Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees with the Manzana River trickling through it. Practice the sport of river lounging or casting an angler or two. Nestled among the tall oaks, Nira offers open camp sites and scenic trails. Whether you come to camp and relax, or ride horses, mountain bike and/or hike for the day you will savor the scenery of this petite piece of paradise.

Nira Campground is located 28 miles northeast of Highway 154 on Happy Canyon Road in Santa Barbara County. Access to the facility is via mostly paved roads, however Happy Canyon Road is not recommended for large motorhomes and trailers. Nira Campground can also be reached by a less direct and longer route via the Figueroa Mountain Road.

The closest community is Los Olivos, CA, located approximately 45 minutes southwest of the campground. The campground sits at approximately 1,875 feet elevation, in a valley with Manzana and Davy Brown Creeks flowing year-round through the campground. Surrounding vegetation includes chaparral with oak and pine trees.

Most recreation use occurs in the spring and summer, but the best time to visit is spring and winter. Within the campground, the Upper Manzana Trailhead provides parking for users accessing the San Rafael Wilderness. The Upper Manzana Trailhead parking reaches near full capacity on weekends in spring and early summer, and exceeds capacity on holiday weekends. There are 5 horse ties available in the campground as well as handicap accessible parking. Nira Campground is approximately 2 miles east of Davy Brown Campground.

The campground has 12 sites each with a picnic table, a fire ring with grill, and in some units, an additional pedestal grill. There is one, two-seat vault toilet building. The interior road and spurs are not paved. There is no water available in the campground.

One trash dumpster is located at Lower Manzana Trailhead, less than 2 miles from the campground, which campers use as they enter or exit the facility.

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Facilities

While tent camping is best enjoyed in this cozy campground, there is room for small RV’s under 20 feet. Nira has 12 campsites, each site includes a picnic table, barbecue grills and/or fire rings. Sites 1-3 are not accessible for RV’s There is a vault toilet in the campground. There is no drinking water at this site.

Recreation

Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, swimming is all available. Nira Campground is at the end of the Sunset Valley Davy Brown Road. Located on Manzana Creek just upstream from the mouth of Davy Brown Creek, is the trail head for various trails up and down Manzana Creek that enter the San Rafael Wilderness. Many of these hikes make good backpack trips. Also, a popular camping
spot for hunters during deer hunting season.

Important Information

• Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer or RV
• $10 fee for each extra vehicle
• No drinking water is available
• No public showers in the region
• Fireworks are not permitted
• The nearest stores and gas are a 25 minute drive to Los Olivios along Hwy 154
• No cell service can be found in the campground
• Don’t hike alone. Tell someone where you plan to go and then stick to your plans
• Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies is miles away
• Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when hiking
• Bring your gnat/mosquito repellent in Spring/Summer/Fall
• 2 night minimum stay on weekends
• 3 night minimum stay on holidays
• Click here for more information on Los Padres National Forest
• Campground is a "Campfire Use Site." Campfires are normally permitted year around without a California Campfire Use Permit. Under some conditions, wood fires and barbecues may be prohibited in all areas of the national forest. Fires at Middle Lion Campground are only permitted in fire rings provided by the Forest Service.
• 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

The Manzana River runs through the campground where swimming and fishing are favorite activities. The trailhead for San Rafael Wilderness is easily accessible. Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are all within a 1 hour drive.