## Overview

Tucked away in the high desert, surrounded by scenic views of the badlands in
the Los Padres National Forest, Ballinger Campground and day use area offers
the perfect getaway for those looking to access off-highway vehicle (OHV)
trails. Explore 11 four-wheel drive roads, 12 all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
trails, and 14 motorcycle trails, which include loose dirt, hard pack, sand,
steep hills, and a few jumps and berms.

## Recreation

The Ballinger Campground and day use areas are best appreciated by OHV
enthusiasts. ATVs/Quad Runners/Dual Sports/Single track, will find access to
68 miles of marked and rated trails that range from novice-friendly hard
packed trails, twisty sand washes, open play areas to steep and rugged black
diamond, all accessed from your scenic high desert camping spot.

## Facilities

The Ballinger Campground and day use areas are best appreciated by OHV
enthusiasts. ATVs/Quad Runners/Dual Sports/Single track, will find access to
68 miles of marked and rated trails that range from novice-friendly hard
packed trails, twisty sand washes, open play areas to steep and rugged black
diamond, all accessed from your scenic high desert camping spot.

## Natural Features

Junipers, lupine and tall scrub and brush surround Ballinger Canyon, just
inland of California's Central Coast and regionally bound by the Sierra Madre
and Caliente Mountain Ranges.

## Nearby Attractions

Hiking trails, biking and fishing are easily accessed within 30 minutes from
Ballinger Campground. Day trips to the higher elevation mountains for snow
play in the winter.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Tucked away in the high desert, surrounded by scenic views of the badlands in the Los Padres National Forest, Ballinger Campground and day use area offers the perfect getaway for those looking to access off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails.  Explore 11 four-wheel drive roads, 12 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, and 14 motorcycle trails, which include loose dirt, hard pack, sand, steep hills, and a few jumps and berms.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The Ballinger Campground and day use areas are best appreciated by OHV enthusiasts. ATVs/Quad Runners/Dual Sports/Single track, will find access to 68 miles of marked and rated trails that range from novice-friendly hard packed trails, twisty sand washes, open play areas to steep and rugged black diamond, all accessed from your scenic high desert camping spot.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Ballinger Campground and day use areas are best appreciated by OHV enthusiasts. ATVs/Quad Runners/Dual Sports/Single track, will find access to 68 miles of marked and rated trails that range from novice-friendly hard packed trails, twisty sand washes, open play areas to steep and rugged black diamond, all accessed from your scenic high desert camping spot.</p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Junipers, lupine and tall scrub and brush surround Ballinger Canyon, just inland of California's Central Coast and regionally bound by the Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranges.</p>
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Hiking trails, biking and fishing are easily accessed within 30 minutes from Ballinger Campground. Day trips to the higher elevation mountains for snow play in the winter.</p>

BALLINGER CAMPGROUND

Ballinger Campground

## Overview

Tucked away high atop the Cerro Noroeste, you'll find solitude, serenity and
unsurpassed scenery as you lose yourself in a pleasant grove of Jeffrey pines
at Campo Alto Campground. Campsites are spacious, the air is filled with a
pine-sweet scent, and you will enjoy end-of-the-road privacy. Invigorated by
the fresh air, your inner hiker will hunger to head out on the Vincent
Tumameit Trailhead to enjoy the scenic mountain vistas. Do your best to leave
this natural setting just as you found it. The campsites have no barriers to
block your view, so most modest sized RVs, and all tent campers fit well here.

## Recreation

Campo Alto Campground is best appreciated by pristine camping enthusiasts who
prefer to leave the hurried life behind. Hiking into the Chumash Wilderness by
day, and star gazing by night are the chosen methods of decompressing.

## Facilities

Campo Alto Campground is best appreciated by pristine camping enthusiasts who
prefer to leave the hurried life behind. Hiking into the Chumash Wilderness by
day, and star gazing by night are the chosen methods of decompressing.

