Balm of Gilead Camp South Los Padres National Forest

Submitted Camp Reports

Balm of Gilead Camp Survey - 01-26-2024 - by Ryan

Link:	Balm of Gilead Camp
Date:	01-26-2024
Surveyor Name:	Ryan
Camp Description:	I planned a two-night trip from Rinconada to Hi Mountain then down to Trout Creek to Buckeye Camp for the first night. Then up Sellers Portrero to Garcia Ridge, taking that back to Hi Mountain Campground for the second night. First of all, Trout Creek and Sellers Portrero are no longer trails. The trail would disappear for a mile or two and we would have to bushwhack for hours to follow the general direction of the creek. The canyons back there are a bad accident waiting to happen.  Balm of Gilead literally just doesn't exist anymore. There is so much deadfall and poison oak that the campground was nowhere to be found. I urge the Los Padres National Forest to continue to maintain these public trails after the extreme rainy season in 2023.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Balm of Gilead Camp Survey - 03-10-2019 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Balm of Gilead Camp
Date:	03-10-2019
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The remains of the Balm of Gilead remain.  The camp doesn't appear to have been used anytime in the past few years.  Good water near camp.  Lots of poison oak.  The toilet throne has been busted out of the toilet area and rolled down below the camp area.  The fire grate remains in camp.  The turnoff for the camp is hard to find, pay attention. This could be a nice camp but it just doesn't get too much love.  Still probably the coolest named camp in the LP.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Tons of water flowing in every creek, drainage, seep, etc.....
Weather Conditions:	Chilly early Spring conditions.
Images:	The main camping area. The remains of the toilet.

Balm of Gilead Camp Survey - 01-17-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Balm of Gilead Camp
Date:	01-17-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Balm of Gilead Camp has seen better days but is quite lovely at the same time.  Lots of oak trees, a beautiful babbling brook runs right next to camp and you can pretty much guarantee you won't see anyone while you're out there.  PLUS it might be the coolest name of any camp across the Los Padres.  NOTE: The USGS topo maps show the camp in the wrong spot.  It is further down the canyon.  If you have to look for it, you're in the wrong place. Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, mid-60's
Images:	The turnoff for Balm of Gilead along the Sellers Potrero Trail. The trees along the trails have blazes that will help you. The sign at the trail junction. Balm of Gilead Camp Balm of Gilead Camp

Balm of Gilead Camp Survey - 04-11-2015 - by Steve Cypher

Link:	Balm of Gilead Camp
Date:	04-11-2015
Surveyor Name:	Steve Cypher
Camp Description:	This sad old camp has been taken over by poison oak. Bears beat up the crapper. No reason to stay here when there are open grassy spots with more reliable water down the trail toward Sellers Potrero.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	Nice grill amidst the poison oak. Outhouse remains - toilet seat is in the hole.

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