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Thacher Camp South Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
  • Topo Map Link: Topatopa Mountains
  • Elevation: 2528 feet
  • Wilderness Area: Sespe
  • County: Ventura County
  • Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District
  • Longitude: -119.04851
  • Latitude: 34.57049
  • Water Sources: The Sespe usually flows year round here. If dry at camp, there is likely water in the creek at Willet Camp.
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
05-29-2022YertleStagnant
03-20-2022RobFlowing
12-19-2021YertleFlowing
07-03-2021Braulio AguileraDry
01-15-2021Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
11-23-2020Anonymous SurveyorStagnant
04-21-2019S. SampsonFlowing
03-30-2016Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
01-17-2016ChesterFlowing

Description:

Thacher Camp is located along the Sespe River Trail about 9 miles downstream from Piedra Blanca Trailhead. It is located along the bend in the Sespe before you cross the creek, your last crossing before the spur trail to Willett Camp, which crosses the Sespe once again. Sounds confusing, and it is a little confusing when you are there. Bring a map.  

The original Thacher Camp is back upstream above the creek crossing, though most people are now camping closer to the creek crossing. At the original camp, one can find remnants of the old concrete picnic tables amongst the cottonwoods. Nowadays, Thacher is not as popular as some of the nearby camps and in many cases, serves as the overflow camp for nearby Willett Camp.

Survey Photos:


  • Rob - 03-20-2022

  • Rob - 03-20-2022

Submitted Camp Reports

Thacher Camp Survey - 05-29-2022 - by Yertle
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 05-29-2022
Surveyor Name:Yertle
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 03-20-2022 - by Rob
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 03-20-2022
Surveyor Name:Rob
Camp Description:Nice location beside the creek just below the trail, but watch out for poison oak all around. Very disappointed to find a lot of trash stashed behind a log by the main fireplace, as well as other trash, some pots and pans and an old sleeping bag littering the area. Pretty disgusting. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:1-2 feet deep, flowing and clear, enough for a nice, but quick, dip
Weather Conditions:
Images:


Thacher Camp Survey - 12-19-2021 - by Yertle
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 12-19-2021
Surveyor Name:Yertle
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 07-03-2021 - by Braulio Aguilera
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 07-03-2021
Surveyor Name:Braulio Aguilera
Camp Description:Campsite looks in decent condition. No water by the creek. You’ll need to walk further towards the hot spring for a small trickle of water. 
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:No water by the creek.
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 01-15-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 01-15-2021
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:small sign a river crossing should have an updated sign on it describing directions to willet and sespe
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:low enough to rock hop. camp was in good condition
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 11-23-2020 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 11-23-2020
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:While there are some stagnant pools here at Thatcher, clear, running water can be found a few hundred meters away at Willett.
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 04-21-2019 - by S. Sampson
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 04-21-2019
Surveyor Name:S. Sampson
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 03-30-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 03-30-2016
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Thacher Camp Survey - 01-17-2016 - by Chester
Link: Thacher Camp
Date: 01-17-2016
Surveyor Name:Chester
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:mid 60s overcast, frost over night.

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Last Updated: Monday, March 6, 2023

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L.P.N.F. Contacts »

  • Forest Headquarters
    Phone: (805) 968-6640
  • Mt. Pinos District
    Phone: (661) 245-3731
  • Ojai Ranger District
    Phone: (805) 646-4348
  • Santa Barbara District
    Phone: (805) 967-3481
  • Santa Lucia District
    Phone: (805) 925-9538
  • Monterey District
    Phone: (831) 385-5434