Chuchupate Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates daily May through November. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
Special Closure - SBRD Storm Damage Recovery
Closure of developed recreation sites, roads, and trails in the Santa Barbara Ranger District impacted by storm damage and some roads restricted to non-motorized use.
Special Closure - SLRD Lake Fire Post-Burn Public Safety
Closure of developed recreation sites and roads on the Santa Lucia Ranger District impacted by the Lake fire.
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
Road Use Restriction - Sycamore Cyn Rd to Pfeiffer Beach
Prohibits being on Sycamore Canyon Road (Forest Road No.
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area. Reference the description of the area and attached map for details.
San Carpoforo Beach Prohibition of Overnight Camping and Campfires
Prohibits overnight camping and building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the 
Santa Barbara Front Country Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the Fire Use Restriction Area which is the front country of Santa Barbara. Reference the description of the area and the attached map for details.
About
Nestled near the Tejon Pass at 6,300 feet elevation, Chuchupate Campground is a remote high desert hideaway in Los Padres National Forest. Following a serpentine ascent to the campground, visitors take in views of Lockwood Valley with glimpses of Frazier Mountain and the Tehachapi Mountains through the pinyon pines. The campground's name comes from the Chumash word for California rock parsnip, a yellow-flowered plant that grows amidst the scrub-oak and manzanita. During late spring, the hillside is accented by wildflowers including Matilija poppies, Indian paintbrush, and lupines. The campground features 29 single, spaciously situated campsites ideal for tent camping and RVs under 24 feet. This is a completely primitive, self-sustained campground with no potable water or electricity. Hikers can challenge themselves on the Frazier Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of Lockwood Valley and the high desert. The lower portion is exposed and hot in summer, while the upper half is pleasantly shaded. The campground's dark sky designation makes it a favorite for star gazing, and the area provides access to miles of OHV recreation. Note that the paved road to the campground is narrow in places and not recommended for long trailers or vehicles over 24 feet.
Directions
From Los Angeles: Take I-5 north past the Gorman exit to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Road. Turn left and proceed 3 miles to Frazier Mountain Road (FS 8N04). Proceed 3 miles past the Chuchupate Ranger Station.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 26ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 24ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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