Description

How do you see your summer playing out? Snorkeling in a rock cove, tubing down a gorge, rock climbing gorge sides? Good news, all this and more can be done when you stay at Arroyo Seco Campground. Options are a-plenty with modern and primitive sites available. Keep in mind amenities vary per site type. Nestled under the oak trees, this camp gives an A+ atmosphere for the after adventure snooze. When you awake soak in the mountain air and its good tidings--John Muir said so!
Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
38 sites
Up to 8 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Showers available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recomme...Read more

Fishing

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dolla...Read more

Hiking

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique exp...Read more

Horseback riding

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly f...Read more

Paddling

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountai...Read more

Swimming

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be...Read more

Wildlife watching

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Pad...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Arroyo Seco Campground.

Beach
Cave
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences.
Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more.

11 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Arroyo Seco Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Md
Md A.
didn't provide a recommendation.
November 10th, 2023

"Make the most of your camping trips with "Your Camping Assistant." Our blog is your go-to resource for all things camping, offering expert advice, campsite recommendations, and gear reviews tailored to your needs. Learn from our personal experiences and enhance your outdoor skills. Whether you're a camping novice or a seasoned pro, join our community and transform your camping adventures today!"
website:
https://yourcampingassistant.com/

Hipcamper Jill
Jill C.
doesn't recommend this listing.
July 5th, 2021

We camped here over Labor aday 2021. NFS contracted maintenance to a private company more concerned with our dogs being on leash than with our safety! We ran out of water on a long hike, looking tired and red faced, and the host employees we more concerned with us being near the "employee only" area (where the trail deposited us) and our dogs sacked out on the side not being on leash, than with our well being! The Forrest service employee who came by gave us water and Gatorade because he could tell we needed it, but the employees for the host company just reminded us of rules! The campground was also very spread out and we had to drive to the swimming areas. Overall, very disappointing and we won't be back!

Hipcamper Craig
Craig T.
didn't provide a recommendation.
March 20th, 2019

This place is great! I visited in March of 2019. With all the rain in recent weeks the creeks were roaring and the foliage was beyond vivid in color. The camp hosts Mike and Holy were super helpful and have firewood for $10 per bundle incase you're running low and need some extended warmth. The campsites in some areas are a bit close to one another, but everyone was friendly and respectful of noise and space. They do offer showers, and I found the bathrooms to very clean. Toilet and sink are provided in the bathrooms and you won't be hit in the face with any foul smells when you walk in. You can either walk or drive to the trailhead of Indians Road and Santa Lucia from the campground, but prepare to pay $10 (day pass) if you drive.

Hipcamper Renae
Renae M.
recommends this listing.
April 16th, 2018

Its apparently known as the "party" campground by the locals and I can see why. People were awake and being very loud well past 3 AM. I was actually honestly surprised that the host didn't say anything. other than that, its a nice area, lots of shade, easy access to some great hiking. The camp site had lots of room and the bathrooms were kept up really well. I would stay again, just might bring some ear plugs next time

Hipcamper renee
Renee W.
recommends this listing.
June 2nd, 2017

Arroyo seco is an awesome hidden gem off of highway 101. It can have a good amount of water after a wet winter. Along the same lines, it can also have very little and stagnant water after a dry winter. Flies can be bad and temps can reach 90+ so I would recommend fall to spring as the best time to check it out.

Hipcamper sara
Sara C.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 20th, 2016

Very nice campgrounds on an easily accessible road (we have a low clearance vehicle). Lots of trails and hiking in the area, but be careful for poison oak- it's everywhere. The river is a great temperature- feels amazing and cools you right off (especially with the crazy heat around this area)! We saw some larger groups of friends as well as families.

If you're planning on staying at the car camping campground, do not expect solitude. We parked our car here and hiked up/down the river and found a nice secluded spot to pitch our tent.

You can find images here:
http://tbdtraveler.com/arroyo-seco-gorge.html

Hipcamper Amber
Amber L.
didn't provide a recommendation.
March 13th, 2016

great campground. you dont need to bring to bring any firewood cause you can buy it for cheap there. there are a couple of small trails you can hike and also long trails so its perfect for anyone.

Hipcamper Cristina
Cristina R.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 26th, 2015

The hike to last chance falls is fantastic. If you bring rope you can also jump in for a swim and use to rope climb back out (when it's not dried up). Also, you can hike/swim thru the river bed to the canyon, but make sure to bring a floating device.

Hipcamper Allie
Allie F.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 17th, 2015

Such a great site for large groups! We reserved the group site and had a blast hiking and swimming.

Park
Los Padres National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
805-434-1996
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
36.24° N, 121.479° W
Unknown price
Tent Only - Hike In: 3 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent Only: 12 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer - Group: 1 Site
(Up to 50 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer: 22 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)