Ponderosa Campground North Los Padres National Forest

Located off the Nacimiento Rd on the east side of the mountain range, Ponderosa Camp is a trailhead car campground for the Slick Rock Trail. Ponderosa Campground has family campsites along a mountain stream under a canopy of Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Madrone & Sycamore trees approximately 13 miles east from Kirk Creek campground on the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. The Nacimiento-Ferguson Road runs from the coast at Kirk Creek on Rt. 1 to the Big Sur high country. Recreational Vehicles no longer than 35 feet.

Ponderosa Campground offers visitors a beautiful location to relax and enjoy nature. It runs along the Nacimiento River, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Swimming, fishing and wading are all enjoyed by visitors, as well as hiking and backpacking on any of the surrounding mountain trails.

Natural Features:

The campground is situated next to the river and has a scattered canopy of ponderosa pine, oak, madrone and sycamore trees, which provide ample shade in most campsites. It is located in the Los Padres National Forest in the mountains of Big Sur at an elevation of 1,500 feet. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

Recreation:

The Nacimiento River provides opportunities for trout fishing and wading, as well as swimming in any of the swimming holes along its course. A variety of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails can be accessed within a short drive from the campground. The trails offer scenic views of waterfalls, massive redwood groves, meadows and mountain streams.

Facilities:

The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are not available and the parking surfaces are paved. A maximum of two vehicles is allowed for each site. Additional vehicles are not allowed in the campground.

Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Trash collection bins are available throughout the campground.

Nearby Attractions:

Mission San Antonio is a short drive east of the campground. Located in the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base, the mission is one of the oldest in California. A museum, original aqueducts and a Native American cemetery are found here.

The San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area is located about 32 miles southwest of the campground. Boating, fishing, swimming and guided tours are available.