Ponderosa Campground


Ponderosa Campground is a United States Forest Service campground in the high country of Big Sur, on the central coast of California in the Los Padres National Forest. The campground has 21 sites set in a high valley adjacent to the Nacimiento River, featuring a canopy of Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Madrone, and California Sycamore trees. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. The campground is on the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.

Location

[Big Sur]

Big Sur is an unincorporated region along the central coast of California; located along Highway one between Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Coast. Hiking, backpacking, scenic driving, and camping are activities that can be done in Big Sur. There is a wide variety of wildlife in Big Sur, some of these animals include: California condors, peregrine falcons, elephant seals, mountain lions, and blue whales. Big Sur offers both State Parks and privately owned campgrounds, which include both tent and RV camping.

Campgrounds in Big Sur

Los Padres National Forest is a United States National Forest maintained by the United States Forest Service. The forest is 1.75 million acres that spans throughout Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties. The Northern Division of the forest, Monterey and San Luis Obispo County, extends throughout Big Sur. Mountains, streams, rivers, and beaches are located throughout the forest. Due to the wide array of ecosystems, the forest is home to more than 468 fish and wildlife species; some of these animals include:Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, tule elk, bighorn sheep, California condors, and several endangered plants. Santa Lucia, La Panza, San Rafael, Santa Ynez, and Sierra Madre are major mountain ranges located within the Forest.

Amenities

The campground has 21 sites scattered along the Nacimiento River; both for RV and tent camping. Most campgrounds are shaded due to the canopy of Ponderosa pine, oak, madrone, and sycamore trees. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill; water is available from March to November. Vault toilets and trash bins are located throughout the campground; utility hookups are not available.

Activities

The Nacimiento River runs throughout the campground which gives visitors the opportunity to trout fish, wade and swim in the swimming holes. Other activities such as biking, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing are also available; you must check with the California Department of Fish and Game for hunting season in the area. Horseback riding and mountain biking trails are located a few miles outside of the campground. Located just east of the campground is one of the oldest missions in California, Mission San Antonio; which features a museum, original aqueducts, and a Native American graveyard. Boating, fishing, swimming, and guided tours are available at the San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area; located about 32 miles southwest of Ponderosa Campground.

General Information