Exploring The Los Padres National Forest

Over 1000+ Cataloged Locations

Location specific weather reports, recent camp and trail surveys, water data and much more.

Hiking Trails

Explore the hiking trails of the Los Padres National Forest. Combine trails to make loop trips, discover new trails for backpacking, or find new areas to explore.

205 Hiking Trails

• Big Falls Trail
• Stone Ridge Trail
• Santa Lucia Creek Connector…
• Johnston Ridge Trail
• San Emigdio Mesa Springs…

View All 205 Trails →

Camps and Campgrounds

This updated list on camps enables you to find a new camp to visit anytime; we have included all car campgrounds and trail camps in this section.

293 Camps

• White Ledge Camp - Red…
• Jackson Camp
• San Carpoford Camp
• Friis Campground
• Matias Potrero Camp

View All 293 Camps →

O.H.V. Trails

We got you covered on the O.H.V areas, including Google maps view of all trails, slope gains and losses, so you can be prepared for your next off road adventure.

56 OHV Trails

• Ballinger Route 48 OHV…
• Tinta OHV Trail
• Tejon OHV Trail
• Ballinger Route 25 OHV…
• Ballinger Route 28 OHV…

View All O.H.V. Trails →

206 Dirt Roads

• Snyder Ridge - Forest…
• Powerline Road
• Three Sisters - Forest…
• Bates Canyon - Forest…

View All 206 Roads →

111 Peaks

• Whiteacre Peak
• Alamo Mountain
• Post Summit
• Marble Peak
• Porter Peak

View All 111 Peaks →

174 Springs

• Ben Willow Spring
• Pepper Spring
• Richardson Spring
• Monjas Spring
• Upper Trough Canyon Spring

View All 174 Springs →

Latest Camp Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Manzana Narrows Camp Survey - 10-18-2026 - by q

Link:	Manzana Narrows Camp
Date:	10-18-2026
Surveyor Name:	q
Camp Description:	Wonderful camp. No one else. Water was cool and crisp. Lots of flies that made it unenjoyable to stay still until the sunset.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flowing well. All pools very fall. Flowing down to Manzana camp as well
Weather Conditions:	90s during the day. 50s at night

Alder Creek Camp - Ventura Survey - 10-18-2026 - by Martin Schenker

Link:	Alder Creek Camp - Ventura
Date:	10-18-2026
Surveyor Name:	Martin Schenker
Camp Description:	Descending from dripping springs, we were hopeful that water would be available in Alder Creek. The first crossing (drainage SE of Alder Creek) was dry, and we got a big nervous. However, walking a bit further revealed a consistent flow in Alder Creek. Hermit Thrushes, Yellow-rumped warblers, Red-breasted nuthatches, spotted towhees, nuttall's woodpeckers, northern flickers galore. Few sweeps by red-shouldered hawks. Bear scat prevalent throughout the area, mostly filled with hollyleaf cherry. Abundant recruitment of alders along creek. Goldenrod and paintbrushes blooming along riparian corridor. Just the most wonderful spot!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Abundant streamflow in Alder Creek.
Weather Conditions:	~75F and sunny during the day. ~55F at night. No wind.

Chorro Grande Camp Survey - 10-17-2026 - by Max Stern

Link:	Chorro Grande Camp
Date:	10-17-2026
Surveyor Name:	Max Stern
Camp Description:	Chorro Grande Camp is in decent shape but could use some maintenance. Chorro Grande Spring is easily identifiable from the trail by a patch of lush green grasses. The spring was flowing as a stream when I visited, but not through the pipe. Cross the stream and you will encounter a secondary site of Chorro Grande Camp, which has a tiny makeshift fire ring and space for a few tents. Past this site is the main site, which consists of a large fire ring in need of some reassembly and a clearing that is mostly covered in fallen bark and branches. Still, there is some room to set up camp here. South of these two sites is another secondary site which has no fire ring.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, ~65F mid-morning

Oak Camp Survey - 10-17-2026 - by Max Stern

Link:	Oak Camp
Date:	10-17-2026
Surveyor Name:	Max Stern
Camp Description:	Oak Camp is in great shape. It is located immediately next to the Chorro Grande Trail, and the entrance is marked by a metal post that you can’t miss. The camp consists of three sites, each with vast room for numerous tents, great fire rings, and immediate access to the creek, which was flowing well when I visited. There is plenty of shade under the large oak trees. This is an excellent backpacking spot, though the trail could use a bit of clearing, especially north of Oak Camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, ~70F mid-morning

Cow Spring Camp Survey - 10-17-2026 - by Martin Schenker

Link:	Cow Spring Camp
Date:	10-17-2026
Surveyor Name:	Martin Schenker
Camp Description:	Yellow rumped warblers, house finches, scrub jays and Bewick's wrens hanging around the campsite. California hemp (Hoita macrostachya) in abundance within the vicinity of the spring. Saw one woodrat scamper accross downed willow branches near camp.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Low flow rate, water quality looked great.
Weather Conditions:	81F and sunny - slight breeze (<10mph)

