Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
Topo Map Link: San Rafeal Mountain
Elevation: 5863 feet
Wilderness Area: San Rafael
County: Santa Barbara County
Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
Longitude: -119.78998
Latitude: 34.70729
Water Sources: Very reliable spring is located just outside of camp, there is also reliable water less than 1/4mile east along the trail
Length of Stay: 14 Days
Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
03-01-2025	Paul Costales	Flowing
01-02-2025	Brian D'Amour	Flowing
09-22-2024	Steve Cypher	Flowing
06-09-2024	Linus Blomqvist	Flowing
03-08-2024	Jonathan Rocque	Flowing
03-02-2024	Michael McGurk	Flowing
10-27-2023	Sherman	Flowing
10-01-2023	Dave Billybob	Flowing
08-10-2023	Paul Cronshaw	Flowing
05-27-2023	Nathan Seaford	Flowing
05-22-2023	kirsten zecher	Flowing
10-09-2022	patrick	Trickle
08-21-2022	James	Flowing
06-24-2022	Steve Cypher	Flowing
02-11-2022	Paul Cronshaw	Flowing
11-12-2021	Smokey Joe	Flowing
08-01-2021	Carly H	Flowing
04-21-2021	Terry Jarrett	Flowing
02-26-2021	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
12-26-2020	Brad Anderson	Trickle
12-22-2020	Michael M	Trickle
10-16-2020	Nate Bates	Flowing
08-03-2020	Randy and Ari	Trickle
06-03-2020	h2oslo	Flowing
05-29-2020	Addison Jerlow	Flowing
05-16-2020	Denbe Denbe	Flowing
05-12-2020	Rich Scholl	Flowing
05-05-2020	Tony G.	Flowing
05-02-2020	Jarrett Smith	Flowing
04-05-2020	SKIPP	Flowing
10-12-2019	Michael Foster	Flowing
09-28-2019	MSchless	Flowing
04-22-2018	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
12-30-2017	Shaddus Maximus	Trickle
09-24-2017	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
08-24-2017	Nate	Trickle
04-15-2017	Terry Jarrett	Flowing
10-02-2016	Sebastian	Flowing
07-10-2016	James	Flowing
06-20-2016	Curt Cragg	Flowing
05-29-2016	Duane Waite	Flowing
05-21-2016	Terry Jarrett	Flowing
11-21-2015	Paul Cronshaw	Trickle
05-25-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Trickle
05-02-2015	Hike Los Padres	Flowing
03-28-2015	Paul Cronshaw	Flowing
11-25-2014	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
09-29-2014	bardley	Flowing
09-26-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
09-26-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing

Photo: Bryan Conant

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Survey This Camp

Description:

Mission Pine Spring Camp is a beautiful little camp located in a pine/oak grove, next to a small meadow, surrounded by rock outcrops, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands from nearly 6,000 ft. Nuff said, right? One of the nicest camps in the forest, MPS (as it it frequently written) is a long hike from the nearest trailhead at Cachuma Saddle but is well worth the effort for those heading out on a multi-day packing trip. The camp has year-round water at the nearby spring, a table, one fire ring and views that go on for days and days. Truly one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the forest.

Survey Photos:

