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Manzana Camp South Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
  • Topo Map Link: San Rafeal Mountain
  • Elevation: 2800 feet
  • Wilderness Area: San Rafael
  • County: Santa Barbara County
  • Ranger District: Santa Lucia Ranger District
  • Longitude: -119.8743929
  • Latitude: 34.73516519
  • Water Sources: Manzana Creek - Water can be usually found at this point of the creek year-round.
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
05-29-2022James WapotichFlowing
04-22-2022Ojai Valley School Lower CampusFlowing
06-30-2021BrentDry
06-07-2021Savage GuydFlowing
04-10-2021ShannonFlowing
01-19-2021Antonio CalderonFlowing
01-11-2021Patrick MorganFlowing
12-06-2020John BorstelmannFlowing
11-21-2020Stephen SFlowing
10-29-2020DoggerFlowing
10-25-2020James WapotichFlowing
08-22-2020Kevin VargaFlowing
07-29-2020Paul CronshawFlowing
05-24-2020Brad PittFlowing
03-28-2020Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
01-18-2020Shaddus Maximus Flowing
12-17-2019AxelFlowing
11-09-2019Paul CronshawFlowing
09-30-2019MSchlessFlowing
06-06-2019Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
05-26-2019Troop 606Flowing
05-11-2019Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
01-01-2019Jonathan RocqueFlowing
11-17-2018Anonymous SurveyorDry
08-30-2018Skip BoylandDry
05-17-2018SeaSampsonFlowing
03-17-2018SteveFlowing
02-12-2018Dan SFlowing
01-27-2018AndrewFlowing
12-31-2017Shaddus MaximusFlowing
12-10-2017Shaddus Maximus Flowing
10-08-2017CahikerchickFlowing
04-02-2017M SchlessFlowing
02-13-2017Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
01-01-2017Shaddus MaximusFlowing
10-17-2016Anonymous SurveyorDry
07-13-2016Nick DincelliDry
06-15-2016Amanda GrandfieldFlowing
01-01-2016Shaddus Maximus Flowing
12-18-2015Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
11-27-2015Daniel J. HallDry
10-04-2015Jasonn BeckstrandDry
07-19-2015James WapotichDry
06-18-2015Los Padres Forest AssociationDry
05-03-2015Paul CronshawFlowing
04-23-2015M. JonesFlowing
11-26-2014Shaddus Maximus Trickle
10-18-2014Los Padres Forest AssociationTrickle
05-24-2014Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
Photo: Paul Cronshaw (upper), Adam Donald (lower)
Upload Image
Survey This Camp

Description:

Manzana Camp is located 6 miles upstream from NIRA on the Manzana Trail. Just before camp, the canyon begins to narrow and sycamores, bays, and alders take over the landscape. The creek here can be narrow and deep with numerous pools and small cascades. The camp is situated on a flat above Manzana Creek, just beyond the crossing of a seasonal tributary that begins high up in the San Rafael Mountains. Shaded by a towering sycamore tree, the camp contains a picnic table, fire ring, and room for a few tents, as well as a small overflow site slightly further upstream.

Survey Photos:


  • M. Jones - 04-23-2015
    Manzana Camp

  • M. Jones - 04-23-2015
    Water supply at camp

  • M. Jones - 04-23-2015
    View down to Manzana creek camp from trail

  • Paul Cronshaw - 05-03-2015
    Manzana Campsite

  • Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-04-2015
    Manzana Camp

  • Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-04-2015
    Dry creek next to camp

  • Los Padres Forest Association - 02-13-2017
    Photo Bard

  • Axel - 12-17-2019

  • Anonymous Surveyor - 03-28-2020

  • Antonio Calderon - 01-19-2021

Submitted Camp Reports

Manzana Camp Survey - 05-29-2022 - by James Wapotich
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-29-2022
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:Good flow - interestingly when I arrived at camp in the early evening there wasn't that much water, but the next morning it was flowing well, an example of the trees taking up water to offset the heat, and then in this case not doing that during the night
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 04-22-2022 - by Ojai Valley School Lower Campus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 04-22-2022
Surveyor Name:Ojai Valley School Lower Campus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:PO starting to encroach here. Plenty of water.
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 06-30-2021 - by Brent
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 06-30-2021
Surveyor Name:Brent
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:About 2/3-3/4 of a mile up toward the narrows there's a good flowing pool, but dry at manzana camp.
Weather Conditions:high 90s-low 100s
Manzana Camp Survey - 06-07-2021 - by Savage Guyd
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 06-07-2021
Surveyor Name:Savage Guyd
Camp Description:Was there over the weekend (6/4-7), no a soul in sight.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Decent flow
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 04-10-2021 - by Shannon
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 04-10-2021
Surveyor Name:Shannon
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 01-19-2021 - by Antonio Calderon
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-19-2021
Surveyor Name:Antonio Calderon
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow
Weather Conditions:Cloudy windy 55G
Images:

