About this campground
La Jolla / Ballard Trailhead is located approximately 12.5 miles from the time that one turns onto Figueroa Mountain Road off of Highway 154. You will find the trailhead .5 miles past the Figueroa Station. Parking is available on the right side of the road on the dirt turnout, right before Tunnell Ranch Road. This parking area can accommodate between 5 to 6 vehicles. This trail is approximately 3 miles and leads to a primitive campsite known as Ballard. This trail is very popular during spring, as the wildflowers are spectacular during this time of year. Located in the Figueroa Mountain area. This 5 mile trail is steep and goes into a canyon bottom where a spring feeds a cold stream. When you get to the bottom, you'll find the remains of an old CCC cabin. Ballard trail camp is in the canyon bottom. An easy hike down, hard work coming back. This trail is most popular in fall and spring. Summer finds the exposed hillsides not very inviting.
Activities
- HIKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Catway Day UseLos Padres National Forest0 mi
- Cumbre Day UseLos Padres National Forest1 mi
- Figueroa OHV Recreation AreaLos Padres National Forest1 mi
- Davy Brown TrailheadLos Padres National Forest3 mi
- Munch Canyon TrailheadLos Padres National Forest3 mi
- Lower Manzana TrailheadLos Padres National Forest4 mi
Explore more California camping
La Jolla / Ballard Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse California camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.