La Panza Campground
Closed — Campground operates year-round with 7 reservable sites and 2 first-come, first-served sites. Access requires high clearance vehicles only; no cars or trailers due to road erosion. Trucks and larger SUVs recommended. No potable water available on-site.
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.
From Recreation.gov
CAUTION: ROAD EROSION! HIGH CLEARENCE VEHICLES ONLY, NO CARS OR TRAILERS. TRUCKS AND LARGER SUVS RECOMMENDED
About
La Panza Campground sits in a scenic canyon surrounded by a large grove of oak trees with a seasonal creek running through the area. This remote campground offers a rugged outdoor experience perfect for self-sufficient campers. With 9 total campsites (7 reservable, 2 first-come, first-served), the campground accommodates RVs up to 16 feet and serves as an ideal base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is a gateway to diverse recreational opportunities. The Pozo La Panza OHV area encompasses 18,867 acres with approximately 44 miles of routes ranging from sandy washes to challenging ridgeline trails, including the expert-level Stair Steps section. Bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, and four-wheel drive vehicles are all welcome. The nearby Machesna Mountain Wilderness offers hiking and horseback riding opportunities, with the McPherson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail beginning at the campground. The area is also popular with hunters during fall season. Wildlife is abundant in the area, with frequent sightings of fox, coyote, roadrunner, deer, wild pig, jackrabbit, quail, and occasionally black bear. The campground provides basic amenities including pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site, but campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site.
Directions
From Santa Margarita: Travel Highway 58 east for 3 miles, then Pozo Road east approximately 26 miles, then Forest Road 29S18 east for 1.5 miles. Alternate route: Highway 58 east 26 miles, Navajo Road south 3 miles, Pozo Road east 0.5 miles. High clearance vehicles required; no cars or trailers.
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 | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 925-9538 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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