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Arroyo Seco Campground North Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Car Campground - Please Make A Reservation
  • Topo Map Link: Junipero Serra Peak
  • Elevation: 900 feet
  • Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
  • County: Monterey County
  • Ranger District: Monterey Ranger District
  • Longitude: -121.4831689393357
  • Latitude: 36.23302721823659
  • Water Sources: Drinking Water
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Car Campground - Please Make A Reservation

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
07-23-2017Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
08-11-2014Los Padres Forest AssociationStagnant

Description:

Overview

Arroyo Seco Campground is a semi-rustic, but developed facility in California's westernmost national forest. It offers a great escape from bustling city life, into the mountain air and provides access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Natural Features:

The campground offers views of the Ventana Wilderness mountain peaks and one small lake (water levels depend on the season). It is nestled into the hillside, surrounded by abundant shrubbery and large oak trees. It is situated next to the Arroyo Seco River at an elevation of about 1,200 feet. A variety of birds and wildlife make their home in the area.

A splash of color greets visitors at the entrance gate, where a variety of plants in bloom. In the spring and fall, the leaves on the trees change to beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, creating a beautiful scenic landscape. In the springtime, lupines bloom all around.

Recreation:

The small non-body contact lake near the group campsites gives campers an edge on mountain fishing and small non-motorized boating. Anglers will find mostly bass and catfish in the lakes, and other species on occasion. A fishing license is required for visitors over 16 years of age. The nearby river offers a small beach where campers and day use visitors may wade and swim. All nearby bodies of water are dependent upon seasonal rain for levels to rise.

The Ventana Wilderness, also known as "the gorge," provides ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, backpacking, hunting and horseback riding. No motorized vehicles are allowed (unless prior permission is granted by the Forest Service) beyond the gated road and parking lot. The 15.5-mile Santa Lucia Trail is available for hiking and horseback riding and provides access to the surrounding wilderness and a variety of other trails.

Facilities:

The campground offers sites that are both modern and more primitive, for single and double-family occupancy. Campsites are available for tent or RV camping, however utility hookups are not provided and there is no dump station. Some sites are level and large enough to accommodate most RVs. Roads are paved throughout the campground.

Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Campsites in the first loop offer accessible flush toilets, coin-operated showers and drinking water. In the more primitive area of the campground, vault toilets are provided, as well as drinking water. Some sites are fully accessible.

A group campsite is available for reservations and can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. It provides tables and a campfire circle, as well as vault toilets and drinking water.

Nearby Attractions:

The city of Monterey provides a variety of tourism opportunities and is located about 50 miles from the campground.

The west side of the Pinnacles National Monument is about 30 miles from the campground. The monument and surrounding area is popular among rock climbers during the spring and fall.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Accessible Flush Toilets
  • Accessible Sites
  • Birding
  • Campfire Rings
  • Drinking Water
  • Dumpster
  • Firewood Vendor
  • Fishing
  • Grills
  • Group Camping
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding Trails
  • Lake Access
  • Mountain Biking
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Picnic Area
  • Pit Toilet
  • RV sites
  • River Access
  • Showers
  • Trailheads
  • Trash Collection
  • Vault Toilets
  • Wildlife Viewing
Know Before You Go
  • The road to get from Arroyo Seco to Big Sur is around 70 miles on a very curvy road which is approximately a two hours' drive.
  • Use caution in the river; water can be swift and dangerous in the spring
  • Weather conditions can change rapidly; check prior to arrival
  • Insects may be present; bring appropriate provisions (repellents, etc.)
  • Single sites include one vehicle in the use fee. Double sites include two vehicles in the use fee. Any extra vehicles will be charged at the campground for $5/night per vehicle.
  • Click here for more information on the Los Padres National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
36.23972, -121.47861
36°14'23"N, 121°28'43"W

Coming from the south on Highway 101 to Greenfield, take the first exit (Arroyo Seco) into town. Turn left on Elm Street and go west to Arroyo Seco Road and turn left. Arroyo Seco Road dead-ends at the campground.

Coming from the north on Highway 101, just past Soledad, turn west onto Arroyo Seco Road and continue to the campground.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

ARROYO SECO
47600 ARROYO SECO ROAD
GREENFIELD  CA  93927

Phone Number:

Information:  (831)674-5726

Survey Photos:


  • Los Padres Forest Association - 08-11-2014

Submitted Camp Reports

Arroyo Seco Campground Survey - 07-23-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Arroyo Seco Campground
Date: 07-23-2017
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:Great recent article featuring some cleanup and educational outreach performed by the Ventana Wilderness Alliance.  Enjoy the writeup and be kind to the land:

https://xasauantoday.com/2017/07/23/a-day-on-the-arroyo-seco/
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Arroyo Seco Campground Survey - 08-11-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Arroyo Seco Campground
Date: 08-11-2014
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:


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Last Updated: Tuesday, February 24, 2015

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L.P.N.F. Contacts »

  • Forest Headquarters
    Phone: (805) 968-6640
  • Mt. Pinos District
    Phone: (661) 245-3731
  • Ojai Ranger District
    Phone: (805) 646-4348
  • Santa Barbara District
    Phone: (805) 967-3481
  • Santa Lucia District
    Phone: (805) 925-9538
  • Monterey District
    Phone: (831) 385-5434