Halfmoon Campground
Open — The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations. Access may be closed between November 1st and April 30th each year due to seasonal MVUM closures. A 14-day stay limit applies.
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
Halfmoon Campground is a small, primitive campground located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. The campground features 10 Jeffrey Pine-shaded campsites arranged in a loop near Piru Creek, offering a peaceful and secluded camping experience with good spacing between sites for privacy. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill, and fires are permitted only in designated fire rings. The campground is accessible via Grade Valley-Mutau Road (FS 7N03), approximately 9 miles south of the Lockwood Valley/Grade Valley Road junction. The dirt road is normally accessible by 2-wheel-drive vehicles. A vault toilet is available on-site, but there is no potable water, so campers must be completely self-sustainable and bring all necessary water for the duration of their stay. The area is popular for OHV camping and trail riding, and vehicles on OHV routes require either a license plate, red, or green sticker. Swimming is also available in Piru Creek, though vehicle travel in the creek is prohibited except on the Piru Creek Trail. A 14-day stay limit applies, with quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Directions
Take the Grade Valley-Mutau Road (FS 7N03) to the end of the road, approximately 9 miles south of the Lockwood Valley/Grade Valley Road junction.
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 | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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