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.
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.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!