Shaddus Maximus - 11-25-2014
Paul Cronshaw - 03-28-2015
Spike camp for Mission Pine Trail Project
Los Padres Forest Association - 05-25-2015
Paul Cronshaw - 11-21-2015
Hazard tree leaning over spring
Paul Cronshaw - 11-21-2015
Campsite
Paul Cronshaw - 11-21-2015
Stock trough
Paul Cronshaw - 11-21-2015
Pool located 1/4 mile below camp
Paul Cronshaw - 11-21-2015
Water can be filtered from this small pool near camp
Curt Cragg - 06-20-2016
Large tree--had to re-route the trail at this point.
Curt Cragg - 06-20-2016
Larger tree cut and cleared
Curt Cragg - 06-20-2016
Had to leave this one until next time
Los Padres Forest Association - 09-24-2017
Sign at MPS Camp.
Los Padres Forest Association - 09-24-2017
Camp looking good!
Los Padres Forest Association - 09-24-2017
Water flowing good!
Los Padres Forest Association - 04-22-2018
Jarrett Smith - 05-02-2020
Campfire and benches in the evening
Jarrett Smith - 05-02-2020
Spring is putting out superb water!
Jarrett Smith - 05-02-2020
New sign at camp
Jarrett Smith - 05-02-2020
Fantastic view to the southwest near camp
Tony G. - 05-05-2020
Bear sighting in the camp just as I walked into the camp.
Tony G. - 05-05-2020
Denbe Denbe - 05-16-2020
snake on a sidehill of the Cachuma Road
Denbe Denbe - 05-16-2020
Lupine between McKinely Saddle and the top of San Rafael Mountain
Denbe Denbe - 05-16-2020
Sarcodes sanguinea between the top of San Rafael Mountain and Mission Pine Springs Camp
Denbe Denbe - 05-16-2020
walking toward Mission Pine Springs Camp
Denbe Denbe - 05-16-2020
Mission Pine Springs Camp
Brad Anderson - 12-26-2020
Carly H - 08-01-2021
Smokey Joe - 11-12-2021
Smokey Joe - 11-12-2021
views for days
Paul Cronshaw - 02-11-2022
Main campsite
Paul Cronshaw - 02-11-2022
Mission Pine Springs.
Paul Cronshaw - 02-11-2022
Evening view from southern rock formation
Nathan Seaford - 05-27-2023
Nathan Seaford - 05-27-2023
Paul Cronshaw - 08-10-2023
MPS Camp
Paul Cronshaw - 08-10-2023
Trail is covered with prolific fern growth
Paul Cronshaw - 08-10-2023
Lower water trough
Sherman - 10-27-2023
Sherman - 10-27-2023
Sherman - 10-27-2023

Submitted Camp Reports

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 03-01-2025 - by Paul Costales

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	03-01-2025
Surveyor Name:	Paul Costales
Camp Description:	Campsite is in great shape and has a few tools. A few tips I l discovered this time: 1) there is actually a better place to get water from the spring then the trough that is near the camp. If you walk up 20 or so yards there is water coming out of a rock that does into a pipe. If you clear up some of the debris to the inlet of the pipe, water is much easier to fill here than down near the trough. 2) The pit toilet is in great shape but can be hard to find. If you are at the fire pit looking west at the picnic table, it is off to your 10:30. There is some flagging on a tree, after that head to the left. If you get to an improvised fire pit you have gone too far. Best toilet view you have ever had.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Helps to clear debris from the pipe
Weather Conditions:

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 08-10-2023 - by Paul Cronshaw

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	08-10-2023
Surveyor Name:	Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:	Stayed for two nights. Camp is in good condition. Cleaned the spring and animal water troughs. Tool cache has loppers, 2 shovels, and pick.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow of water from spring pipe into basin
Weather Conditions:	Cloudy and sunny with intermittent showers.Temps in mid 70s
Images:	MPS Camp Trail is covered with prolific fern growth Lower water trough

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 05-27-2023 - by Nathan Seaford

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	05-27-2023
Surveyor Name:	Nathan Seaford
Camp Description:	Camp in good shape. Folks have moved one of the fireside bench boards up to the spring. On the tail to camp down from Table Rock there is at least one massive tree fall over the winter that would be best cut. Picture attached. Some big cat prints around and lots of deer prints but no sign of bear.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Higher flow rate than past couple years. The creek downslope from camp, towards the Pacific and Santa Ynez range is flowing with several small pools. Creeks between San Raf/Table Rock and MPS are flowing with pools.
Weather Conditions:	50 at night, 70 at day
Images:

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 08-21-2022 - by James

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	08-21-2022
Surveyor Name:	James
Camp Description:	camp was in great shape and the new privy and location is excellent, trail from McKinley saddle was in pretty good shape. trail and camp crews coming through earlier in the year shows and if any of them see this, thank you!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Definitely less flow that I have seen but still flowing from the pipe and the catch basins are nice and full.
Weather Conditions:	Clear sky and 85 degrees, fantasic stars

