Arroyo Seco

We stayed at site 12 which is a double site. It was a good enough size for 2 families. We had a truck, SUV, and small box trailer fit just fine. The only thing I didn’t care for in the layout is that the tent pad is on the other side of the site from the fire pit and table so you park right in the middle. It just wasn’t ideal since we had small children. But it wasn’t a big issue.

We were right across from the bathrooms but there was no smell. They were clean flushing toilets, and showers.

There is also a road directly behind our site leading to another camp area. There was no barrier between our site and the road but cars were going slow enough it wasn’t too nerve wracking with the kids.

The tent pad was in the sun, but the table area was well shaded.

We were checked in by the camp host who was very friendly. She and her husband checked in once or twice but only because we had our music too loud after hours. They were very nice about it though.

There is no water close to the campsite. You can swim in the creek, but you have to walk or drive down the hill to get to it. There is a day-use area but if you want to park there you have to pay. Get there EARLY if you do want to find a parking spot. Once it fills up, they close it off and no one else can park there the rest of the day. It also closes (everyone has to leave) at 5 which kinda sucks.

There are some really shallow areas nice for littles or some deeper swimming holes you can hike to. I believe there is a waterfall upstream but you have to walk/hike to it. I’m not sure how far up.

You can probably scout your own spots along the river somewhere, but the day use would be your most family-friendly option.

There is another swimming hole higher up above the campground but you have to hike to it. We were advised against it with the kids but it seems like it’d be really neat if you can hike up to it.

We will most likely return but will be more prepared to get to the day use area earlier!

We are more backpackers and prefer free dispersed camping, but it's hard to find when traveling with pups, but not impossible. This was more of a regular camping trip. It was super busy and full, but I suspect that is year-round because it is a great and well-kept campsite. 

We stayed at this campsite mid February and the weather was beautiful - warm and sunny during the day, cold at night - around mid 40's. It's a little costly in my opinion but also it's fairly inexpensive compared to the majority of facilities like this in California. I personally might give it 4 stars because I prefer more secluded, free dispersed campgrounds, but this just isn't that. That being said, this is an excellent and well kept facility with bathrooms, showers, and the campsites are fairly well spread out considering how many there are. If you want regular cookie cutter camping, this is the place for you (no offense, no judgement - all depends on what you're looking for). There are great campfire rings, lots of twigs and sticks lying around to start fires, and a decent amount of space for a couple of tents and a couple of cars (probably not more than two). 

I thought when we were looking for a site that the primitive sites were not reservable, but that was not the case. However, the staff that was there late at night was SO HELPFUL and hooked us up with one of two sites that were left open. 

We had three adults and two dogs at a single site. (They also have double sites which are twice the price I believe.) There was plenty of room and space with decent privacy, it was $10 extra for the additional car per night which isn't terrible. 

They are very dog friendly, so if you've got pups, this would be a great place to take them. I highly highly recommend bringing a long lead (we had 40ft ones that were absolutely perfect) that you can attach to the picnic table or a tree so they can meander around the campsite but not run off. The trees were great for hanging hammocks as well.

The water was down, but they had the cleanest port-a-potties I have ever seen and were driving around regularly with gallons of water and bundles of firewood for sale. ($3 for a gallon, $10 for wood). All in all, I definitely would recommend this campsite for anyone looking for a getaway in nature with the perks of having facilities available.

Went to tent camp at site #14 (close to the bathrooms and showers) last week. I booked online in advance and arrived a little before check in. Checked in and found the camp hosts to be so helpful and nice. They also have ice, water, firewood and other items available for purchase. Stayed for about 3 nights with perfect 80 degree weather every day. Went on a hike and found the most captivating view. When it hit about 6pm the mosquitoes came out so just make sure you’re equipped. Would love to come back. Also, went to visit Big Sur which is only a 2 hour drive, well worth the visit.