Hardluck
Permanently closed since 2009. The campground was shut down to protect sensitive habitat for endangered species along Piru Creek. The access road is gated and locked. Overnight camping is not permitted.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions
To provide for public safety, the Timber and Plaskett Fire Area are closed, including roads and trails described in Exhibit A and shown on the Exhibit B Map.This Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-11 supersedes Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-10.
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. Effective from September 16, 2026, through September 15, 2027.
About
Hardluck Campground sits at approximately 3,060 feet elevation in the rugged backcountry of Los Padres National Forest, near the headwaters of Piru Creek in Ventura County. The campground served as a primitive camping destination and provided access to the Buck Creek Trail, which leads into the Sespe Wilderness. In 2009, the Forest Service permanently closed Hardluck Campground and the access road (Forest Road 7N08) to protect sensitive riparian habitat along Piru Creek that supports endangered and threatened species. The gate is located adjacent to the southern portion of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, off Los Alamos Road near Los Alamos Campground. The former campground site and Buck Creek Trailhead can still be reached by hiking or mountain biking 3.6 miles from the locked gate. However, overnight camping is no longer permitted at Hardluck. The area is now designated for day use only, with visitors required to pack out all materials and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Directions
From Interstate 5 near Pyramid Lake, take the Hungry Valley Road exit. Follow Hungry Valley Road north, then turn onto Los Alamos Road. The locked gate is located adjacent to the southern portion of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, near Los Alamos Campground. From the gate, it is a 3.6-mile hike or bike ride to the former campground site.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
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 |
Useful Links
| Buck Creek Trailhead - USFS | |
| Los Padres NF Camping |
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