Potrero John Camp Survey - 10-14-2026 - by Max Stern

Link:	Potrero John Camp
Date:	10-14-2026
Surveyor Name:	Max Stern
Camp Description:	Although there’s only one entry for Potrero John Camp on this website, there are actually several decent camps along Potrero John Trail, each with excellent river access and a fire ring. The first unofficial camp is just a few minutes from the trailhead, tucked away east of the trail. Camp #1 has space for a tent or two and is in a very scenic location. Further up the trail is unofficial camp #2, which is also just east of the trail and has more space than the first camp. About halfway up the trail is the official Potrero John Camp, which is easy to miss because it’s on the other side of the creek, but it is still easily accessible. This main camp has space for a good handful of tents and is well shaded, making it the ideal spot for a group. Shortly past this point, the trail becomes overgrown and difficult to follow for a while but eventually becomes clearer, and one will encounter unofficial camp #3, which is very small and rocky. This would not be an ideal place to camp but it is possible, and it is located in close proximity to Potrero John Falls.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, ~50F-60F mid-morning

Fishbowls Camp Survey - 10-04-2026 - by Vicki Armstrong

Link:	Fishbowls Camp
Date:	10-04-2026
Surveyor Name:	Vicki Armstrong
Camp Description:	Trail slightly overgrown in places. Downed trees (have to go over or go around). Trail mostly easy to find with the exception of a few creek crossings with are overgrown - the flagging is faded/missing but there are some ducks at some crossings. Lots of annoying black flies especially at Fishbowls Camp.  No trash on the trail - just a few bits of TP/wipes at camp. Campsites at Fishbowls are in good condition. (Another hiker told us that he got barked at by a bear at the Fishbowls themselves but we camped overnight and didn't see/hear anything.)
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Scum on surface; full of what look like mosquito larvae
Weather Conditions:

Big Cone Spruce Camp Survey - 10-03-2026 - by Joel Bockhahn

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Camp
Date:	10-03-2026
Surveyor Name:	Joel Bockhahn
Camp Description:	Unfortunately, we didn't make it all the way to this camp. I was very much looking forward to getting there as the pictures posted by other more adventurous than I look beautiful. We hiked in on Manzana trail, starting at Nira. As others have mentioned, the trail is a bit overgrown but fairly easy to navigate until you get to around 34° 44' 3.44" N, 119° 50' 55.17" W where we were no longer able to follow the trail. Lots of downed trees and brush. We probably could have followed the creek up past the heavy brush, but we were losing our light and decided to do the safer thing and turn back and camp at the narrows. I will attempt this again when its not so hot.  Edit: I realized after I posted this that this really belongs on the trail survey and not the camp, since I never made it. I added a survey to the trail along with the GPS coordinates where we lost the trail
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	plenty of flowing water
Weather Conditions:	clear and hot. Approx 100 degrees

Manzana Narrows Camp Survey - 10-03-2026 - by Joel Bockhahn

Link:	Manzana Narrows Camp
Date:	10-03-2026
Surveyor Name:	Joel Bockhahn
Camp Description:	Camp is really nice. Lots of water, lots of flat spots for tents, good trees for hammocks. In the evening there were a lot of bugs, mostly flies and gnats that subsided after sundown.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Lots of flowing water
Weather Conditions:	clear and hot. Approx 100 degrees

Hard Luck Campground Survey - 10-01-2026 - by Stewart Gilbert

Link:	Hard Luck Campground
Date:	10-01-2026
Surveyor Name:	Stewart Gilbert
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Cloudy, silty
Weather Conditions:	93F, light breeze, clear

Latest Trail Reports

Please click on a report below to view the survey

Big Cone Spruce Trail Survey - 10-03-2026 - by Joel Bockhahn

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Trail
Date:	10-03-2026
Surveyor Name:	Joel Bockhahn
Trail description:	Did a backpacking trip, starting at Nira and the goal was to get to Big Cone Spruce Camp. Trail is pretty good all the way up until we ran into a large amount of deadfall and it was difficult to follow the trail. Lots of brush an PO approximately 34° 44' 3.44" N, 119° 50' 55.17" W. Probably could have made it if we hiked up the creek, but it was getting dark so we turned back. Overall a good trail and if you get to that spot with plenty of light, you probably would have no problem getting around it. For me, it was too hot (somewhere between 90 and 100 degrees, and too late in the evening to risk a very slow last mile or so to the camp.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	Trail is a bit overgrown but not hard to follow

