Barrel Springs
Closed — The campground is accessible year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No water is available at the site; campers must bring their own water supply. Limited to 14 consecutive days.
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
Barrel Springs is a rustic trail camp situated in the Tepusquet Canyon area of Los Padres National Forest's Santa Lucia Ranger District. Originally a car campground, it is now accessible only by hiking or mountain biking, making it a more secluded destination for adventurous campers. The campground is located east of Santa Maria via Tepusquet Road, Colson Canyon Road (11N04), and Barrel Springs Road (10N06). The camp features several tables and fire rings set in a canyon bottom surrounded by oak trees near La Brea Creek. However, campers should be aware that the spring that gave the campground its name is no longer functioning, and there is no accessible water at the camp unless La Brea Creek is flowing. The area offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle use on surrounding roads. Standard 14-day stay limits apply.
Directions
Located east of Santa Maria via Tepusquet Road, Colson Canyon Road (11N04), and Barrel Springs Road (10N06). The camp is now accessible only by hiking or biking, no longer by vehicle.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 925-9538 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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