Los Padres National Forest Camping
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Overview
A brief introduction to Los Padres National Forest
The Dick Smith Wilderness is a wilderness area in the mountains of eastern Santa Barbara County, California, United States, with a portion in Ventura County. It is completely contained within the Los Padres National Forest, and is northeast of the city of Santa Barbara and north of the city of Ojai. It is most easily accessible from two trailheads off State Route 33, which runs north from Ojai. It is adjacent to the large San Rafael Wilderness on the west and the Matilija Wilderness on the south. Across Highway 33 to the east, and also in the Los Padres National Forest, is the large Sespe Wilderness.
The wilderness is named after Santa Barbaran Dick Smith, who was a reporter, photographer, historian and pioneer in environmental journalism for the Santa Barbara News-Press. Smith spent more time in these remote regions of Santa Barbara County than anyone, covering the area on horseback and accompanied by his dog. In recognition of Dick's personal pursuit to preserve the wild back country the area was named in his honor, and the U.S. Congress created the wilderness in 1984 as part of the California Wilderness Act.
ARE Los Padres National Forest campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Los Padres National Forest, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Los Padres National Forest
- Recreation.gov
- Booking site: https://www.recreation.gov
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for Los Padres National Forest
Aka Raccoon Creek
We loved our time at Kirk Creek, and thanks to Campnab we were able to book Halloween weekend. We had site 7, one of the premium sites on the grassy bluff overlooking the ocean. It was peaceful and the weather was perfect. The only reason it gets 4 stars is because we’ve never seen a camp so overrun by raccoons. They were very humanized and came right up to my tailgate when I was cooking. They weren’t afraid of the dogs either.
Brittany kirkland reviewed Los Padres National Forest
on November 21st, 2023
The very best of Big Sur
We had the most incredible experience staying at this campground. The views from every site are second to none. The campground is relatively small, which keeps it quiet and very peaceful. An absolutely epic road (Naciamento-Fergusson Rd) directly above the campground serves as a hefty climb for road bike enthusiasts. There is no water at the campground, so be sure to bring your own. No wifi or cell service nearly anywhere in Big Sur or along that stretch of HWY 1, so plan ahead. Diesel can also be scarce, so fill up before you get there.
Jen Rose reviewed Los Padres National Forest
on May 31st, 2023
Most Beautiful Campsite Ever!
This hidden gem of a small central California coast campground was absolutely the most picturesque I’ve ever seen, with pretty much every campsite having stellar rugged Pacific coastline views. Our campsite #5 was particularly beautiful because of it’s direct overlook of the beach below and a huge tree providing shade and privacy. Great for tent or small trailer camping, as well as for day sojourns to Big Sur and Carmel - my wife and I cherished the ocean sunsets and stunning scenery.
Jeffrey P Jones reviewed Los Padres National Forest
on May 13th, 2023
Map
View a map of Los Padres National Forest
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