Arroyo Seco Group Campground
Open — Open year-round by reservation only. Reservations available on a 6-month rolling basis through Recreation.gov.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
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.
Special Closure - SLRD Lake Fire Post-Burn Public Safety
Closure of developed recreation sites and roads on the Santa Lucia Ranger District impacted by the Lake fire.
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
Road Use Restriction - Sycamore Cyn Rd to Pfeiffer Beach
Prohibits being on Sycamore Canyon Road (Forest Road No.
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area. Reference the description of the area and attached map for details.
San Carpoforo Beach Prohibition of Overnight Camping and Campfires
Prohibits overnight camping and building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the 
Santa Barbara Front Country Fire Use Restrictions
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the Fire Use Restriction Area which is the front country of Santa Barbara. Reference the description of the area and the attached map for details.
About
Arroyo Seco Group Campground offers a semi-rustic camping experience in California's westernmost national forest, nestled into the hillside at approximately 920 feet elevation. The single group site is tent-only and can accommodate up to 50 people maximum with 10 vehicles included in the base rate of $125 per night. Additional vehicles cost $10 each. The site features picnic tables and a campfire circle, with vault toilets and drinking water provided. The campground is situated next to the Arroyo Seco River, which offers a small beach area for wading and swimming during spring and early summer when water levels are sufficient. A small non-body contact lake near the group site provides opportunities for fishing (mainly bass and catfish) and small non-motorized boating. The surrounding landscape features oak trees, abundant shrubbery, and views of the Ventana Wilderness mountain peaks. The 15.5-mile Santa Lucia Trail provides access to the Ventana Wilderness and extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities. The campground is located about 50 miles from Monterey and 30 miles from the west entrance of Pinnacles National Park. Reservations can be made on a 6-month rolling basis through Recreation.gov. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, and pets must be leashed.
Directions
From Highway 101 south, take the Arroyo Seco exit into Greenfield, turn left on Elm Street heading west to Arroyo Seco Road and turn left. Arroyo Seco Road dead-ends at the campground. From Highway 101 north, just past Soledad, turn west onto Arroyo Seco Road and continue to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Arroyo Seco Group Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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