Escondido Campground
Closed — The campground is periodically closed during wet weather. Typically operates with reservations available through Recreation.gov, though some periods may be first-come, first-served. Subject to seasonal closures.
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 9:04PM PST until December 30 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 36 expected. * WHERE...The East Bay Hills and Valleys, 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, 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
Escondido Campground is one of the best kept secrets in the Santa Lucia Mountains within Los Padres National Forest. This family-friendly campground boasts scenic vistas surrounded by spectacular rock formations and sprawling oaks, resting in a beautiful grassy meadow at 2,175 feet elevation. The outdoor activities are endless, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and bird watching. The campground has 9 campsites, with 8 available for reservation through Recreation.gov and 1 first-come, first-served site. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. Trailheads are located near the campground with access to backpacking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Hitching posts for horses are available at the campground trailhead. The Arroyo Seco River runs through the canyon terrain only a short distance from the campground. Escondido Campground has a diverse and thriving environment containing ponderosa pine, oak, madrone, and sycamore trees. Sandstone landscapes, wildflowers, and wildlife are part of the experience in this pristine part of the forest. The San Antonio Mission, one of the oldest California Missions, is within a 15-minute drive. Campers must be completely self-sustainable as there is no potable water on-site. Access requires traveling 12 miles on Del Venture Road, with the last 3 miles unsurfaced.
Directions
Take Highway 101 to Jolon Road, turn onto Mission Road, to Del Venture Road. Travel 12 miles to the campground. Last 3 miles is unsurfaced.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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 | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| 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
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