MT. Pinos Campground
Campground · 19 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Los Padres National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 19
- Bookable sites
- 40 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 7,446 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Mount Pinos or in the Native American Chumash language, "Iwihinmu," was considered to be the center of the world, the point where everything was in balance. At 7,800 feet, the campground, bursting with views of mountains and valleys, is an ideal base for several biking and hiking trails. The dark and clear night skies make this a picture-perfect stargazing setting.Recreation
Ride your bicycle to the top of Mount Pinos or hike the Mount Pinos Trail, McGill exploration trail, or enjoy the views of the valleys below from your campsite.Mount Pinos is considered to be one of the best star gazing locations in California due to its dark skies, extremely low light pollution and frequently clear skies. It is a favorite place for amateur astronomers. On a clear day, you can see the entire San Joaquin Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Facilities
This seasonal campground is open daily, May through November. There are 19 single campsites that include picnic tables and fire rings. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. RVs over 22 ft. and trailers are not recommended. There are two vault toilets. 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 also no dump station.Natural Features
Along with views of the Lockwood Valley and Frazier Mountain, Mt. Pinos Campground is best appreciated by camping enthusiasts who prefer being nestled within the shaded enclave of Jeffery pines that dominate the scenery.Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking, fishing and swimming are all within 30 minutes of the campground. Restaurants, gas and shopping are within 15 miles at Pine Mountain Club or 19 miles in Frazier Park. Lake of the Woods and Frazier Park are about 10 miles to the east. Lockwood Valley and Cuddy Valley are located at the base of Mt. Pinos.The facts
- 19 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 40 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: Loop 1
Site types
- 19 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
19 campsites at MT. Pinos Campground
Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | 25 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 02 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 03 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 37 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 04 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 40 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 05 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 25 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 06 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 28 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 07 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 08 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 26 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 09 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 25 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 10 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 21 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 11 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 25 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 12 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 33 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 13 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 27 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 14 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 15 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 36 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 16 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 22 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 17 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 18 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 18 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 22 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 19 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | 29 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Take I-5 north to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Rd. Keep right and proceed on Cuddy Valley Road. Continue 5 miles to the "Y" in the road and veer left. Proceed 7 more miles past the first snow and second snow gate past McGill Campground.
34.81370, -119.10220 · 34°48'49.3"N 119°6'7.9"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.2 | 4.0 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 2.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.7 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 MT. Pinos Campground
- Can you reserve a site at MT. Pinos Campground?
- Yes, MT. Pinos Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does MT. Pinos Campground have?
- 19 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at MT. Pinos Campground?
- 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at MT. Pinos Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at MT. Pinos Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at MT. Pinos Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at MT. Pinos Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
MT. Pinos Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by MT. Pinos Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Single sites with one vehicle included is $30.00 per night. Additional vehicle charge is $10.00 per night per extra vehicle. Interagency Senior and Acess Passes provide pass holders with 50% off of camping fees - not valid for day use or extra vehicle parking fee. Day use only at the campground is $
Camping near MT. Pinos Campground
- McGill Campground and Group Campground 0.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Campo Alto Campground 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Chuchupate Campground 6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- McGill Group Campground 0.3 mi · Facility
- Chumash Wilderness 1.2 mi · Facility
- Chula Vista Trailhead 1.4 mi · Facility
- East Tumamait Trailhead - 21W03 2.7 mi · Facility
- Frazier Mountain Trailhead - 20W03 5.3 mi · Facility
- West Tumamait Trailhead - 21W03 5.7 mi · Facility
- Campo Alto Group Campground 5.9 mi · Facility
- Toad Springs Campground 7.8 mi · Campground
- Marian Campground 7.9 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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