Aliso Park Campground
4.3011 reviewsAliso Park Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
An Adventure Pass is required ($30/annual or $5/daily).
About this campground
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Los Padres National Forest, Aliso Park Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees. This peaceful dispersed camping area welcomes adventurers with RVs up to 28 feet, providing a perfect basecamp for exploring miles of hiking trails, scenic horseback riding routes, and seasonal hunting opportunities. The campground's modest size creates a sense of solitude and connection with nature that larger facilities simply can't match.
Aliso Park Campground offers primitive camping options. It is a dispersed campground with basic facilities, suitable for tents and RVs.
Historical SignificanceAliso Park serves as a gateway to the nearby Carrizo Plain National Monument, a landscape steeped in Native American history and geological wonders. This proximity connects campers to thousands of years of human heritage and one of California's most spectacular natural treasures, offering opportunities to explore ancient pictographs, historic homesteads, and the stories of those who called this region home long before it became a recreational destination.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Aliso Park in dramatically different colors. Winter transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise of emerald grass, offering serene solitude for those seeking quiet reflection—though occasional storms may temporarily limit access. As spring arrives, wildflowers bloom and crowds begin to discover this hidden gem, continuing through the warm summer months. While summer brings reliably dry conditions perfect for camping, temperatures can soar, making those shady oak groves especially precious. Winter and early spring see increased precipitation, creating a dynamic landscape that changes with each passing storm.
ElevationNestled in the gentle foothills of the Los Padres National Forest, the campground sits at a comfortable elevation that provides relief from valley heat while remaining easily accessible year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic oak trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their gnarled branches providing welcome shade and habitat for local wildlife. A seasonal stream whispers through the campground during wetter months, adding its gentle soundtrack to the wilderness experience. Well-maintained trails beckon from the campground's edges, winding into the surrounding forest and climbing nearby hills to reveal sweeping vistas of the Los Padres wilderness. The interplay of oak woodland, open meadows, and distant peaks creates a quintessentially Californian landscape that changes beautifully with each passing hour of daylight.
Geological RegionSet within the complex terrain where the Coast Ranges meet the Central Valley, Aliso Park occupies a fascinating geological transition zone characterized by ancient sedimentary formations, uplifted hills, and the ongoing dance between tectonic forces that continue to shape this dynamic landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided data.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and able to accommodate most RVs up to 28 feet.
Sites PrivacySites provide good seclusion from other campers, as noted by reviews.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest choosing campsites with the most shade for comfort and avoiding peak holiday weekends due to crowding.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There is no information about designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are dispersed over a decent area, allowing for privacy according to user reviews.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a walk-up/first-come-first-served basis, with no advance reservations available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Aliso Park Campground offers a variety of activities including camping, hiking, and horseback riding. The trails provide access to the forest and hills, with scenic views at higher elevations.
Hiking
The campground provides access to trails leading into the surrounding forest and up to Sierra Madre Road. User reviews highlight stream crossings, downed trees, and dense vegetation in some areas, making parts of the trails challenging. However, the higher trails are described as well-maintained with beautiful views.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as birds and other fauna are noted. Some reviews also mention that the campground is frequented by rock climbers.Winter Activities
Winter activities include hiking in cooler weather, with green grass visible in winter months as noted in reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available at campsites, and reviews confirm functional fire pits with adjustable grills. Fire activity must comply with Los Padres National Forest guidelines.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available; stream crossings on nearby trails may lead to wet feet during winter. Wildlife is present in the area; food storage lockers are unavailable and precautions are recommended. Vault toilets may occasionally be in poor condition according to user reviews.
Active alertsAs of March 2023, the campground was closed due to storm damage (fallen trees and branches).
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 0.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Mt. Pinos Ranger District Office is available for hunting-related inquiries and likely serves as emergency contact; phone: (661) 245-3731 ext. 0
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash facilities are provided, so campers are expected to pack out their trash. Some reviews complain about improper disposal, including trash bags left in restrooms.
Proximity to water featuresA stream nearby offers aesthetic value and potential water access during certain seasons, though potable water is unavailable.
Common complaintsVault toilets are sometimes in poor condition, including lack of toilet paper and infestations of flies and spiders. Trash left behind is another recurring issue reported in user reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocated on Aliso Canyon Road (FS 10N04), approximately seven miles south of State Highway 166.
Access via Aliso Canyon Road (FS 10N04), approximately seven miles south of a major highway (State Highway 166). Roads are likely unpaved and may have seasonal closures depending on weather conditions.Nearby supplies
New Cuyama (offers supplies including a hardware store).
Camper Reviews
4.3
11 reviews
Aliso Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and the shade provided by oak trees. Cleanliness of the bathroom facilities and the behavior of other campers are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the secluded nature of the campground, well-spaced sites, and proximity to hiking trails. Many reviewers appreciate the shade provided by oak trees and find the campground...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative comments focus on poorly maintained vault toilets, absence of water supply, and occasional litter left by campers. Some reviewers mention uncomfortable interactions with other visitors.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, firewood, and toilet paper. They advise visiting in spring or fall for the best experience, while avoiding busy summer holidays.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are described as ideal times to visit due to moderate weather and fewer visitors. Summers can be crowded, and winter offers green, scenic landscapes.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Secluded in old oaks with trails leading up to the nearby forest and hills right out of the camp." - Douglas Bearmar; "Campground is nice, shady with big oak trees and a stream nearby." - Claire...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility reviews are noted.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One review mentions irresponsibility by pet owners, but overall, pets are welcomed.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025