Upper Caliente Camp

Located in Los Padres National Forest, Upper Caliente Camp is a first come first serve primitive campsite. The Caliente Trail provides easy access to the campsite, which can be reached by hiking or biking (parking is available at the Big Caliente Day Use Area). The Caliente Trail is popular amongst day hikers, trail runners, backpackers and mountain bikers.

From the Big Caliente Day Use Area, the campsite is a five-mile roundtrip hike up Agua Caliente Canyon. Visitors can have a hot soak at the Big Caliente Hot Springs before they arrive at the campsite or can take a cool dip in one of the many creekside swimming holes on the way.  

There are very few accommodations at the campground itself, as this is truly a backcountry site. There is enough flat ground to pitch one or two tents, a fire pit, a picnic table, and a few benches. The campsite is exposed to the elements with little shade from the nearby juniper trees. Prepare yourself for the heat during the summer months if you plan on visiting the site. Spring is the best time of year to visit this campsite when temperatures are moderate and water is likely to be available. 

There is no potable water available, and the flowing water is seasonal. The forest service recommends visitors plan to bring enough water for their trip and to check on conditions before heading out. For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=11062