Eight campsites circle around an enormous berry bush and towering trees, creating an intimate camp tucked into the Santa Lucia mountains. Red-tailed deer wander through regularly, browsing the central vegetation while campers watch from shaded sites. This is base camp for the Pine Ridge Trailhead, 2.7 miles down a dirt road continuation.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 8
- 💵Fee per Night
- $30
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 4,200 ft
- 📍GPS
- 36.32639, -121.57361
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 805 434 1996
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The loop layout puts that massive central berry bush on display — it's the visual anchor here, drawing deer and small animals throughout the day. Oak and pine trees shade each site and create natural privacy screens between neighbors. The spacing gives you room to breathe without feeling isolated from the small community vibe.
Sites work for tents or RVs up to 20 feet, though the access road and tight loop favor smaller rigs. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with two vault toilets serving the campground. No water onsite, so pack everything you need.
What to Know
Open year-round but requires reservations at $30 per night. The Santa Lucia range backdrop shifts through greens, oranges, and yellows depending on season and light. Bird watchers have identified over 90 species in the area, and bobcats occasionally pass through along with the regular deer traffic.
Fires only in designated rings — standard forest service rules apply. Pets allowed on leash.
Nearby
The Pine Ridge Trailhead sits 2.7 miles away via the same dirt road you drove in on. Continue past the campground toward China Camp to reach the trailhead, where 23 miles of trail network opens up into the Santa Lucia backcountry. The drive itself threads through pine and oak cover with valley views stretching toward distant hilltops.
Mountain biking and additional hiking options are within 30 minutes, though the Pine Ridge access is the main draw for most campers here.