Mcgill Campground And Group Campground
Closed — Closed for winter season. Typically closed mid-November through mid-April due to snow and elevation. Reservations for the 2026 season will be available starting November 27, 2025 through May 27, 2026.
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.
About
McGill Campground offers a remote escape in the Los Padres National Forest at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest of Jeffrey pine and ponderosa pine, providing natural shade and a serene mountain atmosphere. With 73 total campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue grill, the campground accommodates both tents and RVs with nicely spaced sites. Fifty-four sites are available through advance reservation, while 19 operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Two group campsites accommodate 60 and 80 people respectively. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the Mount Pinos area. The McGill Campground Trail offers 3.7 miles of hiking and biking through scenic terrain, while the accessible McGill Exploration Trail and Mount Pinos Trail provide additional options for outdoor recreation. The area is known for spectacular views of the valleys below and surrounding mountain ranges. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit. Campers should be prepared for remote conditions as potable water is not available at the campground. Vault toilets are provided. The elevation and mountain setting mean cooler temperatures year-round and winter snow closures. The campground is managed by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service and offers a quiet retreat from urban areas, just over an hour's drive from Los Angeles via the Frazier Park exit off I-5.
Directions
From I-5, take the Frazier Park exit (Frazier Mountain Park Road) and go west approximately 6 miles. The road name changes to Cuddy Valley Road, then to Mount Pinos Highway. McGill Campground is approximately 5 miles further on the north side of the road, about 11 miles total from I-5.
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 - $150 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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