Big Cone Campground

For Californians with a thirst for true wilderness and a passion for backcountry adventure, Big Cone Campground in Santa Paula, CA, offers an authentic and rewarding primitive camping experience. This isn't a destination for glamping or RV hookups; instead, it's a call to the wild, inviting seasoned hikers and intrepid explorers to connect deeply with the natural beauty of the Los Padres National Forest. Big Cone Campground provides a serene escape from the everyday, a place where the sounds of a nearby creek replace city noise and the vastness of the night sky offers unparalleled stargazing. If you're a local seeking a challenging yet fulfilling hike-in camping trip, valuing solitude and the raw essence of nature, then Big Cone Campground is a remarkable and often overlooked gem in California's diverse outdoor landscape.

Big Cone Campground is located on the E Fork Trail in Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA. It's crucial to understand that this is a backcountry, hike-in campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. The journey to Big Cone Campground begins at a trailhead, with the site itself being approximately 3.5 miles out from the trailhead. This requires a moderate hike, making it suitable for those with some backpacking experience or a good level of physical fitness.

Santa Paula is situated in Ventura County, offering relatively convenient access from various parts of Southern California. The drive to the trailhead typically involves paved roads that transition into forest service roads leading to designated parking areas for hikers. While the exact starting point of the "E Fork Trail" would require more specific local knowledge or detailed mapping, it is generally found within the Los Padres National Forest land accessible from the Santa Paula area.

The 3.5-mile hike ensures a level of seclusion that is increasingly rare in more accessible campgrounds. This separation from immediate road access contributes significantly to the primitive and quiet atmosphere that campers seek. For Californians living in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, or even further afield, Big Cone Campground offers a chance to experience true wilderness without venturing too far from home. However, given its primitive nature, campers must be self-sufficient and plan their hike and supplies meticulously. Always check local forest service conditions and trail status before embarking on your trip, as conditions can change.

As a primitive, hike-in campground, Big Cone Campground offers very basic services, focusing on providing a natural and undeveloped camping environment. Campers should arrive fully self-sufficient and prepared for a backcountry experience. Based on available public data from reviews, the services include:

• Primitive Campsites: There are "plenty of sites" suitable for tent camping. These sites are not formally designated with numbers but offer natural clearings and flat areas to pitch a tent.
• No Potable Water: Crucially, there is "no water" available directly at the campground. However, a significant highlight is its "close to a creek/waterfall," and "there is still water further down the trail, about 10 minutes away." This implies a natural water source that campers would need to filter and purify for drinking.
• No Toilets: There are "no toilet" facilities, meaning campers must practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste, including digging catholes far from water sources and packing out toilet paper.
• Fire Rings and Grills: The campground does feature "2 grills and 1 fire ring," providing designated areas for campfires and cooking. Additionally, there are "plenty of rocks for sitting," indicating natural seating arrangements around the fire. It is vital to check current fire restrictions with the Forest Service before planning to have a fire, as California often has strict regulations.
• Natural Rock Seating: The availability of "plenty of rocks for sitting" is a small but valuable feature, as it provides natural, ready-made seating around the camp area, enhancing the rustic appeal.
• Shared Space: While primitive, the existence of grills and a fire ring suggests a communal aspect, albeit in an undeveloped setting.

This campground is strictly for experienced campers prepared for minimal infrastructure and maximum self-reliance.

Big Cone Campground's true appeal lies in its distinctive features and highlights, which create a profoundly rewarding experience for those who embrace primitive camping. These attributes set it apart as a genuine wilderness destination:

• Proximity to Creek/Waterfall: A major highlight is its close proximity to a "creek/waterfall," providing access to a natural water source (which must be filtered) and the soothing sounds of running water. This also creates opportunities for water play or simply enjoying the riparian environment.
• Scenic Hike-In: The 3.5-mile hike to the site is a feature in itself. While a challenge, it filters out less prepared campers, preserving the solitude and pristine nature of the campground. The trail offers a chance to immerse oneself in the Los Padres National Forest scenery before reaching camp.
• Authentic Backcountry Feel: Big Cone offers a true "primitive" experience, allowing campers to fully disconnect and live simply amidst nature. This is ideal for those seeking a break from developed campgrounds.
• Excellent Stargazing: Away from urban light pollution, the campground promises dark nights perfect for "the best star gazing experiences," offering breathtaking views of the Milky Way and constellations.
• Natural Ambiance: The presence of established fire rings and grills, combined with natural rock seating, creates a comfortable yet rugged camp setting that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
• Challenge and Reward: For those looking for a "greater challenge," the option to continue down to the creek and back up to the Cross Campground suggests more extensive hiking opportunities, making Big Cone a potential stop on a longer backpacking trip.
• Peace and Quiet: Due to its hike-in nature and primitive amenities, Big Cone Campground attracts fewer visitors than more accessible sites, ensuring a higher degree of peace and solitude.

While a reviewer noted the campground could be "a little dirty" and encouraged bringing a garbage bag, this highlights the "Leave No Trace" responsibility of every visitor to maintain its beauty.

Given its status as a primitive, hike-in campground within the Los Padres National Forest, Big Cone Campground typically does not have a dedicated on-site contact or direct phone number for the campground itself.

Address: E Fork Trail, Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA

For current conditions, trail information, fire restrictions, and any necessary permits, visitors should contact the Ojai Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest. While no specific phone number for Big Cone Campground was provided, the general contact for the Ojai Ranger District, which would manage this area, is typically available on the U.S. Forest Service website. It is paramount to check these resources before embarking on your trip, as conditions (like fire bans or trail closures) can change frequently.

For general inquiries for the Los Padres National Forest, you may find contact information like: (805) 968-6640.

Big Cone Campground is uniquely suitable for Californians, especially those who call Southern California home, by offering an accessible yet profoundly primitive backcountry experience. For locals seeking a genuine escape from the urban sprawl, this hike-in campground provides a relatively close-to-home opportunity for a challenging and deeply rewarding wilderness adventure. It’s perfect for the seasoned backpacker, the individual or small group looking for true solitude, or those eager to practice their Leave No Trace skills in a beautiful natural setting. The promise of pristine creeks, dark starry nights, and the invigorating challenge of the hike itself makes it an ideal spot to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the stunning landscapes of the Los Padres National Forest. While it demands self-sufficiency and preparation, Big Cone Campground delivers an authentic outdoor experience that is increasingly rare and highly valued by Californians who cherish the wild heart of their state.

Big Cone Campground

E Fork Trail, Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA