Upper Oso Campground

Show on map805-434-1996parksman@fix.net
5050 PARADISE RD.
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105

Overview

Upper Oso Campground provides ample opportunity for exploration of California's coastal mountains. It is a family-friendly campground, equipped with equestrian sites, and is close to a variety of trails and several mountain streams.

Recreation

A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails begin in and around the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail, which traverses 18 miles north to the San Rafael Wilderness. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads through scenic areas to a group campsite.

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the Camuesa OHV Route, which loops about 10 miles through the surrounding forest.

Fishing and swimming are available at nearby White Rock Day-Use Area, less than two miles from the campground. The Santa Ynez River is stocked with trout in the springtime.

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a no-body-contact reservoir, is about 10 miles northwest of the campground. It offers boating, fishing and kayaking. Anglers will find an abundance of annually stocked trout. Carp and bass are also common catches there.

Facilities

The campground is open year-round and offers around two dozen sites tent or RV camping. About 10 sites are outfitted with horse corrals and extra long, paved parking spurs. Some additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each site is equipped with a table, campfire ring with grill and a pedestal grill. Accessible flush toilets and drinking water are provided throughout the campground. Firewood is available for purchase from the on-site campground host.

Natural Features

The campground is located in the lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, not far from Santa Barbara. The campground has large sites scattered among plentiful oak trees that provide pleasant shade. It is situated alongside a seasonal creek, at an elevation of 1,040 feet.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located about 25 miles north of the city of Santa Barbara.

Camp site features

Across 19 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 19 sites
  • Longest rig: 45 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Fees

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 night). Extra vehicle and person fees will be charged at the facility.

Directions

From 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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

27 reviews
5 stars
13
4 stars
6
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 stars
3
Talitha U
Loop:Uppe
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
We loved our visit to Upper Oso! The sites are well spaced apart and there’s plenty of shade. The creek had a little water if you hike up stream a bit. The Aliso trail is walking distance if you want a beautiful hike with views. We did get woken up by OHVs taking the access road, but they came and left quickly. There are flush toilets and the host kept them very clean. Some sites are a distance from your vehicle, so if you sleep in your van, like we did, or have all your gear in your car take this into consideration.
Glenn L
Loop:Uppe
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Filthy campground, piles of very fine dirt… blowing around. Someone needs to sweep every campsite. Host looked like she had a rough night when I arrived around 3 pm. She was not dressed appropriately and told me to not bother her before 10 am if I had any problems. There were various used plastic water bottles around every water spigot filled with water and standing out in the sun. I don’t know who filed all those old plastic bottles and put them around every water spigot but it was a complete waste of time, who wants old stagnant warm water that has been sitting in the sun for days? I will never go back to this campground.
Emma B
Loop:Uppe
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Nice campgrounds. Great escape from the city. The host was lovely. Lots of flies and mosquitos during the day.
Juana O
Loop:Uppe
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Amazing place, beautiful and peaceful. Fully recommend it.
rob a
Loop:Uppe
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Toilet only fair Pit toilets could be better. The road in makes it good because it is not for big rigs Good site It was HOT
Joe L
Loop:Uppe
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
The campgrounds are worn, restrooms are filthy and the asphalt on parking pads are covered with dirt and weeds, causing Camp Host to make threats about parking on dirt. The fact that the Upper Oso Horse Campgrounds (and others on Paradise Road) are still not open, after over 4 year closure, is a shame and just mismanagement on the part of the Santa Barbara Ranger District. STOP MILKING THE COVID SITUATION, GET OFF YOUR REAR ENDS AND GET BACK TO WORK.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in August, when about 32% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 9 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds