Tucked into the hills next to the Arroyo Seco River at 1,200 feet, this semi-rustic campground puts you at the doorstep of the Ventana Wilderness. The group site accommodates up to 50 people and 10 vehicles, making it a solid choice for larger gatherings that want mountain air without complete isolation. You'll find a mix of modern amenities and wilderness access — flush toilets and showers in some areas, vault toilets in others, all with the Santa Lucia Trail and "the gorge" nearby.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $40
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,200 ft
- 📍GPS
- 36.23972, -121.47861
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 805-434-1996
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground spreads across different loops with varying levels of development. Sites in the first loop offer the full treatment: accessible flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and drinking water. The more primitive areas step back to vault toilets while keeping drinking water available. All sites come with tables and fire rings equipped with grills, and the paved roads throughout make RV access straightforward, though there are no hookups or dump station.
The group site centers around a campfire circle rather than individual rings, with vault toilets and drinking water. Oak trees provide shade across the hillside setting, and seasonal wildflowers add color at the entrance gate. In spring and fall, the oaks shift to reds, yellows, and oranges, while lupines bloom around the grounds in springtime.
What to Know
A small lake near the group sites holds bass and catfish when water levels cooperate — all dependent on seasonal rainfall. The nearby river section offers a small beach for wading and swimming, also subject to seasonal flows. Anyone over 16 needs a California fishing license.
The 15.5-mile Santa Lucia Trail launches directly from here, providing hiking and horseback access into the Ventana Wilderness. No motorized vehicles beyond the gated parking area unless you've secured Forest Service permission beforehand.
Nearby
Pinnacles National Monument's west side sits about 30 miles away, drawing rock climbers in spring and fall. Monterey lies 50 miles out for supply runs or coastal diversions. But the main draw stays close: the Ventana Wilderness offers hiking, backpacking, hunting, and horseback riding opportunities right from camp.