Thousand Trails - Rancho Oso
Tosha Tingey • July 4, 2019
Thousand Trails in the mountains of Los Padres California
Our first mistake with our stay in Rancho Oso
is that it wasn’t long enough. This stop was an in-between stop to break up driving days. So after they tell us about the fun rodeos, activities, horseback riding, and more they were doing this weekend we looked at each other and wished our stay was longer.
3 Things We Did Not Love
1. The drive up
The drive up, while gorgeous, is difficult towing a trailer. There are lots of curves alongside cliffs and some very narrow roads. On the way in we ran across a big fifth wheel going down. We had to back up our Airstream until we could get far enough off the road to let them go by. I was grateful we didn’t run into anyone when we were leaving because those roads are tight.
2. Activities
The only reason why this is showing up on things we did not love list is because we wish there was at least one activity to do during the week. We heard this from a few other families too that was looking for activities to do during the week. We didn't stay through the weekend but all the activities over the weekend sounded fun.
3. Weather & Distance
I’m only putting weather because it was in the triple digits when we were there early June. So just a heads up for anyone going without AC. Rancho Oso is the Thousand Trails closest to Santa Barbra and is right in the Los Padres National Forest
up on a mountain, you’re about a half hour away from any cities and stores. We realized this once we ran out of diapers and had to head to the nearest Target. So unless you’re sticking to activities and amenities offered in the campsite or hiking trails in the mountains, you’ll need to drive out to do anything.
3 Things We Loved
1. The Campground
When you drive into the park you are welcomed with the sight of beautiful horses grazing in pastures. The campsite is large and beautiful! They have these themed cabins you can stay in or in hand covered wagons! If you’re hooking a camper up they have rows of campers that are on a hill. So it gives you a view over your neighbors to the south. And the views of surrounding mountains is not a bad one.
2. Pools & hot tub
Yup, you heard me right. Pools, plural. Rancho Oso has 2 pools and 1 hot tub. As I mentioned before it was in the triple digits so we spent a lot of time at the pool staying cool.
3. Wildlife
Besides pastures of horses, there are lots more animals! They have a barn area that you can walk around and see all sorts of farm animals! Super fun to take kids to. There are also wild turkeys walking around everywhere. This campground does offer horseback riding but they were all booked out and Addie was too young, but definitely something to look into if you are booking ahead.
Service & Signal:
We have Verizon and T-Mobile devices and we weren’t able to receive signal at our campsite. However, they do have a cellular booster in the lodge that worked great! We were able to even do some video calls that’s how quick the internet was in there.
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