## Natural Features

Located at 8,250 f.t, the campground is shaded by a thick blanket of Jeffrey
pine. Great views of the the Carrizo Plain to the north, Cuyama Valley, Quatal
and Apache Canyons to the west, as well as views of the San Joaquin valley to
the east and Lockwood Valley and Sespe ranges to the south, are also some
prevalent attributes of this little piece of heaven.

## Nearby Attractions

Hiking trails, biking, fishing and swimming are accessed within 30 minutes.
Restaurants, gas and shopping within 15 miles at Pine Mountain Club or 25
miles in Frazier Park.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Tucked away high atop the Cerro Noroeste, you'll find solitude, serenity and unsurpassed scenery as you lose yourself in a pleasant grove of Jeffrey pines at Campo Alto Campground. Campsites are spacious, the air is filled with a pine-sweet scent, and you will enjoy end-of-the-road privacy. Invigorated by the fresh air, your inner hiker will hunger to head out on the Vincent Tumameit Trailhead to enjoy the scenic mountain vistas. Do your best to leave this natural setting just as you found it. The campsites have no barriers to block your view, so most modest sized RVs, and all tent campers fit well here.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Campo Alto Campground is best appreciated by pristine camping enthusiasts who prefer to leave the hurried life behind. Hiking into the Chumash Wilderness by day, and star gazing by night are the chosen methods of decompressing.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Campo Alto Campground is best appreciated by pristine camping enthusiasts who prefer to leave the hurried life behind. Hiking into the Chumash Wilderness by day, and star gazing by night are the chosen methods of decompressing.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Located at 8,250 f.t, the campground is shaded by a thick blanket of Jeffrey pine. Great views of the the Carrizo Plain to the north, Cuyama Valley, Quatal and Apache Canyons to the west, as well as views of the San Joaquin valley to the east and Lockwood Valley and Sespe ranges to the south, are also some prevalent attributes of this little piece of heaven.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Hiking trails, biking, fishing and swimming are accessed within 30 minutes. Restaurants, gas and shopping within 15 miles at Pine Mountain Club or 25 miles in Frazier Park.

CAMPO ALTO CAMPGROUND

Campo Alto Campground

## Overview

Hammock spots, dipping holes and a fishing stream make Reyes Creek Campground
an ideal hideaway. Located near the Sespe Wilderness alongside Reyes Creek you
will find renewal and replenishment, Reyes Creek-style.

## Recreation

Trail hiking, fishing, swimming, group camping, mountain biking, hunting,
horseback riding, nature viewing, and recreational mining are favored
activities. Day trips to higher elevation snow play in the winter is also
enjoyed.

## Facilities

Trail hiking, fishing, swimming, group camping, mountain biking, hunting,
horseback riding, nature viewing, and recreational mining are favored
activities. Day trips to higher elevation snow play in the winter is also
enjoyed.

## Natural Features

This shaded streamside campground located at 3,500 feet elevation boasts an
ample supply of riparian oak and cottonwood trees. The creek area is well
shaded and runs year-round. Overhead you may catch a glimpse of red-tailed
hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California
condor!

## Nearby Attractions

Located south of Ozena Valley, this campground provides access to the Sespe
Wilderness via the Reyes Creek Trail linking to the Piedra Blanc National
Recreation Trail. This site is the trailhead for Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca
National Recreation Area ideal for hiking or mountain biking.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Hammock spots, dipping holes and a fishing stream make Reyes Creek Campground an ideal hideaway. Located near the Sespe Wilderness alongside Reyes Creek you will find renewal and replenishment, Reyes Creek-style.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Trail hiking, fishing, swimming, group camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, nature viewing, and recreational mining are favored activities. Day trips to higher elevation snow play in the winter is also enjoyed.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Trail hiking, fishing, swimming, group camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, nature viewing, and recreational mining are favored activities. Day trips to higher elevation snow play in the winter is also enjoyed.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>This shaded streamside campground located at 3,500 feet elevation boasts an ample supply of riparian oak and cottonwood trees. The creek area is well shaded and runs year-round. Overhead you may catch a glimpse of red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor!</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Located south of Ozena Valley, this campground provides access to the Sespe Wilderness via the Reyes Creek Trail linking to the Piedra Blanc National Recreation Trail. This site is the trailhead for Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Area ideal for hiking or mountain biking.

