Upper Oso Campground
3.9172 reviewsQuick Facts
1,040 ftPrice
$40 - $47/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
1,040 ftPrice
$40 - $47/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Upper Oso Campground
5050 PARADISE RD.
Weather at Upper Oso Campground
About Upper Oso Campground
RV details
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How campers graded it
Rated higher than 7% of graded campgrounds
Graded on what 34 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.
Strengths
- Grade A-.Things to do
- Grade B+.Staff & hosts
- Grade B-.Crowds & noise
Watch-outs
- Grade D.Bugs & weather
- Grade D.Getting there
- Grade D.Cleanliness
Every grade - tap to see what campers said
Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.
From the U.S. Forest Service
Reference information about Upper Oso Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
Overview
<p>There are 10 campsites open at the Upper Oso Campground. They are currently first-come, first-served only. No reservations until May 15, 2022. The remaining 14 campsites (mostly equestrian campsites) are temporarily closed until further notice. </p><p>Oak trees, seasonal creek runs through the campground, large sites, canyon setting. Tables, firepits w/grill, barbecues, flush toilets, water, garbage bins, R/V - no hookups. Firewood for purchase from the campground host. River access to the Santa Ynez River along the last 6 miles of Paradise Road. Watch out for poison oak. There are several accessible sites at this campground.</p><p>This campground occasionally closes during the winter months if the water levels are too high at the First Crossing and prevents access.</p><p>Campfires are currently allowed with a CA Campfire Permit: <a href="http://www.readyforwildfire.org">www.readyforwildfire.org</a></p>
Activities
<p>Equestrian, nature hiking trails, mountain bikes, all terrain vehicles, mountain bikes, river access and fishing about 1 mile to the river.</p> <p>Green and approved spark arrestor required on motorcycles and ATV's.</p>
About the campground
The elevation is 1,040 ft. The Campground is located in Oso Canyon among Live Oaks, straddling several streams. It is adjacent to the Dick Smith Wilderness and a network of trails. Sites have pedestal grilles with rock fire rings. There is lots of open space for exploring. Sites 14 through 25 have horse corrals. Campground is one of four we surveyed in the San Ynez Recreation Area. The Santa Ynez River is nearby. Los Padres National Forest 203 Telephone and limited groceries available at Paradise Store and Grille, about 2 miles west of campground entrance. Horse rentals are available from a private concern.
Seasons & access
The parking aprons are paved. An RV waste station is available for a fee at Cachuma Lake County Park, 6.9 miles north on State Rt. 154. Facilities Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: No Vaults: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 9 No. Threaded: 4 Comments: Only wheelchair friendly toilet is located next to site 13. Water Sports The nearby San Ynez River is dry August through December. Best time for water sports, including tubing, is in the Spring. Hiking: Camuesa-Buckhorn - OHV route Santa Cruz Trail (foot and horse) - 18 miles. Aliso National Recreation Trail (loop - foot, mountain bike and horse) - 2.5 miles. Santa Cruz Trail accesses a large network of trails in the Dick Smith Wilderness - contact Ranger District Office for details. Fishing: Stocked Rainbow Trout and Catfish
Facilities
Only wheelchair friendly toilet is located next to site 13.
RV information
The parking aprons are paved. An RV waste station is available for a fee at Cachuma Lake County Park, 6.9 miles north on State Rt. 154.
Directions
In Santa Barbara, CA, take State Rt. 154 north 12 miles to Santa Ynez Recreation Area sign (Paradise Rd.). Turn right at sign onto Paradise Rd. and go 6 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 5N15). Bear left at sign onto Rt. 5N15 and go 1.5 miles to campground. NOTE: Forest Rt. 5N15 is paved, single lane with turnouts.
- National Forest
- Padres National Forest
- Ranger District
- Santa Barbara
- Elevation
- 1,040
- Rate
- $30 per day $35 per day with horse corrals
- Maximum Stay
- 14
- Open Season
- January – December
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