Middle Santa Ynez
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Romero Camuesa Road closes during wet weather. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
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.
About
Middle Santa Ynez Campground is situated in the Los Padres National Forest along Romero Camuesa Road, about 75 minutes from Santa Barbara. This large backcountry campground offers over a dozen campsites, all shaded by oak trees and equipped with picnic tables. The campground sits between Caliente Creek and the Santa Ynez River, though water sources are unreliable and visitors should pack in their own supply. The campground serves as a popular base camp during fall hunting season and provides trailhead access to the McPhearson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail. The Romero Camuesa Road provides vehicle access but closes during wet weather. The remote location offers a quiet camping experience in the national forest backcountry with a 14-day maximum stay limit. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions and bring all necessary supplies including water. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available.
Directions
Located along Romero Camuesa Road, approximately 75 minutes southeast of Santa Barbara. The campground is just past the Caliente Creek crossing after passing Pendola Ranger Station.
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-6640 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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