Sespe River Trail Survey - 09-13-2026 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Sespe River Trail
Date:	09-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Trail description:	Trail is clear and easy before Bear Creek, but gets a little tougher to follow (especially during river crossings) after that point. It's also overgrown in places, with very tough scratchy plants. Some poison oak, but it's easy to avoid if you're alert. Tons of water at Bear Creek, and intermittent water from there on out. There is some shallow but strongly flowing water at Willett Camp. Hot tub is in great shape, big shout out to whoever maintains that!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Big Cone Spruce Trail Survey - 09-12-2026 - by Dylan

Link:	Big Cone Spruce Trail
Date:	09-12-2026
Surveyor Name:	Dylan
Trail description:	Started from Manazana Creek trail. Slightly overgrown from the start. Water available starting half a mile from the main Manzana Creek trail. Hit an impassable jam of logs and thicket at a creek crossing, about a half mile before Big Cone Spruce Camp. Section I was able to hike did have some nice pools and shade.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	Impassable section

Manzana Trail East (Upper) Survey - 09-12-2026 - by Dylan

Link:	Manzana Trail East (Upper)
Date:	09-12-2026
Surveyor Name:	Dylan
Trail description:	Trail in great shape from Nira trailhead to the Big Cone Spruce junction, just past the Narrows camp. Some slightly sketchy sections that could washout after a storm. Water available from the trailhead to a half mile beyond Lost Valley camp. Creek was dry from there to about a mile prior to Manzana camp (dry at Fish Creek Camp). Plenty of flowing water at Manzana camp and Manzana Narrows camp. Dry at the Big Cone Spruce trail junction.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Little Falls Trail Survey - 09-06-2026 - by @jungleperry

Link:	Little Falls Trail
Date:	09-06-2026
Surveyor Name:	@jungleperry
Trail description:	I left my tools in my car. But had I known the trail was in such a poor condition I would have brought my loppers, a saw, and my pruners. And not set about to do the whole Little Falls, Big Falls loop from Rinconada trailhead, but down to the Upper Lopez Creek and turn around, there and back. I think 4 people would make the job doable basically in one day, but it's very difficult to traverse in its current state, and just one person (me, possibly) could not do all of that in one day. Some of the erosion is scary severe vertical taking half of the trail tread with it. Those kind of situations take more people and someone would be bringing a hoe or a shovel and another person would be bringing a pick.  I had a new hiking partner with me and didn't want her to feel overwhelmed and also I didn't want to feel overwhelmed as well, so I suggested we cancel the Little Falls Big Falls loop trip and do another loop instead. Turned around went back. I think we had done a mile and a little over 1000 feet elevation in the heat.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Hard to follow
Condition details:	Poor condition, hard to follow, too much erosion and deadfalls aplenty

Cold Spring Trail - North Survey - 08-15-2026 - by N

Link:	Cold Spring Trail - North
Date:	08-15-2026
Surveyor Name:	N
Trail description:	Hiking down from Camino Cielo, the trail is in good shape until at least the Emerald Pool. Then it gets a bit brushy around waist-high (grass and thorns) for the last half mile before the Santa Ynez River. After following the flags to cross the river (still enough of them to find your way), the tread is in good shape to the Mono campsite - though poison oak is encroaching. Some more waist high grass and thorns on Camuesa Road to the Little Caliente turnoff.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail Survey - 07-13-2026 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail
Date:	07-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	LPFA has brushed and restored tread on most of this nice little loop trail. It's in great shape, enjoy!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Good shape and easy to follow

Little Mutau Trail Survey - 06-13-2026 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Little Mutau Trail
Date:	06-13-2026
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Trail description:	Trail was evident but loose and bushes encroaching. Only made it . 5 miles in with my dog before calling it as the thought of 3+ more miles of that condition seemed impossible if it was so bad that early on.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Piedra Blanca Trail Survey - 06-08-2026 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Piedra Blanca Trail
Date:	06-08-2026
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Trail description:	LPFA completed a 10-day Volunteer Working Vacation to work the trail from Pine Mountain Lodge Camp toward Haddock Camp. We completed 3.3 miles of work, including brushing, restoring sketchy tread and the slide between 3 Mile and Haddock Camps, defining the route through creek crossings, and cutting out 13 downed logs blocking the trail. It is still brushy with a few downed trees the remaining .7 miles to Haddock Camp, but easy to follow. Looking good out there!
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work

Red Reef Trail Survey - 06-06-2026 - by Andrew

Link:	Red Reef Trail
Date:	06-06-2026
Surveyor Name:	Andrew
Trail description:	Red Reef trail from Topa Topa to Sespe River. The tread is in good shape except for 2-3 wash-outs, so the trail is easy to follow. However, it frequently requires pushing through thick foliage. A good brushing would go a long way. Found Ladybug Camp by following a side trail that looks more like a washout, campsite is in great shape with several clear tent sites and running water.
Mode of transport:	Hike
Trail condition:	Needs some work