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19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp South Los Padres National Forest

Camp Type: Trail Camp
Topo Map Link: San Marcos Pass
Elevation: 1709 feet
Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
County: Santa Barbara County
Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
Longitude: -119.75320816040039
Latitude: 34.57226986876974
Water Sources: Seasonal spring is above the horse trough located below camp, water is not year round and can be dry. Water can also be found in the creek, but the creek can be dry in drought years or by the end of the summer.
Length of Stay: 14 Days
Reservations: Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
08-25-2023	Dogger	Flowing
06-18-2023	Emily Maynard	Flowing
01-15-2022	Shelly Hines	Flowing
01-09-2022	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
11-28-2021	Emily Maynard	Dry
02-10-2021	Ky	Flowing
11-11-2020	Nate Bates	Dry
04-26-2020	Jarrett Smith	Flowing
03-08-2020	Antonio Calderon	Flowing
03-04-2020	Ryan	Flowing
02-28-2020	susie	Flowing
10-15-2019	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
10-12-2019	Anonymous Surveyor	Trickle
10-04-2019	Los Padres Forest Association	Stagnant
08-16-2019	Anonymous Surveyor	Dry
08-10-2019	Weston Mangin	Trickle
07-06-2019	Jonathan Weakliem	Flowing
04-28-2019	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
11-10-2018	Jonathan Weakliem	Dry
09-04-2018	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
10-30-2017	Jasonn Beckstrand	Flowing
10-14-2017	Jasonn Beckstrand	Flowing
10-02-2017	Jasonn Beckstrand	Flowing
09-19-2017	Jasonn Beckstrand	Flowing
04-21-2017	James Wapotich	Flowing
08-09-2016	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
05-28-2016	Hannah Strong	Dry
05-17-2016	Anonymous Surveyor	Flowing
04-01-2015	Shaddus Maximus	Dry
03-18-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
02-20-2015	Max Haws	Flowing
01-10-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
06-14-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
05-22-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
04-10-2008	Valerie Norton	Flowing

Photo: Bryan Conant

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Survey This Camp Forest Service Page

Description:

19 Oaks Camp is located on the Santa Cruz Trail (27W09)

The hike begins at Upper Oso Campground in the Oso Canyon, 34.55729, -119.77116. After going around a locked gate, follow a wide motor cycle road for under three quarters of a mile. The trail is fairly low angle and covered with soft dirt. Unless there are motor cycles on the road, this part of the trail is very pleasant. You are hiking parallel to Oso Creek and in the shade of oak trees. There are a number of side trails leading down to the creeks swimming holes.

At the end of the initial section, the trail to 19 Oaks separates from the motor cycle road and becomes Santa Cruz Trail proper. There are signs pointing you to 19 Oaks and Little Pine Mountain. There is also a box for leaving a note. At this point, the trail drops downhill for a short distance before rising again following Oso Creek. At about one and a half mile point the trail crosses the creek and shortly after crosses it again bypassing a rocky section. Another quarter of a mile, you will reach the turn off point to 19 Oaks marked by a sign. Leave the main trail and hike up a steep section of a trail to a low angle hillside and 19 Oaks in about one quarter of a mile. There are many oak trees, a few benches, fire pits, campsites and a very rustic open-air toilet pit.

Survey Photos:

