Upper Oso Campground
The managing agency’s description mentions a closure. Read it below and confirm before you drive out.
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- 45 ft
- Sites
- 19
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- No
- Paved access
- Yes
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Not published
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Not published
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- Not published
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Upper Oso Campground
There are 10 campsites open at the Upper Oso Campground. They are currently first-come, first-served only. No reservations until May 15, 2022. The remaining 14 campsites (mostly equestrian campsites) are temporarily closed until further notice. Oak trees, seasonal creek runs through the campground, large sites, canyon setting. Tables, firepits w/grill, barbecues, flush toilets, water, garbage bins, R/V - no hookups. Firewood for purchase from the campground host. River access to the Santa Ynez River along the last 6 miles of Paradise Road. Watch out for poison oak. There are several accessible sites at this campground. This campground occasionally closes during the winter months if the water levels are too high at the First Crossing and prevents access. Campfires are currently allowed with a CA Campfire Permit: www.readyforwildfire.org
Before you go
Season
January – December
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
$30/night, $10/ extra vehicle fee. Concession-managed by the Parks Management Company for the Forest Service. The Interagency Senior and Acess Passes provide pass holders with 50% off of camping fees - not valid for day use within the campground or extra vehicle parking fee. Day use in the campground is $10 per vehicle.
Hours
Check-in time: 3:00pm, Check-out time: 12:00noon. Quiet Hours: 10:00pm – 6:00am
Restrictions
No more than 8 people per site, 14 day stay limit. Green sticker and approved spark arrestor required on motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles for use on the Buckhorn Rd, Upper Oso Trailhead.
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.