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.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
Cold Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 9:51PM PST until December 30 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 36 expected. * WHERE...Interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia Range, Most of San Benito County and the Cholame Hills in Southeast Monterey County, North Bay Interior Mountains, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, East Bay Hills, and Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.
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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