Manzana Camp Survey - 01-11-2021 - by Patrick Morgan
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-11-2021
Surveyor Name:Patrick Morgan
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:deep flow
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 12-06-2020 - by John Borstelmann
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 12-06-2020
Surveyor Name:John Borstelmann
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 11-21-2020 - by Stephen S
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 11-21-2020
Surveyor Name:Stephen S
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 10-29-2020 - by Dogger
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 10-29-2020
Surveyor Name:Dogger
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 10-25-2020 - by James Wapotich
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 10-25-2020
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good water starting at Manzana Camp and continuing up to Manzana Narrows
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 08-22-2020 - by Kevin Varga
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 08-22-2020
Surveyor Name:Kevin Varga
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Flowing with good pools for swimming
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 07-29-2020 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 07-29-2020
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Nice campsite
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Clean, flowing water with shallow pools
Weather Conditions:90s and Sunny
Manzana Camp Survey - 05-24-2020 - by Brad Pitt
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-24-2020
Surveyor Name:Brad Pitt
Camp Description:Some nice small pools, not many campsites. about 5.8 miles from the trail head. Lots of bees, poison oak and ticks on the trail to this point. Plan to come early before you backpack along Manzana Creek, you cannot set up camp just anywhere as its too overgrown. The next camp at Narrows is definitely worth the extra mile. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Small camp, only about 2 to 3 spots max.
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 03-28-2020 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 03-28-2020
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Camp is in great shape including picnic table and fire pit. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:River has plenty of flowing water
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Manzana Camp Survey - 01-18-2020 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-18-2020
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 12-17-2019 - by Axel
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 12-17-2019
Surveyor Name:Axel
Camp Description:Camp is in great shape. A nice view down the canyon.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:excellent flow, clear and cold. Fish in the creek upstream.
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Manzana Camp Survey - 11-09-2019 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 11-09-2019
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Campsite in great condition. Table and shovel. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Clean, flowing water with shallow pools
Weather Conditions:70s and Sunny
Manzana Camp Survey - 09-30-2019 - by MSchless
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 09-30-2019
Surveyor Name:MSchless
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 06-06-2019 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 06-06-2019
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Tons of flies around camp and entire Manzana trail, dawn to dusk
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Deep, strong flow
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 05-26-2019 - by Troop 606
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-26-2019
Surveyor Name:Troop 606
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Flowing strong, cold and clear
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 05-11-2019 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-11-2019
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Flowing well
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 01-01-2019 - by Jonathan Rocque
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-01-2019
Surveyor Name:Jonathan Rocque
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:The creek had very heavy water flow
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 11-17-2018 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 11-17-2018
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Table moved to upper fire ring. Signs of recent stock activity around several trees used as tie ups.
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:70s and Sunny
Manzana Camp Survey - 08-30-2018 - by Skip Boyland
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 08-30-2018
Surveyor Name:Skip Boyland
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:Dry as a bone
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 05-17-2018 - by SeaSampson
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-17-2018
Surveyor Name:SeaSampson
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good enough for a swim!
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 03-17-2018 - by Steve
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 03-17-2018
Surveyor Name:Steve
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:drizzling
Manzana Camp Survey - 02-12-2018 - by Dan S
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 02-12-2018
Surveyor Name:Dan S
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow
Weather Conditions:70s sunny
Manzana Camp Survey - 01-27-2018 - by Andrew
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-27-2018
Surveyor Name:Andrew
Camp Description:Would recommend Manzana Camp when the weather is cooler and Manzana Narrows when the weather is warmer. Additionally one of the picnic tables is completely broken- just a pile of lumber.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 12-31-2017 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 12-31-2017
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 12-10-2017 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 12-10-2017
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Excellent clear pools with flow right there at Manzana Camp.
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 10-08-2017 - by Cahikerchick
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 10-08-2017
Surveyor Name:Cahikerchick
Camp Description:hiked thru here yesterday.  plenty of water running from Ray's Camp up to Manzana Narrows.  
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 04-02-2017 - by M Schless
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 04-02-2017
Surveyor Name:M Schless
Camp Description:Really good flow up and down Manzana from Nira through the Narrows. Camped overnight here at Manzana. Lots of water, lots of bugs, trail has some poison oak.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 02-13-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 02-13-2017
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:Hip deep at some crossings.  The 2017 storms caused an oak tree/branch to fall across the upper table.  Report by Bard of Goleta.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:COLD and WINDY, between storms, some rain.
Images:

