Ponderosa Campground

Ponderosa Campground is a United States Forest Service campground in the high country of Big Sur, on the central coast of California in the Los Padres National Forest.[1] The campground has 21 sites set in a high valley adjacent to the Nacimiento River, featuring a canopy of Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Madrone, and California Sycamore trees.[2] Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. The campground is on the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.[2]

Ponderosa
LocationCalifornia, United States
Coordinates35.99752°N 121.38128°W / 35.99752; -121.38128
TypeDrive In
LandLos Padres National Forest
Campsites21
FacilitiesVault Toilets, Picnic Tables
WaterYes
Fee$25/site/night
FiresYes
Operated byParks Management Company

Location

Big Sur

Big Sur is an unincorporated region along the central coast of California; located along Highway one between Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Coast.[3] Hiking, backpacking, scenic driving, and camping are activities that can be done in Big Sur.[3] There is a wide variety of wildlife in Big Sur, some of these animals include: California condors, peregrine falcons, elephant seals, mountain lions, and blue whales.[4] Big Sur offers both State Parks and privately owned campgrounds, which include both tent and RV camping.[1]

Campgrounds in Big Sur [1]

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest is a United States National Forest maintained by the United States Forest Service. The forest is 1.75 million acres that spans throughout Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties.[18] The Northern Division of the forest, Monterey and San Luis Obispo County, extends throughout Big Sur.[18][19] Mountains, streams, rivers, and beaches are located throughout the forest. Due to the wide array of ecosystems, the forest is home to more than 468 fish and wildlife species; some of these animals include:Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, tule elk, bighorn sheep, California condors, and several endangered plants.[20] Santa Lucia, La Panza, San Rafael, Santa Ynez, and Sierra Madre are major mountain ranges located within the Forest.[20]

Amenities

The campground has 21 sites scattered along the Nacimiento River; both for RV and tent camping.[1] Most campgrounds are shaded due to the canopy of Ponderosa pine, oak, madrone, and sycamore trees.[21] Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill; water is available from March to November.[2] Vault toilets and trash bins are located throughout the campground; utility hookups are not available.[21]

Activities

The Nacimiento River runs throughout the campground which gives visitors the opportunity to trout fish, wade and swim in the swimming holes.[21] Other activities such as biking, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing are also available; you must check with the California Department of Fish and Game for hunting season in the area.[2] Horseback riding and mountain biking trails are located a few miles outside of the campground. Located just east of the campground is one of the oldest missions in California, Mission San Antonio; which features a museum, original aqueducts, and a Native American graveyard.[21] Boating, fishing, swimming, and guided tours are available at the San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area; located about 32 miles southwest of Ponderosa Campground.[21]

General Information
  • Only two cars per camp site; the first car is free, but there is a $10.00 additional charge for the second car.[21]
  • No firewood is available to buy at the campground.[2]
  • One reservation covers six people, the maximum number of people per site is eight; there is a $10.00 additional charge after six people.[21]
  • $25.00 per camp site[2]
  • 50% of site are reserveable, the other 50% are first-come, first-served. Reservations need to be made eight days in advance.[2]
  • $10.00 service charge applies for any reservations that are cancelled or changed.[22]
  • No recreational vehicle can be longer than 35 feet.[2]

See also

References
  1. Internet, Stan Russell, Big Sur. "Big Sur Camping Guide, Big Sur California". www.bigsurcalifornia.org. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  2. "Ponderosa Campground".
  3. "History of Big Sur California". www.bigsurcalifornia.org. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  4. "Big Sur Visitor Bureau - Wildlife". visitbigsurcalifornia. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  5. California, California State Parks, State of. "Andrew Molera SP". CA State Parks. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  6. California, California State Parks, State of. "Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP". CA State Parks. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  7. California, California State Parks, State of. "Limekiln SP". CA State Parks. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  8. California, California State Parks, State of. "Pfeiffer Big Sur SP". CA State Parks. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  9. "Big Sur Campground & Cabins". Big Sur Campground & Cabins. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  10. "Fernwood Campground & Resort :: Big Sur, California". www.fernwoodbigsur.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  11. "KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND, CA". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  12. "Nacimiento Campground". Los Padres National Forest.
  13. "PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND, CA". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  14. California, California State Parks, State of. "Point Lobos SNR". CA State Parks. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  15. "Big Sur Riverside Campground & Cabins". www.riversidecampground.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  16. "Treebones Resort – Glamping in Big Sur". www.treebonesresort.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  17. "Ventana Campground | Camping In The Big Sur Redwoods". www.ventanacamping.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  18. "About the Forest".
  19. "Los Padres National Forest in Monterey County | Hiking". www.seemonterey.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  20. "Los Padres National Forest-Animals and Plants". Los Padre National Forest.
  21. "PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, CA". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-17.
  22. "PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND, CA". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
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