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Happy Hunting Ground Camp South Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
  • Topo Map Link: Hurricane Deck
  • Elevation: 3183 feet
  • Wilderness Area: San Rafael
  • County: Santa Barbara County
  • Ranger District: Santa Lucia Ranger District
  • Longitude: -119.8231
  • Latitude: 34.75089
  • Water Sources: Water is highly seasonal in the creek at camp, usually only during and shortly after rain.
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
05-29-2024Jeremy KFlowing
06-03-2023Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
05-06-2023Dave BillybobFlowing
05-28-2022James WapotichDry
05-07-2022K&SStagnant
04-23-2022Ojai Valley School Lower CampusStagnant
04-08-2022wsizooTrickle
06-08-2021Reasner Dry
04-24-2021Gary MillikenStagnant
04-03-2021Quentin WilliamsFlowing
03-20-2021Jeremy KFlowing
01-04-2021John Doe Stagnant
12-03-2020John BorstelmannStagnant
11-21-2020Stephen SDry
07-28-2020Paul CronshawDry
05-17-2020Addison JerlowTrickle
04-26-2020Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
01-19-2020Shaddus Maximus Flowing
11-09-2019Paul CronshawDry
09-30-2019MSchlessDry
05-23-2019Thomas MeissnerFlowing
05-11-2019Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
12-30-2018Erin CarrollTrickle
11-17-2018Paul CronshawDry
05-27-2018Troop 4Stagnant
02-25-2018BastienStagnant
02-12-2018Dan SDry
06-10-2017Paul CronshawStagnant
05-23-2017Ryan CheneyTrickle
04-07-2017CazFlowing
01-01-2017Shaddus MaximusTrickle
03-13-2016CJFlowing
01-01-2016Shaddus Maximus Trickle
Photo: Paul Cronshaw (above); Addison Jerlow (below)
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Survey This Camp

Description:

Happy Hunting Ground Camp is about 9 miles from NIRA on the upper section of the Manzana Trail, after it climbs away from Manzana Creek towards Hurricane Deck. Situated in a small meadow and surrounded by a few oaks, this camp is probably so named because it was reportedly a favorite among groups of hunters many years ago, as well as by the Chumash during the gathering season. There are some remarkable sandstone formations in the area and in camp, a gargantuan oak tree, part of which fell to the ground around 1975.

 

Recent Uploads:

Survey Photos:


  • Paul Cronshaw - 06-10-2017
    Stagnant pool below the camp.

  • Paul Cronshaw - 11-09-2019
    Happy Hunting Ground Campsite

  • Addison Jerlow - 05-17-2020

  • Addison Jerlow - 05-17-2020

  • Reasner - 06-08-2021

  • Reasner - 06-08-2021

Submitted Camp Reports

Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-29-2024 - by Jeremy K
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-29-2024
Surveyor Name:Jeremy K
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 06-03-2023 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 06-03-2023
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-06-2023 - by Dave Billybob
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-06-2023
Surveyor Name:Dave Billybob
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-28-2022 - by James Wapotich
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-28-2022
Surveyor Name:James Wapotich
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-07-2022 - by K&S
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-07-2022
Surveyor Name:K&S
Camp Description:There is a fairly large stagnant pool below camp, and more water about 50 yards towards White Ledge next to the trail.     White Ledge water is much more inviting today.
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:Fairly large stagnant pool, sufficient for filtering in a pinch if you had to
Weather Conditions:Sunny, clear, over 80 degrees
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 04-23-2022 - by Ojai Valley School Lower Campus
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 04-23-2022
Surveyor Name:Ojai Valley School Lower Campus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:Small camp right on the trail with scarce water.
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 04-08-2022 - by wsizoo
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 04-08-2022
Surveyor Name:wsizoo
Camp Description:The camp is in good condition, there's a shovel and a bucket. Weather was warm, and the oak tree provided shade in the morning. There were many birds about, and lots of toads hopping around at night.



Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:trickle out of the pool below the camp, however there is more stagnant water in the pools above depending on your tastes
Weather Conditions:51-92
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 06-08-2021 - by Reasner
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 06-08-2021
Surveyor Name:Reasner
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:Dry
Weather Conditions:75 with breeze
Images:


Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 04-24-2021 - by Gary Milliken
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 04-24-2021
Surveyor Name:Gary Milliken
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:The water was not flowing but I filtered it and it was good.
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 04-03-2021 - by Quentin Williams
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 04-03-2021
Surveyor Name:Quentin Williams
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Not sure how long this will last.
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 03-20-2021 - by Jeremy K
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 03-20-2021
Surveyor Name:Jeremy K
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good Water Flow
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 01-04-2021 - by John Doe
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 01-04-2021
Surveyor Name:John Doe
Camp Description:Bucket available
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:Moist spots and a murky pool but nothing useable at camp proper. Larger pool of greenish standing water at crossing a few hundred feet south.
Weather Conditions:Warm and dry during the daytime
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 12-03-2020 - by John Borstelmann
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 12-03-2020
Surveyor Name:John Borstelmann
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:One stagnant pool not far from the campsite
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 11-21-2020 - by Stephen S
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 11-21-2020
Surveyor Name:Stephen S
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 07-28-2020 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 07-28-2020
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Campsite in good condition.  The aluminum bucket will be useful when there is water.
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:90s and Sunny
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-17-2020 - by Addison Jerlow
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-17-2020
Surveyor Name:Addison Jerlow
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:low flow with scoopable pools in creek. best to get water at white ledge
Weather Conditions:
Images:


Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 04-26-2020 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 04-26-2020
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 01-19-2020 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 01-19-2020
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good clear pools of water all around camp!
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 11-09-2019 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 11-09-2019
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Campsite has a couple oak trees that are providing shade.  There is a shovel and water pale.  Two ice can stoves proved a make-shift table.
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:70s and Sunny
Images:

Happy Hunting Ground Campsite
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 09-30-2019 - by MSchless
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 09-30-2019
Surveyor Name:MSchless
Camp Description:
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-23-2019 - by Thomas Meissner
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-23-2019
Surveyor Name:Thomas Meissner
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-11-2019 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-11-2019
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:Solid trickle
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 12-30-2018 - by Erin Carroll
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 12-30-2018
Surveyor Name:Erin Carroll
Camp Description:Nice campsite, but not as nice as White Ledge.  Water is flowing slowly in the creek. Overnight temps were in the high 20's. It was so cold my phone stopped working, so no photos!
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:water is flowing, but very slowly. Ice is forming in creek in various locations.
Weather Conditions:F'ing Cold!
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 11-17-2018 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 11-17-2018
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Campsite in good condition.  Toilet paper bundle is located under aluminum bucket. 
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:70s and Sunny
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-27-2018 - by Troop 4
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-27-2018
Surveyor Name:Troop 4
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 02-25-2018 - by Bastien
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 02-25-2018
Surveyor Name:Bastien
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 02-12-2018 - by Dan S
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 02-12-2018
Surveyor Name:Dan S
Camp Description:Dry as a bone. There are trickles a mile or two on either side to/from the Narrows or towards White Ledge, but I wouldn't depend on these...plan to dry camp here unless more rain comes
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:70s sunny
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 06-10-2017 - by Paul Cronshaw
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 06-10-2017
Surveyor Name:Paul Cronshaw
Camp Description:Hiked through the camp on a day hike to South Fork. There is a coffee can with toilet paper that has been mauled by a bear. 

The fire ring has been repaired and there is a pan and bucket available for use.
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:Standing water is located in a few pools above and below the camp.
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Stagnant pool below the camp.
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 05-23-2017 - by Ryan Cheney
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 05-23-2017
Surveyor Name:Ryan Cheney
Camp Description:Camp in decent shape. Creek behind had a slow flow with lots of algae.
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:Weak trickle.
Weather Conditions:100 sunny
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 04-07-2017 - by Caz
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 04-07-2017
Surveyor Name:Caz
Camp Description:this site is coming back, still badly burned from 2007 Zaca Dire
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:water was OK; need to filter though
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 01-01-2017 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 01-01-2017
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 03-13-2016 - by CJ
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 03-13-2016
Surveyor Name:CJ
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Stream consistent at 4"-6" depth, 24 hours after 0.5" rain.
Weather Conditions:
Happy Hunting Ground Camp Survey - 01-01-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Happy Hunting Ground Camp
Date: 01-01-2016
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

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Last Updated: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

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