Ponderosa Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates from May 1 through September 30. Reservations available via Recreation.gov starting three days in advance.
Extreme Cold Watch issued January 7 at 8:58AM PST until January 9 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Very cold conditions with temperatures in the low to mid 30s possible except for Interior Monterey and San Benito Counties where temperatures in the upper 20s are possible. * WHERE...The East Bay and San Francisco Bay Shoreline, The Central Coast, The Santa Clara Valley and Eastern Hills, The Salinas and Carmel Valleys and Hollister Area, The Marin Hills, The Santa Cruz Mountains, and North Bay Interior Valleys. * WHEN...From late Thursday night through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock.
About
Ponderosa Campground offers visitors a scenic retreat along the Nacimiento River in the mountains of Big Sur within Los Padres National Forest. At an elevation of 1,500 feet, the campground features 23 sites spread along a paved loop, with half shaded and secluded in wooded areas and others located in more open meadow settings. The scattered canopy of ponderosa pine, oak, madrone and sycamore trees provides ample shade throughout most of the campground. The Nacimiento River is a highlight of the campground, offering opportunities for trout fishing, wading, and swimming in various swimming holes along its course. The area is rich with recreational opportunities, including access to a variety of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails within a short drive. These trails showcase the diverse landscapes of the region, from massive redwood groves to scenic waterfalls, meadows, and mountain streams. The campground is managed by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service and offers sites suitable for both tent and RV camping, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet in length. Each site includes a table and campfire ring with grill. Nearby attractions include Mission San Antonio, one of California's oldest missions located within Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base, and the San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area approximately 32 miles southwest.
Directions
Access via Highway 101 only. Highway 1/Nacimiento Road access is closed. From Monterey, take Highway 68 to Highway 101, then exit Jolon Road. From the south, take Highway 101 to Jolon Road exit and follow to the campground. From Salinas, take Highway 101 south to Fort Hunter Liggett exit, go 17.5 miles to junction with Mission Road, then proceed 3.2 miles to Nacimiento Ferguson Road and turn left. Campground is 12 miles from this point.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| parksman@fix.net | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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