Chula Vista Walk-In Campground - Frazier Park, California

Jose Fonseca

This is quite an amazing gem nestled away high above Ventura county. A remote primitive campsite dotted and surrounded by absolutely gorgeous pine trees.

I'll absolutely be returning, but note that this isn't a car camping site. You'll have to carry your things about 150 yards from your car to a campsite. There's also no water or electricity -- everything has to be brought in. There are no trash cans or dumpsters -- you must pack all your trash and take it with you. Bring extra toilet paper in case it runs out at the pit toilet.

There is very limited cell service, but you have to walk around and find where it's best. Data isn't fast or reliable so pre-load movies and music before traveling here. You can somewhat text, have phone calls, and browse the internet sometimes, but don't count on getting phone calls or texts reliability.

For those of you that live down at sea level, be ready for altitude sickness. Everything, and I literally mean everything, takes way more effort due to lower levels of oxygen in the air. The air may also be drier as it was for me when I stayed. Bring lots of drinking water and places to sit.

At night there's only starlight. Everything is pitch black, as in nothing is visible to the naked eye without moonlight. Bring lighting that can be adjusted down at night, to help you see and walk around, but not blind your camp neighbors. Know when sunset is scheduled at your time of year. You don't want to be far away from camp on a hike after sunset without lights and just your cell phone light to guide the way.

There's a campsite quiet time scheduled at 10:00pm but it's not enforced -- just be courteous and be respectful of everyone else. Please don't be that group that parties and blasts loud music until like 3am.

Black bears do roam those hills. Make sure you read up on how to deal with bear encounters. Bring a bear vault to store food. Bear spray isn't totally required, but if hiking alone or with a small group far from camp, it might save you. Store your food outside your tent in a bear vault away from your tent. Most bears aren't interested in people and just want to grab food left out by irresponsible campers. Just let the bear take what it wants and leave, use bear spray only as a last resort if directly approached. Bear spray is less effective than you think at a distance, and the last thing you want is an angry bear in the dark that you missed with your spray.

Troy N

This is a great place up get away from the city and just experience nature and be overwhelmed by the quiet. Although there were a few distant sounds of airplanes it was so quiet that I only heard the ringing in my ears when all the day trippers had left.

There's an outhouse available but no running water! Be sure to bring water!
Drink plenty of it due to the altitude and don't get dehydrated.

You can cross-country ski here or snowshoe during the winter months. Just check the conditions before you go. Crampons or microspikes are also very helpful if you're going hiking in the snow and ice. The hike up to Mount Pinos is pretty easy without snow and a bit more challenging with. Just be sure you know where you are going because it can be a bit disorientating with the snow covering the trail.

Laurel Morris

Great free dispersed camping.
Remember to bring your winter / hiking boots so you don’t slip in the light snow.
Cheers

Terry Bixler

Stunning alpine campground. A short walk from the parking area and you are in a pine forest. Beautiful indeed.

C. Remy

Great campground with excellent stargazing that is an approximate 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot. All sites are first come first serve. Must display adventure pass to park overnight. Campsites are reasonably private and most have a picnic table and fire pit. There are pit toilets at the campground.

Be aware that there is frequent bear activity at the campground. There are no bear boxes at the sites, so ensure you store food and cooking equipment in the car or a bear cannister overnight. Try to avoid walking around at night. We encountered a mother and two cubs approximately 2 weeks ago when trying to store our food in the car after dark. They had very little fear of us and we're not deterred by efforts to make our presence known. They did not enter our camp, but entered a neighboring site that did not properly store cookware.

Chip Lynch

Easily one of the best campgrounds around. You can't park immediately next to your campsite, but the walk is short and the selection is nice. Stay a bit far from the Outhouses and bring your own toilet paper. The two mile hike to the peak is well worth it and be prepared for the parking lot full of astronomers and telescopes (one of the attractions in my mind). Great pine forest campground!

Matthew Archer

This campground provides the perfect mix of car camping and backpacking, since you can't park at your camp site but you aren't parking far away. The camp sites are clean and the people I encountered were very respectful. At night, there are stargazers that come from both the area and from far away to enjoy the dark mountain top and minimal light pollution. At night, when in the parking lot, it's best to use a red light.

Melissa Kibrick

What a wonderful day in the snow. We are typical Los Angelinos and snow is not our norm. We took the kids after borrowing snow gear from friends. Everyone said "turn off at Frazier Park and drive until the road ends". No joke, that was exactly the right way. Plenty of space for social distancing.