Laguna Mountain Campground & RV Park

37 reviews

Laguna Mountain Introduce

Laguna Mountain Campground is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the California wilderness, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. Located near Hernandez Reservoir in Paicines, CA 95043, this campground provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Known for its remote location, Laguna Mountain is accessible via a rough dirt road, ensuring a true wilderness experience without cell phone coverage for miles. This makes it an ideal destination for campers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

One of the standout features of Laguna Mountain Campground is its picturesque setting on a hilltop. Each of the five campsites offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, creating a breathtaking backdrop for stargazing. The area is renowned for its dark skies, making it a prime location for astrophotography and enjoying celestial events like meteor showers and the aurora borealis.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Laguna Mountain provides ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors. A 10-mile trail leads up to the summit of Laguna Mountain via a former fire road, offering hikers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular hike is the 3-mile trail to Upper Sweetwater Campground, which includes a scenic waterfall. The adventurous can also attempt the challenging rope climb down to the base of the waterfall, though it's recommended for adults only due to its steep and rugged terrain.

Visitors will appreciate the basic but functional amenities at Laguna Mountain. The campground offers essential facilities while maintaining an eco-friendly approach, reflecting its commitment to preserving the natural environment. With no developed services nearby, visitors are encouraged to bring their own water and waste disposal supplies, enhancing the primitive camping experience.

Laguna Mountain Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a destination that immerses you in the beauty of the wilderness. Whether you're an experienced camper or looking for a challenging adventure, this campground offers a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. Its remote location and lack of modern conveniences make it a perfect spot for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience, away from the distractions of daily life.

Location: Paicines, CA 95043
Access: Rough dirt road with no cell phone coverage
Facilities: Basic camping sites, fire pits, and toilets

Campers have praised Laguna Mountain for its pristine natural beauty and the opportunity to experience nature in its untouched form. Many highlight the stunning views, quiet environment, and the chance to disconnect from technology. One visitor shared their memorable experience of witnessing a meteor shower and the aurora borealis, adding a magical touch to their camping adventure.

Whether you're hiking to the summit, exploring neighboring campgrounds, or simply enjoying the serenity of the mountains, Laguna Mountain Campground promises an unforgettable outdoor experience. It's not just a place to stay—it's an experience to treasure.

Location

California San Benito County Paicines

Customer Reviews

4.0

37 reviews

CameraGirl 55

Oct 11, 2024

Laguna Campground near Hernandez Reservoir. In September 2024 I went to shoot a meteor shower and ended up getting the aurora as well boy was I surprised!

Jack Rondini

Mar 21, 2021

Very nice & well kept campground down a rough road with no cell phone coverage for miles & miles. The campground is on a hill giving every site(5) a great view of the valleys on either side. There is a 10 mile trail(blocked fire road, last 1.5 mile primitive hike) up to Laguna mountain. Also a trail (with a waterfall about 3 miles in) to the other campsite Upper Sweetwater campground. I think it was about an 8.5 loop when I used the road to return. There’s a pretty sketchy looking rope climb down to the bottom if the falls/pool. It’s easier then it looks for adults but prolly not for children or if you have a dog. Another camper said he was going to try to follow the creek up to the falls. Don’t know if he made it. There is a trail but the way walls get pretty steep closer to the top. Nice quiet area.

Rick Grijalva

Mar 27, 2018

We found it clean, and left it clean. I think only four spots available, so good luck. There is Sweetwater up the road, too. Careful, the road in the area is gravel, with some rocks and potholes. 14 day limit. Free. Fire pits. Nice view. Covered table with benches. Past the yellow gate, it's about an hour and a half hike to the waterfall (about 30 feet tall, with a small pool at the bottom). You should be in good shape for the hike (4 miles round trip). It's steep at times, and you'll have to climb through fallen trees, a shallow stream, mud. The only real fork is right before the waterfall. Go down. It's steep, but there's a rope to help you scale it. The map shows about the same distance to the waterfall from the Sweetwater campgrounds.

Lisa Ha

Mar 28, 2021

I like how the camp sites are not right next to other campsites so that you have some privacy. Vaulted toilet too.

A. “Hispanic Mechanic” Barbarian

Jan 20, 2023

It was very dry and hot during the summer which os expected. Carry plenty of water. Beautiful scenery. The lake was very low also. Not even accessible because private land owners put up locks and gates to the lake. Which is BLM and should be accessible to EVERYONE and not cordoned off.

Bryan B.

Mar 17, 2021

Small but spacious campground. 5 sites. Rough and narrow road coming from King City.