THORN MEADOWS
Seasonal campground operating May through December. As of July 2023, vehicle access was closed due to storm damage on the access road, with walk-in access only until repairs are completed. Current road conditions should be verified with the Mt. Pinos Ranger District before planning a trip.
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
Thorn Meadows Campground sits at the end of Forest Road 7N03C in a remote corner of Los Padres National Forest, approximately 9 miles south of Lockwood Valley and 23 miles west of Frazier Park. At 5,000 feet elevation, the campground occupies a mountain meadow setting near the edge of the Sespe Wilderness. Established in 1961, this primitive site caters particularly to equestrians with a public pipe corral. The campground offers four sites equipped with tables and stoves. Facilities are basic: a single vault toilet serves the area, but there is no potable water, so campers must pack in all water needed. The primary attraction is access to Trail 21W07, which climbs steeply from the meadow to the abandoned Thorn Point Fire Lookout, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for the access road. The campground operates seasonally from May through December. A campfire permit is required for any fire or stove use outside designated sites. No Adventure Pass is required for parking or camping.
Directions
From Frazier Park, travel west approximately 23 miles via Lockwood Valley Road. Turn south onto Forest Road 7N03C and continue approximately 8 miles to the campground at the end of the spur road. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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