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Pine Mountain Campground

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Time to watch them California Condors soar at the high elevation Pine Mountain Campground.

These remote and spacious sites will offer peace and solitude (and if no one is camping with you, a chance to get in touch with your wild side). If you need some inspiration, there are trails nearby that are great for wildflower and wildlife viewing.

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Los Padres National Forest

More to explore nearby

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8 ratings · 4 reviews
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Kevin R.
August 23, 2020
Contrary to the Hipcamp description, this campground has 4 are reservable sites and 2 walk-ups. You can reserve sites on the recreation.gov site. The campsite was really cool with good views and tons of big rocks to explore/boulder on. It was a bit smoky due to fires in the area, but at night the skies cleared up and stars were plentiful. As some other reviews have mentioned the flies were a MAJOR annoyance. Luckily the flies didn't bite, but even with a thorough dousing in bug spray me and my gf couldn't stand more than one night. Flies were a dealbreaker for me, so I recommend checking out this site during spring or fall and hope that the flies aren't so rampant.
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Nicki P.
May 6, 2018
Like another camper, I found this one by surprise when Reyes Peak was full. PROS: Plenty of free firewood from fallen logs, big camp sites, tons of trees perfect for hammocks and bird watching. CONS: wasps/bees live strong here—the one bathroom was always full of them; in early May it was still freezing at night, like freezing freezing, and it doesn’t accommodate people with disabilities. The bathroom is not accessible at all (there’s a huge step to get in), there are no accessible nearby trails, and it’s really sandy. To get here, you need to drive 30 minutes at 15 MPH up a *very* narrow road. Not recommended for people afraid of heights or trailers. :)
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Jake O.recommends
August 31, 2017
If you're a climber who loves bouldering... this is your spot!
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Jessica C.
August 31, 2015
I'm so glad that Rose Valley and Middle Lion campgrounds were packed the weekend we went camping, because that led us to Pine Mountain! To get to Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak, you drive up a skinny winding road up the mountain. Beautiful views! Wouldn't recommend driving to the campsite when the sun isn't up. We loved how spacious the camp sites are. Plenty of trees for hammock hanging. Lots of exploring to do around the campground. The only negative thing we experienced was an abundance of flies. It is the outdoors, after all! The bug spray we brought didn't phase them. The only thing that seemed to help was smoking them out by burning pine needles. They probably won't be as bad when it cools down.

Other campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest

Your guide to camping in Pine Mountain Campground

Overview

Biking

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recommended route is the 10 mile Romero Loop, with a killer descent and incredible views of the mountains. You can find some of the best rides in the area or sort by the map on the Mountain Project.

Fishing

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dollar Beach and Plaskett Creek. Trout and bass are quite a catch here; you can find more info here.

Hiking

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique experience each and every time. Trails take hikers through steep ridges and low valleys. Hikes are accessible year round, though the most popular time to lace up hiking boots in the wilderness is in the springtime, when flowers are in bloom and temperatures are seemingly perfect. Those looking for a great workout should try climbing Junipero Serra Peak, or take in the breathtaking Big Sur coast on the Cruickshank Trail. You can find some more trails on Hikespeak.

Horseback riding

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly feel “on top of the world,” we highly recommend connecting with a local ranch. These horseback rides offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in your surroundings while listening to some of the colorful tales that guides can share about the mountain life. Santa Barbara and Big Sur offer excellent guides and outfitters. You can’t go wrong wherever you take your horse!

Paddling

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountains. The Ventana Wilderness is home to creeks and rivers that allow visitors to kayak and canoe to their hearts’ content. What better way to enjoy the fresh mountain water?

Swimming

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be in the forest itself, but it’s in the nearby area, and definitely worth checking out. The Ventana Wilderness is also home to some of the region’s best (and most elusive) swimming spots. The Arroyo Seco River Gorge is a collection of emerald green, totally mesmerizing swimming holes. Swimming here is a great midday break, or a good enough reason to visit the wilderness by itself. In the summer, you can find people jumping off rocks and even bringing their floaties to help them fully enjoy the river’s ambiance.

Wildlife watching

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Padres NF is a wonderful place to scope out some wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of bird species, mountain lions, foxes and bobcats. There are 23 endangered species, and the forest is working on reintroducing condors, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, tule elk, bighorn sheep, and endangered plants.

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