Rancho Nuevo Campground
The campground is designated for year-round use but may be inaccessible during winter months when the 4WD access road closes due to weather. No reservations required; all sites are first-come, first-served with no fee.
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.…
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.
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
Rancho Nuevo Campground is one of the most remote and primitive camping options in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. Situated in a peaceful grassy canyon bottom, the campground provides access to the nearby Dick Smith Wilderness via the Rancho Nuevo Trail. With only two sites and no fee, this destination attracts experienced backcountry campers seeking solitude. The campground has no developed amenities, so visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all water, supplies, and packing out all trash. The access road (FS 7N04 / Tinta Road) requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and is subject to closure during winter months due to weather conditions.
Directions
From Lockwood Valley, take Lockwood-Ozena Road and travel north on Highway 33 for approximately two miles to Rancho Nuevo Creek/Tinta Road (Forest Service Road 7N04). High-clearance 4WD vehicle required.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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 | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 245-3731 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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