State Park
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.
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Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
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- Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
Reserve or permit
- Reserve on Recreation.gov
Book a site directly with the operator.
Verify by phone or mail
- Address:Santa Margarita, CA
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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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Within ~30 miles
Trails near La Panza Campground
Trail
Pine Mountain OHV Road
California
4.9 mi1,437 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Pozo Road OHV Trail
California
15.5 mi3,035 ftgain
Expert
Trail
Hi Mountain Trail
California
10.2 mi2,467 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Blinn Ranch, Falcon and Blinn Ranch Loop
California
15.0 mi3,520 ftgain
Expert
Trail
Hi Mountain Lookout
California
7.3 mi2,244 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Rinconada Trail
California
4.7 mi1,673 ftgain
Difficult
Nearby Campgrounds
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