Los Padres Forest Association - 03-18-2015
Spring "box" at 19 Oaks
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-18-2015
Water level within the spring box
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-18-2015
Someone left an interesting stroller/buggy at camp
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-18-2015
The throne at 19 Oaks
Los Padres Forest Association - 03-18-2015
Perhaps the best view for taking care of business
Shaddus Maximus - 04-01-2015
Anonymous Surveyor - 05-17-2016
Little water fall near 19 Oaks turn off
Anonymous Surveyor - 05-17-2016
Lots of Wildflower along the trail
Anonymous Surveyor - 05-17-2016
Campsite ready to go
Anonymous Surveyor - 05-17-2016
New Thrown
Los Padres Forest Association - 08-09-2016
The new upper campsite, located SE across the draw.
Los Padres Forest Association - 08-09-2016
The new toilet installed by the scouts as part of an Eagle Project. NICE!
Los Padres Forest Association - 08-09-2016
And the old throne, is it salvagable? Is it still standing?
James Wapotich - 04-21-2017
Jasonn Beckstrand - 09-19-2017
Oso creek next to Santa Cruz trail and 19 Oaks turn off
Jasonn Beckstrand - 09-19-2017
Trough at camp, feed by spring
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-02-2017
Oso creek just past campsite junction on Santa Cruz Trail
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-14-2017
Troop 26 Eagle scout project
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-14-2017
Water in oso creek low but flowing
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-14-2017
trough down to a trickle
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-14-2017
Rattlesnakes are out
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-30-2017
New Campsite sign
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-30-2017
Oso Creek
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-30-2017
Spring full of water but only dripping
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-30-2017
Main camp and new fire ring
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-30-2017
Campsite 3 burnt table. Needs replacement
Jasonn Beckstrand - 10-30-2017
Campsite 3 table painted. Temporary fix until the next Eagle Scout Project
Los Padres Forest Association - 09-04-2018
Jonathan Weakliem - 11-10-2018
Map of the camps and trails
Jonathan Weakliem - 11-10-2018
The new campsite, labeled as camp 4 on the map
Jonathan Weakliem - 11-10-2018
The relocated campsite, labeled as camp 3 on the map
Los Padres Forest Association - 10-04-2019
The new old sign at 19 Oaks Camp
Los Padres Forest Association - 10-04-2019
The trough at 19 Oaks. You can sift down and find water but much better to walk down and get water from Oso Creek.
Antonio Calderon - 03-08-2020
Sign at camp
Antonio Calderon - 03-08-2020
Toilet
Antonio Calderon - 03-08-2020
Trough
Jarrett Smith - 04-26-2020
Newly installed Santa Cruz Trail sign below camp!
Jarrett Smith - 04-26-2020
Abundance of poppies below camp currently
Jarrett Smith - 04-26-2020
Water flowing well into the trough
Jarrett Smith - 04-26-2020
Short waterfall on Oso Creek near the trail junction
Emily Maynard - 11-28-2021
View of campsite 1
Emily Maynard - 11-28-2021
Bone dry stock trough and helper
Emily Maynard - 11-28-2021
Sunset from camp
Emily Maynard - 11-28-2021
Nearby serpentine rock formations
Emily Maynard - 06-18-2023
Overgrown horse trough
Emily Maynard - 06-18-2023
Cleared horse trough at 19 Oaks spring
Emily Maynard - 06-18-2023
View from camp
Emily Maynard - 06-18-2023
Waterfall and swimming hole in Oso Creek
Dogger - 08-25-2023
good flow at trough
Dogger - 08-25-2023
broken bridge on trail from 19 Oaks to Buckhorn Rd,

Submitted Camp Reports

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 06-18-2023 - by Emily Maynard

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	06-18-2023
Surveyor Name:	Emily Maynard
Camp Description:	After abundant rain in the 2022-2023 season, Oso Creek and the horse trough at 19 Oaks both had ample water. The trough was overgrown with plants and mosquito larvae, and we cleared it some. It looked like LPFA crews had been through earlier in the month to clear and repair the Santa Cruz trail. Conditions were excellent all around. A treat to not have to carry water in after doing so for the last two years.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Water is flowing (and overflowing!) in the horse trough at 19 Oaks
Weather Conditions:	Approximately 55° (night) to 85° (day)
Images:	Overgrown horse trough Cleared horse trough at 19 Oaks spring View from camp Waterfall and swimming hole in Oso Creek

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 11-28-2021 - by Emily Maynard

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	11-28-2021
Surveyor Name:	Emily Maynard
Camp Description:	All 4 camp sites and the latrine are in good condition. This is one of my family’s favorite campsites, it’s just a short hike in from parking at Upper Oso, but we’ve never found it very crowded. Quite a big payoff with the interesting geology of the canyon and the views from the campground. Nights are getting cold this time of year (late November weekend), but I’m sure we’ll be back in early spring to see the wildflowers around here.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	No water in the stock trough at camp nor in the creek below.
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, dry, highs in upper 60°s, lows in 40°s
Images:	View of campsite 1 Bone dry stock trough and helper Sunset from camp Nearby serpentine rock formations

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 04-26-2020 - by Jarrett Smith