Photo Bard
Manzana Camp Survey - 01-01-2017 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-01-2017
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 10-17-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 10-17-2016
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:There is no waterflow at this camp but Manzana Creek is flowing about a mile East of camp.
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 07-13-2016 - by Nick Dincelli
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 07-13-2016
Surveyor Name:Nick Dincelli
Camp Description:Site had some left overs from the last group (hat, plastic water container), but the biggest disappointment was that some jerk took a #2 right in the middle of the river bed / main Manzana pool. Feces and toilet paper in plain view so we can all drink it next time it rains. 

These people should be banned from reproducing. 
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:No water whatsoever. Bone dry.
Weather Conditions:Insanely HOT
Manzana Camp Survey - 06-15-2016 - by Amanda Grandfield
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 06-15-2016
Surveyor Name:Amanda Grandfield
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 01-01-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 01-01-2016
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 12-18-2015 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 12-18-2015
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Nice camp. Water flowing well at Ray's camp and at the Narrows but not here. Walk upstream to find some good flow. Wind was harsh as it whips through the canyon but otherwise a beautiful place to camp! Good for a group and far less busy than the narrows camp. Would recommend! 
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:Barely flowing at camp but flowing well a few hundred yards upstream.
Weather Conditions:Cold and windy, some rain.
Manzana Camp Survey - 11-27-2015 - by Daniel J. Hall
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 11-27-2015
Surveyor Name:Daniel J. Hall
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:large, drinkable pools about 130 feet upstream
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 10-04-2015 - by Jasonn Beckstrand
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 10-04-2015
Surveyor Name:Jasonn Beckstrand
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:No water at the camp. Must hike up towards Manzana Narrows to find water. Almost 1/2 way
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Manzana Camp

Dry creek next to camp
Manzana Camp Survey - 07-19-2015 - by James Wapotich
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 07-19-2015
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 06-18-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 06-18-2015
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:DRY!

As reported by Dan McCaslin on a recent Noozhawk article:
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/dan_mccaslin_manzana_camp_backpacking_fiasco
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 05-03-2015 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-03-2015
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Two tables, metal fire ring, and shovel in good condition. Fire pit needs cleaning.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:6-12 inches deep
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Manzana Campsite
Manzana Camp Survey - 04-23-2015 - by M. Jones
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 04-23-2015
Surveyor Name:M. Jones
Camp Description:

Historic notes:

One of the three camps named, at least in part, after the canyon in which they are located, Manzana means “apple” in Spanish. It is reported that the areas was named in the 1870’s because of a large apple orchard there*. On the other hand, it perhaps derived its name from one of the flora growing there, such as the Manzanita (meaning little apple in Spanish) which bear fruit small every year (Don’t eat them).

*Manzana camp was originally located where NIRA campground is today, Manzana camp was relocated, six miles upstream when NIRA was constructed in 1937.  (Burtness, Robert 1981)

Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good flow, cold clear water
Weather Conditions:65* and sunny
Images:

Manzana Camp

Water supply at camp


View down to Manzana creek camp from trail
Manzana Camp Survey - 11-26-2014 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 11-26-2014
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:Clear pools of water with slight trickle just north of Manzana camp.
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:Clear pools of water with slight trickle just north of Manzana camp.
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 10-18-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 10-18-2014
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:No water at the camp but there is water about halfway between Manzana and Manzana Narrows Camp.

Information gleaned from:
http://songsofthewilderness.wordpress.com/
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Manzana Camp Survey - 05-24-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Manzana Camp
Date: 05-24-2014
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Low but flowing.
Weather Conditions:

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Last Updated: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

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