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 06-03-2020 - by h2oslo

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	06-03-2020
Surveyor Name:	h2oslo
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	pipe coming out of the rocks, and the stream below are flowing really well, it took 10 seconds to fill my 1L bottle. Clean cold water direct from the source.
Weather Conditions:	Upper 70's-80's during the day, windy (very windy) all night. Streams around camp were flowing and cold. A bit of flies during the day, aggressive mosquitos in the morning, and persistent bees all thr

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 05-16-2020 - by Denbe Denbe

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	05-16-2020
Surveyor Name:	Denbe Denbe
Camp Description:	The camp and the trail leading to it are in excellent conditions. Thank you to those who did this superb job. In a day-hike that started from Cachuma Saddle at 6 AM, I arrrived at Mission Pine Springs Camp at 12:07 PM. On my way I made several stops, including at McKinely Spring that was flowing, McKinley Saddle, and at the top of San Rafael Mountain to refill my water supply and enjoy a panoramic and expansive view. here I briefly describe a faunal and a floral encounter during the hike (see images below). At about 8:27 AM, I was silently greeted by a snake that was sun basking on a foothill (see image below). Noticing my curiosity and my attempt to approach for a closer look, the snake swiftly disappeared into the underwood. Noting that I am not a herpetologist and I am not native to Americas, based on its coloration, its basking behavior, and its astonishingly quick retreat with head held high off ground, I speculate it was Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis). Is it? Between the top of San Rafael Mountain and Mission Pine Springs Camp, I was excited to see several individuals of Sarcodes sanguinea (Snow Plant, Snow flower).Sarcodes sanguinea belong to the myco-heterotroph plants. Sarcodes sanguinea is a parasite (a mycorrhizal "cheater") that draws fixed carbons (carbohydrates, includingglucose) from the hyphae of the fungi that live in symbiosis with the pine trees. Exhausted but deeply satiesfied and longing more future hikes, I returned to my car at 5:59 PM
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	The camp and the trail leading to it are in excellent conditions. Water is overflowing
Weather Conditions:	dry and noon temperatures ~80-85 F
Images:	snake on a sidehill of the Cachuma Road Lupine between McKinely Saddle and the top of San Rafael Mountain Sarcodes sanguinea between the top of San Rafael Mountain and Mission Pine Springs Camp walking toward Mission Pine Springs Camp Mission Pine Springs Camp

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 05-05-2020 - by Tony G.

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	05-05-2020
Surveyor Name:	Tony G.
Camp Description:	Bear sighting in the camp just as I walked into the camp. Watched him for a minute or so before he smelled me and casually wandered off. Photo is attached.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow at spring and water flowing in a creek above the camp below San Rafael mountain and below the camp as well.
Weather Conditions:	high 85-90, low upper 40's and windy
Images:	Bear sighting in the camp just as I walked into the camp.

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 05-02-2020 - by Jarrett Smith

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	05-02-2020
Surveyor Name:	Jarrett Smith
Camp Description:	Camp is in great shape. Nice flat areas to sleep. Camp fire ring is sturdy and grill is available to cook on. Benches around the campfire are nice as well. There are some tools at camp as well. Also a new sign is installed near camp as part of an LPFA volunteer project. The new sign displays the locale name and mileage to other places such as Mission Pine Basin, Santa Cruz Trail, and Cachuma Saddle. And the views are quite fantastic! Some big rock piles near camp and above camp give excellent panoramic views of the backcountry.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	The spring is flowing very well with excellent tasting water.
Weather Conditions:	Hogh 60s to low 70s day, mid to upper 30's night
Images:	Campfire and benches in the evening Spring is putting out superb water! New sign at camp Fantastic view to the southwest near camp

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 09-28-2019 - by MSchless

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	09-28-2019
Surveyor Name:	MSchless
Camp Description:	Did a partial loop from Cachuma Saddle to Nira via Fall Canyon/Sisquoc/Manzana trail. Wilderness register on the west side of San Rafael is out of pages. Camp is in great shape and water is flowing steady out of the actual spring up the hill from the catch basin. Beautiful views from the rocks on the ridge just outside of camp.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Trickle at lower pipe/catch basin but good and steady flow from the actual spring coming out of the rock
Weather Conditions:	Day: 60s/70s. Night: 40s. Windy overnight and during the day.

