1 / 15

McGill Campground and Group Campground

·
publicCampground.modules.title.recommendsPercentage
·
discover.modules.lands.sites.sitesWithCount · publicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.rv, publicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.tent

Humming with tranquility, McGill Campground is nestled within the mountainous evergreens of the Los Padres National forest.

Treat yourself to a weekend―or, better yet, week―of the area’s valley views and four-mile stretch of scenic trails. Oh, and that “humming” we were referring to in the former sentence was alluding to the McGill Campground’s melodious, active humming bird population!
discover.modules.lands.sites.sitesWithCountpublicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.rv, publicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.tent
publicCampground.modules.alert.description
publicCampground.modules.alert.description

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Los Padres National Forest

More to explore nearby

100%
5 ratings · 5 reviews
Avatar
Steven B.
June 25, 2021
Tent camped 4 nights from June 21, 2021. On the reservation it allowed 2 vehicles on site #17 but then they wanted $10 a night for the 2nd vehicle. I checked with recgov and they admitted it was their error that they did not mention the 2nd vehicle counted as an extra vehicle. I never had this happen anywhere I have camped. Apparently this happens there frequently and I guess it is OK with the campsite because they make more money. So far recgov has done nothing to correct the situation. I may contact GAO.
Avatar
Nicki P.
April 28, 2021
McGill is such a great campground within the greater LA area. Site 29 is fully accessible for physically disabled folks and my go-to spot. It's right across from a disabled vault toilet, but unfortunately it has very little shade. The shade issue is really the only (though kinda major) flaw of the site, especially in summer months. Sadly, only a few other sites are relatively accessible. I learned this the hard way by booking a site that required walking down a bunch of steps. Thankfully the camp host Harry was wonderful and helped us secure one of the more accessible sites since Site 29 was already booked. Harry also helped us notice the Milky Way! It's wildly gorgeous darks skies here. I love it!
Avatar
Andrea W.recommends
July 5, 2020
This was a great campground. Lots of trees and shade. Great place to hang a hammock. They did say they had water, but when we arrived all water spouts had been capped. We stayed in spot 47 and had a ton of room. Lots of flat ground to put tents. Any site in loop 3 is pretty good. The top spots are probably 55, 66, 71.
Avatar
Marisa D.
September 10, 2018
Really great campground! Just an hour away from Santa Clarita. We stayed the Saturday after Labor Day weekend. It was not crowded. There was great weather. There were no wood campfires allowed when we were there. We brought a propane campfire and it was nice! Totally recommend staying here! Also, there were signs all around that bears had been sighted nearby, but there were no bear boxes...so be prepared for that!
Avatar
C L.
August 10, 2018
Such an amazing camping area. You would have never guessed you were only just an hour and a half away from Ventura. Lush green, beautiful trees, amazing sunrises! Must see!

Other campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest

Your guide to camping in McGill Campground and Group Campground

Overview

Biking

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recommended route is the 10 mile Romero Loop, with a killer descent and incredible views of the mountains. You can find some of the best rides in the area or sort by the map on the Mountain Project.

Fishing

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dollar Beach and Plaskett Creek. Trout and bass are quite a catch here; you can find more info here.

Hiking

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique experience each and every time. Trails take hikers through steep ridges and low valleys. Hikes are accessible year round, though the most popular time to lace up hiking boots in the wilderness is in the springtime, when flowers are in bloom and temperatures are seemingly perfect. Those looking for a great workout should try climbing Junipero Serra Peak, or take in the breathtaking Big Sur coast on the Cruickshank Trail. You can find some more trails on Hikespeak.

Horseback riding

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly feel “on top of the world,” we highly recommend connecting with a local ranch. These horseback rides offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in your surroundings while listening to some of the colorful tales that guides can share about the mountain life. Santa Barbara and Big Sur offer excellent guides and outfitters. You can’t go wrong wherever you take your horse!

Paddling

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountains. The Ventana Wilderness is home to creeks and rivers that allow visitors to kayak and canoe to their hearts’ content. What better way to enjoy the fresh mountain water?

Swimming

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be in the forest itself, but it’s in the nearby area, and definitely worth checking out. The Ventana Wilderness is also home to some of the region’s best (and most elusive) swimming spots. The Arroyo Seco River Gorge is a collection of emerald green, totally mesmerizing swimming holes. Swimming here is a great midday break, or a good enough reason to visit the wilderness by itself. In the summer, you can find people jumping off rocks and even bringing their floaties to help them fully enjoy the river’s ambiance.

Wildlife watching

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Padres NF is a wonderful place to scope out some wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of bird species, mountain lions, foxes and bobcats. There are 23 endangered species, and the forest is working on reintroducing condors, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, tule elk, bighorn sheep, and endangered plants.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.