SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Lucia, California
Camper submitted image from Memorial Campground - Los Padres National ForestView 24 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Lucia, California

Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Eight campsites spread across this primitive Forest Service campground, where vault toilets and fire pits provide basic amenities without running water. Sites vary considerably in privacy and spacing, with some tucked back for solitude while others sit closer together near the entrance. The campground floor stays relatively level despite heavy leaf cover from the surrounding Live Oak canopy.

San Antonio Creek runs alongside the camping area, offering access for wading and exploration. Chanel C. notes you can "get AMAZING VIEWS" from nearby hiking trails, including routes to Junipero Serra Peak, though trail navigation requires attention due to multiple intersecting paths. Acorn Woodpeckers create morning soundscapes from the oak trees. Wildlife activity runs high throughout the area, with abundant animal scat visible on hiking trails.

The 18-mile access road winds through scenic terrain but requires careful driving. Cell service disappears completely once you arrive, creating an off-grid experience. Tick populations can be severe during certain seasons, with one reviewer reporting heavy infestations that led to Lyme disease transmission. Light-colored clothing and frequent tick checks become essential precautions.

Reservations are available online despite the primitive setting, though walk-in sites operate first-come, first-serve. Campers exploring the broader region can find campgrounds near Los Padres National Forest for additional options. Pack all water and supplies since no stores exist nearby.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

SPONSORED BYT-Mobile
Pacific Coast Road Trip

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsMemorial Campground is located in California near Lucia

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Accessible ONLY from Hwy 101. HWY 1 side is CLOSED. From the U.S. Highway 101 Nacimiento-Fergusson Road can be reached from the King City area at Jolon Road (county road G-14), from the Bradley area at Jolon Road (county road G-18), or from Paso Robles along county road G-14. Travel to the town of Jolon, continue west along Mission Road about 5 miles, then north on Del Venturi Road for about 12 and 15 miles.

Coordinates

36.1171 N
121.4627 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 12/6/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 12/6/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

California Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Memorial Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
75%
0%
0%
25%

3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

A primitive forest campground offering spacious, private sites with basic amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Campers regularly cited the beautiful natural setting and seclusion, though visitors should prepare for vault toilets only and potential tick issues during certain seasons.

Reviewed Mar. 3, 2023

#4 road just past Wagon Caves

A nice quiet spot to camp… can walk to Wagon Cave and scout the rocks and wade in San Antonio Creek

Sitethe sites are not numbered…by a big oak tree with the rocks in view on road #4
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2021

PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS OF TICKS HERE

BEWARE! The ticks out here are horrible. If you plan on going please please wear long, light colored pants and tick check often. Over the two day stay we probably pulled 100 ticks off each other.s Even after all that my son was still bitten and contracted lymes disease. Thankfully I kept the infected tick and we caught it early but it is still nothing to risk.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2019

Camp under Oak trees near the Arroyo Seco River

  • A primitive campground that has about 8 campsites. Some campsites are pretty big and have privacy. Some are closer together than others. We stayed at site 8 and it was really nice. Tucked in the back with lots of privacy and space.
  • First-come, first-serve walk-in campground ($20/day) but I was able to make reservations online as well.
  • No running water, but there is are vault toilets (long drop) near the entrance of the campground
  • Lots of fantastic hiking nearby including Junipero Serro Peak. Trails are a little difficult to see because there are so many going in different directions, so a map can help. You can also see LOTS of animal scat so there are animals using hiking paths as game trail. Stay alert and be careful. Otherwise, it's so beautiful here and you can get AMAZING VIEWS!
  • This campground is in the valley of a few peaks so it was freezing at night (especially without a campfire)
  • Each campsite has a picnic table, firepit, and trashcans (with lids). The campground floors were covered with leaves but for the most part very flat and easy to find good spots for pitching a tent.
  • There was a fire ban during the time we stayed so no fires were allowed
  • Lots of wildlife and animal activity nearby. Loved camping underneath the canopies of Live Oak trees and listening to Acorn Woodpeckers in the morning. They are loud but still pleasant
  • The 18-mile drive getting here off the main highway was also beautiful and windy. We saw lots of deer and rabbits. This campground is far from shops or stores so make sure you come with plenty of supplies and water.
  • Very secluded and rustic campground. We only saw one other group in the evening, and they ended up leaving. During the day time there were more people coming for day hikes and parked at the visitor parking lot.
  • No cell reception AT ALL so you feel like you're off the grid (AT&T)
Site8
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest by Chanel C., April 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest by Chanel C., April 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest by Chanel C., April 4, 2019
  • (17) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Memorial Campground in Big Sur?

Memorial Campground offers basic, primitive amenities. The campground features vault toilets but no running water. There are approximately 8 campsites, some offering good privacy and ample space, particularly site #8 which is tucked away in the back. The sites are situated among trees providing natural shade. The campground is located next to a river/creek, offering natural ambiance and water access. Don't expect staffed facilities or modern conveniences - this is a bare-bones camping experience focused on natural surroundings.

Are reservations required for Memorial Campground in Los Padres?

No, reservations are not required for Memorial Campground. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with walk-in camping availability. The fee is $20 per day. With only about 8 campsites available, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak camping seasons. Since this is a self-registration campground without staff on duty, be prepared to handle the payment and registration process independently.

What activities can you do near Memorial Campground in Los Padres National Forest?

At Memorial Campground, you can enjoy wading in San Antonio Creek, which runs adjacent to the camping area. Nearby, you can explore Wagon Cave and scout the surrounding rock formations. The forested setting provides opportunities for nature walks and wildlife observation, though be extremely cautious about ticks by wearing appropriate clothing and performing regular tick checks. The peaceful environment is perfect for relaxing activities like reading, photography, and stargazing. Hiking trails are accessible in the surrounding Los Padres National Forest for more adventurous outings.

Where is Memorial Campground located in Los Padres National Forest?

Memorial Campground is located in Los Padres National Forest alongside San Antonio Creek. This primitive campground is nestled among trees, providing a shaded environment. The campground is situated in a quiet area that offers a true forest experience, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. The location offers proximity to natural features like Wagon Cave, with the rushing sounds of the creek adding to the wilderness ambiance.

Keep Exploring