Los Prietos

Star4.28
334 reviews
5050 PARADISE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, USA

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Los Prietos
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $40 per night for all site types (Standard Electric, Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric), with additional fees of $2 per night on...
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
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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Provider
805-434-1996parksman@fix.net
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 334 reviews

144 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespacioushikingwater

"User reviews are highly mixed. Positive reviews highlight the beauty of the shaded oak trees, the peaceful environment, and wildlife such as wild turkeys. Negative reviews cite issues with camp hosts, maintenance problems, and overcrowding. "Great area with lots of shade and large campsites" (Ashley C, 2019). "Hosts were very racist and intolerant" (Natalia Tihinscaia, 2018)."

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Campground Map

5050 PARADISE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, USA

Los Prietos

5050 PARADISE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, turn east onto Highway 154 and continue about 11 miles. Turn onto Paradise Road and travel about 3 miles to the campground.
Road access is paved and accessible year-round, but poison oak is abundant so campers should take caution while navigating the area. Additional fees are collected for extra vehicles at the campground.
Nearby places
Santa Barbara (19 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (10 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)
Solvang (35 miles, approximately 45-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be acquired in Santa Barbara, 19 miles away. Campground hosts sell firewood on-site for convenience, though reviews describe it as expensive and sometimes wet.

Best Time to Camp at Los Prietos

Los Prietos enjoys a Mediterranean climate that keeps outdoor enthusiasts comfortable throughout the year, with predominantly dry conditions that make for reliable camping weather. Even during warm summer days, the mountain air brings a refreshing coolness once the sun dips below the ridgeline – pack that extra layer for cozy evenings around the campfire. Spring and summer transform the landscape into a verdant paradise, though adventurers should keep a watchful eye for the telltale three-leafed clusters of poison oak that thrive among the undergrowth during these seasons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers swimming holes as advantage but can be hot; many summer reviews noted swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fewer visitors and cooler nights; pleasant but colder evenings noted by reviewers.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring highly recommended for green grass, fewer crowds and pleasant conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with fewer visitors; cooler temperatures but no winter-sport draw.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: The Santa Ynez River is often dry and not suitable for swimming year-round.

About Los Prietos

Nestled beneath the canopy of ancient oak trees in Los Padres National Forest, Los Prietos Campground welcomes adventurers seeking the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. Whether you arrive with a tent or RV, you'll find yourself immersed in a shaded sanctuary where modern amenities meet natural beauty. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line in crystal-clear waters, traverse scenic hiking trails, or take a refreshing dip in nearby swimming holes. Just a short drive away, the sparkling expanse of Cachuma Lake beckons with its own recreational treasures, making this campground an ideal basecamp for exploring the Santa Barbara backcountry.
Los Prietos Campground offers tent and RV camping but lacks utility hookups. Group sites are available, and certain sites are secluded or positioned for privacy.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights applies.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Los Prietos Campground offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions such as Cachuma Lake Recreation Area provide opportunities for boating and kayaking. Trails such as Snyder Trail and Aliso Loop offer scenic hiking options. Wildlife such as wild turkeys and deer frequently visit the campground.
HikingHiking is a major activity at Los Prietos. The popular Aliso National Recreation Trail is a 2.5-mile loop, and the Santa Cruz Trail spans 18 miles with access to other trails. "Snyder trail is 3.6 miles long but the views of the hike are amazing and totally worth it" (Jacqueline Leyva, 2021).
FishingFishing is available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, located 10 miles northwest of the campground. Anglers report an abundance of stocked trout as well as carp and bass.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in nearby water holes, such as Red Rock, accessed through a half-mile hike. "Spectacular place with rocks at various heights to jump off into the water" (Alex Russomanno, 2017).
BikingBiking options include the Camuesa OHV Route and Snyder Trail, both within a short drive. "Trail heads were just 3.5 miles away on the road" (James L, 2021).
BoatingBoating and kayaking are available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a no-body-contact reservoir near the campground.
Wildlife viewingWild turkeys roam the campground, providing unique sightings for visitors. Deer and ground squirrels are also commonly seen, with occasional appearances of bats and toads.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include poison oak and raccoons. Flies and mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as nuisances.
Active AlertsThe Santa Ynez River is often dry and not suitable for swimming year-round.

Weather at Los Prietos

Reviews

4.3
334 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Los Prietos is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are highly mixed. Positive reviews highlight the beauty of the shaded oak trees, the peaceful environment, and wildlife such as wild turkeys. Negative reviews cite issues with camp hosts, maintenance problems, and overcrowding. "Great area with lots of shade and large campsites" (Ashley C, 2019). "Hosts were very racist and intolerant" (Natalia Tihinscaia, 2018).
Review Summaries
Based on 334 reviews

What Campers Love

Shady oak trees and wildlife such as wild turkeys are frequent highlights. Reviewers also appreciate the spacious campsites and proximity to hiking trails and water-related activities. "Lovely shaded...
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Based on 334 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include inconsistent camp host behavior, overly sloped sites, maintenance issues with toilets and fire pits, and an abundance of poison oak. "Bathrooms were VERY clean with flushing...
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Based on 334 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray due to flies and wasps, and preparing for poison oak by wearing protective clothing. "Bring mosquito repellent or you die here" (Kevin Dang, 2016).
Based on 334 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is highly recommended due to green grass and fewer crowds. Summer reviews note hot weather and swimming holes as a major advantage. Winter and fall reviews mention fewer visitors but colder...
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Based on 334 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Flush toilets, no showers" (Martina Gurrola, 2018). "We had a good time despite the campground being full. It was very quiet at nighttime" (David I, 2021). "Wild turkeys walking around was cool"...
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Based on 334 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 26 is secluded with a 40-foot walk. Site 13 has maintenance issues with a broken picnic table and malfunctioning spigots. Site 28 is described as spacious and private by multiple reviewers....
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Based on 334 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not described in user reviews.
Based on 334 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, and the campground is dog-friendly. "Deer came pretty close to our site and we constantly heard turkeys. Definitely suggest the hike while you are there. The hiking trail is also...
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Based on 334 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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