BIG SUR FOREST SERVICE CAMPGROUNDS

Big Sur Forest Service campgrounds are on U.S. National Forest Service property, but are operated by Parks Management Company for the Forest Service. They range from 8 camping sites to 44; ocean view to 13 miles inland; and sea level to 2100 feet. The range of ammenities varies as well, but each campground has its own charm! Come along - you'll see!

BOTTCHERS GAP CAMPGROUND

Bottchers Gap is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Big Sur area, and it's located about 8 miles inland, along the Palo Colorado Road. It's open all year, and there are no reservations required - it's strictly first-come, first served.

You'll find 12 campsites set among the madrones and the oaks at about 2100 feet elevation. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. Most of the sites are walk-ins (sorry, no RVs) from a common parking lot. There's no potable water here, so pack your drinking water in with you, although there may be bottled water available from the campground manager. Outhouse-type facilities.

The draw here is:

• No crowds
• Excellent hiking
• Wonderful views of the Ventana Double Cones of the Santa Lucia Mountains
• And you're camping in the woods!

KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND

Kirk Creek Campground is situated on a bluff about 100 feet above the ocean, scattered with Monterey Pines - the views are spectacular!! It's open all year, and in fact, the best time to come is October to May: the weather is usually mild and there are fewer people. Reservations are required.

You'll find 34 campsites (RVs are allowed, but there are no hook-ups), and each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. There are water spigots, flush toilets, and sinks in the restrooms.

Why camp at Kirk Creek campground?

• Whale watching from November to February as the Gray Whales migrate south to Baja
• Spectacular coastal views
• A trail to the beach
• The Vicente Flats trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness

NACIMIENTO CAMPGROUND

Nacimiento Campground is the smallest of the Big Sur Forest Service campgrounds in Big Sur. It's 11 miles inland on the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road and is located along the Nacimiento River - a mountain trout stream - under a canopy of oaks. It's open year-round, no reservations required - first-come, first served.

There are 8 campsites at Nacimiento (RVs are not recommended), and each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. There's no drinking water.

The charms of Nacimiento:

• A trout stream
• Peace and quiet - few people!
• Camping in the forest

PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND

Plaskett Creek is the largest of the Forest Service campgrounds. It's in a large meadow with pine trees scattered through the grounds, located on the east side of Highway 1, just south of Sand Dollar Beach. It's open year-round (come from November to March and try to spot the migrating Gray Whales). There are first-come first served sites, but you can also make reservations.

You'll find 44 campsites here (RVs are allowed) - all campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. There's drinkable water, flush toilets, and sinks in the restrooms.

Things to enjoy about Plaskett:

• Whale watching, November to March
• Nearby Sand Dollar Beach
• Nearby hiking trails with amazing views, waterfalls, and Redwoods

PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND

Ponderosa Campground is a family campground with campsites, also nestled along the Nacimiento River trout stream under the trees, about 13 miles east of Highway 1, taking the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road to County Road G-14. Ponderosa is open year-round and is first-come, first served, although you can make reservations 6 months in advance for May 1st to September 30th.

There are 23 sites (unfortunately, RVs are not advised), and each campsite has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. It's advisable to keep your food secured here as the raccoons are rather pesky about getting into your supplies! There is drinkable water available from Spring Break to Thanksgiving.

The draw at this Big Sur Forest Service campground:

• The Nacimiento River with its trout fishing & places for a cool dip
• Camping in the forest
• Hiking opportunities
• And nearby Mission San Antonio, with its museum, chapel, Indian graveyard, & aquaducts

Looking for other Big Sur Camping options?

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