Arroyo Seco Group Campground
Open year-round. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Check-in is 3:00pm, check-out is 12:00 noon. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally; Arroyo Seco is a designated campfire use site but confirm current conditions before arrival.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Special Closure - SBRD Storm Damage Recovery
Closure of developed recreation sites, roads, and trails in the Santa Barbara Ranger District impacted by storm damage and some roads restricted to non-motorized use. Effective from September 16, 2026, through September 15, 2027.
Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order with Exceptions
To provide for public safety, the Timber and Plaskett Fire Area is closed, including roads and trails described in Exhibit A and shown on the Exhibit B Map.This Forest Order No 05-07-51-26-10 supersedes Forest Order No. 05-07-51-26-08.
About
Arroyo Seco Group Campground is a single reservable group site nestled in California's westernmost national forest, Los Padres. Situated at approximately 920 feet elevation along the Arroyo Seco River in Monterey County, the site is surrounded by large oak trees and abundant shrubbery with views of the Ventana Wilderness mountain peaks. The group site accommodates up to 50 people and 10 vehicles, with additional vehicles permitted for $10 each. This is strictly a tent-camping site on a primitive access road; RVs and trailers are not permitted. The site includes picnic tables and fire rings for campfires. Note that there are no restrooms or potable water at the group site itself. Recreation opportunities include hiking and backpacking via the Ventana Wilderness trailhead located half a mile away, and fishing in the Arroyo Seco River where largemouth bass up to 8 pounds have been caught. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 6:00am.
Directions
From Highway 101 northbound: Exit at Arroyo Seco Road near Greenfield, travel 16.2 miles to the Carmel Valley Road junction, bear left, then proceed 3.4 miles to the campground. From Highway 101 southbound: Exit at Arroyo Seco Road, immediately turn left on Elm Avenue, follow it 6 miles, turn left onto Arroyo Seco Road, continue 6.5 miles to the junction, bear left, then 3.4 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-6640 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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