Chuchupate Campground

Star4.36
69 reviews
Stargazing

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open daily from May ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chuchupate Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard fee for non-electric campsites during peak season is $30 per night, with $2 additional charges on weekends and holidays. User reviews...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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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Provider
805 434 1996
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 69 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietsites

"User sentiment is mixed with some praising the campground's beauty and quiet atmosphere, while others note its lack of upkeep and primitive conditions. Vault toilets and rough roads are common complaints."

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Campground Map

Chuchupate Campground

34.7858, -119.0019

Driving directionsFrom Los Angeles: Take I-5 north past the Gorman exit to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Road. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Frazier Mountain Road (FS 8N04). Proceed 3 miles past the Chuchupate Ranger Station.
The paved road up to the campground is narrow (one lane only) in places and is not recommended for long trailers or vehicles over 24 ft. The road is roughly paved with dips and potholes, which may be challenging for small cars. User reviews highlight that careful driving is required to avoid flat tires.
Nearby places
Frazier Park is approximately 15-20 minutes away.
Nearby supplies
There is a small market, deli, and pizza parlor at the intersection of Lockwood Valley Road and Cuddy Valley Road. Multiple well-stocked markets and liquor stores are available at the base of the mountain. Firewood can be purchased at Mike's Pizza Company general store near the ranger station.

Best Time to Camp at Chuchupate Campground

Summer days bring the warmth of the high desert sun to exposed campsites, while evenings surprise visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures that call for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot of comfortable daytime temperatures perfect for exploration. Be prepared to share your summer adventures with the local yellow jackets and flies – they're part of the authentic outdoor experience that keeps this gem wonderfully uncrowded.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Hot, exposed days but cool evenings; good nights for stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through October; milder temps and great views make fall excellent.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring wildflower displays and pleasant temps make spring a highlight.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside May–Nov; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 to October 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open daily from May through November.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may include propane-only cooking during high fire danger periods. Roads may be closed during certain times.

About Chuchupate Campground

Tucked away in the high desert near Tejon Pass, Chuchupate Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary delivers sweeping panoramic vistas and the kind of profound quiet that only comes from true solitude. Whether you're navigating rugged trails on your OHV, exploring hidden hiking paths, or simply lying beneath one of California's most spectacular night skies, Chuchupate offers the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their camping experiences untamed and unforgettable.
Chuchupate Campground supports tent camping and RV camping for vehicles under 24 feet. Group camping is not explicitly provided, and this is a 'dry' campground with minimal facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in information is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out information is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include hiking, star gazing, off-road vehicle riding, and biking. The area is known for its 'Dark Sky' element, making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. Several trails around the campground provide scenic views and immersive nature experiences.
HikingThe Frazier Mountain Trail offers challenging hiking with panoramic views of Lockwood Valley. The lower half is exposed and hot during summer, while the upper portion is shaded. Other trails nearby are easily accessible.
BikingBiking trails and terrain are accessible within minutes of the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snakes, insects like yellow jackets and flies, rocky terrain, and narrow, rough roads. Visitors are advised to hike with caution and carry safety gear.
Active AlertsCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. | Fire restrictions may include propane-only cooking during high fire danger periods. Roads may be closed during certain times.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Chuchupate Campground

Reviews

4.4
69 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Chuchupate Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is mixed with some praising the campground's beauty and quiet atmosphere, while others note its lack of upkeep and primitive conditions. Vault toilets and rough roads are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great campground for peace and quiet." "Sites are well maintained." "Beautiful views and open sky." "Daytimes were in the 90s-100 but evenings were a perfect temp for light summer sleeping bags."
Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

"Vault bathrooms are broken down to the point you shouldn't count on using them." "The road leading to the campground is heavily potholed." "No water source." "Many sites don't have shade." "Bring...
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Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Book in advance!" "Prepare for no running water and pack out all trash." "Bring a gnat/mosquito repellent during spring/summer/fall." "Avoid hiking alone." "Carry a walking stick to watch out for...
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Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months can be hot during the day, though evenings cool down significantly, making it ideal for light sleeping bags. Bugs and yellow jackets are more frequent during warmer months.
Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great times and such a beautiful campground for families." "Self-pay campsite at $20 per night for 2 cars and up to 8 people max." "Road was a bit damaged, but my little Yaris made it up." "Vault...
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Based on 69 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 21: Ample space but lacks shade. Site 22: Less shade and vault toilet smell noted. Site 23: Nice and flat for tent campers. Site 24: Described as ideal for hammock setups. Site 28: Fair amount...
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Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

Null
Based on 69 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and appreciated by campers. "Dog-friendly." "Bring shade for pets due to heat in the summer."
Based on 69 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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