Nira Campground
Closed — Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling window. Three sites available first-come, first-served (cash only). 14-day stay limit.
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.
About
Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees and located along Manzana Creek in the Los Padres National Forest. The campground offers 12 campsites surrounded by oak-covered mountains, where Manzana Creek runs through providing opportunities for fishing and swimming. Whether you come to cast a line in the creek, camp and relax, ride horses, mountain bike, or hike, Nira offers a scenic location with diverse recreation activities. The campground serves as a popular starting point for backpacking and hunting expeditions into the San Rafael Wilderness. The nearby trailhead provides access to the Upper Manzana Creek Trail leading to the Manzana Narrows. Birdwatchers will find abundant opportunities to spot kingfishers, juncos, Stellar jays, white-breasted nuthatches, warblers, and many other species that flourish in this section of the forest. While tent camping is best enjoyed in this cozy campground, there is room for small RVs under 20 feet. Sites 1-3 are tent and car camping only due to size restrictions. Each site includes a picnic table and barbecue grill or fire ring. Nine sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while three sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Directions
From Highway 154, take Armour Ranch Road/Happy Canyon Road 11 miles northeast to Cachuma Saddle, then Sunset Valley Road 6 miles north.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 24ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 925-9538 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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