Nira Campground

3.91

64 reviews

Quick Facts

1,827 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens PMC Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,827 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens PMC Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Nira Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$30 per night for standard nonelectric sites, with additional $2 charges for weekends and holidays.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805 434 1996

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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 64 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhikingsites

"User reviews for Nira Campground are generally positive, highlighting its remote location, natural beauty, and opportunities for hiking and relaxation. However, some complaints include the rugged access road, lack of privacy between sites, and absence of potable water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Nira Campground

34.7705, -119.9375

Driving directionsTo get there from Hwy 154: Armour Ranch Rd./ Happy Canyon Rd. 11 miles northeast to Cachuma Saddle, Sunset Valley Rd. 6 miles north.

"The road in from the Cachuma Saddle is very narrow and badly potholed." "Most passenger cars should be able to handle it, but large RVs aren't going to fit." "Happy Canyon Road has a rough dirt section; coming in via Figueroa Mountain Road is longer and requires a steeper climb, but is much smoother."

Nearby places

Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are all within a one hour's drive.

Nearby supplies

The nearest stores and gas are a 25-minute drive to Los Olivios along Hwy 154. There is no drinking water, no public showers in the region, and no cell service available at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Nira Campground

Experience the dynamic personality of Nira throughout the seasons, where cool mountain evenings provide relief from warm summer days, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire conversations. The character of Manzana Creek transforms dramatically with the seasons—from a gentle trickle during dry spells to a lively, rushing waterway after winter storms breathe new life into the landscape. Each visit offers a unique perspective on this ever-changing natural canvas.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm days with cool nights; swimming possible but variable water levels and bugs can be an issue.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.0 / 5

Late summer/fall often has low creek levels and increased bugs, reducing water-based activities.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring/early summer offer flowing streams, cooler weather and the best creek conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open in January; cool evenings and dark skies are positives, but limited winter activities noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1, 2025, and closes for reservations on November 1, 2025.
Current Alerts: "Fire restrictions may apply; visitors are advised to check local regulations before arrival."

About Nira Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of majestic oak trees, Nira Campground offers an intimate escape along the babbling waters of Manzana Creek. This serene retreat welcomes tent campers and small RV adventurers (under 20 feet) to experience the tranquility of 12 thoughtfully spaced sites, each furnished with its own picnic table and barbecue grill or fire ring. While the campground embraces a rustic atmosphere with vault toilets and no drinking water—encouraging visitors to come prepared—the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance more than compensate for these simple amenities.

Nira Campground offers basic camping options including tent sites and accommodations for small RVs under 20 feet. The campground is also suitable for group camping.

Historical SignificanceNira Campground serves as a gateway to the magnificent San Rafael Wilderness, a protected landscape that preserves both ecological treasures and echoes of California's rich past. This proximity to one of the state's most significant wilderness areas offers visitors a chance to connect with centuries of natural and human history while enjoying modern outdoor recreation.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of Nira throughout the seasons, where cool mountain evenings provide relief from warm summer days, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire conversations. The character of Manzana Creek transforms dramatically with the seasons—from a gentle trickle during dry spells to a lively, rushing waterway after winter storms breathe new life into the landscape. Each visit offers a unique perspective on this ever-changing natural canvas.

ElevationElevation information not currently available.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural amphitheater where oak-covered mountains rise on all sides, creating a secluded haven that feels worlds away from civilization. The campground comes alive with a symphony of birdlife—watch for the flash of brilliant kingfishers diving along the creek, the cheerful chatter of Stellar jays in the oak branches, and the melodic songs of warblers and juncos that make this diverse ecosystem their home. Each morning brings new discoveries as the forest awakens around you.

