Reyes Peak Campground
REYES PEAK CAMPGROUND
Part of Los Padres National Forest
Overview
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground, rises above the Sespe Wilderness and is situated along a ridge with spectacular views of the Cuyama Badlands on one side and the Pacific Ocean from the other side. On clear days you can even see some of the Channel Islands!
Facilities
Reyes Peak consists of six campsites situated along the southwest side of the ridge. Each campsite contains a table, barbecue grill and a fire ring. There is one pit toilet located near the first few campsites. No water is available at Reyes Peak. Make sure you bring plenty of water for your stay.
Natural Features
The landscape includes Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, white fir and ponderosa pines. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and early summer. Be dazzled by lupine, false lupine, scarlet bugler and many others. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and chickadees. Deer, bear, and coyote also live in the area.
Recreation
Several trails leave the Reyes Peak Campground area. Chorro Grande Trail is located at the gate just past the last campsite. Raspberry Spring Trail will lead you north on a short one-half mile walk through the pines. It starts at the parking area on the western edge of the campground. The Reyes Peak Trail (23W04) is moderately difficult. It leads eastward into the Sespe Wilderness for 5.8 miles to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03). Remember, no mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking and fishing are within 30 minutes. Take a day trip south along Hwy 33 to the Rose Valley Road (6N31) to the Piedra Blanca trailhead where three trails can be accessed, all located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles.
A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow it for a short half-mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to hike the trails.
Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember, no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (820) 500-1099.
Important Notices
Contact: Camp Los Padres manages this campground. For questions, email info@camplospadres.com or call 820-500-1099.
Single sites: Site Capacity: Each campsite allows up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 per vehicle per night, if space is available, and are paid at the campground. Groups of more than 8 must reserve a second site.
Water & Services: No drinking water or public showers. Spotty cell service in the campground. Nearest stores and gas are 15 miles south in Ojai.
Campfires: Normally allowed year-round in Forest Service fire rings without a California Campfire Permit. Forest-wide restrictions can still ban fires; check before you arrive.
Fireworks: Prohibited at all times.
Safety: Help for emergencies is miles away. Avoid hiking alone, tell someone your plans, and carry a first aid kit. Bring gnat/mosquito repellent in spring, summer and fall.
Minimum Stay: 2 nights on weekends, 3 nights on holidays.
Trees: All trees, even when healthy and well-maintained, can pose a natural hazard of falling limbs. Visitors assume responsibility for any property damage, injury or other circumstances that may result from these hazards.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Property: Camp Los Padres is not responsible for loss or damages to property due to fire, theft, accident or any other cause.
Preparation for your trip: Please watch this Leave No Trace 7 Principles video prior to your arrival to help protect our National Forests.
Firewood Policy: Help protect Los Padres National Forest: Buy It Where You Burn It. Don't Move Firewood. Firewood must meet applicable local-origin (purchased within the same county) or approved treatment requirements (certified heat treated) to reduce invasive pest risks. Firewood brought into the campground may be subject to inspection, and if not purchased locally or found to be compliant with requirements it can be confiscated to prevent the spread of the Goldspotted Oak Borer. By completing your reservation, you acknowledge that you have been informed of the campground's firewood requirements and agree to comply with applicable restrictions. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
More Information: Visit Los Padres National Forest for forest alerts, fire restrictions and road conditions.
Available Activities
- CAMPING - Camping
- BIKING - Biking
Directions
Follow Highway 33 to the turnoff at Pine Mountain Summit (6N06) which is at mile marker 42.50. Turn right and follow the partially paved road another 5.7 miles. The total distance from Ojai Ranger Station Reyes Peak is 39 miles.
Available Campsites
- Site 04, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
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