Paradise Campground

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Los Padres National Forest, Aliso Park Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees. This peaceful dispersed camping area welcomes adventurers with RVs up to 28 feet, providing a perfect basecamp for exploring miles of hiking trails, scenic horseback riding routes, and seasonal hunting opportunities. The campground's modest size creates a sense of solitude and connection with nature that larger facilities simply can't match.

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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.

Los Padres National Forest

Escape to a hidden sanctuary where ancient oaks and towering sycamores stand sentinel over your wilderness retreat. This secluded campground, cradled in the embrace of steep mountain walls, offers adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms. Here, where old-growth giants whisper stories of centuries past, you'll find the perfect basecamp for both peaceful reflection and mountain exploration.

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Deep within the Los Padres National Forest, Brookshire Campground awaits the truly adventurous. This remote sanctuary offers just two precious campsites, accessible only via a winding 2.5-hour journey along rugged fire roads. For those willing to make the trek, the reward is unparalleled solitude and an intimate connection with California's wild backcountry. This isn't your typical drive-up campground—it's a genuine escape where the journey becomes part of the adventure.

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Escape to Horseshoe Springs Campground, where ancient oaks create a natural sanctuary far from the rush of everyday life. This hidden gem offers campers a rare opportunity to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature's embrace. Tucked away within a magnificent oak grove, the campground provides the perfect retreat for those who treasure tranquility and seek authentic outdoor experiences away from crowded destinations.

Los Padres National Forest

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.

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA

Escape to the untamed beauty of KCL Campground, where 12 intimate campsites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This first-come, first-serve gem offers a true back-to-basics adventure, complete with crackling fire pits, sturdy picnic tables, and convenient horse corrals for equestrian explorers. Two thoughtfully designed ADA-compliant sites ensure everyone can experience this rustic paradise. While you'll find well-maintained vault toilets, the absence of electricity and running water creates the perfect digital detox environment. Remember to bring your own water and embrace the leave-no-trace ethos by packing out everything you bring in—it's all part of preserving this pristine landscape for future adventurers.

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA

Escape to the untamed beauty of Selby Campground, where 13 primitive campsites await those seeking solitude beneath endless skies. This hidden gem within Carrizo Plain National Monument offers the essentials for authentic wilderness camping—sturdy picnic tables, fire pits for evening gatherings, and convenient horse corrals for equestrian adventurers. While you won't find modern amenities like electricity or running water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: direct access to miles of untouched wilderness trails right from your tent flap. A wheelchair-accessible vault toilet ensures basic comfort for all visitors. Remember to pack in your water and pack out your trash—this pristine landscape depends on conscientious campers like you.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the wilderness, Buck Spring Campground offers the perfect blend of seclusion and comfort for outdoor adventurers. This hidden gem provides ample open space for vehicles, tents, and daytime activities, making it an ideal basecamp for off-road enthusiasts seeking to explore the surrounding trails. Despite its remote feel, the campground doesn't skimp on essential amenities – three sturdy picnic tables and a communal fire pit create natural gathering spots where stories of the day's adventures are shared under starlit skies. As one satisfied visitor, Dan W., notes: 'There is plenty of open space for parking, tents, and day activities. This is a secluded location but not too rustic.'

/ Branch Creek Rd, Los Padres National Forest, California

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees along the babbling waters of Alder Creek, Baja Campground offers an enchanting escape into the heart of Los Padres National Forest. This spacious, oak-shaded sanctuary has become a beloved basecamp for Off-Highway Vehicle enthusiasts seeking adventure by day and tranquil starlit nights. Here, the rhythmic sounds of creek water blend with rustling oak leaves to create nature's perfect soundtrack, while the remote setting ensures a genuine connection with California's untamed wilderness.

Los Padres National Forest

Escape to Hi Mountain Campground, where ancient oak groves create a natural cathedral in the heart of Los Padres National Forest. This secluded primitive camping haven offers an authentic wilderness experience beneath a canopy that filters 90% of the sunlight, creating dappled shadows perfect for afternoon relaxation. The journey here is part of the adventure—rugged roads wind through the mountains, demanding a high-clearance vehicle but rewarding you with increasing solitude at every turn. Once you arrive, you'll find thoughtfully placed fire rings and BBQ grates at each site, sturdy picnic tables weathered by countless camping stories, and clean vault toilets maintaining the site's rustic charm.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in a cathedral of ancient oaks at the edge of the Machesna Wilderness, American Canyon Campground offers 12 intimate sites for those seeking true backcountry solitude. This primitive campground provides pit toilets but no water or trash services, and motorized access through the Avenales Ranch gate is available only during deer hunting season via rec.gov reservation—making this a seasonal sanctuary for adventurers who come prepared.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest, American Canyon Seasonal Campground serves as your gateway to authentic wilderness adventures. This rustic retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with prime access to the untamed Machesna Mountain Wilderness, where hunting expeditions, horseback riding trails, and backcountry exploration await. Whether you're saddling up for a dawn ride through canyon trails or setting off on foot into the wilderness, this campground offers the perfect basecamp for those seeking genuine connection with California's wild landscapes. Please note: The campground is temporarily closed. Check with forest service for current status.

Los Padres National Forest

Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area beckons to the adventurous spirit, offering a gateway to 45 miles of exhilarating off-road trails that wind through the rugged California backcountry. This no-frills basecamp welcomes riders of all skill levels, from families on their first ATV adventure to seasoned dual-sport motorcyclists seeking technical single-track challenges. Here, the rumble of engines mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient oaks as riders gather to share stories and plan their next trail conquest.

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Escape to La Panza Campground, where the spirit of authentic wilderness camping thrives in the heart of Los Padres National Forest. This back-to-basics haven beckons adventurers seeking solitude among sprawling sites designed for tents and smaller RVs under 16 feet. Here, you'll craft your own off-grid experience—there's no electricity or running water, just you, the stars, and the crackling warmth of your campfire in designated rings. Five vault toilets serve the campground, but otherwise, you'll need to arrive fully self-sufficient. The reward? Direct access to thrilling OHV trails, secluded hiking paths, prime hunting grounds, and scenic horseback riding routes that wind through untamed California countryside.

11156 Red Hill Rd, Santa Margarita, CA

Tucked away in the rugged wilderness, Navajo Flat Campground beckons adventure seekers with its promise of untamed trails and authentic outdoor experiences. This intimate, back-to-basics retreat serves as the perfect basecamp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, offering immediate access to an impressive network of 45 miles of marked trails that wind through diverse terrain. While amenities remain purposefully simple to preserve the natural experience, the campground provides everything needed for those who appreciate the freedom of self-sustained camping and the thrill of exploring California's backcountry on wheels.

Los Padres National Forest

Hidden within a sprawling canopy of ancient oaks, this secluded campground offers a true escape from the crowds. Vehicle barriers preserve the peaceful atmosphere, ensuring tent campers can immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. The site features three or more fire pits scattered throughout, complemented by picnic benches perfect for outdoor meals under the oak branches. Previous visitors often find themselves with generous amounts of space, creating an intimate camping experience where the only sounds are rustling leaves and crackling campfires.

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA

/ Branch Creek Rd, Los Padres National Forest, California

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

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Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

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11156 Red Hill Rd, Santa Margarita, CA

Los Padres National Forest

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Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.