Nira Campground
4.1428 reviewsNira Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$30 per night for standard nonelectric sites, with additional $2 charges for weekends and holidays.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of majestic oak trees, Nira Campground offers an intimate escape along the babbling waters of Manzana Creek. This serene retreat welcomes tent campers and small RV adventurers (under 20 feet) to experience the tranquility of 12 thoughtfully spaced sites, each furnished with its own picnic table and barbecue grill or fire ring. While the campground embraces a rustic atmosphere with vault toilets and no drinking water—encouraging visitors to come prepared—the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance more than compensate for these simple amenities.
Nira Campground offers basic camping options including tent sites and accommodations for small RVs under 20 feet. The campground is also suitable for group camping.
Historical SignificanceNira Campground serves as a gateway to the magnificent San Rafael Wilderness, a protected landscape that preserves both ecological treasures and echoes of California's rich past. This proximity to one of the state's most significant wilderness areas offers visitors a chance to connect with centuries of natural and human history while enjoying modern outdoor recreation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of Nira throughout the seasons, where cool mountain evenings provide relief from warm summer days, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire conversations. The character of Manzana Creek transforms dramatically with the seasons—from a gentle trickle during dry spells to a lively, rushing waterway after winter storms breathe new life into the landscape. Each visit offers a unique perspective on this ever-changing natural canvas.
ElevationElevation information not currently available.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural amphitheater where oak-covered mountains rise on all sides, creating a secluded haven that feels worlds away from civilization. The campground comes alive with a symphony of birdlife—watch for the flash of brilliant kingfishers diving along the creek, the cheerful chatter of Stellar jays in the oak branches, and the melodic songs of warblers and juncos that make this diverse ecosystem their home. Each morning brings new discoveries as the forest awakens around you.
Geological RegionSituated in a natural bowl formed by oak-studded mountains, Nira Campground occupies a special position along Manzana Creek's winding path. The surrounding peaks create a protective embrace around the campground while serving as the launching point for adventures into the adjacent San Rafael Wilderness. This unique geological setting combines riparian creek habitat with classic California oak woodland, creating diverse ecosystems that support abundant wildlife and offer endless exploration opportunities.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are minimal, and the campground primarily caters to tent campers and small RVs. The narrow and rugged road leading to the site may also pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeCampground sites are designed for tents and small RVs (under 20 feet). Sites 1-3 are exclusively for tent camping and car camping due to size restrictions. Larger RVs are not accommodated.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites described as spacious and others as tightly packed. Multiple reviews note that campsites are close together, with limited separation between neighboring sites.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Try to get the end camp spots for more privacy."
Best Campsites"Sites 11 and 12 are by far the best ones, creekside and much more secluded." "Site 10 was noted to be incorrectly mapped and near the road, leading to noise issues."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum consecutive stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOrganized into loops with sites close together. The campground has 12 campsites, some of which are creekside.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen January 1, 2025, and closes for reservations on November 1, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available on a walk-up basis, but specific details are not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made up to midnight 1 calendar day before check-in with a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee in addition to the cancellation fees. Modifications outside the original reservation dates incur a $10 change fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Nira Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. It serves as a trailhead for exploring the San Rafael Wilderness and offers a serene setting for relaxation.
Hiking
Nira Campground is a trailhead for hiking trails that lead into the San Rafael Wilderness. Trails follow Manzana Creek and offer opportunities for day hikes and backpacking. Some trails are noted for their accessibility to hikers of various skill levels.Fishing
Fishing in the Manzana River is a popular activity. However, conditions can vary significantly depending on the season, with some visitors reporting low water levels during dry periods.Swimming
Swimming is a common activity in the Manzana Creek, with some areas reported to be 2-3 feet deep. However, water levels may be seasonal, with low flow conditions reported by reviewers during dry periods.Biking
Mountain biking is available around the campground, but specific details about trails and difficulty are not provided in the source materials.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching is a highlight, with species such as kingfishers, Stellar jays, and warblers commonly spotted. Deer are also frequently seen in the area.Winter Activities
There is no mention of specific winter activities, but the campground is open year-round. Accessibility during winter months may be impacted by road conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- "Campfires are permitted year-round in provided fire rings, unless under fire restrictions."
- Quiet hours are Unknown.
Hazards
General hazards"Beware of poison oak along trails." "The road is narrow, unpaved, and uneven, posing risks to vehicles." "The creek crossings can be slippery for motorcyclists." "Flies and gnats are reported to be persistent."
Active alerts"Fire restrictions may apply; visitors are advised to check local regulations before arrival."
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
"Don't hike alone. Tell someone where you plan to go and then stick to your plans...help for emergencies is miles away." No specific emergency services are mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025.
Trash and recyclingA dumpster is available at the entrance for trash disposal, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe Manzana River runs through the campground, offering swimming and fishing opportunities. Seasonal changes affect creek levels, with low water during drought and higher flows after rainfall.
Common complaints"Rough roads." "Campsites are close together." "Persistent flies and gnats." "No drinking water or firewood for purchase nearby."
Host"No camp host was present during some reviews."
Campground Map
Driving directionsTo get there from Hwy 154: Armour Ranch Rd./ Happy Canyon Rd. 11 miles northeast to Cachuma Saddle, Sunset Valley Rd. 6 miles north.
"The road in from the Cachuma Saddle is very narrow and badly potholed." "Most passenger cars should be able to handle it, but large RVs aren't going to fit." "Happy Canyon Road has a rough dirt section; coming in via Figueroa Mountain Road is longer and requires a steeper climb, but is much smoother."Nearby places
Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are all within a one hour's drive.
Nearby supplies
The nearest stores and gas are a 25-minute drive to Los Olivios along Hwy 154. There is no drinking water, no public showers in the region, and no cell service available at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.1
28 reviews
Nira Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Nira Campground are generally positive, highlighting its remote location, natural beauty, and opportunities for hiking and relaxation. However, some complaints include the rugged access road, lack of privacy between sites, and absence of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised aspects include the scenic and serene location, excellent hiking trails, and the feeling of being off the grid with no cell phone reception. Many visitors appreciate the abundance of...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent issues raised by users include the rough and narrow access road, lack of drinking water, proximity of campsites leading to noise complaints, and the presence of bugs such as gnats and flies....
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend driving to the site during daylight due to the challenging road conditions. Visitors should bring their own drinking water, firewood, and bug repellent. Early reservations are...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground experience appears to vary by season. Spring and early summer offer flowing streams and cooler weather, whereas late summer and fall may have low water levels in the creek and more...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Amazing spot to camp.. 🏕🏔🌲' - Nathan Almirón
2. 'Great tree canopy, running creek and lots of hiking.' - Todd J.
3. 'The road is one lane, narrow, and part of it is unpaved. Getting there is...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #10 was described as disappointing due to its proximity to the road despite being labeled as further away on maps. Sites #11 and #12 are noted as being more private and creekside, making them...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility may be limited due to the rugged terrain and narrow access road. Vault toilets are available but may not meet accessibility standards for all users.
Based on 28 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed at the campground, but reviews mention that some pets caused disturbances by barking excessively. Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs under control.
Based on 28 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025