How much does camping cost at Upper Oso Campground?

Camping fees at Upper Oso Campground range from $40-$47/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Upper Oso Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Oso Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Upper Oso Campground before I book?

Yes! Upper Oso Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Upper Oso Campground?

Upper Oso Campground is open May 15 to November 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Upper Oso Campground?

Upper Oso Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Upper Oso Campground?

Fire policies at Upper Oso Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Upper Oso Campground have?

Upper Oso Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Oso Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Oso Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Upper Oso Campground?

Upper Oso Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Oso Campground?

Popular activities at Upper Oso Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper Oso Campground

3.74

61 reviews

5050 PARADISE RD.

Featured in:Hiking Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

$40 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on CampOne Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

$40 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on CampOne Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Oso Campground

$40.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $45.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996parksman@fix.net

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Upper Oso Campground

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Campground Map

5050 PARADISE RD.

Upper Oso Campground

5050 PARADISE RD.

Nearby places

Santa Barbara (25 miles, approximately 40 minutes)

Weather at Upper Oso Campground

Current alerts(6)

Additional fees of $10/night per extra vehicle will be collected at the campground
All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night after 6 people.) Maximum number of vehicles per single site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle per…
Changing river levels can prompt campground closures during the winter.
In order to contact our offices, please use the email: customerservice@pmcparks.com or view our website: CampOne.Com for answers to frequently asked questions.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Oso Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13–24 °C) with cool nights in the 40s °F (4–9 °C). The seasonal creek usually flows through this period, wildflowers and fresh green oak understory are at their peak, and trails are at their most pleasant for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and creekside fishing. Crowds rise on weekends in late April–May but overall remain moderate compared with peak summer heat. Peak months: May, April, March, June Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is highlighted as best: cool days, flowing creek, green understory and wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Upper Oso Campground

Upper Oso Campground sits in a forested canyon in the foothills of Los Padres National Forest, a short drive from Santa Barbara. CampOne operates this seasonal campground along a creek that flows in spring, offering shaded sites under oaks with access to hiking, biking, and fishing. The camp host is known for being helpful, and the canyon delivers dark skies and a quiet setting when off-road traffic is light.

Upper Oso Campground provides a variety of camping options, including primitive, equestrian, RV, and tent camping. Some sites are reservable, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13–24 °C) with cool nights in the 40s °F (4–9 °C). The seasonal creek usually flows through this period, wildflowers and fresh green oak understory are at their peak, and trails are at their most pleasant for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and creekside fishing. Crowds rise on weekends in late April–May but overall remain moderate compared with peak summer heat. Peak months: May, April, March, June Avoid: July, August

Elevation1040 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOak trees shade the campground, their canopies spread across a narrow valley carved by ancient erosion. A seasonal creek flows alongside sites during wetter months, creating swimming holes that draw repeat visitors. Steep valley walls rise on both sides, creating the intimate feel of a canyon bottom. When the creek runs dry in summer and fall, the landscape shifts to golden grass and dusty trails. Spring brings green hillsides and occasional wildflowers, though the oak woodland dominates year-round.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges, but does provide equestrian facilities and large sites for tents or RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests included
up to a maximum of 8 with an additional $10 charge per person per night over 6.

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content, but the Aliso trail leads to a group campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, through the mobile app, or by contacting their call center.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible flush toilets and drinking water. Some sites are designed with extra-long, paved parking spurs for easier vehicle access.

Site SizeCampsites are large and scattered among oak trees, offering shade and accommodating tents, RVs, and equestrian setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are mixed. Some sites are open and lack privacy, while others are noted to be well-spaced apart, providing a more secluded experience.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites with more distance between them or shaded areas under oak trees. Avoid sites prone to insect infestations (e.g., Site 13).

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets the most mentions for its shade and proximity to a swimming hole when the creek flows. Reviews consistently call out this spot as worth requesting. Walk-to sites offer better privacy than those accessible by vehicle, though specifics beyond site 10 don't appear in the feedback.

Need help booking Upper Oso Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Upper Oso Campground is a family-friendly site located in California's coastal mountains and provides a variety of recreational amenities including equestrian facilities, hiking trails, and proximity to mountain streams. The campground features around two dozen campsites suitable for tent or RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table, campfire ring with grill, and a pedestal grill. Accessible flush toilets and drinking water are available throughout the campground. Firewood can be purchased on-site from the campground host.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Oso Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and off-road vehicle (OHV) riding. The nearby Santa Ynez River and Cachuma Lake provide additional opportunities for water-based recreation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

61 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Upper Oso Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Upper Oso Campground highlight its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and variety of recreational opportunities. However, some users express dissatisfaction with issues such as unkept campsites, insect infestations, noise from off-road vehicles, and variable restroom cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 61 reviews.

Site #10Loved
Site #10 is frequently mentioned for its shade and location.
Site #13Issues noted
However, some users complain about insect infestations and maintenance issues in other sites, such as Site #13.

What Campers Love

Users praise the scenic beauty of the canyon, starry nights, and the spacious, shaded campsites. The camp host, Sunny, is frequently lauded for being friendly and helpful.

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from off-road vehicles, insect infestations, and inadequate maintenance of some campsites and restroom facilities. Other issues raised include the poor condition of...

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during spring for green landscapes and stargazing during a new moon. They also advise bringing extra water due to occasional issues with the water system.

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is highlighted as the best season to visit, with green landscapes and comfortable temperatures. Summer visits often come with complaints about extreme heat. Winter visits are less common and...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The stars were INCREDIBLE and I highly recommend going on a night with a new moon!" - S S, "The toilet hut had one working toilet. The other side was out of order." - Jeff E, "Sunny the campground...

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as paved parking spurs and flush toilets are noted in the authoritative content, but no specific user reviews address accessibility experiences.

Based on 61 reviews