California / Monterey County / Los Padres National Forest / Ventana Wilderness

Arroyo Seco

Open — The campground is currently open. Individual sites operate on a 6-month rolling reservation system through Recreation.gov. Some sites may be available as first-come, first-served depending on the season.

About

Arroyo Seco Campground is a semi-rustic developed facility nestled into the hillside along the Arroyo Seco River at 1,200 feet elevation in Los Padres National Forest. The campground is surrounded by abundant shrubbery and large oak trees, offering scenic views of the Ventana Wilderness mountain peaks. Visitors are greeted with colorful plants at the entrance, and in spring and fall, the trees transform into beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange, with lupines blooming throughout the area in springtime. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping across modern and primitive sites, though no utility hookups or dump stations are available. Modern sites feature paved surfaces, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers, while primitive sites offer a more rustic experience with pit toilets. All sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal barbecue grills, with water hydrants distributed throughout. Paved roads connect the campground areas, and some sites are level enough to accommodate most RVs. The nearby Arroyo Seco River offers swimming holes and a small beach area for wading, with water levels dependent on seasonal rainfall. A small non-body contact lake near the group campsites provides opportunities for fishing and small non-motorized boating, with bass and catfish being the primary species. The Ventana Wilderness, accessible from the campground, provides extensive opportunities for hiking, backpacking, hunting, and horseback riding. The 15.5-mile Santa Lucia Trail connects to a variety of wilderness trails. The campground is located approximately 50 miles from Monterey and 30 miles from Pinnacles National Park.

Directions

From Highway 101 north, exit at Arroyo Seco Road near Greenfield and proceed 16.2 miles to the junction with Carmel Valley Road and bear left at the sign saying 'Public Campground.' Follow the road 3.4 miles to the campground. From Highway 101 south, exit at Arroyo Seco Road and make an immediate left at Elm Ave. Follow Elm Street for 6 miles and turn left at the T onto Arroyo Seco Road. Proceed 6.5 miles to the junction with Carmel Valley Road and bear left, then follow 3.4 miles to the campground.

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