State Parks and National Parks

Los Padres National Forest

Goleta, CA U.S.A.

6755 Hollister Ave. Suite 150
Goleta, CA 93117
U.S.A.

805-968-6640
877-444-6777 Campground Reservations
805-968-6790 TTY

Open Year-Round

No Entry Fee Charged

State Park Information

Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres of central California's coastal and mountain ranges and extends for 220 miles from the west boundary of Los Angeles County to the Big Sur Coast in Monterey County on the north.

The forest spans some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes in California. Elevations range from sea-level to 8,800 feet. Visitors come to the forest to enjoy the variety of terrain, vegetation and recreation, which includes ocean beaches, sub-alpine forest, chaparral, desert badlands and riparian areas.

There are 109 developed sites within the forest including family and group campgrounds, picnic and day use areas, beaches and scenic overlooks. Inland mountain areas offer cross-country skiing and snow play activities.

The forest contains 1,580 miles of trails that offer numerous recreation opportunities for the hiker, backpacker, equestrian, mountain bicyclist and off-highway vehicle enthusiast. These trails vary in length and difficulty. The Los Padres has few established roads with 10 designated wilderness areas covering about 860,000 acres. Visitors find a variety of experiences ranging from leisurely two-hour day trips to week-long excursions deep into the backcountry.

Other popular activities include scenic drives, viewing scenery, primitive camping, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle use, nature photography, rock climbing and hang-gliding. Deer, wild pig, bear, turkey, dove and quail are popular game species. Trout plants occur during the spring. State of California fish and game regulations apply.

Wildflowers are showy in the spring. Summer months are dry, so there are restrictions on campfires.

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