My all time favorite car camping go-to spot in all of Southern California. Takes an hour and a half to get to from Santa Barbara on (mostly) paved ranch roads, and it is deep in the backcountry. However, it is a popular campground, especially on long holiday weekends.

Manzana creek is seasonal, and between Memorial Day and Thanksgiving the water is largely unpotable except in the wettest rain years. However, it is a jumping off point for true wilderness backpacking.