Use Marker Groups Wolf 2002
Piru 2003
Day 2006
Zaca 2007
Gap 2008
La Brea 2009
Upper Oso Campground South Los Padres National Forest
- Camp Type: Car Campground - Please Make A Reservation
- Topo Map Link: San Marcos Pass
- Elevation: 1,193 feet
- Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
- County: Santa Barbara County
- Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
- Longitude: -119.7712923
- Latitude: 34.55712712
- Water Sources: Oso Creek flows through the camp. There is also a water line that feeds the flushable toilets and spigots throughout the camp. The water is non-potable.
- Length of Stay: 14 Days
- Reservations: Car Campground - Please Make A Reservation
Recent Water Reports:
| Date | Surveyor | Water Report |
| 03-08-2020 | Antonio Calderon | Flowing |
| 09-18-2018 | Pat Fish | Dry |
| 12-29-2014 | Los Padres Forest Association | Trickle |
Description:
Upper Oso is a car-campground located in the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area. It is the furthest campgroun up the canyon and is accessible via a paved road. There are a few dozen sites with piped in water available (non-potable) and flust toilets throughout the camp. The camp also boasts some equestrian specific sites complete with corrals and larger areas for parking trailers and rigs. Upper Oso is also a very popular trailhead for backpackers, dirt bikers, equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers on their way up the Buckhorn Rd or towards the trails around Little Pine Mtn. There is a camphost who will take your money to camp but it is advised to make a reservation (www.Recreation.gov) ahead of time.
Recent Uploads:
Photo By: Antonio Calderon - Website Link
Survey Photos:
Pat Fish - 09-18-2018
empty cleaned up campground
Pat Fish - 09-18-2018
repaired equestrian paddocks
Pat Fish - 09-18-2018
paddock and water pipes in piles, damaged in flooding and debris flow of 2017-8
Pat Fish - 09-18-2018
some picnic tables pushed far off bases by debri flow
Pat Fish - 09-18-2018
water trough for horses and mules is repaired and working well
Antonio Calderon - 03-08-2020
Our site
Antonio Calderon - 03-08-2020
Campground entrance
Submitted Camp Reports
Upper Oso Campground Survey - 03-08-2020 - by Antonio Calderon Link: Upper Oso Campground Date: 03-08-2020 Surveyor Name: Antonio Calderon Camp Description: Nice, quiet and clean campground. Camp host was super nice and friendly. The creek was running and had an abundance of toads. Bathrooms were clean and flushable. Water was available from the several spigots around campground. The soothing sound from the running creek and a hooting owl made for a peaceful night. Trailheads near by were busy during the day. The upper equestrian sites were closed off as part of the road was washed out. They are also getting overgrown. Water Source: Flowing Water Source Details: Slow flow Weather Conditions: 60 during day 40 at night, cloudy Images:
Our site
Campground entrance- Upper Oso Campground Survey - 09-18-2018 - by Pat Fish
Link: Upper Oso Campground Date: 09-18-2018 Surveyor Name: Pat Fish Camp Description: Campground recently reopened, 20 of the 27 equestrian paddocks have been rebuilt and cleaned up after the debris flow damage. The watering trough for horses at the top of the camp has been replaced and is clean and new. There is a new camp host, the increased fee is $30 a night if you just drive in or $35 if you reserve in advance and pay online. There were NO campers on the day we visited. Water Source: Dry Water Source Details: river completely dry Weather Conditions: bright sunny day upper 70's in temperature Images:
empty cleaned up campground
repaired equestrian paddocks
paddock and water pipes in piles, damaged in flooding and debris flow of 2017-8
some picnic tables pushed far off bases by debri flow
water trough for horses and mules is repaired and working well - Upper Oso Campground Survey - 12-29-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Upper Oso Campground Date: 12-29-2014 Surveyor Name: Los Padres Forest Association Camp Description: UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED due to a broken pipe in the water line. You can still access Upper Oso for hikes and rides but camping is not allowed. The toilets are also closed. No known date for when the campground will be reopened. Water Source: Trickle Water Source Details: Water is flowing along Oso Creek but there is no water coming through the pipe into the campground. Weather Conditions:
Leave A Camp Report
Survey / Report Form Last Updated: Thursday, July 16, 2015
