P-BAR FLAT

About

P-Bar Flat Campground sits in a shaded oak grove at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the rugged backcountry of Los Padres National Forest. When operational, this primitive first-come, first-served campground offers a handful of rustic sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There is no potable water; campers must filter water from the nearby Santa Ynez River, which flows seasonally. The campground is accessible only by foot or bicycle via Forest Road 5N15, which itself is often closed during wet weather. The trailhead can be reached by driving from Santa Barbara via Highway 154 and East Camino Cielo Road, with the final stretch on unpaved roads. Big Caliente Hot Springs, a popular natural attraction, lies approximately four miles from the campground. P-Bar Flat has been closed indefinitely since April 2016 due to hazardous trees throughout the campground area. Contact the Santa Barbara Ranger District for current status updates.

Directions

From Santa Barbara, take Highway 101 northwest to Highway 154. Continue 8 miles northwest on Highway 154, then turn onto East Camino Cielo Road and drive approximately 20 miles east. Turn northwest onto Forest Road 5N15 and continue 3.7 miles to the trailhead. The campground is accessible only by hiking or biking from that point. The last 9 miles are on dirt roads; 5N15 is often closed during wet weather.