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Nacimiento Campground wilderness permit area in Los Padres National Forest - backcountry hiking destination
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Nacimiento Campground Permit

Los Padres National Forest · California

Remote ridge campground on Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.

Plan your Los Padres National Forest trip here, then get your permit from the agency.

Plan your trip

How to get Nacimiento

Los Padres sells its coast campgrounds on Recreation.gov as Plaskett Creek, Kirk Creek, Arroyo Seco, Escondido and Memorial Park. Each has its own page here, so set an alert on the one you want.

Official permit page

Planning another trip? See the permits we alert on.

How to get a Nacimiento permit

Type
Overnight
Location
CA
  1. Step 1: Create a U.S. Forest Service account

    Sign up at U.S. Forest Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

More on Nacimiento: Live availability activityWhen Nacimiento permits open up

When to hike Nacimiento

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

Today

☀️

80°

52°

Wed

☀️

84°

60°

Thu

☀️

88°

63°

Fri

☁️

91°

65°

Sat

☀️

91°

66°

Sun

☀️

90°

69°

Mon

☀️

90°

67°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Nacimiento rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Nacimiento.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Nacimiento · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Nacimiento FAQ

How do I get a Nacimiento permit?

Nacimiento is issued directly by the agency. Los Padres sells its coast campgrounds on Recreation.gov as Plaskett Creek, Kirk Creek, Arroyo Seco, Escondido and Memorial Park. Each has its own page here, so set an alert on the one you want. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.

When is the best time to visit Nacimiento?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Nacimiento permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Nacimiento permit?

The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.

Nacimiento trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Nacimiento permit

Where to stay near Nacimiento

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

Build your full itinerary start to finish

Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

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