Ponderosa Campground

3.56

83 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,500 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Season opens May 01,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CampOne site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,500 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Season opens May 01,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CampOne site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Ponderosa Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season fees are $35 per night for standard nonelectric sites, with additional charges of $2 per weekend and $2 per holiday.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996parksman@fix.net

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What Campers Say

3.56

Mixed Reviews

Based on 83 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulsites

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, wildlife, and facilities like grills and fire pits, but also draw attention to issues such as bugs, trash maintenance, and vault toilet cleanliness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ponderosa Campground

36.0050, -121.3764

Driving directionsCampground is only available to access via the 101 side, the Highway 1/ Nacimiento Road Access is CLOSED. From Monterey, Take highway 68 to the 101. Accessible through Highway 101 exit Jolon Road. From Los Angeles/South take highway 101 to the Jolon Road exit, follow until campground.

RVs are not recommended to travel Nacimiento/Ferguson Road from Hwy 1. Access is available through the Hwy 101.

Nearby supplies

No gas stations are available after leaving Highway 101. Campers should plan accordingly. Nearby mission at Fort Hunter Liggett provides historic attractions but not supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Campground

Summer transforms Ponderosa into a sun-drenched retreat where temperatures climb into the 90s, making the river's cool waters especially inviting—though visitors should come prepared for the season's enthusiastic insect population. Spring and fall paint the campground in perfect mild weather, ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration. As summer progresses, the creek gradually transitions from rushing waters to gentle trickles, revealing new rocky landscapes to explore by late season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with river swimming and warm weather; can be very hot and buggy at times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Season closes Sept 30; limited fall window and fewer reviews for late-season visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring/early summer flagged as ideal: flowing creeks, moderate weather and positive reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sept; winter visits not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 01, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025.
Current Alerts: Highway 1/Nacimiento Road access is closed. Fire restrictions are in place during certain periods. Water spigots in some areas are non-functional.

About Ponderosa Campground

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.

The campground supports both RV and tent camping with single-family sites. Primitive camping and group camping options are not highlighted, and cabins or glamping accommodations are not provided.

Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away stands Mission San Antonio at Fort Hunter Liggett, a living testament to California's Spanish colonial past. Founded in 1771, this remarkably preserved mission invites visitors to walk through centuries of history, from its still-functioning original aqueducts to the thoughtfully curated museum exhibits. The sacred Native American cemetery on the grounds serves as a poignant reminder of the indigenous peoples who first called this region home, adding layers of cultural significance to your camping adventure.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Ponderosa into a sun-drenched retreat where temperatures climb into the 90s, making the river's cool waters especially inviting—though visitors should come prepared for the season's enthusiastic insect population. Spring and fall paint the campground in perfect mild weather, ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration. As summer progresses, the creek gradually transitions from rushing waters to gentle trickles, revealing new rocky landscapes to explore by late season.

ElevationPerched at 1,500 feet above sea level, Ponderosa Campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets forest tranquility. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate that supports diverse ecosystems while offering cooler temperatures than the valley floor below, making it a refreshing retreat during California's warm months.

Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of ponderosa pines stretches skyward, their vanilla-scented bark perfuming the air, while sturdy oaks, vibrant madrones with their distinctive red bark, and graceful sycamores create a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. The Nacimiento River meanders nearby, its waters creating a ribbon of life that supports everything from darting fish to visiting deer. This diverse woodland ecosystem provides natural shade throughout most campsites while framing spectacular views of the surrounding Los Padres wilderness.

Geological RegionPonderosa Campground sits within the rugged embrace of the Los Padres National Forest, where the dramatic mountains of Big Sur reveal their inland secrets at 1,500 feet elevation. This unique geological position places campers at the intersection of coastal mountain ranges and interior valleys, creating a landscape carved by ancient rivers and shaped by tectonic forces that continue to define California's spectacular Central Coast wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 15 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite reservation fee covers 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10 additional charge after 6 people).

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned as available at Ponderosa Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spread out in a paved loop. Half are shaded and secluded in wooded areas, while others are more open and located in a meadow.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations can be made three days in advance; walk-ups are not explicitly noted.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival date will incur a $10 fee, with additional penalties for late cancellations. Late cancellations subtract the first night's fee. Changes to reservations have a $10 charge if dates are entirely different.

