There are no cabins on the Los Padres National Forest, only campgrounds. There are cabins at Rancho Oso and Lake Cachuma County Park. Lodging is available in the nearby communities of Santa Barbara, Solvang and Buellton and in the Big Sur area.
The Los Padres National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range widely from low to high elevation, riverside to forested, and primitive to developed. Most of the campsites tend to be directed toward the more primitive camping experience.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Policy on Pet Dogs
Always keep your dog leashed, except when inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate, or portable kennel. Do not allow your dog to wander freely.
While on a trail or in and around campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs must be kept on a leash (unless caged or crated) no longer than six feet.
Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times, as state and county laws apply on National Forest System lands.
Aliso Park Campground
This campground is shaded by Oak Trees and is a popular hunting camp in the fall. The McPhearson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail begin at this campground.
American Canyon Campground
American Canyon is a small, secluded campground which borders the Machesna Wilderness. While the campground is accessible through the wilderness, it is a long and strenuous hike as vehicles are not…
Arroyo Seco Campground
The campground offers views of the Ventana Wilderness Mountain peaks and one small lake (water levels depend on the season). It is nestled into the hillside, surrounded by abundant shrubbery and…
Arroyo Seco Group Campground
Arroyo Seco Group Campground is a semi-rustic, but developed facility in California’s westernmost national forest. It offers a great escape from bustling city life, into the mountain air and…
Baja Campground
This is a large oak-shaded camp on the banks of Alder Creek. There are two (2) campsites located here, with each site including a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Fires are allowed only in…
Ballinger Campground
Badlands terrain - All Terrain Vehicle and motorcycle use area. There are 13 campsites. 9 sites are available on the reservation system. 3 campsites are on a first-come, first- serve basis.In…
Bates Canyon Campground
Nestled in a grove of large oaks and sycamores.There are six campsites located around a loop in the middle of the facility. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fires are allowed only in…
Bottchers Gap Campround
Bottchers Gap Campground is closed indefinitely due to the Palo Colorado Road Closure. This campground has been closed since July 2016. Contact the Monterey Ranger District office for more…
Brookshire Campground
Nestled in the oaks. Provides opportunity for those seeking solitude.
Buck Spring Campground
This is an open area, OHV campground with two campsites, covered among oaks and chaparral vegetation. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.…
