Closed under a storm damage recovery order effective September 18, 2025 through September 17, 2026. Recent conditions reports indicate the campground has suffered significant deterioration with buried and damaged facilities.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Los Padres Fire Use and Firearm Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, on the Los Padres National Forest System lands, except in the Designated Campfire Use Sites. Reference the sites listed in Exhibit A.NOTE: Only persons with a valid CA Campfire Permit are exempt from this Order…
About
Mono Campground occupies a historic site in the upper Santa Ynez River Recreation Area at 2,080 feet elevation. The CCC developed the campground in 1938 when it served as a spike camp during construction of the nearby Mono Debris Dam. Three walk-in sites are arranged in a meadow setting with substantial oak shade and access to Mono Creek for non-potable water. The campground functions as a staging point for backcountry exploration. Little Caliente Hot Springs lies approximately two miles from camp, and both the McPherson Peak Trail (27W01) and Aliso Trail (27W02) originate here, providing routes into the San Rafael Wilderness. The site sees heavy use during deer hunting season from mid-August through late September. Access requires navigating roughly 12 miles of dirt road past Pendola Station via road 5N15. The final approach includes steep sections that become dangerously slippery during wet conditions and may require extended drying periods after storms. A Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking.
Directions
From Santa Barbara, take Highway 154 north to Paradise Road. Follow Paradise Road to its end at the Pendola Station area, then continue on Forest Road 5N15. The final 12 miles are unpaved and include steep sections that become hazardous when wet. The parking area is approximately 300 yards from the campsites.
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 967-3481 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Los Padres NF Alerts | |
| Los Padres NF Current Conditions |
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