OutReserve

American Canyon Campground

American Canyon Campground
American Canyon Campground_2
American Canyon Campground_1

Featured amenities

Fire Pit
Fire Pit

About American Canyon Campground

American Canyon is a small, secluded campground which borders the Machesna Wilderness. While the campground is accessible through the wilderness, it is a long and strenuous hike as vehicles are not permitted in wilderness areas. The only motorized entrance is through the Avenales Ranch. This is a working cattle ranch, and the owners have been generous to grant access to American Canyon through their ranch. Entrance via the ranch gate is opened only during deer hunting season, by reservation only on rec.gov and with an issued combination code provided. The campground is an Adventure Pass site managed by the Forest Service. The campground is embedded within beautiful oaks, providing much shade and cooling during the hot summer days. While the days do have a tendency of getting rather toasty, ranging between the 90s and 100s, the nights cool down into the 50s and 60s.

Number of accommodations: 12

Campground Amenities

  • Fire Pit
    Fire Pit

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Aug 9

Sites & Availability

12 Sites Available

Site
Price
1, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
10, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
11, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
12, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
2, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
3, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
4, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
5, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
6, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
7, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
8, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
9, Loop:
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night

Location American Canyon Campground

Address:
1616 N Carlotti Dr
Santa Maria, CA, 93454
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 35.2768 / -120.308

Elevation: 471 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Only Adventure Pass holders can make reservations and enter the campground. There will be a registration fee applied ($8 for online reservations; $9 for call in reservations) managed by Rec.gov.For more information on purchasing an Adventure Pass, visit Adventure Pass on the Los Padres National Forest website.National Forest Daily Adventure Pass: $5 (valid for 1 day from the date that is scratched off)National Forest Annual Adventure Pass: $30 (valid for 12 months from the month of purchase)You can purchase your Daily and Annual Adventure Pass at:Local - San Bernardino National Forest OfficesLocal Vendors - Choose your vendor from this Vendor MapOnline - MyScenicDrives.com

General

Reservations can be made three days in advance.

General

All single campsite reseravtions cover 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 6. Maximum number of vehicles per single site is 1. Additional person or vehicle are not allowed. 

General

Potable and non-potable water not available at the campground. Bring adequate water supply.

General

Fireworks are not permitted. See fireworks ban for more information.

General

No cell service can be found in the campground.

General

Campfires are normally permitted year-round without a California Campfire Use Permit. Under some conditions, wood fires and barbecues may be prohibited in all areas of the national forest. Fires at Campground are only permitted in fire rings provided by the Forest Service. Please check local office for local fire restrictions prior to your arrival.

General

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov

General

Know Before You Go

General

In campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times, as state and county laws apply on National Forest System lands.

General

There is no trash service in the campground. Remember Leave No Trace.Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Burning trash is never recommended.

General

Click here for more information on the Los Padres National Forest. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations