Arroyo Seco Campground

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We camped here over Labor aday 2021. NFS contracted maintenance to a private company more concerned with our dogs being on leash than with our safety! We ran out of water on a long hike, looking tired and red faced, and the host employees we more concerned with us being near the "employee only" area (where the trail deposited us) and our dogs sacked out on the side not being on leash, than with our well being! The Forrest service employee who came by gave us water and Gatorade because he could tell we needed it, but the employees for the host company just reminded us of rules! The campground was also very spread out and we had to drive to the swimming areas. Overall, very disappointing and we won't be back!

This place is great! I visited in March of 2019. With all the rain in recent weeks the creeks were roaring and the foliage was beyond vivid in color. The camp hosts Mike and Holy were super helpful and have firewood for $10 per bundle incase you're running low and need some extended warmth. The campsites in some areas are a bit close to one another, but everyone was friendly and respectful of noise and space. They do offer showers, and I found the bathrooms to very clean. Toilet and sink are provided in the bathrooms and you won't be hit in the face with any foul smells when you walk in. You can either walk or drive to the trailhead of Indians Road and Santa Lucia from the campground, but prepare to pay $10 (day pass) if you drive.

Its apparently known as the "party" campground by the locals and I can see why. People were awake and being very loud well past 3 AM. I was actually honestly surprised that the host didn't say anything. other than that, its a nice area, lots of shade, easy access to some great hiking. The camp site had lots of room and the bathrooms were kept up really well. I would stay again, just might bring some ear plugs next time

Arroyo seco is an awesome hidden gem off of highway 101. It can have a good amount of water after a wet winter. Along the same lines, it can also have very little and stagnant water after a dry winter. Flies can be bad and temps can reach 90+ so I would recommend fall to spring as the best time to check it out.

Very nice campgrounds on an easily accessible road (we have a low clearance vehicle). Lots of trails and hiking in the area, but be careful for poison oak- it's everywhere. The river is a great temperature- feels amazing and cools you right off (especially with the crazy heat around this area)! We saw some larger groups of friends as well as families.

If you're planning on staying at the car camping campground, do not expect solitude. We parked our car here and hiked up/down the river and found a nice secluded spot to pitch our tent.

You can find images here:
http://tbdtraveler.com/arroyo-seco-gorge.html

great campground. you dont need to bring to bring any firewood cause you can buy it for cheap there. there are a couple of small trails you can hike and also long trails so its perfect for anyone.

The hike to last chance falls is fantastic. If you bring rope you can also jump in for a swim and use to rope climb back out (when it's not dried up). Also, you can hike/swim thru the river bed to the canyon, but make sure to bring a floating device.

Such a great site for large groups! We reserved the group site and had a blast hiking and swimming.