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.
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.Over the past…
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.
Monterey Ranger District Storm Damage Closure
Due to recent storm damage, recreating in the following areas on Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest is prohibited:Rocky Creek Trail (NFS 4E04)Reliz Canyon Road (NFS road 19S08.2)Additionally, using a motorized vehicle on the following National Forest System roads is…
Roadside Camping Prohibited: Nacimiento-Ferguson Road
For public safety, camping is not allowed within 300 feet of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (Forest Road No. 22S01), from its intersection with State Highway 1 then east for 12 miles. See attached map for details. This Order is effective from September 6, 2025, through September 5, 2027.
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. 19S05), except within a motor vehicle from its intersection with State Highway 1 then continuing west for approximately two and a half miles to its terminus at Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area, as shown on the attached map.
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. NOTE: Persons with a valid CA Campfire Permit may…
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 Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6…
Wind Advisory issued March 1 at 12:18PM PST until March 3 at 3:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...North winds 30 to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Interstate 5 Corridor, Northern Ventura County Mountains, Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range, Southern Ventura County Mountains, and Western Antelope Valley Foothills. * WHEN...From 3 PM Monday to 3 AM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
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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