REYES CREEK CAMPGROUND1

Reyes Creek Snow

REYES CREEK CAMPGROUND112

REYES CREEK CAMPGROUND11

REYES CREEK CAMPGROUND

Reyes Creek Campground

## Overview

Perfectly situated high above the Sespe Wilderness offering stunning views of
the valley below and the Channel Islands in the distance lies Pine Mountain
Campground. You will find yourself surrounded by moderate hills, tall pine
trees and the sounds of silence. At an elevation of 6,650 feet, it offers
cooler temperatures on hot summer days, and a chance to let everything else go
as you take in all that nature has to offer.

## Recreation

There is one designated trail in the area, Boulder Canyon (23W03). You may
also want to walk around the surrounding hills to see the views and the trees.
And just a mile up the road there are a couple of trails leaving Reyes Peak
Campground - Chorro Grande Trail and Raspberry Spring Trail. Drive past the
gate at the end of the paved road and you will end up at Reyes Peak Trailhead.

## Facilities

There is one designated trail in the area, Boulder Canyon (23W03). You may
also want to walk around the surrounding hills to see the views and the trees.
And just a mile up the road there are a couple of trails leaving Reyes Peak
Campground - Chorro Grande Trail and Raspberry Spring Trail. Drive past the
gate at the end of the paved road and you will end up at Reyes Peak Trailhead.

## Natural Features

You will find Jeffrey pine, sugar pine and white fir trees at the campground.
Along the outskirts, you'll notice chaparral species. These species include
manzanita, and California sage. You may also see some scrub oak. Be dazzled by
wildflowers, which are abundant in the spring and early summer. Lupine, false
lupine, scarlet bugler and many others round out the scenery. Keep your eyes
open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may
see a California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and
chickadees. Deer, bear and coyote also live in the area.

## Nearby Attractions

Hiking trails, biking and fishing are all within 30 minutes from the
campground. On a day trip south along Hwy 33, to the Rose Valley Road (6N31),
you will find the Piedra Blanca trailhead located across Sespe Creek. The Gene
Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe
Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca!
It is an easy walk for the first three miles.  
  
A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This
trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow
it for a short half mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs
at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose
Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy
hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles
round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more
impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get
close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to
hike the trails.  
  
Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the
Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember,
no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on
a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up
river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Perfectly situated high above the Sespe Wilderness offering stunning views of the valley below and the Channel Islands in the distance lies Pine Mountain Campground. You will find yourself surrounded by moderate hills, tall pine trees and the sounds of silence. At an elevation of 6,650 feet, it offers cooler temperatures on hot summer days, and a chance to let everything else go as you take in all that nature has to offer.<h2>Recreation</h2>
There is one designated trail in the area, Boulder Canyon (23W03). You may also want to walk around the surrounding hills to see the views and the trees. And just a mile up the road there are a couple of trails leaving Reyes Peak Campground - Chorro Grande Trail and Raspberry Spring Trail. Drive past the gate at the end of the paved road and you will end up at Reyes Peak Trailhead.<h2>Facilities</h2>
There is one designated trail in the area, Boulder Canyon (23W03). You may also want to walk around the surrounding hills to see the views and the trees. And just a mile up the road there are a couple of trails leaving Reyes Peak Campground - Chorro Grande Trail and Raspberry Spring Trail. Drive past the gate at the end of the paved road and you will end up at Reyes Peak Trailhead.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
You will find Jeffrey pine, sugar pine and white fir trees at the campground. Along the outskirts, you'll notice chaparral species. These species include manzanita, and California sage. You may also see some scrub oak. Be dazzled by wildflowers, which are abundant in the spring and early summer. Lupine, false lupine, scarlet bugler and many others round out the scenery. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and chickadees. Deer, bear and coyote also live in the area.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Hiking trails, biking and fishing are all within 30 minutes from the campground. On a day trip south along Hwy 33, to the Rose Valley Road (6N31), you will find the Piedra Blanca trailhead located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles.
<br/><br/>
A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow it for a short half mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to hike the trails.
<br/><br/>
Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember, no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

