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.
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
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!