Escondido Campground South Los Padres National Forest

Submitted Camp Reports

Escondido Campground Survey - 11-14-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Escondido Campground
Date:	11-14-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Access is via Fort Hunter Light and Milpitas /Del Venturi road. Access is about 18 miles from the Ft. Hunter Light Main gate to the entry to Los Padres. About 6 miles on a paved road to Memorial Campground and 3 miles on an unpaved road past a gate. The gate is normally closed during the rainy season. Depending on the whims of the base Commandant- identification at the main gate to Ft. Hunter Light may be required The access road from the campground northward toward Arroyo Sec ws closed by landslides some years ago. There are no plans to re-open the access from the north.  Reasonably quiet as a camping site but is popular as a trailhead for Ventana Wilderness trail hikes. Campground has about 9 total sites with thrash cans, fire rings and picnic tables. Plenty of shade with a fenced in meadow w/gate adjacent to campground. Toilet is typical Forest Service vault type.  Depending on conditions the fire risk becomes high by the beginning of July and the Forest Service enacts the typical fire restrictions. Both a Forest Pass and a California Campfire Permit are required (the latter free and available on-line) The biggest problem will be biting flies year round. Insect repellent is a must. There is also a large yellow jacket population. These are not much of a problem during the spring but become more aggressive as the hot weather progresses. They are extremely aggressive in the fall. There is a lot of California Chapparal so watch out for Poison Oak. Although there is no running water except for a small spring fed pool - trails give access to the Arroyo Sec watershed and swimming holes with hikes of a mile or so. Not for everyone but if you like seclusion this is a decent place.Â
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Spring on site- flow rate is fairly low and flows into small pool. Not a stagnant pool but consider water non-potable. Not always available ate fall.
Weather Conditions:	Temperatures are pleasant in the spring but can get quite cold in the early spring or late in the season. Extremely hot and dry through the fall months.

Leave A Camp Report

Survey / Report Form