Geological RegionSituated in a natural bowl formed by oak-studded mountains, Nira Campground occupies a special position along Manzana Creek's winding path. The surrounding peaks create a protective embrace around the campground while serving as the launching point for adventures into the adjacent San Rafael Wilderness. This unique geological setting combines riparian creek habitat with classic California oak woodland, creating diverse ecosystems that support abundant wildlife and offer endless exploration opportunities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Unknown

Check-out

Unknown

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum consecutive stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOrganized into loops with sites close together. The campground has 12 campsites, some of which are creekside.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available on a walk-up basis, but specific details are not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made up to midnight 1 calendar day before check-in with a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee in addition to the cancellation fees. Modifications outside the original reservation dates incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are minimal, and the campground primarily caters to tent campers and small RVs. The narrow and rugged road leading to the site may also pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampground sites are designed for tents and small RVs (under 20 feet). Sites 1-3 are exclusively for tent camping and car camping due to size restrictions. Larger RVs are not accommodated.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites described as spacious and others as tightly packed. Multiple reviews note that campsites are close together, with limited separation between neighboring sites.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesTry to get the end camp spots for more privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Nira Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. It serves as a trailhead for exploring the San Rafael Wilderness and offers a serene setting for relaxation.

HikingNira Campground is a trailhead for hiking trails that lead into the San Rafael Wilderness. Trails follow Manzana Creek and offer opportunities for day hikes and backpacking. Some trails are noted for their accessibility to hikers of various skill levels.

FishingFishing in the Manzana River is a popular activity. However, conditions can vary significantly depending on the season, with some visitors reporting low water levels during dry periods.

SwimmingSwimming is a common activity in the Manzana Creek, with some areas reported to be 2-3 feet deep. However, water levels may be seasonal, with low flow conditions reported by reviewers during dry periods.

BikingMountain biking is available around the campground, but specific details about trails and difficulty are not provided in the source materials.

Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is a highlight, with species such as kingfishers, Stellar jays, and warblers commonly spotted. Deer are also frequently seen in the area.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Beware of poison oak along trails." "The road is narrow, unpaved, and uneven, posing risks to vehicles." "The creek crossings can be slippery for motorcyclists." "Flies and gnats are reported to be persistent."

Active Alerts"Fire restrictions may apply; visitors are advised to check local regulations before arrival."

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.

Fire Policy"Campfires are permitted year-round in provided fire rings, unless under fire restrictions."

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Unknown.

Emergency Services"Don't hike alone. Tell someone where you plan to go and then stick to your plans...help for emergencies is miles away." No specific emergency services are mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingA dumpster is available at the entrance for trash disposal, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe Manzana River runs through the campground, offering swimming and fishing opportunities. Seasonal changes affect creek levels, with low water during drought and higher flows after rainfall.

Camp Host"No camp host was present during some reviews."

Weather at Nira Campground

Reviews

3.9

64 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Nira Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Nira Campground are generally positive, highlighting its remote location, natural beauty, and opportunities for hiking and relaxation. However, some complaints include the rugged access road, lack of privacy between sites, and absence of potable water.

Review Summaries

Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the scenic and serene location, excellent hiking trails, and the feeling of being off the grid with no cell phone reception. Many visitors appreciate the abundance of...

Based on 64 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues raised by users include the rough and narrow access road, lack of drinking water, proximity of campsites leading to noise complaints, and the presence of bugs such as gnats and flies....

Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend driving to the site during daylight due to the challenging road conditions. Visitors should bring their own drinking water, firewood, and bug repellent. Early reservations are...

Based on 64 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground experience appears to vary by season. Spring and early summer offer flowing streams and cooler weather, whereas late summer and fall may have low water levels in the creek and more...

Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing spot to camp.. 🏕🏔🌲' - Nathan Almirón 2. 'Great tree canopy, running creek and lots of hiking.' - Todd J. 3. 'The road is one lane, narrow, and part of it is unpaved. Getting there is...

Based on 64 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 was described as disappointing due to its proximity to the road despite being labeled as further away on maps. Sites #11 and #12 are noted as being more private and creekside, making them...

Based on 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility may be limited due to the rugged terrain and narrow access road. Vault toilets are available but may not meet accessibility standards for all users.

Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed at the campground, but reviews mention that some pets caused disturbances by barking excessively. Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs under control.

Based on 64 reviews

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