Mcgill Campground

Open — Open for camping. 54 sites available by reservation on a 6-month rolling basis. 18 sites available first-come, first-served. Access may be limited during winter months depending on snow conditions.

About

McGill Campground sits at 7,400 feet elevation in western Los Padres National Forest on Mount Pinos, providing a remote mountain escape with sweeping views of valleys and distant peaks. The campground features 73 individual sites nestled in a dense forest of Jeffrey and ponderosa pines, offering natural shade and nicely spaced privacy. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill, accommodating both tents and RVs. The campground operates on a mixed system with 54 reservable sites and 18 first-come, first-served sites. Two group campsites are available by reservation only, accommodating 60 and 80 people respectively. The location provides direct access to several trails, including the McGill Trail for hiking and mountain biking, with routes offering views of the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada mountains. The Mount Pinos summit, at 8,831 feet, is accessible via a two-mile hike from the campground. Campers should come prepared as no potable water is available on-site. Vault toilets serve the campground. The facility is managed by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service. Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times. Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m., checkout is at noon, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Directions

From I-5, take Frazier Park exit (Frazier Mountain Park Road), go west approximately 6 miles. The road name changes to Cuddy Valley Road. Continue on it up Mt. Pinos. The road name changes to Mt. Pinos Highway. McGill Campground is approximately 5 miles further on the north side of road.

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