Buck Spring
Currently closed due to the Gifford Fire. A closure order (05-07-53-26-04) was issued April 7, 2026. When open, the campground operates year-round on a first-come-first-served basis with no fees.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Los Padres Fire Use and Firearm Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, on the Los Padres National Forest System lands, except in the Designated Campfire Use Sites. Reference the sites listed in Exhibit A.NOTE: Only persons with a valid CA Campfire Permit are exempt from this Order…
About
Buck Spring is a remote, primitive 2-site campground located at 1,640 feet elevation in the Santa Lucia Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. Shaded by oak trees and surrounded by chaparral vegetation, this campground offers a quiet escape for those seeking backcountry solitude. The campground serves as a popular base camp for fall hunters and OHV enthusiasts. Each of the two campsites includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available on site; however, there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground is free with no reservations required, operating on a first-come-first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Access requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle via 2 miles of dirt road off Highway 166. OHV users must comply with California law requiring red or green stickers, current registration, and an operating spark arrestor. The McPherson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail both originate from this campground, providing hiking opportunities for those looking to explore beyond camp.
Directions
Take Highway 166, turn onto Forest Road 30S06, and travel 2 miles on a dirt road. High-clearance 4x4 vehicle recommended.
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 925-9538 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Los Padres NF Buck Spring Campground | |
| Los Padres NF Alerts |
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