Ballinger Campground

About

Tucked away in the high desert surrounded by scenic badlands views, Ballinger Campground in Los Padres National Forest is purpose-built for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The campground provides access to 11 four-wheel drive roads, 12 ATV trails, and 14 motorcycle trails featuring varied terrain including loose dirt, hard pack, sand, steep hills, jumps, and berms. Trail difficulty ranges from novice-friendly to challenging black diamond routes. The 13 campsites have no barriers or boulders, making them suitable for all sizes of toy haulers, trailers, and RVs. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has two vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. A staging area is available for gear offloading. Cell service is sporadic; better connectivity can be found at Highway 33. The surrounding landscape features junipers, lupine, and tall scrub in Ballinger Canyon, regionally bound by the Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranges. Hiking trails, biking, and fishing are accessible within 30 minutes, with higher elevation areas available for winter snow play.

Directions

From Highway 33, turn onto Forest Road 9N10 (Ballinger Canyon Road). Drive approximately 6 miles to the campground entrance. From Los Angeles: Take I-5 north to 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. Turn right and proceed 2 miles to the entrance.