Use Marker Groups Wolf 2002
Piru 2003
Day 2006
Zaca 2007
Gap 2008
La Brea 2009
Chula Vista Campground South Los Padres National Forest
- Camp Type: Car Campground - No Reservations, first-come, first-serve walk-in campground
- Topo Map Link: Cuddy Valley
- Elevation: 8200 feet
- Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
- County: Ventura County
- Ranger District: Mt. Pinos Ranger District
- Longitude: -119.1236354
- Latitude: 34.81408182
- Water Sources: No Water Available
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
- Reservations: Car Campground - No Reservations, Walk In
Recent Water Reports:
| Date | Surveyor | Water Report |
| 07-22-2021 | Anonymous Surveyor | Dry |
| 07-18-2020 | Jim C. | Dry |
| 11-20-2018 | Anonymous Surveyor | Dry |
| 08-19-2018 | Christopher P. Lord | Dry |
| 04-28-2018 | Craig R. Carey | Dry |
| 02-18-2018 | Craig R. Carey | Dry |
| 10-13-2017 | Craig R. Carey | Dry |
| 08-05-2014 | Camper | Dry |
Description:
Located at the end of the Mt. Pinos Highway. This campground is not exactly a car camp, you can park close but you have to walk your gear over to the camping area. The campground has many sites and tables, this area can have snow on the ground until May, depending on the year. Be aware, many people use the parking lot for star gazing. Avoid driving in and out of the parking lot, disturbing star gazing activities. Camping is limited in the parking lot to self contained vehicles. No campfires in parking lot.
Numerous rare and some endangered species are confined to a small area at the top of Mt. Pinos. The area was set aside to protect these unusual plants. Pinis Flexilis Limber Pine grows in a small area at the top of the mountain. Among the pines Kennedy's buckwheat, a low growing gray mat forming species is found. It was at one time heavily collected to use in producing Ming trees. All plants in this reserve are to be protected and enjoyed in their natural setting here at this high elevation.
During the winter months, after big storms come down the coast, a good covering of snow is deposited on the upper part of the mountains. This snow often is not very deep and melts in a few days. While the snow lasts many people drive up from the Los Angeles area for snow fun. Often there is not enough off-road parking and the road becomes a parking lot, Years ago the Taft Recreation Department built a Iodge and ski run at the top of Mount Cero Noroeste (Mount Abel). Now the lodge is in ruins and the trees have grown up to cover the ski slope.
Survey Photos:
Craig R. Carey - 10-13-2017
Craig R. Carey - 10-13-2017
Craig R. Carey - 02-18-2018
Craig R. Carey - 02-18-2018
Craig R. Carey - 02-18-2018
Craig R. Carey - 02-18-2018
Craig R. Carey - 02-18-2018
Craig R. Carey - 04-28-2018
Christopher P. Lord - 08-19-2018
Christopher P. Lord - 08-19-2018
Christopher P. Lord - 08-19-2018
Submitted Camp Reports
Chula Vista Campground Survey - 07-22-2021 - by Anonymous SurveyorLink: Chula Vista Campground Date: 07-22-2021 Surveyor Name: Anonymous Surveyor Camp Description: On weekdays the camp has just a few occupants, including a camp host. Reserved sites are filled during weekends. A few sites are first-come/first served. Roadways are paved and allow one-way travel. Some sites will accommodate travel trailers. Others are too short or oriented against backing in. There is no water or electricity available. During my visit, the pit toilets were clean and very well maintained. Gas stoves were allowed, but no fires or charcoal grills. Weather very warm and pleasant both day and night. Despite warning of bear country, none showed up. Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: No water is available. Bring your own. Weather Conditions: - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 07-18-2020 - by Jim C.
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 07-18-2020 Surveyor Name: Jim C. Camp Description: Campground was full & crowded. Lots of people came to see the comet. Â Please respect the astronomers in the parking lot by not using bright lights at night.Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: Clear, 78/62F - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 11-20-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 11-20-2018 Surveyor Name: Anonymous Surveyor Camp Description: Clean campsites. Cold camping except use of fuel camp stoves with prior permit.No wood or charcoal burning.ÂBathrooms adequatePlenty of parkingÂEasy 500 yard walk to camp areaVery privateOur camp group had good camping experienceÂWater Source: Dry Water Source Details: No water source available Weather Conditions: Mid 40's in afternoon. Down to 25 in early morning. Slight breeze 20 mph - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 08-19-2018 - by Christopher P. Lord
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 08-19-2018 Surveyor Name: Christopher P. Lord Camp Description: Camp is nice great condition and walk in trail is good. However bathrooms need work. https://christopherplord.blogspot.comWater Source: Dry Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: Images: - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 04-28-2018 - by Craig R. Carey
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 04-28-2018 Surveyor Name: Craig R. Carey Camp Description: Troop 111 (Ventura) spent a windy night at Chula Vista this past weekend. Camp in fine shape; occupied by two groups. Bathrooms were a mess of trash and graffiti, however. Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: Clear and breezy Images: - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 02-18-2018 - by Craig R. Carey
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 02-18-2018 Surveyor Name: Craig R. Carey Camp Description: T111 (Ventura) spent 3 days at Chula Vista for the troop's second winter camp of the season. Camp was full on Saturday (including Scout units from Orcutt and Santa Clarita) but once Sunday night's storm blew in, we had the entire campground to ourselves. Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: Cold -- low of -1F! Images: - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 10-13-2017 - by Craig R. Carey
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 10-13-2017 Surveyor Name: Craig R. Carey Camp Description: A fine evening at Chula Vista. The restrooms are open again, and the camp was clean ... enjoy it before the snow weekenders overrun it! ;-) Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: There is no water at this camp. Weather Conditions: Cool and clear. Images: - Chula Vista Campground Survey - 08-05-2014 - by Camper
Link: Chula Vista Campground Date: 08-05-2014 Surveyor Name: Camper Camp Description: Campground is a three-minute walk down the trail from the east end of the Mt. Pinos Nordic Base parking lot.
Vault toilets. Bring your own tp. Nice sites, with campfire rings and large bench logs. Plenty of wood to gather or chop nearby.
Surrounded by Ponderosa and other pines, not much in the way of vistas, but plenty of hiking, biking, and stargazing available.Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: 8,300' altitude
Leave A Camp Report
Survey / Report Form Last Updated: Tuesday, January 5, 2016
