California / Santa Barbara County / Los Padres National Forest

Sage Hill

Closed — The campground operates year-round but is subject to temporary closures during winter when heavy rains make the river crossing impassable. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.

About

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, Sage Hill Campground offers group camping with easy access to the Santa Ynez River. The campground features five group sites on a flat area with some shade from oak trees and paved roads throughout. The facility caters to various group camping needs, with four standard group sites accommodating 25-50 people each, and one specialized equestrian site (Caballo Loop) that holds up to 60 people and includes 12 corrals and a hitching post. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, group barbecues, and firepits. Access to the campground requires fording the Santa Ynez River, which is easily done during dry seasons but can become impassable during heavy winter rains, potentially resulting in short-term closures. Recreational opportunities include fishing for carp, catfish, bluegill, and occasional bass in the Santa Ynez River. The Aliso Canyon Trail begins at the rear of the campground and continues to Upper Oso Campground, where the Santa Cruz Trail begins. Both hiking and horseback riding are popular activities. The nearby Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, about seven miles west, offers additional boating, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. Trailhead parking requires a $10 daily fee or PMC Annual Pass ($50).

Directions

From Highway 101, take Highway 154 approximately 15 miles north to Paradise Road. Turn right and continue 5 miles to Los Prietos Road. Turn left past the ranger station and follow the road across the river to the campground entrance.

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