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	04-26-2020
Surveyor Name:	Jarrett Smith
Camp Description:	Went on a nice day hike to install a sign for an LPFA project. The sign is below Nineteen Oaks Camp at the trail junction with Santa Cruz Trail. It is off to the right of the junction in front of a small oak. The surrounding area of the sign is brushed back well, so it is easily visible! Checked out the campsite after sign installation. There are an abundance of poppies below camp at the sign for camp. Grass around camp is about 1 ft - 1 1/2 ft tall. The trough is full and flowing well! Very accessible, but moss is prevalent in the trough. One of the picnic tables under a grouping of oaks provided excellent shade during the warmer part of the day. Scenery around camp is quite green and pleasant. Additionally, Oso Creek has good water flow, and is easily accessible below camp along Santa Cruz Trail, just past the junction.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Oso Creek is flowing well as is the water at the trough.
Weather Conditions:	Upper 70's to low 80's
Images:	Newly installed Santa Cruz Trail sign below camp! Abundance of poppies below camp currently Water flowing well into the trough Short waterfall on Oso Creek near the trail junction

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 10-12-2019 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	10-12-2019
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	Surprised a barn owl during the day and had a perfect view of the bird in flight. Slept under a bright moon and saw the owl flying three more times, but it never made a sound. The pit toilet is lovely, but there was water in the bottom. This can't be good for down gradient water quality.Â Â
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:	Trough was not flowing. Creek had some connected pools that could be harvested. We carried water.
Weather Conditions:	Mid 80's during the day, 50's at night.

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 10-04-2019 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	10-04-2019
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The camp looked good.Â Some stagnant water in the trough but good water flowing down in Oso Creek. The Santa Crjuz Trail up to 19 Oaks is in good shape, could use a little touch up here/there and there is one large half downed oak tree blocking an area but all in all in good shape.Â The SC Trail above 19 Oaks remains in poor shape, in particular once you get above Dead Dog Meadow and into the slides that have not been fixed since the Rey Fire.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:	The new old sign at 19 Oaks Camp The trough at 19 Oaks. You can sift down and find water but much better to walk down and get water from Oso Creek.

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 11-10-2018 - by Jonathan Weakliem

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	11-10-2018
Surveyor Name:	Jonathan Weakliem
Camp Description:	Eagle scout project completed in the area. The camp by the looking rock was relocated up the hill, and a new trail was made to it. Additionally, there was another camp created farther up the main trail. It has a 10 foot long table and a fire place installed.Â
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	Spring by the site was not flowing, also no water in the nearby creek.
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, 70F
Images:	Map of the camps and trails The new campsite, labeled as camp 4 on the map The relocated campsite, labeled as camp 3 on the map

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 10-30-2017 - by Jasonn Beckstrand

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	10-30-2017
Surveyor Name:	Jasonn Beckstrand
Camp Description:	Eagle scout project was completed with a successful toilet install.Â Also the Campsite 1 was cleaned up, new table, new fire pit.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good water in Oso Creek, Spring just has a drip due to clogged pipe.
Weather Conditions:	75
Images:	New Campsite sign Oso Creek Spring full of water but only dripping Main camp and new fire ring Campsite 3 burnt table. Needs replacement

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 10-14-2017 - by Jasonn Beckstrand

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	10-14-2017
Surveyor Name:	Jasonn Beckstrand
Camp Description:	19 Oaks is starting to rebound after the Rey fire.Â The plants are springingÂ back. Currently there is an eagle scout project happening to fix up the Pit Toilet that burned and also the main camp. If you get out there you can enjoy the new table. We also encountered a large rattlesnake while doing some maintenance. So be on the lookout
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Oso Creek is still low but good and clear. The trough is at a trickle
Weather Conditions:	85 hot and buggy
Images:	Troop 26 Eagle scout project Water in oso creek low but flowing trough down to a trickle Rattlesnakes are out

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 09-19-2017 - by Jasonn Beckstrand

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	09-19-2017
Surveyor Name:	Jasonn Beckstrand
Camp Description:	The camp repairs have started, with an other Eagle Scout project.Â Progress updates will follow as the repairs start. Plans to fix toilet and main camp are the first.Â Then the other camps to follow
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Low but flowing and clear, moss is starting to grow, spring has good flow to trough
Weather Conditions:	Clean, Calm, 75F
Images:	Oso creek next to Santa Cruz trail and 19 Oaks turn off Trough at camp, feed by spring

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 04-21-2017 - by James Wapotich

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	04-21-2017
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	Camp of course burned in the Rey Fire...amazing amount of flow in the horse trough that has been completely dry since the drought. Good water in Oso Creek as well. Currently the hillsides are experiencing their own super bloom with mariposa lilies, fiesta flowers, and fairy lanterns.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 08-09-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	08-09-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Visited 19 Oaks on August 9, 2016 to check out the new toilet and new third campsite that the scouts installed earlier in the year. Â Things were clean and looking good. Â The scout projects were great! Â Little did I know that this was all going to burn in just over 2 weeks.Â
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	No water anywhere nearby. Closed water was just above Upper Oso.
Weather Conditions:	80's and pleasantly hot
Images:	The new upper campsite, located SE across the draw. The new toilet installed by the scouts as part of an Eagle Project. NICE! And the old throne, is it salvagable? Is it still standing?

