Ballinger Campground
4.2325 reviewsBallinger Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard nightly fee is $30. An additional $2 is charged for weekends and holidays. This fee includes one vehicle and one tent, trailer, or RV....
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider805-434-1996
About this campground
Where adventure meets the untamed beauty of the high desert, Ballinger Campground beckons off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to explore 68 miles of exhilarating trails through the Los Padres National Forest. This year-round basecamp offers the perfect blend of rugged simplicity and strategic access to some of Southern California's most thrilling OHV terrain. With picnic tables nestled among the desert landscape, fire rings for evening gatherings, and vaulted toilets for convenience, Ballinger provides just enough comfort while maintaining its wild character. True to its backcountry spirit, this is a place where self-reliance reigns—pack your water and supplies, as the campground embraces a refreshingly unplugged experience without potable water or dump stations.
Ballinger Campground is designed for tent and RV camping and caters to OHV enthusiasts. The sites are spacious and have basic amenities but no hookups.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate delivers its own dramatic performance throughout the year, painting each season with distinct character. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground where temperatures soar and the air shimmers with heat. Winter nights can surprise with their crisp, star-filled clarity and occasional frost that sparkles on the scrub. Spring, summer, and fall bring their own visitors—tiny mosquitoes that remind you to pack repellent alongside your gear. This is a place where weather tells its own story, from scorching afternoon rides to cool evenings perfect for campfire tales.
ElevationPerched in the high desert's embrace, the campground occupies that sweet spot where the air feels lighter and the horizons stretch endlessly, offering riders and campers a true escape into elevated wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that feels borrowed from another world, where hardy junipers stand sentinel over a sea of purple lupine blooms and towering scrub brush. This is classic badlands territory—raw, beautiful, and utterly captivating. The campground's natural amphitheater showcases nature's artistry, with weathered vegetation creating patterns and textures that change with every shift of desert light. Here, the rugged beauty of the high desert unfolds in every direction, offering a backdrop that transforms from golden at sunrise to deep amber at dusk.
Geological RegionBallinger Campground claims its place in the dramatic high desert tapestry of Los Padres National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable contrasts. Framed by the majestic Sierra Madre and Caliente Mountain Ranges, this badlands region tells a story written in stone and sand. The surrounding terrain, dotted with resilient junipers and seasonal lupine, represents millions of years of patient desert artistry. From your campsite, you'll witness how these mountain sentinels create a natural boundary that captures and defines this unique pocket of California's diverse wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no mention of specific accessibility features for people with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campsites are spacious and can accommodate large toy haulers, trailers, and campers. There are no physical barriers or boulders separating sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites lack significant privacy as there are minimal barriers or vegetation separating the sites.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers should bring their own shade or a camper for protection, as there is minimal natural shade. Avoid parking near bushes to prevent pack rats from nesting in vehicles.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time is unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One tent, trailer, or RV per site is allowed, along with one vehicle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 13 unmarked campsites. There are no barriers separating sites, making the layout somewhat open.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for the campground can be made online on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served camping is not supported, as reservations are required. Several reviews highlight issues with reservation enforcement; for example, one user stated, 'Reservations mean nothing. I booked two sites only to find them squatted on.'
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or changed in advance of the check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ballinger Campground is a hotspot for OHV enthusiasts, offering a network of 68 miles of trails suitable for various skill levels. Additional activities like hiking, biking, and fishing are accessible within a 30-minute drive. The campground is also a staging area for winter trips into nearby mountains.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible within a 30-minute drive from the campground. Specific details about difficulty or trail lengths are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available within a half-hour drive of the campground. However, specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Biking
Biking trails are accessible within 30 minutes of the campground, but no specific details about terrain or difficulty are provided.Winter Activities
Day trips to higher elevations for snow play are possible in the winter months.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Visitors must check for local fire restrictions before their visit.
Hazards
General hazardsSeveral hazards are noted, including high desert temperatures, washed-out roads, limited cell service, and pack rats that may nest in vehicles. Visitors are advised to be cautious of riding alone and to carry a first aid kit.
Active alertsTravelers should check local fire restrictions and be aware of road conditions, as the access road is in poor shape.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are miles away. The nearest stores and gas stations are in New Cuyama (15 miles away) or Maricopa (25 miles away). Visitors are advised, 'Don’t take unnecessary chances — help for emergencies is miles away.'
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 (year-round peak pricing).
Trash and recyclingThis campground operates on a 'Pack it in, Pack it out' system. Campers are expected to bring their own garbage bags and remove all waste upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresThere are no significant water features within the campground, but fishing is available within a 30-minute drive.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the poor condition of the access road, lack of potable water, and issues with the reservation system. Some visitors also noted limited shade at campsites and poorly marked sites.
HostThe campground does not have a dedicated host; it is contract-operated, and several reviews mention the absence of on-site staff to enforce rules or assist visitors.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Los Angeles: Take I-5 north to 126 west to Santa Paula Hwy 150 exit. Go north on Hwy 150 for 20 miles to the intersection of highway 33. Go north over the mountain, 55 miles to Ballinger Cyn rd. Turn right and proceed 2 miles to the entrance.
The access road to the campground is described as being in poor condition. Several reviewers mention it is riddled with potholes, washed out, and requires a high clearance vehicle. For example, one review states, 'The road up to it is washed out and the campground is full of gullies. Do not attempt without a high clearance vehicle.' Another review notes, 'The road getting in was one of the worst I have ever seen.'Nearby places
New Cuyama (15 miles), Maricopa (25 miles)
Nearby supplies
The nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are in New Cuyama (15 miles) or Maricopa (25 miles). There is no potable water or public showers onsite.
Camper Reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Ballinger Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Ballinger Campground are mixed. Many users appreciate its focus on OHV activities, while others criticize the poor road conditions and lack of management for reservations. Cleanliness of the vault toilets is consistently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users highlight the campground as a great place for off-road vehicle activities. User Jack Crouch wrote, "Awesome spot to enjoy camping and off-road riding in the same area." The vault toilets...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on the poor condition of the access road, lack of site markings, and the unregulated reservation system. Matthew T commented, "Ballinger is not set up well enough for reserved...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all essentials, including drinking water and shade structures. User Damon S noted, "Bring your own shade or a camper. This place can get hot and cold."
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that spring, summer, and fall see increased insect activity, necessitating mosquito repellent. Winter is a popular time for snow play in nearby mountains.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Without a doubt, the cleanest vaulted toilets I've ever used." (AL ALLEN)
- "Bring your own shade or a camper. This place can get hot and cold." (Damon S)
- "The road up to it is washed out and...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews reveal frustration with the lack of clear site markings. James R remarked, "I had to convince a group to vacate the campsite I had reserved because of no indication at the site."
Based on 25 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for people with disabilities.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, but no specific reviews focus exclusively on pet-related experiences.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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