Can you reserve a site at Upper Oso Campground?

Yes, Upper Oso Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Upper Oso Campground?

45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Upper Oso Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Oso Campground.

Upper Oso Campground, California — 19 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

19 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 45 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: UPPE

Site types

11 Equestrian Nonelectric
3 Standard Nonelectric
3 Tent Only Nonelectric
2 Walk To

Amenities

Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

19 campsites at Upper Oso Campground

Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
03	UPPE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
04	UPPE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
05	UPPE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
06	UPPE	Walk To	—	Paved	20 ft	8	🐾
07	UPPE	Walk To	—	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
10	UPPE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	32 ft	8	🐾
11	UPPE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	32 ft	8	🐾
13	UPPE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	32 ft	8	🐾
14	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	30 ft	8	🐾
15	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	30 ft	8	🐾
16	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	45 ft	8	🐾
17	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	45 ft	8	🐾
18	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	40 ft	8	🐾
20	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	30 ft	8	🐾
21	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	25 ft	8	🐾
22	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	20 ft	8	🐾
24	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	25 ft	8	🐾
25	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	20 ft	8	🐾
27	UPPE	Equestrian Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

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.

34.55583, -119.75389 · 34°33'21.0"N 119°45'14.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 96°F in Aug, down to 64°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	66	67	70	76	80	88	94	96	91	83	73	64
Low °F	36	36	38	41	46	49	55	54	51	45	40	34
Precip in	7.1	7.6	4.7	1.6	0.7	0.1	0.1	0.0	0.1	1.1	1.5	4.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Upper Oso Campground

Can you reserve a site at Upper Oso Campground?: Yes, Upper Oso Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Upper Oso Campground have?: 19 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Upper Oso Campground?: 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Upper Oso Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Oso Campground.

Camping near Upper Oso Campground

Sage Hill 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Los Prietos 3.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Paradise Campground 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Fremont Campground 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Upper Oso Campground 1 mi · Campground
Upper OsoTrailhead 1 mi · Facility
Lower Oso Day Use Picnic Area 1.4 mi · Facility
First Crossing Day Use Picnic Area 1.5 mi · Facility
Sage Hill Group Campground 2.2 mi · Campground
Los Prietos Campground 2.8 mi · Campground
La Cumbre Peak Day Use 4.8 mi · Facility
Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center 11 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Upper Oso Campground