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 05-28-2016 - by Hannah Strong

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	05-28-2016
Surveyor Name:	Hannah Strong
Camp Description:	No water at the campground, but the Santa Cruz Trail crosses over a small creek just past the turnoff for 19 Oaks (north/towards Little Pine). Â The water there was low but clear and flowing. The campground itself was in good condition, though it was hard to find the individual campsites as they are spaced out. Ours had a firepit and picknic table in the sun and a shady area to pitch tents. We went there for labor day weekend when the park was pretty busy and all the campsites that we saw were full (4 out of a rumored 7).
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	Trough and stream in campgrounds bone dry, but water flowing on Santa Cruz Trail just north of the turnoff.
Weather Conditions:

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 05-17-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	05-17-2016
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:	The trail is in good condition to the camp. Small pools near the camp.Â Nothing deep. 19 Oaks camp clean up is underway.Â This is an Eagle Scout Project. Looking good.Â Scout running the project will submit a full report when complete.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	the water is low but clear
Weather Conditions:	72 and no wind
Images:	Little water fall near 19 Oaks turn off Lots of Wildflower along the trail Campsite ready to go New Thrown

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 03-18-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	03-18-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The LPFA headed up to 19 Oaks to check on the status of the spring and also scout the toilet situation, which has been quite full for a few years now. SPRING - Last summer we dug out and cleaned the spring box. Â It was empty at the time. - Right now there is about 2ft of water in the spring but not enough to get to the out-pipe which leads down to the trough. Â It's about 18inches short of the out-pipe. - We shoveled out the trough so that if/when the water does flow out of the spring it will land in a clean trough. - We need two large storms, PLEASE. - Campers should get their water from nearby Oso Creek, which is flowing nicely. TOILET - The amount of waste in the toilet has gone down from last summer. Â Last summer it was literally coming out the top of the toilet, right now its about 8inches down from the top. - That being said, it needs to be cleaned up. - In addition, the throne platform is starting to give out and should be rebuilt. Â It's approximately 42" x 42" and free standing on the ground with a hole for the throne. Â Suggest pressure 2x4 frame with plywood base and two other pt 2x4's for support across where the throne sits. - The seat is also pretty gross and should be replaced. - The protective wall is not in the greatest shape but is serviceable. - This would be a great scout project. Â It took me 30mins to hike from Upper Oso to 19 Oaks, pretty quick.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	The spring is not flowing but there is good water in Oso Creek about 1/4mile below the camp
Weather Conditions:	9am, partly sunny, humid, mid-70's
Images:	Spring "box" at 19 Oaks Water level within the spring box Someone left an interesting stroller/buggy at camp The throne at 19 Oaks Perhaps the best view for taking care of business

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 02-20-2015 - by Max Haws

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	02-20-2015
Surveyor Name:	Max Haws
Camp Description:	The last 2 times I have been to 19 Oaks it has been to capacity. Â this time there were 15+ people there by 6PM Friday. Â We ended hiking back to Oso and car camped....bummer. Â If the Forest is spending all that $ making commercials to Â "visit the forest " and people respond, Â maybe we ought to open more areas and / or campsites. Â From an area between Matilaja to Manzana our scout troop has not been able to camp 5/7 times in the last year Â at the camp site due to crowding. Â Any suggestions? Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow from Upper Oso to the crossing at 19 Oaks
Weather Conditions:

19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp Survey - 04-10-2008 - by Valerie Norton

Link:	19 or Nineteen Oaks Camp
Date:	04-10-2008
Surveyor Name:	Valerie Norton
Camp Description:	An exquisite potrero with excellent sunset potential, popular with groups with horses. Â Tables, fire pits, open space, large oaks, beautiful mountains, and the view into the toilet can't be beat anywhere. Â Okay, that last bit might not be so great.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	creek below is good, didn't check the spring
Weather Conditions:	mild, sunny