Upper Oso Campground
Closed — Currently closed by Forest Order 05-07-54-24-14 for storm damage recovery. The closure order was effective from July 19, 2024 through July 18, 2025. When operational, the campground is typically open year-round but may close during winter months if water levels are too high at river crossings preventing access.
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.
About
Upper Oso Campground sits in the lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area of Los Padres National Forest, approximately 25 miles north of Santa Barbara. The campground features large, shaded sites beneath plentiful oak trees along a seasonal creek at an elevation of 1,040 feet. With around 24 total sites, the campground caters to various camping styles including tent camping, RV camping (no hookups), and equestrian camping, with about 10 sites outfitted with horse corrals and extra-long paved parking spurs. The campground serves as a gateway to diverse recreational opportunities. The Santa Cruz Trail begins here and traverses 18 miles north into the San Rafael Wilderness, while the 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads to a group campsite. Mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts can access the Camuesa OHV Route, which loops approximately 10 miles through the surrounding forest. Nearby White Rock Day-Use Area, less than two miles away, offers fishing and swimming in the Santa Ynez River, which is stocked with trout in spring. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area lies about 10 miles northwest. The campground is managed by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service and typically operates year-round, though winter closures can occur when high water levels prevent access at river crossings along Paradise Road. Firewood is available for purchase from the on-site campground host.
Directions
From Santa Barbara, travel north on Highway 101. Exit onto Highway 154 and continue northwest for about 10 miles. Turn east onto Paradise Road and travel about 6 miles. Turn north onto Forest Route 5N15 and continue less than two miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| parksman@fix.net | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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