China Camp Campground

Los Padres National Forest

Perched dramatically on a windswept bluff above the Pacific, Kirk Creek Campground offers one of California's most spectacular camping experiences. Here, where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the sea, campers wake to panoramic ocean vistas and fall asleep to the rhythmic crash of waves below. The campground welcomes both tent campers and RV travelers, with each site positioned to capture the mesmerizing coastal views. Just minutes away, the pristine Sand Dollar Beach beckons with its crescent of white sand, while the Vicente Flats Trailhead promises adventures into the rugged Big Sur backcountry.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Los Padres National Forest, Ponderosa Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape along the banks of the Nacimiento River. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and natural beauty, with sites nestled among towering trees perfect for tent camping and small trailers. The winding approach road adds to the adventure, filtering out larger RVs and preserving the campground's intimate character. Days here unfold with refreshing river swims, quiet fishing spots, scenic trail explorations, and encounters with the diverse wildlife that call this pristine landscape home.

Nacimiento Campground, Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in a serene grove of ancient oak trees, this intimate nine-site campground offers a perfect escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. A babbling creek meanders alongside the campsites, providing a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. The campground welcomes smaller RVs up to 25 feet, making it ideal for couples and small families looking to disconnect from the modern world.

63025 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Where the rugged Big Sur coastline meets ancient redwood groves, Limekiln State Park Campground offers an extraordinary escape into nature's contrasts. Twenty-nine carefully positioned campsites invite you to choose your adventure: wake to crashing Pacific waves at ocean-facing sites or drift off to sleep beneath towering redwoods along the gentle murmur of Limekiln Creek. This remarkable convergence of forest and sea creates an unforgettable backdrop for exploring California's most dramatic coastline while uncovering remnants of the region's industrial past.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the enchanting Santa Lucia Mountains, Memorial Park Campground offers an intimate escape where eight thoughtfully placed campsites nestle among towering oaks and dramatic sandstone formations. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and natural beauty, where a babbling trout stream provides the soundtrack to your adventure. Though the amenities are simple, the setting is extraordinary—perfect for families who value authentic outdoor experiences over crowded commercial campgrounds.

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Tucked away in the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, Escondido Campground lives up to its Spanish name—'hidden.' This remote wilderness retreat rewards adventurous souls with dramatic sandstone formations, ancient oak groves, and sweeping meadows that seem untouched by time. Whether you're threading mountain bike trails through ponderosa pines, spotting wildlife at dawn, or simply soaking in the profound silence broken only by birdsong, Escondido offers an authentic back-to-nature experience. While its primitive facilities and seasonal fly populations remind you this is truly wild country, those seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty will find this lesser-known gem delivers experiences ranging from profoundly peaceful to refreshingly challenging.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highway 1 at mile marker 36, Big Sur, CA 93920

Discover the ultimate coastal escape at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where two intimate environmental campsites await adventurous souls willing to hike in for an extraordinary experience. Perched along the dramatic edge of Highway 1, these secluded sites immerse you in Big Sur's raw beauty while providing essential comforts—crackling fire rings for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for sunset meals, and secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife.

Los Padres National Forest

Nestled in the heart of rugged mountain terrain, Arroyo Seco Group Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic connection with nature. This semi-rustic retreat strikes the perfect balance between developed amenities and wilderness charm, making it an ideal basecamp for groups ready to explore the surrounding natural playground. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout outing, or adventure with friends, this campground provides the space and setting for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

47600 ARROYO SECO ROAD

Escape to Arroyo Seco, where the rhythms of city life fade into the whisper of oak leaves and the gentle murmur of flowing water. This semi-rustic gem strikes the perfect balance between wilderness adventure and modern comfort, offering everything from streamside primitive camping to well-appointed sites with amenities. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear pools, exploring winding trails, or cooling off in natural swimming holes, Arroyo Seco provides an authentic California outdoor experience. Choose from modern campsites, primitive spots for the more adventurous, or gather your crew at the spacious group site.

47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Nestled beneath towering ancient redwoods, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground beckons adventurers to experience the magic of California's most dramatic coastline. This beloved sanctuary along the Big Sur River welcomes everyone from solo tent campers to families with RVs, offering everything from secluded standard sites to coveted premium spots right along the riverbank. With specialized hike/bike sites for eco-conscious travelers and spacious group areas for gatherings under the canopy, this high-demand destination requires advance reservations—especially during the bustling summer months when the redwood cathedral fills with the sounds of discovery and wonder.

47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Nestled a quarter-mile north of the park entrance, Group A & B campsites offer an exclusive tent-only retreat where the sounds of Highway 1 fade into whispers of wind through ancient trees. These spacious walk-in sites welcome larger gatherings of up to 35 people, creating the perfect basecamp for family reunions, scout troops, or adventure-seeking friends. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables for communal meals, fire rings for evening storytelling, and access to potable water. While you'll find convenient flush toilets nearby, the absence of food lockers and showers adds to the authentic camping experience, encouraging a deeper connection with the natural world around you.

45500 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Nestled in a serene meadow where the Big Sur River winds toward the Pacific, Andrew Molera Trail Camp offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking to disconnect from the modern world. This primitive hike-in sanctuary features 24 thoughtfully spaced sites—22 standard tent spots and two dedicated hike-and-bike locations—each equipped with essential comforts: a crackling fire pit for evening gatherings, a sturdy picnic table for meals under the stars, and a secure food storage locker to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. While the campground embraces simplicity with its lack of showers, fresh drinking water flows freely and well-maintained flush toilets provide a welcome touch of civilization in this backcountry retreat.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Los Padres National Forest, White Oaks Campground offers an intimate escape where only eight fortunate campers can claim their piece of wilderness each night. This hidden gem along Tassajara Road wraps visitors in a canopy of shade, where ancient oaks stand sentinel over rustic sites equipped with weathered picnic tables and stone fire rings. At the heart of this secluded loop, a wild berry bush serves as nature's gathering place, drawing curious deer at dawn and dusk while smaller creatures rustle through the underbrush. Here, privacy isn't just a feature—it's a promise, as each site offers its own pocket of solitude in this natural sanctuary.

Los Padres National Forest

Tucked away in the rugged wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, Bottchers Gap Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect from civilization and immerse themselves in California's untamed backcountry. Though currently closed indefinitely since July 2016 due to the Palo Colorado Road closure, this remote sanctuary once beckoned campers seeking solitude among ancient oaks and sweeping mountain vistas. Perched at the edge of the Ventana Wilderness, the campground's more elevated sites reward visitors with panoramic views that stretch across the coastal mountains, making it a coveted destination for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

2400 HWY 146, Paicines, CA, 95043, USA

Escape to Pinnacles Campground, where ancient volcanic spires meet modern comfort in the heart of California's youngest national park. This year-round sanctuary welcomes adventurers with thoughtfully designed spaces ranging from traditional tent sites to RV sites complete with electric hookups, and cozy tent cabins for those seeking a touch of glamping. After days spent exploring towering rock formations, refresh with hot showers, stock up at the convenient general store, and cool off in the seasonal swimming pool that beckons from April through September. With flush toilets and drinking water throughout, you'll find the perfect balance between wilderness adventure and essential amenities.

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highway 1 at mile marker 36, Big Sur, CA 93920

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Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

Nacimiento Campground, Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

47600 ARROYO SECO ROAD

45500 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Los Padres National Forest

47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

63025 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

2400 HWY 146, Paicines, CA, 95043, USA

47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920