PINE MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND

Pine Mountain Campground

## Overview

At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground, rises above the Sespe
Wilderness and is situated along a ridge with spectacular views of the Cuyama
Badlands on one side and the Pacific Ocean from the other side. On clear days
you can even see some of the Channel Islands!

## Recreation

Several trails leave the Reyes Peak Campground area. Chorro Grande Trail is
located at the gate just past the last campsite. Raspberry Spring Trail will
lead you north on a short one-half mile walk through the pines. It starts at
the parking area on the western edge of the campground. The Reyes Peak Trail
(23W04) is moderately difficult. It leads eastward into the Sespe Wilderness
for 5.8 miles to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail
(22W03). Remember, no mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.

## Facilities

Several trails leave the Reyes Peak Campground area. Chorro Grande Trail is
located at the gate just past the last campsite. Raspberry Spring Trail will
lead you north on a short one-half mile walk through the pines. It starts at
the parking area on the western edge of the campground. The Reyes Peak Trail
(23W04) is moderately difficult. It leads eastward into the Sespe Wilderness
for 5.8 miles to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail
(22W03). Remember, no mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.

## Natural Features

The landscape includes Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, white fir and ponderosa
pines. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and early summer. Be dazzled by
lupine, false lupine, scarlet bugler and many others. Keep your eyes open for
red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a
California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and chickadees.
Deer, bear, and coyote also live in the area.

## Nearby Attractions

Hiking trails, biking and fishing are within 30 minutes. Take a day trip south
along Hwy 33 to the Rose Valley Road (6N31) to the Piedra Blanca trailhead
where three trails can be accessed, all located across Sespe Creek. The Gene
Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe
Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca!
It is an easy walk for the first three miles.  
  
A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This
trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow
it for a short half-mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs
at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose
Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy
hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles
round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more
impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get
close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to
hike the trails.  
  
Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the
Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember,
no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on
a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up
river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

<h2>Overview</h2>
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground, rises above the Sespe Wilderness and is situated along a ridge with spectacular views of the Cuyama Badlands on one side and the Pacific Ocean from the other side. On clear days you can even see some of the Channel Islands!<h2>Recreation</h2>
Several trails leave the Reyes Peak Campground area. Chorro Grande Trail is located at the gate just past the last campsite. Raspberry Spring Trail will lead you north on a short one-half mile walk through the pines. It starts at the parking area on the western edge of the campground. The Reyes Peak Trail (23W04) is moderately difficult. It leads eastward into the Sespe Wilderness for 5.8 miles to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03). Remember, no mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Several trails leave the Reyes Peak Campground area. Chorro Grande Trail is located at the gate just past the last campsite. Raspberry Spring Trail will lead you north on a short one-half mile walk through the pines. It starts at the parking area on the western edge of the campground. The Reyes Peak Trail (23W04) is moderately difficult. It leads eastward into the Sespe Wilderness for 5.8 miles to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03). Remember, no mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The landscape includes Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, white fir and ponderosa pines.  Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and early summer. Be dazzled by lupine, false lupine, scarlet bugler and many others. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and chickadees. Deer, bear, and coyote also live in the area.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Hiking trails, biking and fishing are within 30 minutes. Take a day trip south along Hwy 33 to the Rose Valley Road (6N31) to the Piedra Blanca trailhead where three trails can be accessed, all located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles.<br/><br/>
A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow it for a short half-mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to hike the trails.<br/><br/>
Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember, no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

Ballinger Campground

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Campo Alto Campground

Reyes Creek Campground

Pine Mountain Campground

Reyes Peak Campground