Established Camping
White Oaks Campground
About
National Forest
Los Padres National Forest
Overview
Amid a grove of towering trees, eight campsites create a loop within White Oaks Campground, just off Tassajara Road. In the center of this loop, an enormous berry bush, shrubbery and trees reach up to the sky, creating the visual heart of this intimate setting. Red-tail deer and small animals can be seen eating berries around the middle of the campground, giving campers a memorable sight to see. Each campsite is shaded by the natural growth of the oak and pine trees, creating a sequestered and private atmosphere.
Recreation
The White Oaks Campground is 2.7 miles from the Pine Ridge Trailhead. From the campground, follow the dirt road you drove in onward to China Camp. You are under the coverage of enormous pine trees and shady oaks with a view of hills as far as the eye can see. The Santa Lucia mountain range spreads out as valleys and hilltops that you never get tired of looking at. Once you reach the trailhead, you have 23 miles of trail to explore.
Facilities
Open daily, year-round. There are eight campsites located around a loop in the middle of the facility. While these campsites are mostly enjoyed by tent campers, RVs of 20 ft. or shorter could navigate into a campsite here as well. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Pets are allowed. Two vault toilets are located near the campsites. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water onsite. The campsites all have a good amount of space from one another and allow you to have the much-desired privacy and intimacy you want in a camping experience.
Natural Features
A wide variety of shrubbery and trees decorate this beautiful area. The Santa Lucia mountain range graces you with wondrous shades of green, orange and yellow. Canyons and valleys burst with color and the oak woodlands provide important scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats. More than 90 species of birds can be found in this bird watcher's paradise. Deer, bobcats and small animals of all kinds can be seen regularly in this area. Whether they are just passing by or looking for some food to nibble on, they provide an unforgettable experience that can only come from the outdoors.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking trails and mountain biking within 30 minutes. Day trips to the higher elevation and lengthy trails are about 2.7 miles from the campground.
Location
White Oaks Campground is located in California
Directions
The paved road eventually turns into a dirt road; please drive slowly and carefully. From Hwy. 101 North, take the exit for Arroyo Seco Road before the city of Greenfield. Continue down the road for 16.2 miles to the junction of Arroyo Seco Road and Carmel Valley Road then follow to the right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left. Continue for 8 miles until you see the entrance to White Oaks on the left-hand side. From Hwy. 101 South, take exit for Arroyo Seco Road then make your first, immediate left onto Elm Ave. Continue down Elm Ave. for 6 miles then take a left at the "T" onto Arroyo Seco Road. Follow the road for 6.5 miles to the junction of Carmel Valley road, then bear right. Take Carmel Valley for 17 miles to the junction of Tassajara Road, take a left and continue 8 miles until you see the entrance to White Oaks on the left-hand side.
Coordinates
36.3263889 N
121.5736111 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Long road to nothing
This campsite is literally in the middle of some houses in the hills. The road is windy and seems to never end. Someone stole my campsite but I was able to get a different one. Weird loop of awkward pull / back in spot. Bugs every, seems like this is where the kids come to hang and drink. I only used it for a rest area to split up 13 hours of driving. Nothing special.
Not very pleasant
Campground is very high on a mountain, up a single lane dirt road. Sites had plenty of shade cover. No water, no cell service. Town of Carmel Valley is about a 45 minute drive down the mountain. Poison oak throughout the campground, even in the sites. Insects are completely overwhelming. Swarms of gnats that are on and around you constantly even with bug spray. Yellow jackets swarm anytime food is exposed. Not an enjoyable experience at all.