Upper Oso sits in oak shade along a seasonal creek, serving as a reliable base camp for exploring the Santa Ynez backcountry. With dedicated equestrian sites and trail access that ranges from gentle recreation paths to wilderness routes, it draws families and horse packers looking to get into the Los Padres without the full commitment of backcountry camping.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 24
- 💵Fee per Night
- $30
- 📋Reservations
- First-Come, First-Served
- 📍GPS
- 34.55583, -119.75389
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 805-434-1996
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Upper Oso spreads its two dozen sites under a canopy of oak trees at 1,040 feet, with a seasonal creek running alongside the campground. The sites feel spacious rather than crowded, benefiting from the natural shade and the sound of moving water when the creek is flowing. About ten sites come equipped with horse corrals and extended paved parking spurs—a thoughtful setup for anyone hauling horse trailers into the mountains.
Each site includes the standard table and fire ring with grill, plus a pedestal grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are distributed throughout the camp, and the on-site host sells firewood, which saves you from scrounging or hauling it up from town.
What to Know
The campground runs first-come, first-served, which means weekend availability can be hit-or-miss, especially given its proximity to Santa Barbara—just 25 miles north. Winter camping is the norm here, taking advantage of Southern California's mild season when many higher-elevation camps are snowed in.
Trails and Water
The Santa Cruz Trail departs directly from camp and runs 18 miles north into the San Rafael Wilderness—a serious commitment that puts you deep into Los Padres backcountry. For something more manageable, the 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail winds through scenic terrain to a group campsite.
Mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders have the 10-mile Camuesa OHV Route, which loops through the surrounding forest. White Rock Day-Use Area, less than two miles away, offers fishing and swimming access, with the Santa Ynez River stocked with trout each spring. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area sits about 10 miles northwest—a no-contact reservoir where you can boat, fish, and kayak for stocked trout, carp, and bass.