Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive) campground
Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive)
There are several nearby points of interest, including the Ojai Valley, which is known for its scenic hiking trails and hot springs. The nearby Matilija Wilderness also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
The campground amenities are limited, offering only primitive camping sites with no electricity, running water, or showers. However, there are picnic tables and fire rings available for use. The campsites are first-come-first-serve, and there are a total of six campsites available.
One interesting fact about the area is that it is named after early homesteader Isaac Tarwater, who lived in the area in the late 1800s. He owned a small farm and was known for his hospitality to travelers passing through the area.
The best time of year to visit Tarwater Trail Camp is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild, averaging around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months can be hot, with temperatures reaching into the 90s during the day. It is important to note that the campground is located at an elevation of 3,500 feet, so temperatures can drop significantly at night.
What's on-site at Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive)
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive), with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Host | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| 53 (Accessible) | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Portola Redwoods State Park | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Shaw Flat Trail Camp (Primitive) | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Slate Creek Trail Camp | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive) -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pescadero C Nr Pescadero Ca | 17 cfs | → |
| San Gregorio C A San Gregorio Ca | 13 cfs | → |
| Saratoga C A Saratoga Ca | 5 cfs | → |
| San Francisquito C A Stanford University Ca | 7 cfs | → |
| Matadero C A Palo Alto Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| San Lorenzo R A Big Trees Ca | 46 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive) -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Moon Bay 0.5 Ssw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Pescadero Creek County Park
- Portola Redwoods State Park
- Sam Mcdonald County Park
- San Mateo County Memorial Park
- Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
- Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
Boat launches
- Stevens Creek Reservoir
- Palo Alto Boat Launch
- San Francisco Bay Trail East Palo Alto
- Santa Clara County
- Sawyer Camp Trail San Mateo County
- Whidbey Lane Redwood City
Fishing spots
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive) as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive)
Can I make reservations at Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive)?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive)?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Tarwater Trail Camp (Primitive).