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Indulge your desire to escape the rat race for a weekend―or, better yet, an entire week―of flawless tranquility sheltered within the mountainous evergreens of McGill Campground. Ponderosa and Jeffrey Pines surround this mountain refuge where you will quickly learn that the higher the elevation, the lower the blood pressure. No urban clamor or clutter to drown out the melodious
sights and sounds of nature here.

McGill Campground is located on Mt. Pinos approximately 14 miles west of Frazier Park, CA and 17 miles west of Interstate 5 in Kern County. Access is via Interstate 5, Frazier Mountain Park Road, Cuddy Valley Road (9N24). The campground sits at approximately 7,600 feet. The surrounding vegetation consists of old growth Jeffrey Pine and white fir forest with smaller brush and shrub species.

Recreation use at McGill Campground is primarily weekend camping. The McGill Hiking Trail is located at the campground. The Exploration Trail, a fully accessible paved interpretive trail is available adjacent to Group Camp I. Mt. Pinos Summit, the highest point on the Los Padres NF, is within 7 miles of the campground.

The family campground consists of 78 family units, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Many of the campsites in this area had new concrete tables and 18-inch accessible fire rings installed in 2010. Site 29 has been reconstructed to be fully accessible including a concrete pad and walkway. An accessible vault toilet is across the road from this campsite. The interior campground roads and parking spurs are paved. There are six double riser SST-type toilets and two single-riser SST-type toilets at the site.

There are two group camps within the facility. Group Camp I has a capacity of 80 people and the parking lot can accommodate 10 RVs. In 2010, a new fire pit, five benches, two large double barbeques, one serving table, and eight picnic tables were installed. All of these new facilities are constructed of concrete. There are two, handicap-accessible, 1-riser SST-type toilets nearby.

Group Camp II has a capacity of 60 people or may also be operated as five individual campsites. There is an additional overflow parking area for approximately 20 cars near the main entrance of the campground for use by family unit or group campers. In 2010 within the center group area, a new concrete fire pit, five benches, one large double barbeques, one serving table, and five picnic tables were installed. There is one, accessible, double-riser SST-type toilet located within this group camp area.
Water is not available, but remnants of the old water system still remain. There are three large trash bins dispersed throughout the campground for garbage collection and disposal.

The normal operating season is May thru October, but may vary from year to year depending on the weather and snow pack. The host for the area generally resides in McGill Campground.

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Facilities

This seasonal campground is open daily, May – November. There are 78 single-family campsites that include picnic tables and fire rings and will accommodate tents or RVs up to 35’. There are 2
group campsites; one accommodates up to 60 people and up to 10 cars and the other one accommodates up to 80 people and up to 10 cars. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
Firewood is for sale onsite. Pets are allowed. Vault toilets are located near the campsites. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water or electricity onsite. There is also no dump station.

Recreation

McGill Campground is most appreciated by camping enthusiasts who seek solitude without complete isolation. The 78 campsites are spacious and well placed to offer a fair amount of privacy. In addition, there is an exploration trail, Mount Pinos Trail, and McGill Campground Trail, which boasts 3.7 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking. Finally, McGill campground provides a fantastic opportunity for stargazing which is the perfect way to unwind after hitting the trails with friends and family.

• Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer or RV per site
• $10 fee for each extra vehicle
• No drinking water is available
• No public showers in the region
• Quiet hours are 10pm-8am
• Fireworks are prohibited at all times
• The nearest stores and gas are 15 miles in Frazier Park
• Some cell service can be found in the campground
• 2 night minimum stay on weekends
• 3 night minimum stay on holidays
• Click here for more information on Los Padres National Forest
• Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site For more information visit firewood.ca.gov

Nearby Features

1,257 miles of maintained Hiking Trails, within a ‘Day-Trip’ drive. Biking, Fishing, Swimming within 35 miles. Restaurants, gas and shopping within 15 miles at Pine Mountain Club or Frazier Park.