Paradise Campground

We got spot 013 and have a 20 ft Grand Design Transcend Trailer. It was snug and we had to back right up to the tree. We had to back our 4 Runner close to the start of our trailer to the side where our door opens in order to fit in the spot. There was also a rock, so our stairs were just able to open and we had the rock as an obstacle. The spot itself was nice. A good view. Lots of shade. It is by the opening that takes you under the road pass to the trail to the river bed, which was nice and gave some privacy being in that spot. The spicket was broken, but is located right next to that spot. The loop itself is small, which makes for less people overall, but everyone closer. Our neighbors were nice and right next to us and living their best life, which made it loud for us. The middle of the loop is all open and there was a group with small kids that ran around through sites all day and then at night had flashlights and were really loud, but that happens when there are families. Stephanie is the site host. She was awesome. We got there at 6pm and there were a lot of flies at that hour, so this site does have many flies at certain times of the day. We did not stay until Monday and left on Sunday. There is one main building with bathrooms and they were clean. This is a little sliver of Paradise overall, but we are not likely to go back to this one. Worth trying out and if you want to drive to Lake Cachuma, you can go there and get the day pass for 10 to get in, get gas, etc. That site has many many people with tents, full hook ups, yurts, cabins, trailer/RV dry docking and a lot going on......we went there for a few hours to explore.

We were at site #15 in our RV. The site was pretty big but FULL sun all day, be advised. Only 1 vehicles then it’s $10 per day for each extra vehicle. It’s on the website.
Problems were lots of ants, red and black ones. Pesty flies and gnats and mosquitoes everywhere so be prepared. There was no water in the stream next to campground and the small river was a walk away. They have flushing toilets that were kept clean but no sinks. The drive to the beach is 1/2 hour, to lake Cachuma is 15 mins but there is no swimming there.

Everything was perfect.

As soon as I entered the campground I slammed into a giant pothole! The bathrooms smelled so bad and there were flies and stains. Host was off-duty. This campground doesn't have much privacy. The spot I picked was in the middle of an open field with a few trees. I just had a weird vibe upon arriving not sure if it was me or the other campers. There was decent amount of shade. Lots of holes in the ground from the squirrels. I ended up booking one of the local hostels and had a really good time. I tried to cancel but it showed an error message. Wasn't expecting much of a refund and I am happy you all are getting the $$. I was able to show back up for the day and use the picnic table and restrooms while I visited the river.

The campsite was quiet and relaxing. From our tent the sky was beautiful with stars. The bathrooms are clean a little far depending on your spot.
The walk to the river is short and worth the walk. You have to be careful, so many gopher holes you can twist an ankle. Can’t wait to go back.

We drove into the campsite and it was in very poor condition. The roads were rutted and the campsite we had selected we could not back into. We decided it wasn’t worth the effort to try to stay there. This is the first USFS campground we have ever walked away from. We did not even try to get a refund.
The campground host did call when we did not stay. We simply told her we changed plans. It is not her fault that the campground is poor.

The campsite was quiet and relaxing. From our tent the sky was beautiful with stars. The bathrooms are clean a little far depending on your spot.
The walk to the river is short and worth the walk. You have to be careful, so many gopher holes you can twist an ankle. Can’t wait to go back.