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.
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.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 10:53PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...East 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph. * WHERE...Frazier Mountain Communities, Grapevine, and Tehachapi. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest gusts are expected mainly over the higher peaks and ridge tops.
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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