Reyes Peak Campground

4.05

66 reviews

StargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15,...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Parks Management Company site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15,...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Parks Management Company site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Reyes Peak Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites are $30 per night, with additional charges of $2 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 1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 66 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietlocationsites

Some mention

reservation

"Reviews for Reyes Peak Campground are mostly positive, with many campers praising its remote location, scenic vistas, and spacious campsites. However, some have noted issues with campground management, wasp problems, and confusion regarding first-come-first-serve sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Reyes Peak Campground

34.6381, -119.3161

Driving directionsFollow Highway 33 to the turnoff at Pine Mountain Summit (6N06) which is at mile marker 42.50. Turn right and follow the partially paved road another 5.7 miles. The total distance from Ojai Ranger Station Reyes Peak is 39 miles.

"The drive in from 33 is all paved, but single-lane and curvy so it's a bit hair-raising for 20 minutes." User reviews highlight the need to honk before curves as visibility is limited.

Nearby places

Ojai, California is located 39 miles south of the campground.

Nearby supplies

The nearest stores and gas stations are located 15 miles south along Hwy 33, in Ojai, California.

Best Time to Camp at Reyes Peak Campground

Life at 7,000 feet moves to nature's rhythm, where summer brings blessed relief from valley heat and crisp mountain air invigorates the soul. As autumn paints the landscape in amber and gold, frost may kiss the morning meadows, reminding visitors to pack warm layers. Spring's arrival can be unpredictable, with temperatures dancing between balmy afternoons and freezing nights. Mountain winds sweep across the ridge with purpose, occasionally prompting fire restrictions when conditions demand extra caution. This is a place where weather tells its own story, and prepared campers become part of the narrative.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings clear skies and great stargazing; can have increased insects though.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in US

Fall is most popular: mild weather and autumn colors; many seasonal reviews favor fall.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in US

Late spring features wildflower displays and mild weather; popular season per notes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Oct 31; winter season not available per listing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 15, 2025, and closes October 31, 2025.
Current Alerts: Campfires may be restricted due to Santa Ana winds or fire crew unavailability.

About Reyes Peak Campground

Perched majestically on a ridge at 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude above the clouds. From this lofty vantage point, sweeping vistas unfold across the dramatic Cuyama Badlands, while the Pacific Ocean shimmers in the distance. On crystalline days, the Channel Islands emerge like ancient sentinels on the horizon. Six intimate campsites dot this mountain sanctuary, each thoughtfully appointed with a sturdy table, cooking grill, and stone fire ring where stories are shared under star-swept skies. Here, where eagles soar and the wind whispers through ancient pines, visitors discover the raw, untamed beauty that defines California's high country.

Reyes Peak Campground is a small, remote camping facility that caters to tent campers. It features six primitive campsites located along a ridge, offering stunning views and a basic, back-to-nature experience.

Weather and SeasonsLife at 7,000 feet moves to nature's rhythm, where summer brings blessed relief from valley heat and crisp mountain air invigorates the soul. As autumn paints the landscape in amber and gold, frost may kiss the morning meadows, reminding visitors to pack warm layers. Spring's arrival can be unpredictable, with temperatures dancing between balmy afternoons and freezing nights. Mountain winds sweep across the ridge with purpose, occasionally prompting fire restrictions when conditions demand extra caution. This is a place where weather tells its own story, and prepared campers become part of the narrative.

ElevationAt 7,000 feet above sea level, Reyes Peak Campground exists in a realm where the air grows thin and perspectives expand. This high-altitude haven demands respect and preparation—temperatures can plummet without warning, and mountain winds test the mettle of tents and spirits alike. Yet for those who embrace the challenge, the rewards are immeasurable: crystalline air that fills your lungs with pure mountain essence, nights so clear the Milky Way seems within reach, and the exhilarating sense of camping closer to heaven than earth.

Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, white fir, and stately ponderosa creates a verdant canopy overhead, their ancient branches providing both shelter and wonder. When spring awakens the mountain meadows, a riot of color erupts as purple lupine carpets the forest floor while scarlet bugler adds dramatic splashes of crimson. This vibrant ecosystem pulses with life—red-tailed hawks circle on thermal currents, woodpeckers tap out forest rhythms, and the majestic California condor occasionally graces the sky with prehistoric wings. At dawn and dusk, deer emerge from shadowed glens while black bears forage for pine nuts, and coyotes sing their haunting songs to the moon. Every visit promises new discoveries in this high-altitude wilderness theater.

