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Breathe deep, get calm, and find balance at the center of the Native American Chumash World, Mt. Pinos. "The Chumash Indians considered Iwihinmu" in the Chumash language 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. In addition, the dark and clear skies at night make this a picture-perfect stargazing setting.

Mt. Pinos Campground, located in Ventura County, is approximately fifteen miles from Frazier Park, CA, on Cuddy Valley Road (9N24) and about eighteen miles west of Interstate 5. Access is via Interstate 5, Frazier Mountain Park Road, and Cuddy Valley Road (9N24). The campground sits at approximately 7,800 feet and is two miles west of the larger McGill Campground. The surrounding vegetation consists of old-growth Jeffrey Pine and white fir forest with smaller brush and shrub species.

Recreation use at Mt. Pinos Campground is primarily weekend camping. Most users come from the Los Angeles Basin and southern San Joaquin Valley. The campground has 19 family units, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The interior campground roads and parking spurs are paved. There are two four-riser pit toilets at the site.

Water is not available, but remnants of the old water system remain. There is one large trash bin located in the center of the campground for garbage collection and disposal. The typical operating season is May thru October but may vary from year to year depending on the weather and snowpack.

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Facilities

This seasonal campground is open daily, May – November. Nineteen single campsites include picnic tables and fire rings. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Pets are allowed. RV's over 22' and trailers are not recommended. There are two vault toilets. It would be best if you planned to be entirely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water or electricity onsite. There is also no dump station.

Recreation

Ride your bicycle to the top of Mt 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 frequent 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.

• 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
• This facility is “Pack it in. Pack it out.”
• Fireworks are prohibited at all times
• The nearest stores and gas are 19 miles in Frazier Park
• Some cell service can be found in the campground
• Mt Pinos Campground is at 7,800 elevation. Even in the summer the nights can be cold.
• The road through the campground is narrow in places and it is not recommended for trailers or vehicles over 22’ in length
• Very limited parking inside the facility for extra vehicles
• Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
• 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

Hiking Trails, Biking, Fishing, Swimming within 30 minutes. Restaurants, gas and shopping 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.