Arroyo Seco
ARROYO SECO
Part of Los Padres National Forest
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.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.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (820) 500-1099.Important Notices
Contact: Camp Los Padres manages this campground. For questions, email info@camplospadres.com or call 820-500-1099.
Single sites: Site Capacity: Each campsite allows up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 per vehicle per night, if space is available, and are paid at the campground. Groups of more than 8 must reserve a second site.
Double Sites: Double campsites allow up to 16 people and 4 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 per vehicle per night, if space is available.
Group Site: The group site accommodates up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 per vehicle per night, if space is available.
Getting to Big Sur: The drive from Arroyo Seco to Big Sur is about 70 miles on a very curvy road, roughly two hours.
River Safety: Use caution in the river; water can be swift and dangerous in the spring.
Weather: Conditions can change rapidly; please check the forecast before arrival.
Insects: Bring insect repellent.
Trees: All trees, even when healthy and well-maintained, can pose a natural hazard of falling limbs. Visitors assume responsibility for any property damage, injury or other circumstances that may result from these hazards.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Property: Camp Los Padres is not responsible for loss or damages to property due to fire, theft, accident or any other cause.
Preparation for your trip: Please watch this Leave No Trace 7 Principles video prior to your arrival to help protect our National Forests.
Firewood Policy: Help protect Los Padres National Forest: Buy It Where You Burn It. Don't Move Firewood. Firewood must meet applicable local-origin (purchased within the same county) or approved treatment requirements (certified heat treated) to reduce invasive pest risks. Firewood brought into the campground may be subject to inspection, and if not purchased locally or found to be compliant with requirements it can be confiscated to prevent the spread of the Goldspotted Oak Borer. By completing your reservation, you acknowledge that you have been informed of the campground's firewood requirements and agree to comply with applicable restrictions. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
More Information: Visit Los Padres National Forest for forest alerts, fire restrictions and road conditions.
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BIKING - Mountain Biking
Directions
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. <br /><br /> Coming from the north on Highway 101, just past Soledad, turn west onto Arroyo Seco Road and continue to the campground.
Contact Information
Phone: 805-434-1996
47600 ARROYO SECO ROADGREENFIELD, CA 93927
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 028, Loop MCML, Type Walk To
- Site 037, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 040, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 045, Loop PCUL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site GS1, Loop ARRO, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 048, Loop PCUL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop MCML, Type Walk To
- Site 049, Loop PCUL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 047, Loop PCUL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 050, Loop PCUL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 036, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 043, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 038, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 046, Loop PCUL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 041, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 039, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop MCML, Type Walk To
- Site 009, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 044, Loop PCLL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop MCML, Type Standard Nonelectric
