RV Rental Los Padres National Forest, CA

With ten wilderness areas, Los Padres National Forest is heaven for nature lovers. The diverse flora and fauna of this area are simply breathtaking, so if you are an avid wildlife observer, make sure you bring a camera with you on this motorhome camping trip. Many animal species inhabit the woods, including raccoons, cottontail rabbits, and California mule deer. Some larger animals like mountain lions and American black bears are roaming the woods too. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Birdwatchers might see red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons circling high up in the sky. This part of California is abundant in old-growth forests, and Douglas-fir and Jeffrey pine trees line the paths on the eastern side of Los Padres National Forest.

Los Padres National Forests is a favorite among hikers who make use of more than 1,000 miles of scenic trails. The changing terrain offers opportunities to hikers of all levels, but the majority of the trails go uphill and are considered intermediate to difficult. Los Padres National Forest campers who are up for a challenge will be rewarded with gorgeous views of the valleys below. The northern part of the forest is more beginner-friendly, and visitors often go there to explore the scenic Big Sur Coast.

Have you decided to go camping at Los Padres National Forest? There are plenty of campgrounds in this area that may accommodate long vehicles. If you happen to be going to the forest from the direction of Santa Barbara, Los Prietos Campground could be an option for you. This campground is small and secluded, offering privacy to all visitors. Campers may choose between 38 spacious campsites that are protected by deep shade.

The campground is rustic, without any hookups. Facilities that are available here include toilets, potable water, and a large picnic area. Additionally, each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground is pet-friendly, but owners are required to keep the animals on a leash. Los Prietos Campground is seasonal, and it is open from March to November. Reservations can be made online or by contacting the campground’s office via phone.

Santa Barbara is a coastal city nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Sunny weather and the mild climate attract visitors regardless of the time of the year. However, Santa Barbara offers more than endless sandy beaches and ocean views. The city is full of historical locations that tell visitors more about this community’s past. The most visited tourist locations are close to each other, and you may spend an eventful day here exploring Santa Barbara. The city is well-known for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Even though this museum is not large, it has an impressive collection of art from all around the globe. There are more than 27,000 art pieces within the museum covering Asian Art, European 19th and 20th-century art, photography, and many more. Visitors often come here to see the Claude Monet paintings.

The city is known for Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a week-long festival that takes place in August. The festival started back in 1924 and grew larger over the decades. Today, it is a joyful celebration of Santa Barbara’s rich heritage. The festival focuses on live music and dancing, and visitors may attend various events throughout the city. The festival-goers may also try traditional meals from Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines prepared by the food vendors at this event.

Santa Barbara has a lot of dining options for all the foodies out there. Make sure you try some local dishes before you leave the area because they are just delicious. Street food is also popular here, and tourists sometimes grab a bite to eat while sightseeing. Are you not ready to go home just yet? Head north on Highway 101 and take a scenic drive to Santa Maria, a place known for high-quality wineries and the beautiful Santa Maria Valley.