Open

Open year-round, first-come first-served. No fees and no reservations. No potable water available on site. Current fire restrictions may apply; verify conditions with the Mt. Pinos Ranger District.

Los Padres National Forest

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 National Forest

Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions

To provide for public safety, the Timber and Plaskett Fire Area are closed, including roads and trails described in Exhibit A and shown on the Exhibit B Map.This Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-11 supersedes Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-10.

Los Padres National Forest

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. Effective from September 16, 2026, through September 15, 2027.

About

Nettle Springs Campground sits at 4,450 feet elevation in the remote backcountry of the Mt. Pinos Ranger District within Los Padres National Forest. The small campground features pinyon pine-shaded sites accessible via Apache Canyon Road (Forest Road 8N06), a dirt road suitable for passenger vehicles and small recreational vehicles. This is a primitive, no-fee campground operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. The remote location means minimal amenities: no potable water is available, so campers must pack in all water supplies. The area provides access to the surrounding national forest lands for hiking and wildlife viewing. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Campfires are permitted when allowed by current fire restrictions, though campers should verify conditions with the Mt. Pinos Ranger District before arrival, especially during fire season.

Directions

Located at the end of Apache Canyon Road (Forest Road 8N06) in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District. The dirt road is passable by passenger vehicles.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets —
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (661) 245-3731

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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