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.
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
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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