Arroyo Seco

We stayed in spot #12 which is a double site. There was ample parking for as much as 4 vehicles. We had two very large tents with enough space around to be comfortable. But anymore than that and it would have been cramped. We were right across from the bathrooms which were kept very clean, as well as a dumpster. There’s no privacy in this campground as it’s pretty open, but the sites all seem well spaced out. And there is no music after 10pm so it’s quiet at night. Our camp hosts who checked us in were very friendly and helpful in informing us of where to go swimming (2-mi hike to the gorge or utilize the day-use area about 1/2 mile down the road, also The Lakes on the map is currently dried up). The day-use area was really fun but also frustrating. Get there early (like before 9:30), it’s $10 to park (even if you have to use overflow parking up the hill) and make sure you bring everything you need the first go. Once you leave the day use area, you cannot come back in without paying again. And even then, if you leave the main parking and pay to get back in later, you HAVE to use overflow parking the second time, even if there are spots still available in the main parking area. It was extremely crowded when we went, but if you do a little extra hiking along the river you can find really cool spots with some privacy. We were also told if you go left (up-stream) there are even some cool waterfalls.

We love the Arroyo Seco campground. It is a true gem especially mid-week when it is not usually crowded.

The area is beautiful and we go twice a year every year with the exception of COVID-19. However this year's trip was a little overwhelming.
You are no longer able to drop of the family at the lake front without having to pay the $10 day use fee, might as well park there if you're paying for the day. It use to be if you were camping you were able to drop off at the lake front as long as you did not block traffic. Needless to say my family will be looking for a new location to continue our yearly camping trips.

It was very good!

Great site, quite mid-week, allowed fires in fire circle, nice river water and flow, beautiful canyon

I have never been greeted as openly or warmly as I was by De as we entered the Park. She continued her friendly encounters and helpful tips throughout our stay. Lou also went above and beyond to be helpful to us. These Park Service personnel were a bonus, which is why I gave this a 5 star rating. I would give the campground itself a 4 star rating. The sites were clean and large. Because of little understory, they were open and not private if that is what you are looking for. The wildflowers at this time of year were magnificent. So many varieties and some flowers I was not familiar with. We took hikes and the upper river trail (I don't remember the name) could have used some maintenance. We were there during a cold, windy few days but enjoyed the quiet of the mostly empty campground. My only complaint is with campers themselves. Why the loud music through booming sound systems? It carries throughout the campground and not all people have the same taste in music. There are plenty of bluetooth options. Why not require this in campgrounds?
Overall, we had a wonderful time!

We had a great time camping in the primitive campground on a weekend in May. The rangers were EXTREMELY friendly, attentive and helpful all weekend, and were happy to chat about where they recommended we hike that time of year. You can pay an additional fee to drive your car to the other parking lots, but we decided to walk. The Day Use Area was about a 20-min walk from the Primitive campground, and that was a totally beautiful and peaceful place in the morning. (We didn't stay long enough to see how crowded it got.) We also walked to the trailhead (about a 10-min walk from the primitive campground) and hiked several miles up the Indian Road, which had TONS of wildflowers and beautiful views overlooking the gorge. (It's a dirt road compared to a trail, so it's easy navigating and not overgrown. It is hilly too, FYI.) A few miles in we saw some people down in the water, but otherwise we came across only a few people over the span of 2+ hours. The campsites were spacious and had both sun and shade. The primitive campground was pretty quiet and peaceful all day and all night, and we didn't feel at all like we were right up next to other campers. The temps were mid-70's to low 80's during the day and high 40's to low 50's at night. Everything seemed clean and well-maintained. There were a few mosquitoes, but not enough to call it a major issue or anything. You'll definitely have to be sure to put your food away as soon as you're done eating because the squirrels will grab it if you don't. ;)

We love this place. Cute campground, that has good folks who stay there. It can be loud until 10, and usually lots of kids and well behaved dogs. The water situation (which we hope gets fixed soon), mud in the well, is unfortunate. Thankfully we could dip in the river to clean off after a bike ride. Also, it was a good thing we had ample water with us.

The campground didn't have running water - the spigots were dry. The people working there drove around with a truck to sell water and fire wood (both for $10! Bring cash). You can't park in the day use areas if you have a campsite reservation - you have to pay an additional $10 to park at the day use areas. This place nickels and dimes you. People were so rude to leave trash on the beaches, especially in the day use areas. The water was chilly, but the warm air made it so nice to swim. The canyons were beautiful.

what great managers; competent, friendly and social, but vet deliberate and intentional. clearly determined that your experience is positive.
I am SO DISAPPOINTED that a starter with as many resources and talented people allowed the well to go dry and destroy the infrastructure of a wonderful park. The park system lost some points with me over that one. And the delay getting it rare-aired - the fact that this is not a public health concern and warranting immediate attention - baffling. a poor poor reflection on CA Leadership. But our experience (with internal plumbing and ample water in a trailer) - really wonderful.