Upper Oso Campground
4.1031 reviews5050 PARADISE RD.
Quick Facts
1,040 ftPrice
$40 - $45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
1,040 ftPrice
$40 - $45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsUpper Oso Campground
$40.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric, Tent Only Nonelectric, and Walk-To sites are $40 per night during peak season, with an additional $2 charge for weekends and...
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$40.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$80.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider805-434-1996parksman@fix.net
What Campers Say
4.10
Satisfactory
Based on 31 reviews
35 Google reviews
Most mentioned
shadespaciousfriendlysites
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fees & Passes at Upper Oso Campground
$40 - $45/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. Late cancellations, starting from midnight ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official CampOne website.
Best Time to Camp at Upper Oso Campground
Experience the dramatic seasonal personality of Upper Oso, where summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched haven perfect for early morning adventures before the afternoon heat takes hold. As autumn arrives, the scorching temperatures give way to crisp, comfortable days ideal for exploration. Winter brings its own magic with chilly nights that can dip to 37°F, creating perfect conditions for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Spring emerges as the campground's crown jewel, when wildflowers paint the hillsides, temperatures find their sweet spot, and the landscape bursts with vibrant green hues.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 15 - November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season runs from May 15 through November 30, with reservations available from June 23.
- Current Alerts: Flooding has damaged parts of the campground, and some crossings to horse corral sites are washed out.
About Upper Oso Campground
Nestled in the heart of California's coastal mountains, Upper Oso Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and family-friendly comfort. This versatile mountain retreat welcomes everyone from hiking enthusiasts to equestrian explorers, with dedicated facilities for horse camping and easy access to winding trails and babbling streams. Whether you're navigating mountain bike paths through oak-studded hillsides, exploring on horseback, or tackling off-road vehicle routes, Upper Oso serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures.
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 SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of Upper Oso, where summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched haven perfect for early morning adventures before the afternoon heat takes hold. As autumn arrives, the scorching temperatures give way to crisp, comfortable days ideal for exploration. Winter brings its own magic with chilly nights that can dip to 37°F, creating perfect conditions for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Spring emerges as the campground's crown jewel, when wildflowers paint the hillsides, temperatures find their sweet spot, and the landscape bursts with vibrant green hues.
ElevationPerched at 1,040 feet above sea level, Upper Oso occupies a sweet spot in the coastal mountains where elevation works its magic on the climate. This modest but meaningful altitude creates a microclimate that delivers refreshingly cool evenings even after warm days, offering campers natural air conditioning and comfortable sleeping conditions that make mountain camping such a delight.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic oak trees create a natural cathedral at Upper Oso, their spreading branches providing generous shade across spacious campsites. A seasonal creek meanders alongside the campground, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack while offering a refreshing respite during flowing months. Dramatic valley walls rise on all sides, creating an intimate amphitheater of wilderness that makes you feel wonderfully removed from the everyday world while still maintaining easy access to adventure.
Geological RegionUpper Oso Campground claims its place in the lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, where California's coastal mountains reveal their rugged beauty. This geological wonderland showcases the region's characteristic oak woodlands thriving in steep-walled valleys carved by ancient waters. The seasonal creek that graces the campground tells the ongoing story of erosion and renewal, while the surrounding peaks and valleys create a dramatic backdrop that defines the coastal range experience.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible flush toilets and drinking water. Some sites are designed with extra-long, paved parking spurs for easier vehicle access.
Sites SizeCampsites are large and scattered among oak trees, offering shade and accommodating tents, RVs, and equestrian setups.
Sites 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 CampsitesFor 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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11 AM.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are well-spaced and shaded under oak trees. Some sites are 'walk-to' and offer more privacy. Equestrian sites include corrals and paved parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season runs from May 15 through November 30, with reservations available from June 23.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, through the mobile app, or by contacting their call center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. Late cancellations, starting from midnight one calendar day before the check-in date, will incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee. Early departures may not qualify for refunds. Same-day cancellations are at the facility's discretion. Changes to reservations incur a $10 change fee if new stay dates differ from the original ones.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
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
Several hiking trails originate from the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail (18 miles) and the Aliso National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles). Trails vary in length and difficulty, with some also being dog-friendly.Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Santa Ynez River, stocked with trout in the spring. Cachuma Lake offers additional fishing opportunities for trout, carp, and bass.Swimming
Swimming is available at White Rock Day-Use Area near the campground. Some users specifically note a 'swimming hole' as a highlight.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground, and the Camuesa OHV Route is popular among both bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.Boating
Boating activities are available at Cachuma Lake, approximately 10 miles from the campground, where kayaking is also permitted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned, but the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Kayaking is available at Cachuma Lake, located about 10 miles away from the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during restrictions due to fire warnings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsReviews mention poison oak, changing river levels leading to winter closures, and infestations of insects at certain sites including ants, gophers, and mosquitoes.
Active alertsFlooding has damaged parts of the campground, and some crossings to horse corral sites are washed out.
Weather at Upper Oso Campground
72
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is the nearest emergency facility, approximately 25 miles away in Santa Barbara.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - November 30.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities was provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe Santa Ynez River is stocked with trout in spring and offers swimming opportunities at the nearby White Rock Day-Use Area. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is 10 miles northwest, providing additional fishing and boating options.
Common complaintsSome reviews express dissatisfaction with site maintenance (e.g., weeds, piles of dirt, poorly cleaned restrooms), noise from off-road vehicles, and inaccessible horse campgrounds due to closures.
HostThe host, Sunny, is frequently noted as friendly and helpful. She keeps the restrooms clean and assists campers with firewood purchases and other needs.
Campground Map
5050 PARADISE RD.
Driving directionsFrom Santa Barbara, travel north on Highway 101. Exit onto Highway 154 and continue northwest for about 10 miles. Turn east onto Paradise Road and travel about 6 miles. Turn north onto Forest Route 5N15 and continue less than two miles to the campground.
The road to the site from Paradise Road is single-lane, bumpy, with patches of gravel, and has potential water crossings. This route is not suitable for larger RVs or big rigs.Nearby places
Santa Barbara (25 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, can be found in Santa Barbara, approximately 25 miles from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
31 reviews
Upper Oso Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 31 reviews
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 31 reviewsCommon 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 31 reviewsShow more
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 31 reviewsSeasonal 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 31 reviewsShow more
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 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #10 is frequently mentioned for its shade and location. However, some users complain about insect infestations and maintenance issues in other sites, such as Site #13.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility 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 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Several user reviews confirm that the campground is pet-friendly, with one user mentioning a successful camping trip with their two German Shepherds.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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