Ballinger Campground

Described as a place to ride and rest, Ballinger Campground is a dog-friendly, dirt bike/All Terrain Vehicle and 4-wheeling campground tucked away in the high desert. It is a bit old and with a badlands terrain, providing the advantage of not being crowded. There are 13 campsites, 9 of which are on the reservation system.

Your dog will have a blast running around the place, just like you will riding your bike or ATV. The campground has earned a reputation as a rowdy spot. You can also enjoy the scenic views of Los Padres National Forest’s badlands. There are 14 bike trails, 11 4-wheel drive roads, and 12 ATV trails. You get a nice collection of sand, loose dirt, some berms, jumps, and steep hills across these adventurous avenues.

The Ballinger Canyon is surrounded by lupine, junipers, and tall scrub and brush. The Caliente Mountain Ranges and the Sierra Madre also provide a magnificent boundary to the area. You can drive out from your camping spot in the scenic high desert and head into the 68 marvelous miles of marked and rated trails. Just half an hour from the campground you can find hiking trails and fishing options. If visiting during winter, you can make day trips to the higher elevation mountains for some snow play – Fido will love it!

Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and you can find two vault toilets near the sites. Dump stations and potable water are not available; make sure you plan to be totally self-sustainable throughout your trip. There is a staging area to the left of the information boards where you can offload your gear. Since there are no boulders or barriers, you can bring pretty much any size of trailers, campers, and toy haulers. All in all, this is the perfect campground for dog-owning ATV enthusiasts.