Middle Santa Ynez Campground

Many shady sites, oak trees, close to river, no pavement. The campground is usually full on weekends during deer hunting season, mid August through late September. Big Caliente Hot Springs is 3 miles away. The last 8 miles of driving to the campground is on dirt roads. Access to Big and Little Caliente Hot Springs and the Pendola / Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area (Forest Road 5N12, 5N15, 5N16) The road to access the Big and Little Caliente Hot Springs and the Pendola / Upper Santa Ynez Recreation Area consists of more than 8 miles of adobe clay roads. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended. The dirt roads are adobe clay, which becomes dangerously slippery to drive on during wet weather. For this reason, gates within the area get closed prior to wet weather events. Please check the Los Padres Forest Web Page for updated information on these gate closures. There are no services in the Pendola Area. There are no phones, limited cell phone coverage, no potable water, no trash service, no gasoline, and limited tow service for automotive repairs. There is no camping at Big and Little Caliente Hot Springs. The Hot Springs are for Day Use Only (6am – 10pm). Camping is allowed in Campgrounds Only. There are four campgrounds available for camping – Mid Santa Ynez, Rock Camp, P-Bar Flats, and Mono Campgrounds. Mono Campground is a walk-in only campground with 3 sites available. Rock Camp is limited to two vehicles per site with 2 sites available. Mid Santa Ynez and P-Bar Flats have multiple sites and group sites that can all be accessed by vehicle. Fees for camping consist of needing a Forest Adventure Pass. Campground Amenities consist of tables, fire rings, stand-up BBQ’s, and toilets. Adventure Pass is not required for day use at the Hot Springs or Forest Trailheads. Water in the creeks vary from being extremely low to completely dry. It is recommended that visitors plan to haul their own water in for camping. The Hot Springs still has flowing water. Please check the Los Padres Forest web site for updated information of fire restrictions. All regulations are enforced!