Davy Brown Campground

Star3.98
110 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,165 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Parks Management Company site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Davy Brown Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric site fee is $30 per night, with an additional $2 surcharge for weekends and holidays. Noted fees do not include taxes or...
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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

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 110 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

Some mention

bugs

"Most reviews highlight the campground's quiet and remote nature, as well as its natural beauty, including the soothing creek and surrounding wildlife. However, road access is described as challenging, and the lack of amenities such as potable water and cell service is a recurring complaint."

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Campground Map

Davy Brown Campground

34.7579, -119.9518

Driving directionsTo get there from Hwy. 154: Take the Armour Ranch Road/Happy Canyon Road 11 miles northeast to Cachuma Saddle, Sunset Valley Road, then 4 miles north.
The road to Davy Brown Campground has been described as narrow, curvy, and sometimes unpaved. User reviews mention it being a challenging drive, with washboard sections and potholes. "The road up to this campsite is not for everyone. Especially RVs..." (Review by B Sal). Trailers under 20 feet are generally permitted but "it is completely unsafe and should be avoided" according to Christine D.
Nearby places
Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buellton are mentioned as being within an hour's drive from the campground.
Nearby supplies
The nearest grocery stores and gas stations are located in Los Olivos, about a 35-minute drive along Hwy. 154 per authoritative sources.

Best Time to Camp at Davy Brown Campground

This mountain retreat enjoys a Mediterranean climate that rewards visitors with sun-drenched days and refreshingly crisp nights year-round. Even summer adventurers should pack warm layers, as temperatures can plummet once the sun dips behind the ridgeline. During the warmer months, the creek attracts its share of buzzing companions – gnats and mosquitoes claim their territory here, making insect repellent as essential as your sleeping bag.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summer noted as hot/dry; creek may run low and conditions are less favorable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall highlighted as one of the best times: moderate temps and flowing water.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring recommended: moderate temps, fewer bugs and flowing creek make it ideal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winters are mild here with limited winter-activity offerings.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservable start dates begin on June 29, 2025, with peak season lasting from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Poison oak and overgrown trails are commonly reported issues. Bathrooms have also been noted as improperly maintained at times.

About Davy Brown Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Figueroa Mountain, Davy Brown Campground beckons adventurers seeking refuge from the modern world. Here, where Davy Brown Creek whispers ancient stories through 13 thoughtfully placed campsites, visitors discover a sanctuary where mountain melodies and rustling leaves replace digital notifications. Whether you're scanning the canopy for rare mountain birds, conquering nearby trails on foot or bike, or pursuing game during deer season, this hidden gem promises an authentic backcountry experience wrapped in California's natural splendor.
Davy Brown Campground supports standard nonelectric camping. It caters to both tent and RV campers, with limitations on RV length (25 ft max). Group sites are not explicitly mentioned, and no glamping options are available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Davy Brown Campground can enjoy a range of nature-focused activities. Highlights include hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and seasonal creek swimming. Hunting is also popular during deer season. Wildlife observation is a key attraction, with a variety of birds often spotted.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground, including the Davy Brown/Fir Canyon Trail. Trails are noted for their beauty but are often overgrown and challenging, with poison oak being a recurring issue. Hikers recommend long sleeves and pants.
SwimmingThe creek offers invigorating swimming holes and diminutive waterfalls. However, the creek can dry up during summer.
BikingMountain biking is available but limited details about trail conditions and difficulty were provided.
Wildlife viewingBird species such as Stellar jays, kingfishers, and warblers are common, making the area ideal for birdwatching. Seasonal migrations bring additional opportunities for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak and bugs (gnats and mosquitoes) are frequent issues as noted in multiple user reviews.
Active AlertsPoison oak and overgrown trails are commonly reported issues. Bathrooms have also been noted as improperly maintained at 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 Davy Brown Campground

Reviews

4.0
110 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Davy Brown Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most reviews highlight the campground's quiet and remote nature, as well as its natural beauty, including the soothing creek and surrounding wildlife. However, road access is described as challenging, and the lack of amenities such as potable water and cell service is a recurring complaint.
Review Summaries
Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the peaceful environment, clean campsites, and proximity to a creek with swimming holes. Many enjoy the seclusion and opportunities for stargazing.
Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include rough and narrow access roads, overgrown trails, poison oak, lack of potable water, and unclean or poorly maintained facilities. Bugs (gnats, mosquitoes, flies) are consistently...
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Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, water, and long sleeves/pants for hiking. Avoid site #9 due to poison oak and mud. Sites #5, #6, and #12 are highly recommended for their size and access to the creek.
Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early fall are highlighted as the best times to visit due to fewer bugs, moderate temperatures, and flowing water in the creek. Summer is noted for heat and dry conditions, while winter...
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Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We had a wonderful experience at site 12. It’s the biggest site I have ever been to and is along a creek just steps away from a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole.' 2. 'The bugs were horrible....
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Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #12: Spacious and next to the creek with a waterfall. Site #9: Avoid due to poison oak and muddy conditions. Sites #5 and #6: Spacious and ideal for group setups. Site #13: Secluded with good...
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Based on 110 reviews

Accessibility Features

Noted as difficult for individuals with mobility issues. Trails and the campground terrain are rugged, and the vault toilets are the only wheelchair-accessible feature.
Based on 110 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not specifically mentioned in the reviews or policies.
Based on 110 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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