La Panza Campground
Campground · 7 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 7
- Bookable sites
- up to 6
- People per site
- 2,208 ft
- Elevation
Overview
La Panza Campground is full of opportunities to relax or explore the forest. Nearby is Machesna Mountain Wilderness where hiking, hunting and horseback riding are popular. Off-high vehicle (OHV) recreation is also plentiful in the area.Recreation
La Panza Campground is best enjoyed by campers who prefer a rugged outdoor experience. The Pozo La Panza 18,867-acre area has approximately 44 miles of routes that vary from sandy washes to a ridgeline route including a section known to expert OHV riders as the Stair Steps. With proximity to OHV trails, this spot will keep the adrenaline junkies enthused as well as the avid hiker. Bring your bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the amazing trail experience!Facilities
This campground is open daily and year-round. There are 15 single and spaciously situated campsites ideal for tenting, and moderate RVs under 16 ft. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) or electricity onsite. There is no dump station. This is a "dry" campground with five vault toilets. The road into the campground ends cul-de-sac style, but with adequate turn around.Natural Features
La Panza Campground is situated in a canyon setting, encompassed by a gathering of established oak trees, and accented by a seasonal creek. Fox, coyote, road runner, deer, wild pig, jack rabbit, quail, and very rare black bear, all visit this area.Nearby Attractions
Lakes, trails, beautiful views, biking, hiking and off-road vehicle riding are all within minutes of the campground. The nearest shopping is 29 miles in Santa Margarita.The facts
- 7 bookable sites
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: Loop 1, Loop 2
Site types
- 7 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
7 campsites at La Panza Campground
Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Severe | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 002 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 003 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 004 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 005 | Loop 2 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 009 | Loop 2 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Moderate | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 010 | Loop 2 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Directions from Santa Margarita, CA: Travel Highway 58, 3 miles east, Pozo Road approximately 26 miles east, Forest Road 29S18, 1.5 miles east. Alternate route: Highway 58, 26 miles east, Navajo Road 3 miles south, Pozo Road half a mile east.
35.35330, -120.26000 · 35°21'11.9"N 120°15'36.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 5.1 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 3.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about La Panza Campground
- Can you reserve a site at La Panza Campground?
- Yes, La Panza Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does La Panza Campground have?
- 7 sites.
- Are pets allowed at La Panza Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at La Panza Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at La Panza Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at La Panza Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near La Panza Campground
- Navajo Flats Campground 3.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Turkey Flat OHV Staging Area 5.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- American Canyon Campground 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours 25.1 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- American Canyon Seasonal Campground 4.8 mi · Campground
- Hi Mountain Campground 10.8 mi · Campground
- Rinconada Trailhead 12.8 mi · Facility
- Paradise Campground 15.3 mi · Campground
- Buck Spring Campground 17.1 mi · Campground
- Adobe Trailhead 19.7 mi · Facility
- Gifford Trailhead 19.9 mi · Facility
- Horseshoe Springs Campground 24.4 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 805 434 1996
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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