Aliso Park Campground

4.23

37 reviews

Quick Facts

2,808 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,808 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Aliso Park Campground

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

An Adventure Pass is required ($30/annual or $5/daily).

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

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USFS

Provider

661-245-3731 ext. 0

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 37 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulshadehikingsites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Aliso Park Campground

34.9109, -119.7662

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).

Best Time to Camp at Aliso Park Campground

Each 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summers can be crowded; still scenic but less solitary in peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as ideal: moderate weather and fewer visitors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted as ideal with moderate weather and fewer visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Winter brings verdant green and solitude but can be cold and occasionally snowy.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: As of March 2023, the campground was closed due to storm damage (fallen trees and branches).

About Aliso Park 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

There is no information about designated group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is 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.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided data.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and able to accommodate most RVs up to 28 feet.

PrivacySites provide good seclusion from other campers, as noted by reviews.

Recommended SitesReviews suggest choosing campsites with the most shade for comfort and avoiding peak holiday weekends due to crowding.

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.

HikingThe 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.

ClimbingClimbing 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 viewingWildlife such as birds and other fauna are noted. Some reviews also mention that the campground is frequented by rock climbers.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo 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).

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire 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 HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesMt. Pinos Ranger District Office is available for hunting-related inquiries and likely serves as emergency contact; phone: (661) 245-3731 ext. 0

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesA stream nearby offers aesthetic value and potential water access during certain seasons, though potable water is unavailable.

Weather at Aliso Park Campground

Reviews

4.2

37 reviews

Satisfactory

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 37 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 37 reviews

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 37 reviews

Pro 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 37 reviews

Seasonal 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 37 reviews

Camper 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 37 reviews