White Oaks Campground

3.34

30 reviews

Quick Facts

4,104 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,104 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

White Oaks Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $30.00 nightly fee is charged per site during peak season, with an additional $2 per night for weekends and holidays. Fees do not reflect discounts...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805 434 1996

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What Campers Say

3.34

Mixed Reviews

Based on 30 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocationhiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews of White Oaks Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 2.9 for camping-specific aspects. Users appreciate the remote and natural setting but criticize the lack of amenities, poor site maintenance, and prevalence of insects."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

White Oaks Campground

36.3264, -121.5736

Driving directionsFrom Hwy. 101 North, take the exit for Arroyo Seco Road before the city of Greenfield. Continue down the road for 16.2 miles to the junction of Arroyo Seco Road and Carmel Valley Road then follow to the right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left. Continue for 8 miles until you see the entrance to White Oaks on the left-hand side. From Hwy. 101 South, take exit for Arroyo Seco Road then make your first, immediate left onto Elm Ave. Continue down Elm Ave. for 6 miles then take a left at the "T" onto Arroyo Seco Road. Follow the road for 6.5 miles to the junction of Carmel Valley road, then bear right. Take Carmel Valley for 17 miles to the junction of Tassajara Road, take a left and continue 8 miles until you see the entrance to White Oaks on the left-hand side.

The paved road eventually turns into a dirt road, which requires careful driving. Reviewers commonly note that 4-wheel drive vehicles are needed to navigate the final miles of rough terrain. The road is not recommended for large trailers or non-4WD vehicles and becomes particularly challenging during inclement weather.

Nearby places

Greenfield: 38 miles (~1 hour)

Carmel Valley: 20 miles (~40 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Nearest stores and gas stations are in Carmel Valley (20 miles away) or Greenfield (38 miles away). No potable water or public showers are available onsite.

Best Time to Camp at White Oaks Campground

The rhythms of White Oaks change with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this mountain retreat. Winter rains occasionally drum against tent walls, washing the forest clean while temperatures hover between a crisp 40°F and mild 52°F. As spring unfolds into summer and fall, the campground comes alive with buzzing clouds of gnats and mosquitoes—nature's reminder to pack your insect repellent. These dry months transform the landscape into a golden tapestry, perfect for those who appreciate California's Mediterranean climate and don't mind sharing their space with the local six-legged residents.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Insect problems are particularly severe in spring, summer and fall per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.0 / 5

Reviews note severe insect issues in fall; site maintenance complaints persist.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Spring visits suffer from severe insect issues per seasonal review notes.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter has fewer insects but can be rainy and remote access may be tougher.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About White Oaks Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Los Padres National Forest, White Oaks Campground offers an intimate escape where only eight fortunate campers can claim their piece of wilderness each night. This hidden gem along Tassajara Road wraps visitors in a canopy of shade, where ancient oaks stand sentinel over rustic sites equipped with weathered picnic tables and stone fire rings. At the heart of this secluded loop, a wild berry bush serves as nature's gathering place, drawing curious deer at dawn and dusk while smaller creatures rustle through the underbrush. Here, privacy isn't just a feature—it's a promise, as each site offers its own pocket of solitude in this natural sanctuary.

White Oaks Campground is a simple, rustic campground situated in a natural setting. It primarily caters to tent campers and small RVs, with no modern amenities or luxurious options.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of White Oaks change with the seasons, each bringing its own character to this mountain retreat. Winter rains occasionally drum against tent walls, washing the forest clean while temperatures hover between a crisp 40°F and mild 52°F. As spring unfolds into summer and fall, the campground comes alive with buzzing clouds of gnats and mosquitoes—nature's reminder to pack your insect repellent. These dry months transform the landscape into a golden tapestry, perfect for those who appreciate California's Mediterranean climate and don't mind sharing their space with the local six-legged residents.

Natural Features and SceneryWhite Oaks reveals itself as a living gallery where majestic oaks stretch their gnarled branches skyward, creating a cathedral ceiling alongside towering pines. Beneath this verdant canopy, vibrant shrubs paint the understory in splashes of color, while glimpses of the surrounding Santa Lucia range peek through the branches. This is prime territory for wildlife enthusiasts—over 90 bird species fill the air with their songs, from dawn's first light to evening's last call. Lucky visitors might spot deer tiptoeing through camp at twilight or catch a fleeting glimpse of a bobcat padding silently along the forest edge. The interplay of light and shadow through the leaves creates an ever-changing masterpiece that photographers and nature lovers cherish.

