California / Santa Barbara County / Los Padres National Forest

Ballinger Campground

Open — Open year-round for camping and day use. Reservations available on a 6-month rolling basis for 9 sites, with 4 sites first-come, first-served. Check-in at 3:00 p.m., check-out at 12:00 noon.

About

Tucked away in the high desert of Los Padres National Forest, Ballinger Campground serves as a premier base camp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The campground features 13 sites surrounded by scenic badlands views, with 9 sites available through the reservation system and 4 operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The facility provides direct access to 68 miles of marked and rated OHV trails that cater to all skill levels, from novice-friendly hard packed trails and twisty sand washes to challenging steep and rugged black diamond routes. The trail system includes 11 four-wheel drive roads, 12 ATV trails, and 14 motorcycle trails featuring diverse terrain with loose dirt, hard pack, sand, steep hills, jumps, and berms. The surrounding landscape is characterized by junipers, lupine, and tall scrub brush in a high desert environment bounded by the Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranges. Beyond OHV riding, the area offers access to hiking trails, biking, and fishing within 30 minutes, with higher elevation mountains for winter snow play available as day trips.

Directions

From Los Angeles: Take I-5 north to Highway 126 west to Santa Paula Highway 150 exit. Go north on Highway 150 for 20 miles to the intersection of Highway 33. Go north over the mountain 55 miles to Ballinger Canyon Road (Forest Road 9N10). Turn right and proceed approximately 3.5 miles to the entrance.

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