Geological RegionFrom its commanding perch along a 7,000-foot ridge, Reyes Peak Campground serves as a natural observatory for some of California's most diverse geological wonders. To the east, the otherworldly Cuyama Badlands reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their sculpted formations and painted hills. Westward, the vast Pacific stretches to infinity, its moods shifting from sapphire serenity to storm-tossed drama. On those magical clear days, the Channel Islands rise from the sea like the backs of slumbering whales, remnants of an ancient mountain range that once connected to the mainland. This unique convergence of mountain, desert, and ocean ecosystems creates a geological crossroads where tectonic forces, erosion, and time have crafted a landscape of breathtaking complexity and beauty.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: Visitors may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer, or RV. $10 fee for each extra vehicle.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spread out along the southwest side of the ridge. Site distances ensure privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityOnly two first-come, first-serve spots are available; all other sites require reservations." User reviews indicate issues with reservation enforcement and confusion surrounding first-come, first-serve rules.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies to cancellations before the check-in date. Late cancellations incur the first night's recreation use fee. No-show reservations are charged a $20 fee.

AccessibilityReyes Peak Campground does not mention specific accessibility features, and reviews do not provide information about it being ADA-compliant.

Site SizeCampsites are moderately spacious, with some described as large and spread out. Site 5, in particular, is noted for its multi-level area and spacious layout.

PrivacyThe campsites at Reyes Peak Campground are generally well-spaced, offering a fair amount of privacy. "The camp sites are very spread out," as one reviewer states, though some areas (e.g., Sites 2 and 3) are closer together.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 4 offers the best views without requiring a hike. Site 5 is noted for its rock formations, while Site 2 is ideal for stargazing and has good shade.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Reyes Peak Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, especially for hiking enthusiasts. The trails include the Chorro Grande Trail, Reyes Peak Trail, and Raspberry Spring Trail, catering to various skill levels. The area is also known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, stunning natural vistas, and proximity to other attractions such as the Piedra Blanca trailhead and Rose Valley Falls.

HikingHiking is a highlight at Reyes Peak Campground. The Chorro Grande Trail starts at the gate near the last campsite and offers a moderately challenging ascent. The Reyes Peak Trail stretches 5.8 miles into the Sespe Wilderness, connecting to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail. Raspberry Spring Trail is another option, providing a short half-mile trek through the pines.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingBiking is allowed and is popular in areas outside the Sespe Wilderness. The Middle Sespe Trail offers an 8-mile path for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are common, with deer, bears, coyotes, woodpeckers, chickadees, and even California condors frequently observed. "Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor!"

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Yellowjackets and hornets are aggressive at some campsites, especially near fallen trees." Bears have been reported, and windy conditions pose additional risks.

Active AlertsCampfires may be restricted due to Santa Ana winds or fire crew unavailability.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Barbecues are allowed but propane stoves may be restricted during windy conditions.

Quiet Hours"Quiet hours are not explicitly specified," but reviews mention the secluded and quiet atmosphere of the campground.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Ojai, California, approximately 39 miles south.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site. Campers must pack out all waste, as the campground operates a Leave No Trace policy.

Water FeaturesNo nearby water features within the campground; visitors must bring all water supplies.

Camp HostComplaints about the host include mismanagement of fees. Reviews recommend paying in person rather than using the drop box.

Weather at Reyes Peak Campground

Reviews

4.1

66 reviews

Satisfactory

Reyes Peak Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Reyes Peak Campground are mostly positive, with many campers praising its remote location, scenic vistas, and spacious campsites. However, some have noted issues with campground management, wasp problems, and confusion regarding first-come-first-serve sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful, remote campground with spread-out, quiet sites nestled among big pines and boulders." Campers particularly enjoy the views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Cuyama Badlands, as...

Based on 66 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of water and trash facilities, aggressive wasps at certain campsites (especially Site 5), and issues with site reservations being unclear or unenforced. Some reviewers...

Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, as no water is available on-site. Be prepared for cold nights at 7,000 feet and pack layers. Use caution driving the steep, winding road to the campground. Bug spray is...

Based on 66 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and late spring are the most popular times to visit due to milder weather and abundant natural beauty. Summer offers clear skies and great stargazing opportunities but can see increased insect...

Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views at Reyes Peak are unlike any other campground we have ever been to." "We stayed at a site that had a serious hornet, wasp, and bee problem." "Campsites are large and spread out. Drive up...

Based on 66 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is highlighted for its rock formations but has consistent wasp problems. Site 4 is praised for its excellent views without needing to hike. Sites 2 and 3 are closest together, offering less...

Based on 66 reviews