Reopened in July 2024, Arroyo Seco Campground offers an idyllic escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the untamed beauty of the Ventana Wilderness. Located within Los Padres National Forest, it serves as a perfect basecamp for adventurers eager to hike, swim, and experience the raw splendor of one of the most rugged and remote wilderness areas on the West Coast.
Arroyo Seco, meaning “dry stream” in Spanish, is anything but dry. The Arroyo Seco River carves out deep pools and narrow gorges, making it a fantastic spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing during the warmer months. Surrounded by towering oaks and sycamores, the campground provides a shady, tranquil setting where visitors can relax after a day of exploration.
The campground itself is well-equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, making it a comfortable yet rustic destination for tent campers and RV travelers alike.
Arroyo Seco (Modern) Campground
Standard, modern National Forest campground with 33 sites, equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Flush toilets and coin-operated showers are available as well. No dump or water refill stations for RVs. In addition to this main campground, there are also primitive sites available a bit further up the access road with slightly fewer amenities (no flush toilets).
Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Supplies
Firewood can be purchased from the camp host located at the entrance to the campground.
Hiking routes by AllTrails
Other
- Arroyo Seco Campground (usda.gov – Forest Service)
- Ventana Wilderness Alliance: Arroyo Seco