California / San Luis Obispo County / Los Padres National Forest

Navajo Flats Campground

Closed — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. The campground may temporarily close during the rainy season to protect roads and trails.

About

Navajo Flat Campground serves as both an OHV staging area and campground in the Los Padres National Forest, offering six campsites in a rugged, rocky landscape dotted with oak, conifer, and chaparral. Five campsites feature shaded canopy structures, and all include fire rings and picnic tables. The campground is ideally suited for serious OHV riders, with 45 miles of marked and rated trails accessible directly from campsites. Trail options accommodate ATVs, quad runners, dual sport motorcycles, and single track bikes, with difficulty levels ranging from a beginner/kids track within the facility to challenging terrain in the surrounding area. The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with one vault toilet and no potable water or electricity. While motorized recreation is the primary draw, the area also provides access to hiking, fishing, hunting, and equestrian trails. On clear days, riders can enjoy views of the coastline and Sierra Mountains from higher peaks like Pozo Summit. All riders must have spark arrestors and valid OHV registration (red sticker required), with a 96db noise limit enforced. Five sites are reservable through Recreation.gov with a two-night minimum on weekends and three-night minimum on holidays; one site remains first-come, first-served.

Directions

From Santa Margarita, head northeast on H Street toward Margarita Avenue. Turn right onto CA-58 East for 1.4 miles, then turn left to stay on CA-58 East for 22.9 miles. Turn right onto Forest Route 29S15/Red Hill Road. Turn left onto Red Hill Road, then turn left onto Forest Route 28S02/Red Hill Road and go 0.5 miles to the campground at 11156 Red Hill Road.

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