Geological RegionPerched within the rugged embrace of the Santa Lucia mountain range, White Oaks Campground showcases the dramatic beauty of California's central coast geology. The surrounding oak woodlands cascade down canyon walls painted in nature's palette—deep emerald greens give way to golden yellows and burnt oranges as seasons shift. This diverse ecosystem creates a natural amphitheater where birdsong echoes off canyon walls and wildlife thrives in the protected hollows. For bird watchers, these mountains offer front-row seats to one of California's most vibrant avian communities, where raptors soar on thermals above while smaller species flit through the oak branches below.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is allowed starting at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typically accommodates one tent, trailer, or RV per site.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites at White Oaks Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEight sites arranged in a loop, with varying levels of privacy. Sites 1-3 are spaced farther apart, while 4-6 are closer together.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-ups are allowed; however, availability is limited, especially on weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled until the scheduled arrival date for a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before arrival) incur an additional forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee. Modifications made outside the original reservation dates also incur a $10 fee.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites and accessible pit toilets are available, but the remote and rugged location may pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility.

Site SizeCampsites are small and designed to accommodate one tent or a small RV (20 feet or shorter). Larger RVs cannot be accommodated.

PrivacyThe campsites offer varying degrees of privacy. Sites 1-3 are noted to have more privacy, while sites 4-6 are closer together. One user commented that the sites are so close, 'there is absolutely no privacy between each campsite.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesFor couples or small groups, sites 1-3 offer the most seclusion. Larger groups might find 4-6 more suitable, although the proximity between sites may reduce privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

White Oaks Campground offers a limited range of recreational activities. The campground is located near the Pine Ridge Trailhead, 2.7 miles away, where visitors can explore 23 miles of trails. The area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. However, the activities are basic and may not appeal to those seeking a broader range of options.

HikingThe campground is 2.7 miles from the Pine Ridge Trailhead. From there, hikers can explore 23 miles of trails, with scenic views of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, valleys, and hilltops. However, one user noted, 'The website said there was hiking nearby, but it did not provide the location of the trails, and there was no information when we got there.'

BikingMountain biking opportunities are available within 30 minutes of the campground, but details about specific trails are limited.

Wildlife viewingCampers can observe a variety of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, and over 90 species of birds. The area is described as a 'bird watcher's paradise,' and wildlife sightings provide an 'unforgettable experience.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include rough roads, the absence of potable water, and a significant presence of insects, including gnats and mosquitoes during warmer months. Wildfires also pose a seasonal risk.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Greenfield (38 miles away) or Carmel Valley (20 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are provided, but they are not animal-resistant, and some are missing lids. Campers should manage waste responsibly and avoid attracting wildlife.

Water FeaturesLocated in a dry region, there are no significant water features nearby.

Weather at White Oaks Campground

Reviews

3.3

30 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Reviews of White Oaks Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 2.9 for camping-specific aspects. Users appreciate the remote and natural setting but criticize the lack of amenities, poor site maintenance, and prevalence of insects.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the remote, quiet location and the natural beauty of the area. Wildlife sightings and access to hiking trails were also commonly mentioned as highlights.

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include the lack of potable water, poorly maintained picnic tables, small and uneven campsites, and severe insect problems. Several users also criticized the lack of clear...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra water, bug repellent, and a bug zapper. Sites 1-3 are preferred for more privacy. A 4WD vehicle is strongly advised for accessing the campground due to rough road...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Insect problems are particularly severe during the spring, summer, and fall months. Winter visits may be more comfortable in terms of insects but could be challenging due to the campground's remote...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campground has 8 sites, would recommend staying in 1-3, as they are more private and spaced from the others.' (Anna Jackson, 2021) - 'There is absolutely no privacy between each campsite.'...

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1-3 are noted for their privacy, while sites 4-6 are closer together and less private. The vault toilets are adjacent to site #8, which may affect the experience at that site.

Based on 30 reviews