By:
Submission
Temporarily Closed by Forest Order 05-07-00-23-12 - Storm Damage Recovery
La Panza Campground is full of opportunities to relax or explore the forest. Nearby is Machesna Mountain Wilderness where hiking, hunting and horseback riding are popular. Off-high vehicle (OHV) recreation is also plentiful in the area.
La Panza Campground is best enjoyed by campers who prefer a rugged outdoor experience. The Pozo La Panza 18,867-acre area has approximately 44 miles of routes that vary from sandy washes to a ridgeline route including a section known to expert OHV riders as the Stair Steps. With proximity to OHV trails, this spot will keep the adrenaline junkies enthused as well as the avid hiker. Bring your bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the amazing trail experience!
This campground is open daily and year-round. There are 15 single and spaciously situated campsites ideal for tenting, and moderate RVs under 16 ft. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) or electricity onsite. There is no dump station. This is a "dry" campground with five vault toilets. The road into the campground ends cul-de-sac style, but with adequate turn around.
La Panza Campground is situated in a canyon setting, encompassed by a gathering of established oak trees, and accented by a seasonal creek. Fox, coyote, road runner, deer, wild pig, jack rabbit, quail, and very rare black bear, all visit this area.
Lakes, trails, beautiful views, biking, hiking and off-road vehicle riding are all within minutes of the campground. The nearest shopping is 29 miles in Santa Margarita.
Directions from Santa Margarita, CA: Travel Highway 58, 3 miles east, Pozo Road approximately 26 miles east, Forest Road 29S18, 1.5 miles east. Alternate route: Highway 58, 26 miles east, Navajo Road 3 miles south, Pozo Road half a mile east.
14 day stay limit
Most disappointing campsite I've ever stayed at. Much more primitive than it was made out to be. Only half the campsites have picnic tables, the others are just a demarcated car park. Dirt roads are not well marked; it's easy to get lost and I feared for my ability to drive out. While most sites are now on the reservation system, there is no enforcement of this.
Remote, empty, beautiful, no mosquitos, also no water. Great campground. Dirt road to access it is best navigated with a 4x4.
Beautiful campground, really surprised not more people go. I guess no potable water scares people away, but we loved it!! Will go back again. Biggest threat we found was posion oak. Leaves of 3, leave it be...
Cool little Campground for people who live close by.
Pit toilets were super clean. Each site has a fire ring and table. No water here so bring all your water. And take back all your trash.
Lots of places to explore, this camping spot is not for the feint of heart. Bring your own water pack out your own trash. Respect nature. The facilities are just restrooms no sinks, etc. Lots of ATV and Dirt Bike Activity, on this Memorial Day Weekend 2019.
