China Camp Campground
Open — Currently open as first-come, first-served through May 1, 2026. Reservations open May 1 on a 6-month rolling basis. Campsites 1-5 are open year-round; campsites 6-10 open summer season only. Four-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles recommended due to rough access road.
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.
Cold Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 9:51PM PST until December 30 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 36 expected. * WHERE...Interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia Range, Most of San Benito County and the Cholame Hills in Southeast Monterey County, North Bay Interior Mountains, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, East Bay Hills, and Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.
About
Pleasantly nestled under a large canopy of pine trees at 4,260 feet elevation on Chews Ridge, China Camp Campground is a place where peace and quiet is commonplace. The spacious campsites allow you to set up camp with more than enough space between you and your neighbors. As you drive into the campground you are overtaken by the sweet smell of pine and the natural beauty surrounding the area. The campground offers 10 campsites total, with campsites 1-5 open year-round and campsites 6-10 open only during summer season. Nine sites are reservable through Recreation.gov during the summer season, while one site remains first-come, first-served. The campground is suitable for tent and car camping but is not recommended for RVs over 20 feet due to the rough access road. China Camp is surrounded by oak and pine trees providing ample shade. The Pine Ridge trailhead begins across from the campground bulletin board, offering 23 miles of trail with stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range covered in towering oak trees. Bobcats, coyotes, and black-tailed deer roam the rolling hills, while red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures soar above. The melody of chirping birds during the day complemented by the sounds of crickets at night provide the textbook balance of unspoiled nature. Tassajara Road is a rough road and four-wheel drive with high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Directions
From Highway 101 north, exit at Arroyo Seco Road near Greenfield and proceed 16.2 miles to the junction of Carmel Valley Road, bear right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to Tassajara Road junction, turn left and go 11 miles to China Camp. From Highway 101 south, exit at Arroyo Seco Road and make an immediate left at Elm Ave. Follow Elm Street for 6 miles, turn left at the T onto Arroyo Seco Road. Proceed 6.5 miles to Carmel Valley Road junction, bear right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to Tassajara Road, turn left and go 11 miles. Four-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| 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 | 20ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 385-5434 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!