Open

Open year-round. Seven of eight sites are reservable through Recreation.gov; one site is first-come, first-served. The campground closes temporarily during wet weather conditions. Access is only via Highway 101 as Highway 1/Nacimiento Road is closed.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Turkey Flats Road Access Closure

Public access to Turkey Flats and nearby trails will temporarily be unavailable as active construction and repairs are underway along Black Mountain Road (29S10). The closure begins from Navajo Road (29S02.1), to the intersection at "Five-Points", and continues onto Black Mountain Road.Construction…

San Carpoforo Beach Prohibition of Overnight Camping and Campfires

Prohibits overnight camping and building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6…

Gifford Fire Closure Order

Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-26-04 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-21 executed on April 7, 2026.

Occupancy and Use Forest Order

Camping stay limits within Los Padres National Forest.

Santa Barbara Front Country Fire Use Restrictions

Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the Fire Use Restriction Area which is the front country of Santa Barbara. Reference the description of the area and the attached map for details.Over the past…

Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure

The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.

Special Closure - SBRD Storm Damage Recovery

Closure of developed recreation sites, roads, and trails in the Santa Barbara Ranger District impacted by storm damage and some roads restricted to non-motorized use.

Monterey Ranger District Storm Damage Closure

Due to recent storm damage, recreating in the following areas on Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest is prohibited:Rocky Creek Trail (NFS 4E04)Reliz Canyon Road (NFS road 19S08.2)Additionally, using a motorized vehicle on the following National Forest System roads is…

Roadside Camping Prohibited: Nacimiento-Fergusson Road

For public safety, camping is not allowed within 300 feet of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (Forest Road No. 22S01), from its intersection with State Highway 1 then east for 12 miles. See attached map for details. This Order is effective from September 6, 2025, through September 5, 2027.

Special Closure - SLRD Lake Fire Post-Burn Public Safety

Closure of developed recreation sites and roads on the Santa Lucia Ranger District impacted by the Lake fire.

Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure

Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure

Road Use Restriction - Sycamore Cyn Rd to Pfeiffer Beach

Prohibits being on Sycamore Canyon Road (Forest Road No. 19S05), except within a motor vehicle from its intersection with State Highway 1 then continuing west for approximately two and a half miles to its terminus at Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area, as shown on the attached map.

West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions

Prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area. Reference the description of the area and attached map for details. NOTE: Persons with a valid CA Campfire Permit may…

About

Escape to Memorial Campground, a scenic and remote destination in the Santa Lucia Mountains of Los Padres National Forest. This primitive campground offers 8 sites nestled among ponderosa pine, oak, madrone, and sycamore trees, with a thriving trout stream running alongside and unique sandstone rock formations perfect for exploring. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and designated fire rings at each site. However, no potable water is available so campers must bring their own supply. Cell service is nonexistent and emergency help is miles away, making this a true backcountry experience. Trailheads located right in the campground provide access to hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities, with the historic San Antonio Mission just a 15-minute drive away. Access is only available via Highway 101 through Jolon, as the Highway 1/Nacimiento Road approach remains closed. The paved road turns to dirt about three-quarters of the way to the campground. Seven sites are reservable through Recreation.gov while one site remains first-come, first-served year-round.

Directions

Accessible ONLY from Highway 101. From King City, take Jolon Road (County Road G-14); from Bradley, take Jolon Road (County Road G-18); or from Paso Robles via County Road G-14. Travel to the town of Jolon, continue west along Mission Road about 5 miles, then north on Del Venturi Road for about 12-15 miles. The paved road turns to dirt approximately three-quarters of the way there.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $30

Vehicle

Max RV Length 80ft
Max Trailer Length 80ft
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (805) 434-1996

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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