Scrub Oak Campground
4.5217 reviews5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Scrub Oak Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees are $10 per night for campsites at Scrub Oak Campground. These include basic amenities such as fire pits with grills, picnic tables, and pit toilets.
About this campground
Nestled within the adventure-packed Hungry Valley SVRA, Scrub Oak Campground serves as your gateway to over 130 miles of thrilling OHV trails. This rustic retreat embraces you with its characteristic scrub oak canopy and sandy terrain, offering essential camping amenities while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the high desert landscape.
Scrub Oak Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with limited facilities. It is suited for small groups, and some user reviews highlight its privacy and spaciousness.
Historical SignificanceThis resilient landscape tells stories of transformation and heritage. The devastating Post Fire swept through these hills, forever changing the natural tapestry of vegetation and wildlife habitat, yet nature continues its patient work of renewal. The land holds deeper memories too—echoes of ranching families whose sprawling properties once dominated these hills before becoming part of the Hungry Valley SVRA, their legacy preserved in nearby cultural sites that honor the pioneering spirit of the region.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of high desert seasons at Scrub Oak. Summer brings intense heat with temperatures soaring between 90° and 100°F, creating dusty adventures under brilliant blue skies. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, offering perfect mild weather for both camping comfort and exhilarating OHV exploration. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp air, freezing temperatures, and occasional magical dustings of snow that paint the scrub oak in white.
ElevationPerched at 4,000 feet above sea level, Scrub Oak Campground offers a unique montane desert experience where thin mountain air meets desert resilience, creating a climate that shifts dramatically from scorching days to crisp, star-filled nights.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where hardy scrub oak trees create natural shade pavilions across sandy, desert-like terrain. This rugged environment frames stunning vistas of distant mountain ranges that change color with the shifting light, from dawn's pink glow to sunset's golden farewell. The sparse vegetation and open spaces create an almost otherworldly atmosphere that captures the essence of California's high desert beauty.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Tejon Pass region, Scrub Oak Campground rests on ancient geological foundations where montane desert terrain meets fascinating volcanic rock formations. The sandy soils beneath your feet tell a story millions of years in the making, shaped by volcanic activity and desert winds into the unique landscape that defines Hungry Valley SVRA today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not clearly mentioned.
Sites SizeSites at Scrub Oak Campground are approximately 40 feet in length, accommodating standard camping setups.
Sites PrivacySites at Scrub Oak Campground vary in privacy; the upper section is reported to have a private area which is suitable for groups of up to 10 people but is located further from the bathrooms.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, upper campground sites on the south are recommended. Note that these sites are farther from bathrooms.
Best CampsitesUpper Scrub Oak Campground sites on the south side are highly private and suitable for family gatherings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
All campsites have a stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site allows up to 8 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutScrub Oak Campground is divided into upper and lower sections with a total of 30 campsites. Sites are generally pull-through and equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonScrub Oak Campground is open year-round, but closures due to post-fire recovery may occur.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the LAZ Parking website or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability is limited due to required reservations for weekend day use during post-fire recovery efforts.
Cancellation PolicyAll sales are final, and no cancellations or refunds are allowed for reservations made through LAZ Parking.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Scrub Oak Campground provides direct access to numerous trails, making it ideal for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife observers. Recreational activities at Hungry Valley SVRA are well-suited for both beginners and experienced users. Various trails are marked to indicate difficulty levels.
Hiking
Hungry Valley offers over 130 miles of trails, including those suitable for hikers. Trails in the Native Grasslands Management Area and adjoining Los Padres National Forest cater to varying expertise levels.Biking
Biking is supported via the extensive trail network; trails are marked for varying difficulty levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity in the area, with designated trails that offer scenic observation points.Cultural and Educational Programs
Hungry Valley SVRA offers geocaching and educational programs such as the Agents of Discovery App, which include augmented reality missions related to park wildlife and history.Winter Activities
Occasional snowfalls during winter allow for activities such as trail exploration under snowy conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings and must be fully extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes and excessive water runoff during rains pose safety concerns. Naturally occurring cliffs and erosion gullies in the park require caution.
Active alertsPartial closures remain in effect due to post-fire recovery efforts.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital is Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, 30 miles south in Valencia at 23845 McBean Parkway. State Park Rangers are trained Emergency Medical Responders and can summon help in emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring and Fall are considered peak seasons due to mild temperatures.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling bins are available within the campground, but their removal or relocation is strictly prohibited under park regulations.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant natural water features nearby.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention disturbances caused by dirt bikes and kids riding within the campground.
Campground Map
5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Driving directionsTake Interstate 5 north to the Gorman exit. Drive to the McDonald's and make a right on Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign (Gold Hill Road). Follow the signs and drive 2.5 miles until you see the Scrub Oak Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads with signage guiding visitors. The entrance is through the north kiosk at Gorman. Seasonal closures may impact accessibility due to post-fire recovery efforts.Nearby places
Gorman (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes), Santa Clarita (30 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Bakersfield (38 miles, approximately 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Gorman, within 1 mile of the campground. Larger stores are available in Santa Clarita or Bakersfield.
Camper Reviews
4.5
17 reviews
Scrub Oak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally appreciate Scrub Oak Campground for its centralized location within Hungry Valley SVRA and its suitability for off-road vehicle activities. Some reviewers highlight the clean vault toilets and spacious campsites, while others note disturbances caused by dirt bikes in certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained restrooms, spacious sites, and proximity to trails. The upper section offers secluded camping spots ideal for groups.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints center around noise and dust caused by dirt bikes, particularly when they circle campsites. Some users also mention the lack of advanced camping facilities like showers.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
It is recommended to pack warm clothing during winter due to harsh wind conditions. Users suggest opting for sites in the upper section for more privacy and distance from noisy areas.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and Fall are considered the most pleasant seasons for camping due to milder temperatures and occasional rain showers that reduce dust.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Sweet spot, not too many kids riding around in the camp site making noise and kicking up dust.' - Kevin Still
2. 'Upper and lower scrubs campgrounds are both very cool... upper has a section on...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #7 and #8 share a fire ring, and this proximity may affect privacy. The upper section is noted for having more private spots.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets must remain on a leash, as noted in regulations. Reviewers generally express satisfaction with pet-friendly policies.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025