 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.
Weather at Miranda Pine Campground
66
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingPack out all trash, as there are no trash cans or trash pick-up service available.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsPoorly maintained restroom facilities and challenging road conditions are consistent concerns among reviewers. 'The restroom facility is not maintained at all so it's absolutely disgusting,' one user mentioned. Another stated, 'Pit toilet, very stinky, seems it hadn't been cleaned for a while.' Additionally, road conditions, particularly after rain, are noted as problematic.
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Campground Map
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
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
9 reviews
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 9 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...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features, and the challenging road conditions may pose difficulties for those with mobility issues.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-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 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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