Campsite AtlasUpper Oso Campground
Upper Oso Campground provides ample opportunity for exploration of California's coastal mountains. It is a family-friendly campground, equipped with equestrian sites, and is close to a variety of trails and several mountain streams. A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails begin in and around the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail, which traverses 18 miles north to the San Rafael Wilderness. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads through scenic areas to a group campsite. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the Camuesa OHV Route, which loops about 10 miles through the surrounding forest.
Campsites
| Equestrian | 11 |
| Tent-only | 3 |
| Standard, no hookups | 3 |
| Walk-in | 2 |
| Total | 19 |
Amenities & rules
Fees: All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night after 6 people.) Maximum number of vehicles per single site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle per night).
Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Getting there
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.
Campgrounds nearby
Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.