American Canyon Campground

1 review

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Entrance via the Ave...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Forest Service site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Entrance via the Ave...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Forest Service site

Get Directions

American Canyon Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Campground is an Adventure Pass site managed by the Forest Service. No specific fee amounts provided in source.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Best Time to Camp at American Canyon Campground

Summer at American Canyon brings the characteristic heat of California's interior ranges, with mercury climbing into the 90s and often cresting 100 degrees during the day. As the sun dips below the ridgeline, temperatures drop mercifully into the comfortable 50s and 60s—perfect for evening campfires under star-filled skies. During the fall deer season when the campground is accessible, you'll find the watershed completely dry, so plan accordingly and pack all the water you'll need for your stay.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Entrance via the Avenales Ranch gate is opened only during deer hunting season (access through that gate is by reservation).

About American Canyon Campground

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.

Twelve campsites intended for tent and car camping; vehicles are restricted and no RVs are permitted.

Weather and SeasonsSummer at American Canyon brings the characteristic heat of California's interior ranges, with mercury climbing into the 90s and often cresting 100 degrees during the day. As the sun dips below the ridgeline, temperatures drop mercifully into the comfortable 50s and 60s—perfect for evening campfires under star-filled skies. During the fall deer season when the campground is accessible, you'll find the watershed completely dry, so plan accordingly and pack all the water you'll need for your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground nestles within a majestic grove of mature oak trees, their gnarled branches creating a natural canopy overhead. Beyond this shaded refuge, golden grasslands roll toward mixed oak and pine woodlands that climb the surrounding slopes. As elevation increases, the landscape transforms into dense chaparral punctuated by distinctive coulter pines standing sentinel near the ridge tops. The American Canyon watershed, bone-dry during hunting season, defines the wilderness boundary where civilization ends and true backcountry begins.

Geological RegionPositioned at the threshold of the Machesna Wilderness, the campground occupies a transitional ecological zone where lower-elevation oak and pine woodlands give way to higher chaparral communities. The terrain rises dramatically from the canyon floor toward exposed ridgelines, creating a diverse landscape that shifts from sheltered groves to windswept heights within a short distance.

Campsite details

Sites Size12 campsites (small, car- and tent-camping oriented).

Sites PrivacySmall, secluded campground embedded in a grove of mature oaks providing substantial shade.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended CampsitesSites are for tent and car camping only; RVs are not permitted due to size restrictions. Avoid hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife viewing during rifle season.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout12 campsites for tent and car camping; each site includes a picnic table and a combination fire ring/grill. There are two outhouses with pit toilets. No potable water and no trash service.

Open and Closed SeasonEntrance via the Avenales Ranch gate is opened only during deer hunting season (access through that gate is by reservation).

Reservation Platformsrec.gov

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation centers on hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing, with the site commonly used as a hunting camp during deer season. There are abundant cattle trails and a strenuous trail gaining about 1,800 feet from the campground to Nunez Potrero and Pine Spring near the ridge top. The American Canyon watershed is dry during deer season.

Hiking

Numerous cattle trails and a rigorous trail (~1,800 feet elevation gain) to Nunez Potrero and Pine Spring; surrounding wilderness provides extensive hiking opportunities, but routes can be strenuous.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing is possible but is not recommended during rifle season because the area functions largely as a hunting camp.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Each site includes a combination fire ring/grill. No additional fire restriction information is provided in the source.

Hazards

General hazardsHunting activity during rifle season (campground is described as a hunting camp and recreational activities are not recommended during rifle season). Working cattle ranch and numerous cattle trails. No potable water on site; watershed may be dry during deer season. There is a strenuous trail from the campground with about 1,800 feet of elevation gain.

Weather at American Canyon Campground

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 46%

Wind: 1.3 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

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Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo trash service; visitors must pack out all trash (pack in, pack out).

Proximity to water featuresAmerican Canyon watershed is dry during deer season; no drinking or potable water at the site.

Campground Map

American Canyon Campground

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 101, take the Santa Margarita exit, turning off at El Camino Real and across the railroad tracks at the east end of town on Estrada Avenue/Hwy 58. After 1.4 miles Hwy 58 turns left but continue straight on Pozo Road. From where Hwy 58 leaves Pozo Road, follow Pozo Road for almost 20 miles, through the town of Pozo, keeping right at the La Panza Road junction, until you reach the Avenales Ranch Road. Follow Avenales Ranch Road about 5 miles, through a gate (keep closed!) to the sign for American Canyon where you turn left and continue another 2 miles.

Access begins from Hwy 101 via the Santa Margarita exit, then along Estrada Avenue/Hwy 58 and Pozo Road; final access via Avenales Ranch Road (through a ranch gate).

Nearby places

Pozo — approximately 10 miles west (site notes Vintage Cowboy Winery and Pozo Saloon about 10 miles west).

Nearby supplies

Pozo (approx. 10 miles west) — Vintage Cowboy Winery and Pozo Saloon are nearby and open on some weekends

services are limited.