AccessibilityCampsites offer some degree of spread and privacy, but limited information is available about accessibility accommodations for those with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some notably large ones such as Spot 1 described by Karen L Chambers: "Spot 1 is HUGE!!!! We have a 9-person condominium tent and could have had at least 5 of them in this spot.

PrivacySite privacy depends on location. Some sites, like Site 23, offer seclusion, while others are more exposed. Mitch Ginsburg notes: "Campsite 23 is a hidden gem! Tucked away off the road, you get far more privacy, shade, and seclusion than any of the other campsites.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with shade and proximity to water features, and avoid those near vault toilets or overflowing dumpsters. Campsites 6, 1, and 23 are highly recommended for their unique features.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ponderosa Campground offers several recreational activities, leveraging its proximity to the Nacimiento River. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing for trout, wading, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, a variety of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails are accessible within a short drive, featuring scenic vistas like waterfalls, redwood groves, and meadows.

HikingThe campground is near hiking trails that showcase waterfalls, redwood groves, and meadows. However, a user review notes: "No clear hiking trails either," reflecting limited accessibility directly from the campground.

FishingThe Nacimiento River offers trout fishing opportunities. "The creek is amazingly beautiful and absolutely clear! You can see the trout swimming in place," Karen L Chambers mentions.

SwimmingSwimming is available in the river's swimming holes along its course. "Swimming in any of the swimming holes along its course," is cited in authoritative descriptions.

BikingMountain biking opportunities exist in nearby trails. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.

Wildlife viewingAmple wildlife viewing is possible thanks to the scenic forested location. Kianna Silva-Jara mentions bird watching: "There were so many birds, it would be a great place for bird watching."

Cultural and Educational ProgramsNearby Mission San Antonio provides cultural and educational opportunities, featuring a museum, aqueduct, and Native American cemetery.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak is common around campsites, particularly near narrow paths like those leading to site 23. Bugs, including mosquitoes, gnats, and yellow jackets, are pervasive during summer. Limited shade and high temperatures can also pose challenges.

Active AlertsHighway 1/Nacimiento Road access is closed. Fire restrictions are in place during certain periods. Water spigots in some areas are non-functional.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in fire pits and grills provided at each site, but restrictions apply during fire hazard periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specifically stated.

Emergency ServicesCampground is located near Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base, which could provide emergency services, though specifics are not stated.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection bins are available, although user reviews frequently report overflowing dumpsters and inadequate maintenance: "The trash cans were all overflowing," according to Jessica L. Ping G notes: "A huge dumpster full of smelly trash near our camp site."

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Nacimiento River, which is a seasonal water feature with clear swimming holes and trout fishing opportunities.

Camp HostOn-site hosts are occasionally present, such as Pat or Andres, who are noted for their helpfulness and maintenance of restrooms.

Weather at Ponderosa Campground

Reviews

3.6

83 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ponderosa Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, wildlife, and facilities like grills and fire pits, but also draw attention to issues such as bugs, trash maintenance, and vault toilet cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's beautiful setting, secluded sites, wildlife viewing opportunities, and stargazing at night. "Beautiful spot, very quiet and peaceful. Stars are gorgeous at...

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include bugs, overflowing trash bins, poorly maintained vault toilets, and limited access to water and hiking trails. "Bathrooms were terrible and no one is around to help," notes...

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and citronella candles to fend off bugs, as suggested by Jordan A. Karen L Chambers recommends campsite 6 for its shade: "Campsite 6 was where we stayed and I think it is probably the...

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest spring and early summer are ideal due to flowing creeks and moderate weather, while summer can be excessively hot and buggy. "I love camping here during the spring and early summer...

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The creek is amazingly beautiful and absolutely clear! You can see the trout swimming in place," Karen L Chambers. "Vault toilets are full and disgusting," Mackenzie L. "Spot 1 is HUGE!!!!" Karen L...

Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 23 is noted for privacy and seclusion. "Campsite 23 is a hidden gem," says Mitch Ginsburg. Site 13 is described as lacking shade during peak hours by John Lamb: "Our site (13) had no shade at...

Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited information is available about accessibility features. The campground layout offers varied privacy and spacing.

Based on 83 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several reviews mention dogs enjoying the location. "I took my dogs to run free for an hour, they love it there," says Roger Krone.

Based on 83 reviews

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