CHULA VISTA
Closed — The campground is currently closed for winter season. It typically reopens in mid-April when snow clears and closes again in mid-November.
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
Chula Vista Walk-In Campground is situated at the end of Mt. Pinos Highway at 8,300 feet elevation in Los Padres National Forest. This primitive campground features 12 well-spaced campsites shaded by large Jeffrey pines, providing the privacy and intimacy sought by experienced campers. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, though campers must be completely self-sustainable as no potable water is available onsite. The campground is accessed via a short 500-yard walk from the Chula Vista Parking Lot, which serves as both a trailhead and a popular destination for winter snow play and stargazing. The area is renowned for its exceptional dark skies, making it one of the premier stargazing locations within two hours of Los Angeles. The parking area provides access to the Mt. Pinos Summit Botanical Area, Mt. Pinos Condor Observation Site, the Chumash Wilderness, and the Tumamait Trail. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations required. A 14-day stay limit applies, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. During winter months when snow is present, an Adventure Pass or $5 day use fee is required for parking. The campground typically closes during winter, approximately from mid-November through mid-April, though the parking area remains accessible for winter recreation.
Directions
Located at the end of Mt. Pinos Highway/Cuddy Valley Road/Mt. Pinos Road. Park at the Chula Vista Parking Lot. The campground is approximately 500 yards northeast of the parking lot.
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 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Chumash Wilderness |
Community Posts
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