Buck Spring
Closed — Currently closed due to the Gifford Fire. The fire started in August 2025 and resulted in forest closures affecting the Santa Lucia Ranger District.
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
Buck Spring Campground is a primitive, no-fee OHV camping area located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. This small campground features just two campsites situated in an open area covered with oaks and chaparral vegetation, offering privacy and seclusion for visitors. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, with fires allowed only in designated fire rings. The campground serves as a popular base for OHV enthusiasts, with nearby trails including Big Rocks OHV Trail 17E10, Branch Creek OHV Trail 17E09, and Jack Springs OHV Trail 17E11. Vehicles on OHV routes require either a license plate, red, or green sticker, and all OHVs must have current registration and an operating spark arrestor. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations and no camping fees. Visitors should plan to be completely self-sustainable, as there is no potable water onsite. Restroom facilities are available. Access requires traveling 2 miles on Forest Road 30S06 from Highway 166, with a 4x4 vehicle recommended for the dirt road conditions. The campground is open 24 hours a day with a 14-day stay limit. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Directions
Take Highway 166, turn onto Forest Road 30S06 and travel 2 miles on a dirt road. 4x4 vehicle recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $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 | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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