Mt. Pinos Campground
Closed — Closed for winter season. The campground operates seasonally and is currently closed. Reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis through May 29, 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
Mount Pinos Campground, known in the Chumash language as "Iwihinmu" meaning the center of the world, sits at 7,800 feet elevation in Los Padres National Forest. The campground is nestled within a shaded enclave of Jeffrey pines and offers panoramic views of Lockwood Valley, Frazier Mountain, and the San Joaquin Valley beyond. The campground has earned a reputation as one of California's best stargazing destinations, featuring exceptionally dark skies, extremely low light pollution, and frequently clear conditions that make it a favorite among amateur astronomers. During daylight hours, visitors can explore the Mount Pinos Trail, McGill exploration trail, or bike to the summit. On clear days, the entire San Joaquin Valley and surrounding mountain ranges are visible. The campground features 19 total sites, with 15 available by reservation and 4 first-come, first-served. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available but there is no potable water on site, so campers must bring their own. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 26 feet. Managed by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service, Mt. Pinos Campground operates seasonally and closes during winter months.
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. Mt. Pinos Campground is approximately 7 miles further on the southeast side of road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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