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 04-22-2018 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	04-22-2018
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	LPFA volunteers surveyed Mission Pine Spring.Â Water is flowing great at camp, lots of horse turds around camp, we cleared one tree from the trail, the rest of the trail is really nice!Â YES, the awesome views area still there!
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Great flowing water!
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 09-24-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	09-24-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Checked in at Mission Pine Spring to see the shape of the water and camp. Â Water is flowing really nicely, camp has been well-used by recent hunters. Â There were some deer remains left around camp that will hopefully disappear soon. Â Other than that, camp remains well loved and one of the better high-backcountry camps in the Los Padres.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Really nice water and lots of it coming from the spring.
Weather Conditions:	mid-70's, picture perfect. Evening temps into the 40's.
Images:	Sign at MPS Camp. Camp looking good! Water flowing good!

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 08-24-2017 - by Nate

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	08-24-2017
Surveyor Name:	Nate
Camp Description:	This is a beautiful camp only hampered by the amount of flies. I had the camp to myself for a night, but it was obvious that hunters had been there recently by the blood left on the rocks and table. But kudos to everyone for leaving little trash, making it a pretty clean camp. What I did not expect to see in the area was redwood trees that dot the area around the camp. The views were better on the trail coming into camp than at the camp itself, but it was secluded and beautiful. There are also a ton of great rock formations and giant pines that really make this area different than most other parts of the Los Padres. One of a kind. It is a long hike with a place to water at Mckinly Springs if you hike from the Cachuma Saddle, but it is worth it. Just make sure you bring enough water storage per person in the dry months.
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	The water was a decent trickle, clean, clear and cool. There was water at camp and about 1/4 mile further up the trail
Weather Conditions:	Hot, windy and dry. About 95

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 06-20-2016 - by Curt Cragg

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	06-20-2016
Surveyor Name:	Curt Cragg
Camp Description:	Mission Pine Spring Crosscut Project Hiked from McKinley Saddle to Mission Pine Spring to clear downed trees as reported in previous surveys. Â There were 5 trees down from McKinley saddle to the MP Spring camp. Â Four were cleared, two required re-routes including one that was cut to allow for a larger opening for the re-route. Â We were unable to cut the large tree that is down about 1/4 mile east of the camp. Â We did clean up the trail around it. Camp was in great condition. Â Ferns have re-grown making it a little hard to find the trail out of the camp toward MP Basin, but tread can be found.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Spring is flowing and good water in the basin.
Weather Conditions:	Weather was clear and temps in the mid 70's
Images:	Large tree--had to re-route the trail at this point. Larger tree cut and cleared Had to leave this one until next time

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 11-21-2015 - by Paul Cronshaw

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	11-21-2015
Surveyor Name:	Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:	Campsite was in good condition. Water present. Two shovels and loppers are leaning against the tree. Â Fire pit in good condition.Â
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Original source is dry. There is a small sandy basin with clean water and a stock trough. Best source is creek 1/4 mile below camp.
Weather Conditions:	Clear, sunny, 70s', no wind
Images:	Hazard tree leaning over spring Campsite Stock trough Pool located 1/4 mile below camp Water can be filtered from this small pool near camp

Mission Pine Springs Camp Survey - 03-28-2015 - by Paul Cronshaw

Link:	Mission Pine Springs Camp
Date:	03-28-2015
Surveyor Name:	Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:	Staying in this campsite is a similar experience to being in the Sierras. Â There is a table, large fire pit and tools for keeping the camp clean. A primitive toilet is located 25 yards up the hill. Lots of places to explore off trail.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water is flowing from pipe that collects it from the spring.
Weather Conditions:	Sunny; Temps is 70s during the day
Images:	Spike camp for Mission Pine Trail Project