Rancho Nuevo Campground
Closed — First-come, first-served with no reservations. Road is subject to winter closures and requires 4-wheel drive access year-round.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 
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.
About
Rancho Nuevo Campground offers a remote camping experience in Los Padres National Forest with just 2 primitive sites situated in a grassy canyon bottom. This secluded campground is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicles via Rancho Nuevo Creek Road (FS 7N04), accessed from Highway 33. The primitive nature of the campground means campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies and equipment. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. Due to its remote location and primitive facilities, this campground appeals to experienced campers seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience. The grassy canyon setting provides a unique camping environment within the national forest. Access conditions vary seasonally, and the road is subject to closures during winter months due to weather conditions. Campers should verify road conditions before attempting to reach the campground, particularly during the winter season when snow or muddy conditions may make the 4WD road impassable.
Directions
From Highway 33, travel approximately 2 miles north to Rancho Nuevo Creek Road (FS 7N04) near the Lockwood-Ozena Road junction. 4-wheel drive required.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Rancho Nuevo Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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