Mount Pinos Campground

Can you imagine a place where the night sky displays a dazzling array of stars, undisturbed by city lights? Mount Pinos Campground, located at 7,800 feet in the Los Padres National Forest near Frazier Park, California, is a haven for stargazers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers. This small, serene campground offers 19 campsites amidst a picturesque forest of Jeffrey pines, providing a tranquil escape from urban life.

The campground is equipped with basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but lacks potable water and electrical hookups, emphasizing its rustic appeal. Its high elevation ensures cooler temperatures in summer and occasional snowfall in winter, making it an ideal spot for seasonal activities like mountain biking, hiking, and even cross-country skiing. Key trails, including the Mount Pinos Trail and McGill Trail, offer stunning panoramas of the San Joaquin Valley and surrounding ranges. When night falls, the unparalleled darkness and high altitude make this location one of the best stargazing spots in California, cherished by amateur astronomers and casual campers alike.

Situated just 19 miles from Frazier Park, the campground serves as a convenient base to explore the stunning Cuddy and Lockwood Valleys, with shopping and dining options available in nearby Pine Mountain Club. Whether you're seeking a peaceful weekend getaway or an adventurous outdoor retreat, Mount Pinos Campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience steeped in natural beauty and Chumash cultural significance.