La Panza Campground

Star3.83
30 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,211 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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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
La Panza Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites are $30 per night, with additional charges of $2 for weekends and $2 for holidays. Reservation service fees may apply: $8...
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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 1996customerservice@pmcparks.com
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What Campers Say

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 30 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

"User reviews of La Panza Campground are mixed. While some campers appreciate the remoteness, cleanliness, and the rugged outdoor experience, others criticize the lack of amenities and difficult access roads."

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Campground Map

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La Panza Campground

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Driving directionsDirections from Santa Margarita, CA: Travel Highway 58, 3 miles east, Pozo Road approximately 26 miles east, Forest Road 29S18, 1.5 miles east. Alternate route: Highway 58, 26 miles east, Navajo Road 3 miles south, Pozo Road half a mile east.
"Make sure you have a good suspension, just getting there is nightmarishly treacherous unmaintained dirt road. More of a riverbed." (User review by Thomas Hester). "The road in and out is terrible but the camp site is great." (Steven Long). "I think it was about 3 miles of dirt road from the main road to get to the campground. I ended up getting a flat tire." (Joanna Maximo).
Nearby places
Santa Margarita - 29 miles (approximately 45 minutes of travel)
Nearby supplies
"The nearest shopping is 29 miles in Santa Margarita." (Authoritative source).

Best Time to Camp at La Panza Campground

La Panza transforms with the seasons, each offering its own charm. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn paints the oaks in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Summer brings intense heat and blazing sunshine that demands early morning adventures and shady afternoon siestas. Winter whispers through the canyon with chilly nights that make campfire gatherings all the more magical, though rain can occasionally sweep through the valley.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

High temps, pests (gnats/mosquitoes) and seasonal creek drying make summer less comfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn offers golden oaks, crisp clear skies and pleasant camping conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in US

Spring features wildflower blooms and ideal temperatures—highlighted as a best season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in US

Open year-round; winter brings clearer skies and flowing seasonal creek after rains.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1st through December 31st, with peak season rates applying.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations can be booked on a rolling 6-month basis.
  • Current Alerts: No cell service in or near the campground. Pack out all trash; no garbage service provided.

About La Panza Campground

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.
La Panza Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts, with a focus on tent camping and small to moderate RVs (under 16 feet).
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Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights allowed during a single visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

La Panza Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. The proximity to the Pozo La Panza OHV area, with its 44 miles of routes, makes it a popular destination for adrenaline junkies. Wildlife viewing is also possible in the area.
HikingHiking is a popular activity in the surrounding areas, including the nearby Machesna Mountain Wilderness. Trails range from sandy washes to ridgeline routes, offering challenges for varying skill levels.
BikingThe campground is ideal for biking enthusiasts, particularly those interested in off-road biking. The nearby OHV trails also accommodate bikes.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes foxes, coyotes, deer, jackrabbits, quail, and rare sightings of black bears. Campers may also spot roadrunners and wild pigs.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Be cautious of snakes in the area." "Leaves of 3, leave it be..." (User review by Hilleri Vaughn). Poison oak is common. Dirt roads are rough and may result in vehicle damage (multiple user reviews).
Active AlertsCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. | No cell service in or near the campground. Pack out all trash; no garbage service provided.
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 La Panza Campground

Reviews

3.8
30 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
La Panza Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of La Panza Campground are mixed. While some campers appreciate the remoteness, cleanliness, and the rugged outdoor experience, others criticize the lack of amenities and difficult access roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the spacious campsites, and the opportunities for OHV recreation. One user stated, 'Pit toilets were super clean,' while another noted...
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Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the treacherous access road, lack of potable water, and absence of enforcement for reserved sites. One user described the road as 'nightmarishly treacherous,' while another...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and food. One user advised, 'Bring everything you think you might need, there is nothing for miles.' Another suggested avoiding...
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Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as lush and green after rain, but spring and summer bring challenges such as high temperatures and pests like gnats and mosquitoes. Winter offers clearer skies for...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lots of places to explore... Bring your own water, pack out your own trash.' - Jackson Chong 2. 'Beautiful campground, really surprised not more people go.' - Hilleri Vaughn 3. 'The road in and...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #1 has issues with active ant hills, while #4 is less impacted by ants. Campsite #5 is described as 'beautiful and green' after rain. Sites located in the back of the campground offer more...
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Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide specific feedback on accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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