Los Prietos Campground is situated in the Los Padres National Forest and provides access to a variety of outdoor adventures, including water-related recreation and hiking. The family-friendly campground is green and lush and is a great place to camp in the mountains of western California.
The campground offers dozens of single-family sites for tent or RV camping. No utility hookups are available at the campground. Each site is equipped with a table, campfire ring with grill and a pedestal grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash collection bins are available throughout the campground.
The Santa Ynez River is popular for a variety of water-related recreation. The river can be accessed at White Rock Day Use Area, less than a half-mile from the campground. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is no-body-contact reservoir about 10 miles northwest of the campground. It offers boating, fishing and kayaking. Anglers will find an abundance of annually stocked trout. Carp and bass are also common catches. Visitors enjoy a variety of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. The Aliso National Recreation Trail is a popular, 2.5-mile loop that begins near the campground. Also nearby is the 18-mile Santa Cruz Trail, which provides access to a variety of other trails in the area. The Camuesa OHV Route and its connecting trails are available within 10 miles of the campground.
What campers say
Los Prietos Campground sits in a scenic, oak‑shaded area with nearby hikes and frequent wildlife sightings such as wild turkeys and deer. Sites vary — some are roomy and secluded while others are steep or uneven, so pick carefully and expect to level sleeping pads. There are picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and firewood for sale; bathrooms with flushing toilets and running water are provided, though showers aren’t consistently available and spigot access can be awkward. Camp hosts are generally helpful. Cell reception may be limited to higher trails. A beautiful, rustic spot for hikers who accept basic amenities and site variability.
