McGill Campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet in western Los Padres National Forest. The campground is within Kern County, bordering on Ventura County. From various points along trails near the campground visitors enjoy wonderful views of the San Joaquin Valley and the distant Sierra Nevada. Five miles farther up the road is the summit of 8,831-foot Mount Pinos.
McGill Campground features 78 family campsites. in a mixed conifer forest. The campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. All the family campsites are first-come, first-served. McGill Campground also has 2 group campsites. One site can accommodate up to 80 people and 10 vehicles while the other site holds up to 60 people and 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are each $10 per night. Group sites are available from late May through most of September.
There is no water at the campground.
| McGill Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| McGill Campground Location: | 18 miles west of Interstate 5 (just south of Lebec) via Frazier Mountain Park Rd., Cuddy Valley Rd., and then Mt. Pinos Rd. |
| Elevation: | 7,440 feet |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: | Los Angeles - 86 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes |
| Number of Sites: | 78 |
| Camping Season: | Open mid-May through October |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 vehicle and $10 per night for one additional vehicle |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Parks Management Company for Los Padres National Forest |
| Mt. Pinos Ranger District Office: | (661) 245-3731 |
| Reservations for McGill Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations for family campsites are available up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Reservations required for group sites (available up to 12 months in advance). |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: | 35 feet
Not all campsites can accommodate large trailers or RVs. Check the reservation website carefully to be sure your vehicles will fit. |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $30 per night for family campsites
Group sites: $150 per night all sites $2 more on weekends and holidays |
| Reservations: | McGill Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Check-out 12:00 PM |
| McGill Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, no drinking water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Campground Map: | McGill Campground Map |
| Attractions near McGill Campground: | Set out mountain biking or hiking on local trails. Hike along the accessible Exploration Trail, Mount Pinos Trail, and McGill Campground Trail. Watch for hummingbirds in the area. Discover the Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway, which travels past breathtaking cliffs, rock formations and lush riparian areas. |
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
McGill Campground
Visitors to Kern County and eastern Ventura County find many interesting places to investigate, including destinations in Los Padres National Forest. Campers at McGill Campground enjoy nearby scenic views of the San Joaquin Valley and the distant Sierra Nevada.
Check Los Padres National Forest - McGill Campground for any campground updates.
