Ponderosa Campground
Los Padres National Forest, California
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As of October 2026, Ponderosa Campground is a campground in Los Padres National Forest, California with 17 campsites. Ponderosa Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Ponderosa Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Ponderosa Campground is located at 36.0050° N, 121.3764° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 8
Ponderosa Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Campsites at Ponderosa Campground
- Standard 17
What an RV fits
- 15 ft2 sites
- 20 ft2 sites
- 25 ft1 site
- 27 ft2 sites
- 28 ft2 sites
- 30 ft1 site
- 33 ft2 sites
- 35 ft1 site
- 37 ft2 sites
- 40 ft2 sites
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.
All sites at Ponderosa Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | 8 | 37 ft |
| 002 | Standard | 8 | 37 ft |
| 006 | Standard | 8 | 30 ft |
| 007 | Standard | 8 | 33 ft |
| 008 | Standard | 8 | 33 ft |
| 009 | Standard | 8 | 27 ft |
| 010 | Standard | 8 | 27 ft |
| 012 | Standard | 8 | 20 ft |
| 013 | Standard | 8 | 40 ft |
| 014 | Standard | 8 | 40 ft |
| 015 | Standard | 8 | 15 ft |
| 016 | Standard | 8 | 35 ft |
| 017 | Standard | 8 | 20 ft |
| 018 | Standard | 8 | 15 ft |
| 019 | Standard | 8 | 25 ft |
| 021 | Standard | 8 | 28 ft |
| 022 | Standard | 8 | 28 ft |
About Ponderosa 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.
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.
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.
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.
Rules and notices at Ponderosa Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Ponderosa Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
In order to contact our offices, please use the email: customerservice@pmcparks.com or view our website: CampOne.Com for answers to frequently asked questions.
Limit of 2 vehicles per site; additional vehicles are not permitted
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.
Ponderosa Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Ponderosa Campground?
Ponderosa Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 17 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.
How do I find last-minute availability at Ponderosa Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Ponderosa Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Ponderosa Campground have?
Ponderosa Campground has 17 campsites.
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