Ponderosa Campground
PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND
Part of Los Padres National Forest
Overview
Ponderosa Campground offers visitors a beautiful location to relax and enjoy nature. It runs along the Nacimiento River, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Swimming, fishing and wading are all enjoyed by visitors, as well as hiking and backpacking on any of the surrounding mountain trails.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are not available and the parking surfaces are paved. A maximum of two vehicles is allowed for each site. Additional vehicles are not allowed in the campground.
Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash collection bins are available throughout the campground.
Natural Features
The campground is situated next to the river and has a scattered canopy of ponderosa pine, oak, madrone and sycamore trees, which provide ample shade in most campsites. It is located in the Los Padres National Forest in the mountains of Big Sur at an elevation of 1,500 feet. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Recreation
The Nacimiento River provides opportunities for trout fishing and wading, as well as swimming in any of the swimming holes along its course. A variety of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails can be accessed within a short drive from the campground. The trails offer scenic views of waterfalls, massive redwood groves, meadows and mountain streams.
Nearby Attractions
Mission San Antonio is a short drive east of the campground. Located in the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base, the mission is one of the oldest in California. A museum, original aqueducts and a Native American cemetery are found here.
The San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area is located about 32 miles southwest of the campground. Boating, fishing, swimming and guided tours are available.
Important Notices
In order to contact our offices, please use the email: customerservice@pmcparks.com or view our website: CampOne.Com for answers to frequently asked questions.
Campground is only available to access via the 101 side, the Highway 1/ Nacimiento Road Access is CLOSED.
- Limit of 2 vehicles per site; additional vehicles are not permitted
- RVs are not recommended to travel Nacimiento/Ferguson Road from Hwy 1. Access is available through the Hwy 101.
- Reservations can be made three days in advance.
- Campsite reservation fee covers 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). Maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle).
- Click here for more information on the Los Padres National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Available Activities
- SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
- BIKING - Biking
Directions
<p>Campground is only available to access via the 101 side, the Highway 1/ Nacimiento Road Access is CLOSED. </p>
<p>From Monterey, Take highway 68 to the 101. Accessible through Highway 101 exit Jolon Road.</p>
<p>From Los Angeles/South take highway 101 to the Jolon Road exit, follow until campground.</p>
Available Campsites
- Site 003, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
Photo Gallery