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.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 70ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!