Mt. Pinos Campground

Overview

Mount Pinos or in the Native American Chumash language, "Iwihinmu," was considered 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. The dark and clear night skies make this a picture-perfect stargazing setting.

Recreation

Ride your bicycle to the top of Mount 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 frequently 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.

Facilities

This seasonal campground is open daily, May through November. There are 19 single campsites that include picnic tables and fire rings. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. RVs over 22 ft. and trailers are not recommended. There are two vault toilets. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) or electricity onsite. There is also no dump station.

Natural Features

Along with views of the Lockwood Valley and Frazier Mountain, Mt. Pinos Campground is best appreciated by camping enthusiasts who prefer being nestled within the shaded enclave of Jeffery pines that dominate the scenery.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (820) 500-1099.

Nearby Attractions

Hiking trails, biking, fishing and swimming are all within 30 minutes of the campground. Restaurants, gas and shopping are 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.

Camp site features

Across 19 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 19 sites
  • Picnic table: all 19 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 19 sites
  • Longest RV: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 13.0 mi

Directions

Take I-5 north to Frazier Mountain Park Road exit. Go west on Frazier Mountain Park Road for 7 miles to the intersection of Lockwood Valley Rd. Keep right and proceed on Cuddy Valley Road. Continue 5 miles to the "Y" in the road and veer left. Proceed 7 more miles past the first snow and second snow gate past McGill Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

95 reviews
5 stars
52
4 stars
25
3 stars
11
2 stars
5
1 stars
2
Bruce B C
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
Mt Pinos is beautiful. We go there year round. However the campground is literally crumbling. The pads are deteriorated to the point of being dangerous. Pit toilets have peeling paint on the walls and need service. We camp all over the country and love Mt Pinos, but the campground is an embarrassment.
Jeff H
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 11 days ago
The campground is nice, bathroom was fairly clean and stocked. Fire rings were in all sites, and fortunately all the other campers kept quiet overnight. I would camp here again.
Kenny F
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 24 days ago
The camp host was very helpful. Beautiful scenery and an all around amazing trip
Dmitriy T
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Smaller campground compared to McGill campground. Spacious sites among pine trees. You really get to feel like being inside the forest. The views are majestic with the mountain background, don’t miss the sunrise! No potable water, and volt toilets only, just be prepared for that.
Luke F
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great campground, large sites, good hiking options directly from the campground. Gets chilly at night even in September, pack appropriately.
Eleazar F
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
It was a peaceful camping site. Not crowded & enjoyed so much. Host was nice conversation with him. I missed 1 day saying I could extend my stay if wanted.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 15, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 15, 2028 – Oct 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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