American Canyon Campground sits among the stunning landscapes of Los Padres National Forest in California . With 12 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr-oct when the weather is most comfortable .
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🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Los Padres National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
American Canyon Campground located in California, offering 12 camping sites.
American Canyon Campground
A Rural campground in California
Overview
There Are Cattle Trails in Abundance and a Rigorous Trail (1800’ of Elevation Gain) From the Campground to the Nunez Potrero and Pine Spring Near the Top of the Ridge. Horseback Riding, Hiking and Wildlife Viewing Isn’T Really Recommended During Rifle Season.
American Canyon Is a Small, Secluded Campground Which Borders the Machesna Wilderness. While the Campground Is Accessible Through the Wilderness, It Is a Long and Strenuous Hike As Vehicles Are Not Permitted in Wilderness Areas. the Only Motorized Entrance Is Through the Avenales Ranch. This Is a Working Cattle Ranch, and the Owners Have Been Generous to Grant Access to American Canyon Through Their Ranch. Entrance Via the Ranch Gate Is Opened Only During Deer Hunting Season, by Reservation Only on Rec. Gov and with an Issued Combination Code Provided. the Campground Is an Adventure Pass Site Managed by the Forest Service.
the Campground Is Embedded Within Beautiful Oaks, Providing Much Shade and Cooling During the Hot Summer Days. While the Days Do Have a Tendency of Getting Rather Toasty, Ranging Between the 90S and 100S, the Nights Cool Down Into the 50S and 60S.
the Campground Is Surrounded by Wilderness and Private Lands, So Mountain Biking Isn’T Practical. This Really Is a Hunting Camp. the American Canyon Watershed Is Dry in Deer Season.
the American Canyon Campground Offers 12 Campsites for Tent and Car Camping (No Rvs Due to Size Restriction). Each Site Includes a Picnic Table, and a Combination Fire Ring/Grill. There Are Two Outhouses with Pit Toilets in the Campground. No Drinking and Non-Potable Water at the Site. No Trash Service, So Pack It in, Pack It Out.
the Campground Is in a Grove of Mature Oaks. the Watershed Is Dry During Deer Season. the Lower Areas Are a Mix of Open Grasslands with Oak and Pine Woodlands. the Higher Terrain Is Covered in Chaparral, with Coulter Pines Near the Top of the Ridges and Scattered Open Grasslands.
Nearby Attractions
Due to Its Remoteness, There Are Only a Couple of Nearby Places That Might Be of Interest. the Vintage Cowboy Winery in Pozo Opens on Most Weekends. the Pozo Saloon Is Also Open on Some Weekends, But Not Consistently. Both Are Approximately 10 Miles West of the Campground.
Managed by: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 12
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: No
- 🎣 Fishing: No
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: , California
Coordinates: 35.27681554, -120.3075311
Area Type: Rural
Phone:
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Hiking|biking|picnic|water|fire-ring|trail|rv|tent
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: No
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: No
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $32-45
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION, UnivisION
Signal Quality: Good
Total Stations: 20 stations
Nearest Market: LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco
Notes: Signals FROM LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 50 stations (15 AM, 35 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: POP, Spanish, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK, Country
Local News: KNX 1070 Am
Market: La/Sf/SAN DIEGO
Notes: 15 AM, 35 FM Stations from La/Sf/San Diego
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ 3031 Lopez Drive
Distance: 12.6 miles away
Address: 3031 Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande, CA
Network: loop
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10323767
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website: https://rec.gov
- Parent Park: Los Padres National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/los-padres-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: los-padres-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Los Padres National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: los-padres-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 36.0
- States Covered: California
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1067
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1067, 1067.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: california
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: los-padres-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
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