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  3. Ponderosa Campground
Campground Overview:

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. Ponderosa has family campsites under a canopy of beautiful trees approximately 13 miles east from Kirk Creek Campground on Nacimiento/Ferguson Road. 1/2 the campsites are first come first serve and 1/2 are reservable.

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Overview
Operating Seasons:
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
Fees:
  • $10.00 extra person (up to 8) per night and $10.00 extra vehicle charge (up to 2) per night
  • $10.00 day use fee per vehicle
  • $35.00-$37.00
Busiest Seasons:
  • Memorial to Labor Day
Best Seasons To Visit:
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Fall
Passes Accepted:
  • Golden Age/Golden Access Pass for single family campsites only
  • Parks Management Day Use Annual Pass

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.

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.
Ammenities:
  • Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Campfire Rings
  • Creek Access
  • Day Use Area
  • Drinking Water
  • Fishing
  • Grills
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Museum
  • Paved Roads
  • RV sites
  • Self Pay Station
  • Tables
  • Trailheads
  • Trash Collection
  • Vault Toilets
  • Waterfront Sites
  • Wildlife Viewing
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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.

Important Information

  • Limit of 2 vehicles per site
  • River access and swimming are seasonal
  • RVs are not recommended to travel Nacimiento/Ferguson Road from Hwy 1. Access is available through the Hwy 101
  • Reservations can be made three days in advance
  • Campsite reservation fee covers 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). Maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle)
  • Click here for more information on the Los Padres National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov
Campground Photos:

Nearby Features

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.
Address:
Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, Big Sur, CA, United States
Categories:
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