PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND
Los Padres National Forest, CAThe Nacimiento River cuts through this 21-site campground in the Los Padres National Forest, creating swimming holes and fishing spots within walking distance of your tent. Ponderosa sits at 1,500 feet in the Big Sur mountains with scattered shade from ponderosa pine, oak, madrone, and sycamore trees. The equestrian designation means you'll share the space with horse campers, but the river access and trail connections make it work for anyone looking to get into the backcountry.
Campground Details
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 21
- 💵Fee per Night
- $35
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,600 ft
- 📍GPS
- 36.00500, -121.37639
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 805-434-1996
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Sites are paved and built for both tents and RVs, though there are no hookups. Each comes with a table and fire ring with grill, and vault toilets and drinking water serve the campground. The scattered tree canopy provides ample shade at most sites, with the Nacimiento River running alongside the entire campground. You're limited to two vehicles per site, and additional vehicles aren't allowed in the campground at all.
The River
The Nacimiento offers swimming holes, trout fishing, and wading opportunities right from camp. The river's course creates varied water features that give you options depending on what you're after. This immediate water access sets Ponderosa apart from higher-elevation forest camps where you'd need to hike for swimming.
Trail Access
Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails are accessible within a short drive, leading to waterfalls, redwood groves, meadows, and mountain streams. The campground's equestrian focus means these trail systems are designed to handle stock, which often translates to well-maintained paths for hikers too.
What to Know
Reservations are required at $35 per night. The campground sits within the Los Padres National Forest's Big Sur mountains, putting you in prime wildlife habitat. Mission San Antonio, one of California's oldest missions, sits a short drive east on Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base and includes a museum, original aqueducts, and Native American cemetery. The San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area is 32 miles southwest if you want boating, additional fishing, or guided tours.