8
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND
Overview Upper Oso Campground provides ample opportunity for exploration of California's coastal mountains. It is a family-friendly campground, equipped with equestrian sites, and is close to a variety of trails and several mountain streams. Recreation A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails begin in and around the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail, which traverses 18 miles north to the San Rafael Wilderness. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads through scenic areas to a group campsite. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the Camuesa OHV Route, which loops about 10 miles through the surrounding forest. Fishing and swimming are available at nearby White Rock Day-Use Area, less than two miles from the campground. The Santa Ynez River is stocked with trout in the springtime. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a no-body-contact reservoir, is about 10 miles northwest of the campground. It offers boating, fishing and kayaking. Anglers will find an abundance of annually stocked trout. Carp and bass are also common catches there. Facilities A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails begin in and around the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail, which traverses 18 miles north to the San Rafael Wilderness. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads through scenic areas to a group campsite. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the Camuesa OHV Route, which loops about 10 miles through the surrounding forest. Fishing and swimming are available at nearby White Rock Day-Use Area, less than two miles from the campground. The Santa Ynez River is stocked with trout in the springtime. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a no-body-contact reservoir, is about 10 miles northwest of the campground. It offers boating, fishing and kayaking. Anglers will find an abundance of annually stocked trout. Carp and bass are also common catches there. Natural Features The campground is located in the lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, not far from Santa Barbara. The campground has large sites scattered among plentiful oak trees that provide pleasant shade. It is situated alongside a seasonal creek, at an elevation of 1,040 feet. Nearby Attractions The campground is located about 25 miles north of the city of Santa Barbara.
- 8 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (8).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND special
Upper Oso Campground occupies a sunny, oak-shaded pocket of the Los Padres National Forest in California's coastal mountains, just inland from Santa Barbara. With eight sites spread along a gentle stretch of the upper Santa Ynez River drainage, this is a campground built for families and weekend adventurers who want a taste of the backcountry without straying too far from civilization. The landscape here blends chaparral-covered hillsides with scattered live oaks and sycamores, and the air carries that distinctive coastal-mountain mix of sage and sea breeze. A network of trails fans out from the campground, including routes into the San Rafael Wilderness and along the Santa Ynez River, where swimming holes provide welcome relief on warm afternoons. Birdwatching is excellent, and it is not uncommon to spot deer, foxes, and the occasional black bear at dawn. Santa Barbara and its beaches lie roughly thirty minutes to the south, making Upper Oso an easy escape for day-trippers or a comfortable base for a longer stay. The campground is open year-round, though spring is arguably the finest season, when the hills are green and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Summer weekends draw crowds, so reserving ahead is wise. Sites accommodate tents and small RVs, and there is potable water on site. Come for the trails, stay for the golden California evenings.
Campsite Inventory
8 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
20, 32
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
Full, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
805-434-1996
parksman@fix.net
Getting There
From Santa Barbara, travel north on Highway 101. Exit onto Highway 154 and continue northwest for about 10 miles. Turn east onto Paradise Road and travel about 6 miles. Turn north onto Forest Route 5N15 and continue less than two miles to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND?
UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (8).
Where is UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND located?
UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND is in California near SANTA BARBARA. Coordinates: 34.5558, -119.7539.
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