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State Park

Photo: Via Recreation.govPublic domainRecreation.gov

La Panza Campground

Los Padres National Forest · Santa Margarita, CA

Verify with the state park system

State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.

Directions

7

Total Sites

0.0

0 Reviews

7 Tent7 RV

Official sources & verification

Managed by State Park

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Reserve or permit

Verify by phone or mail

We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this campground using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Aug 8, 2026. Our copy is more than a month old — please reconfirm with the agency before relying on it.Spot an error in our data?

Live availability

via Recreation.gov
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Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.

About

Overview La Panza Campground is full of opportunities to relax or explore the forest. Nearby is Machesna Mountain Wilderness where hiking, hunting and horseback riding are popular. Off-high vehicle (OHV) recreation is also plentiful in the area. Recreation La Panza Campground is best enjoyed by campers who prefer a rugged outdoor experience. The Pozo La Panza 18,867-acre area has approximately 44 miles of routes that vary from sandy washes to a ridgeline route including a section known to expert OHV riders as the Stair Steps. With proximity to OHV trails, this spot will keep the adrenaline junkies enthused as well as the avid hiker. Bring your bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the amazing trail experience! Facilities This campground is open daily and year-round. There are 15 single and spaciously situated campsites ideal for tenting, and moderate RVs under 16 ft. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) or electricity onsite. There is no dump station. This is a "dry" campground with five vault toilets. The road into the campground ends cul-de-sac style, but with adequate turn around. Natural Features La Panza Campground is situated in a canyon setting, encompassed by a gathering of established oak trees, and accented by a seasonal creek. Fox, coyote, road runner, deer, wild pig, jack rabbit, quail, and very rare black bear, all visit this area. Nearby Attractions Lakes, trails, beautiful views, biking, hiking and off-road vehicle riding are all within minutes of the campground. The nearest shopping is 29 miles in Santa Margarita.

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How busy it gets

Recreation.gov
4.0

3 camper reviews on Recreation.gov

Amenities

Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in 3:00 PM

Check-out 12:00 PM

Campground Rules

  • Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting

Reservations

This campground accepts reservations. Book early for popular dates.

Make a Reservation

Individual Sites (7)

001
#001

001

Loop Loop 1

CampsiteStandardPets OKCampfires
Reserve
002
#002

002

Loop Loop 1

CampsiteStandardPets OKCampfires
Reserve
003
#003

003

Loop Loop 1

CampsiteStandardPets OKCampfires
Reserve
004
#004

004

Loop Loop 1

CampsiteStandardPets OKCampfires
Reserve
005
#005

005

Loop Loop 2

CampsiteStandardPets OKCampfires
Reserve
009
#009

009

Loop Loop 2

CampsiteStandardPull-throughPets OKCampfires
Reserve

Within ~30 miles

Trails near La Panza Campground

Explore trails near here

Hunt context

Hunting unit around this campground

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Nearby Campgrounds

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