Ballinger Campground
Los Padres National Forest, California
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As of September 2026, Ballinger Campground is a campground in Los Padres National Forest, California with 10 campsites. Ballinger Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Ballinger Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Ballinger Campground is located at 34.8839° N, 119.4452° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 6
Ballinger Campground reservations and next available dates
September 2026
Campsites at Ballinger Campground
- Standard 10
What an RV fits
- 70 ft10 sites
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
- dump station
At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Dirt road.
Things to do: fishing, hiking, climbing, photography, offroad.
All sites at Ballinger Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the Loop 1 loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 02 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 04 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 06 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 07 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 08 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 09 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 10 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 12 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
| 13 | Standard | 6 | 70 ft |
About Ballinger Campground
Overview
Tucked away in the high desert, surrounded by scenic views of the badlands in the Los Padres National Forest, Ballinger Campground and day use area offers the perfect getaway for those looking to access off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. Explore 11 four-wheel drive roads, 12 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, and 14 motorcycle trails, which include loose dirt, hard pack, sand, steep hills, and a few jumps and berms.
Recreation
The Ballinger Campground and day use areas are best appreciated by OHV enthusiasts. ATVs/Quad Runners/Dual Sports/Single track, will find access to 68 miles of marked and rated trails that range from novice-friendly hard packed trails, twisty sand washes, open play areas to steep and rugged black diamond, all accessed from your scenic high desert camping spot.
Facilities
Open daily and year-round, the campground includes 13 campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring. Two vault toilets are located near the campsites. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water onsite. To the left of the fee/information boards is a "staging area" to offload gear. There is no dump station.
The campsites have no barriers or boulders, so all sizes of toy haulers, trailers and campers do well here.
Natural Features
Junipers, lupine and tall scrub and brush surround Ballinger Canyon, just inland of California's Central Coast and regionally bound by the Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranges.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails, biking and fishing are easily accessed within 30 minutes from Ballinger Campground. Day trips to the higher elevation mountains for snow play in the winter.
Rules and notices at Ballinger Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Ballinger Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
In order to contact our offices, please use the email: customerservice@pmcparks.com or view our website: CampOne.Com for answers to frequently asked questions.
@ballingercampgroundohv on Instagram and Facebook.com/BallingerOHV
Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer or RV. $10 fee for each extra vehicle.
No drinking water is available.
No public showers in the region.
Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Always check local fire restrictions prior to your visit.
Pets are allowed. Please keep dogs on a leash at all times.
Please bring garbage bags. This facility is 'Pack it in. Pack it out.'
The nearest stores and gas are 15 miles in New Cuyama or 25 miles in Maricopa.
Sporadic cell service can be found in the campground but a connection can be made at Hwy 33 a few miles from the entrance.
Don't ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to go and then stick to your plans.
Don't take unnecessary chances -- help for emergencies is miles away.
Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding.
Bring your gnat/mosquito repellent in spring/summer/fall
Spark arrestors and Off-highway vehicle registration required (green sticker or red sticker required). Red sticker open riding dates Nov. 1 - March 15
2 night minimum stay on weekends.
3 night minimum stay on holidays.
Click here for more information on Los Padres National Forest
Please Do Not Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Ballinger Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Ballinger Campground?
Ballinger Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Ballinger Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Ballinger Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Ballinger Campground have?
Ballinger Campground has 10 campsites.
More campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest
Same forest, same drive. Set an alert on any of them alongside this one.
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