Use Marker Groups Wolf 2002
Piru 2003
Day 2006
Zaca 2007
Gap 2008
La Brea 2009
Thacher Camp South Los Padres National Forest
- Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
- Topo Map Link: Topatopa Mountains
- Elevation: 2528 feet
- Wilderness Area: Sespe
- County: Ventura County
- Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District
- Longitude: -119.04851
- Latitude: 34.57049
- Water Sources: The Sespe usually flows year round here. If dry at camp, there is likely water in the creek at Willet Camp.
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
- Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp
Recent Water Reports:
| Date | Surveyor | Water Report |
| 05-29-2022 | Yertle | Stagnant |
| 03-20-2022 | Rob | Flowing |
| 12-19-2021 | Yertle | Flowing |
| 07-03-2021 | Braulio Aguilera | Dry |
| 01-15-2021 | Anonymous Surveyor | Flowing |
| 11-23-2020 | Anonymous Surveyor | Stagnant |
| 04-21-2019 | S. Sampson | Flowing |
| 03-30-2016 | Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association | Flowing |
| 01-17-2016 | Chester | Flowing |
Description:
Thacher Camp is located along the Sespe River Trail about 9 miles downstream from Piedra Blanca Trailhead. It is located along the bend in the Sespe before you cross the creek, your last crossing before the spur trail to Willett Camp, which crosses the Sespe once again. Sounds confusing, and it is a little confusing when you are there. Bring a map.
The original Thacher Camp is back upstream above the creek crossing, though most people are now camping closer to the creek crossing. At the original camp, one can find remnants of the old concrete picnic tables amongst the cottonwoods. Nowadays, Thacher is not as popular as some of the nearby camps and in many cases, serves as the overflow camp for nearby Willett Camp.
Survey Photos:
Rob - 03-20-2022
Rob - 03-20-2022
Submitted Camp Reports
Thacher Camp Survey - 05-29-2022 - by YertleLink: Thacher Camp Date: 05-29-2022 Surveyor Name: Yertle Camp Description: Water Source: Stagnant Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 03-20-2022 - by Rob
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 03-20-2022 Surveyor Name: Rob Camp Description: Nice location beside the creek just below the trail, but watch out for poison oak all around. Very disappointed to find a lot of trash stashed behind a log by the main fireplace, as well as other trash, some pots and pans and an old sleeping bag littering the area. Pretty disgusting. Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: 1-2 feet deep, flowing and clear, enough for a nice, but quick, dip Weather Conditions: Images: - Thacher Camp Survey - 12-19-2021 - by Yertle
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 12-19-2021 Surveyor Name: Yertle Camp Description: Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 07-03-2021 - by Braulio Aguilera
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 07-03-2021 Surveyor Name: Braulio Aguilera Camp Description: Campsite looks in decent condition. No water by the creek. You’ll need to walk further towards the hot spring for a small trickle of water. Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: No water by the creek. Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 01-15-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 01-15-2021 Surveyor Name: Anonymous Surveyor Camp Description: small sign a river crossing should have an updated sign on it describing directions to willet and sespe Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: low enough to rock hop. camp was in good condition Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 11-23-2020 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 11-23-2020 Surveyor Name: Anonymous Surveyor Camp Description: Water Source: Stagnant Water Source Details: While there are some stagnant pools here at Thatcher, clear, running water can be found a few hundred meters away at Willett. Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 04-21-2019 - by S. Sampson
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 04-21-2019 Surveyor Name: S. Sampson Camp Description: Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 03-30-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 03-30-2016 Surveyor Name: Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association Camp Description: Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: - Thacher Camp Survey - 01-17-2016 - by Chester
Link: Thacher Camp Date: 01-17-2016 Surveyor Name: Chester Camp Description: Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: Weather Conditions: mid 60s overcast, frost over night.
Leave A Camp Report
Survey / Report Form Last Updated: Monday, March 6, 2023
