American Canyon

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens only during A-Zone deer hunting season, typically in late summer and early fall. Reservations required through Recreation.gov with gate access code provided.

About

American Canyon Campground is a small, secluded seasonal campground located within a beautiful oak grove on the edge of the Machesna Mountain Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest. This remote facility serves primarily as a hunting camp and is only accessible and open during the A-Zone general deer rifle season, typically in late summer and early fall. The campground is accessed through the private Avenales Ranch, a working cattle operation whose owners generously allow passage during hunting season. Access requires a reservation through Recreation.gov and a gate combination code. The 12 campsites accommodate tents and small vehicles only; RVs are not permitted due to access restrictions. Each site includes a picnic table and combination fire ring/grill. The campground offers shade from mature oaks, though daytime temperatures can reach the 90s and 100s during hunting season, cooling to the 50s and 60s at night. Two pit toilets serve the campground, but there is no water available. A strenuous trail climbs 1,800 feet from the campground to Nunez Potrero and Pine Spring near the ridgetop. The surrounding terrain features open grasslands, oak and pine woodlands in lower elevations, and chaparral with coulter pines on the ridges.

Directions

From Highway 101, take the Santa Margarita exit. Turn onto El Camino Real and cross the railroad tracks at the east end of town on Estrada Avenue/Highway 58. After 1.4 miles Highway 58 turns left; continue straight on Pozo Road. Follow Pozo Road for almost 20 miles through the town of Pozo, keeping right at the La Panza Road junction, until reaching Avenales Ranch Road. Follow Avenales Ranch Road about 5 miles through a gate (keep closed) to the sign for American Canyon, then turn left and continue another 2 miles.

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