NACIMIENTO
Open — The campground is currently open. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road reopened in November 2024 after being closed for four years due to fire damage and storm washouts. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m., check-out is 12:00 noon. 14-day maximum stay.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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 
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.
About
Nacimiento Campground is a small, secluded campground featuring 8 campsites located among oak trees at 1,800 feet elevation in Los Padres National Forest. Positioned along the scenic Nacimiento-Fergusson Road that connects Highway 101 near King City with the Big Sur coast, this remote spot offers peaceful camping near the Nacimiento River with access to hiking trails including the McPhearson Peak Trail and Aliso Trail that begin at the campground. The journey to Nacimiento is as rewarding as the destination, traversing 13 miles of winding mountain road through the Santa Lucia Range. The campground provides a quiet alternative to the crowded Big Sur coastline while still offering proximity to both Monterey and coastal destinations. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground is popular with hunters during fall season. The setting among oak groves with a nearby creek creates a tranquil atmosphere perfect for those seeking solitude in the Los Padres backcountry.
Directions
From Highway 101 north, take the Fort Hunter Liggett exit and go 17.5 miles to the junction with Mission Road. From Highway 101 south, take exit 252 and take County Road G18 21.7 miles to the junction at Mission Road. From the junction, proceed 3.2 miles to Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and turn left. The campground is 13 miles from this point.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (831) 385-5434 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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