Mt. Pinos Campground
The campground opens for the 2026 season on May 15. Operations run May through November. 15 sites are reservable via Recreation.gov with a 6-month rolling window; 4 sites remain first-come-first-served. Check-in is 3:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
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.…
Turkey Flats Road Access Closure
Public access to Turkey Flats and nearby trails will temporarily be unavailable as active construction and repairs are underway along Black Mountain Road (29S10). The closure begins from Navajo Road (29S02.1), to the intersection at "Five-Points", and continues onto Black Mountain Road.Construction…
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 Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6…
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-26-04 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-21 executed on April 7, 2026.
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.Over the past…
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.
Monterey Ranger District Storm Damage Closure
Due to recent storm damage, recreating in the following areas on Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest is prohibited:Rocky Creek Trail (NFS 4E04)Reliz Canyon Road (NFS road 19S08.2)Additionally, using a motorized vehicle on the following National Forest System roads is…
Roadside Camping Prohibited: Nacimiento-Fergusson Road
For public safety, camping is not allowed within 300 feet of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (Forest Road No. 22S01), from its intersection with State Highway 1 then east for 12 miles. See attached map for details. This Order is effective from September 6, 2025, through September 5, 2027.
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. 19S05), except within a motor vehicle from its intersection with State Highway 1 then continuing west for approximately two and a half miles to its terminus at Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area, as shown on the attached map.
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. NOTE: Persons with a valid CA Campfire Permit may…
About
Mt. Pinos Campground occupies a high-elevation setting at 7,800 feet within the Mt. Pinos Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. The Chumash people called this mountain Iwihinmu, meaning the center of the world where everything was in balance. The campground is nestled among Jeffrey pines with sweeping views of Lockwood Valley and Frazier Mountain, and on clear days the entire San Joaquin Valley is visible. The campground is renowned as one of California's best stargazing locations, attracting amateur astronomers who appreciate the exceptionally dark skies and low light pollution. Hiking opportunities include the Mount Pinos Trail and McGill exploration trail, while cyclists can ride to the summit. The 19 campsites include both reservable and first-come-first-served options, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. This is a primitive camping experience with vault toilets only. No potable water, showers, hookups, or trash service are provided. Due to narrow road sections, RVs over 22 feet and trailers are not recommended. Nights can be cold even in summer at this elevation, so campers should prepare accordingly.
Directions
From I-5, take the Frazier Park exit (Frazier Mountain Park Road). Travel west approximately 6 miles as the road becomes Cuddy Valley Road. At the Y intersection, veer left onto Mt. Pinos Highway and continue approximately 7 miles. The campground is on the southeast side of the road, past McGill Campground and two snow gates.
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| customerservice@pmcparks.com | |
| Phone | +1 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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