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.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited 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 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
Cold Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 9:51PM PST until December 30 at 9:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures as low as 36 expected. * WHERE...Interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia Range, Most of San Benito County and the Cholame Hills in Southeast Monterey County, North Bay Interior Mountains, Eastern Santa Clara Hills, East Bay Hills, and Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.
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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