The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Camper submitted image from Nacimiento Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Nacimiento Campground - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Nacimiento Campground - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Nacimiento Campground - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Nacimiento Campground - 5
Roads
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Nacimiento Campground

5 Reviews

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Nacimiento Campground, near Big Sur, California, is a charming spot tucked away in the Los Padres National Forest. This place is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, with a handful of campsites nestled along the serene Nacimiento River.

The campground offers a few essential amenities, including picnic tables and clean vault toilets, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers and glampers alike. Visitors rave about the stunning views from the mountain roads leading to the ocean, with one camper noting, “The views from the top of the mountain when driving to the ocean are the most beautiful views in the world!”

If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck. There are plenty of trails nearby, both in the forest and along the coast, so you can soak in the natural beauty all around. Plus, the close proximity to the ocean means you can easily spend a day surfing or exploring tide pools.

While the sites are fairly close together, the tree cover provides some nice shade, and the sound of the creek helps drown out any road noise. Just keep in mind that spots are first-come, first-served, so it’s best to arrive early. Whether you're looking to unwind by the water or hit the trails, Nacimiento Campground has a lot to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Fee Info

$20.00 per site per night. 6-8 people per site, pay via fee tube or via host. One car is included with the price of the campsite. Additional vehicles are $10.00 per vehicle per night. Interagency Senior and Access Pass entitle pass holder to 50% off camping fees only.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Nacimiento Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the north take Interstate 101 south and take the Ft. Hunter Liggett exit. Then go 17.5 miles to the junction with Mission Road. From the south take Interstate 101 south, take exit #252 and take county road G18, 21.7 miles to the junction at Mission Road. From the junction proceed 3.2 from the junction to Naciemento Ferguson Road and turn left. It is 13 miles to Nacimiento CG from this point.

Coordinates

36.01326883 N
121.4127944 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

1 hr 7 min away

Lake San Antonio - North Shore

Lake San Antonio - North Shore

1 hr 17 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

California Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

40%
20%
20%
0%
20%

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

E
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2025

Less desirable than Ponderosa

We took a look but did not choose to camp here. Sites are exposed to one another and to the road. More shade than at Ponderosa.

Site0
Month of VisitFebruary
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

One of my favorites

So beautiful and right next to a creek with fish to play in. The views from the top of the mountain when driving to the ocean are the most beautiful views in the world! We saw a small bobcat at night driving to the campsite. A 30min drive to the ocean where you can surf or spy starfish. This is one of my favorite places to camp.

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Jillean G., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Jillean G., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Jillean G., July 6, 2021
  • (6) View All
Abigail A.
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

Loved it!

We drove to Big Sur and all the campgrounds were closed/full so we started driving around and stumbled upon this amazing campground. There’s about a 45 min drive to get there and you will need a 4x4 to get into certain areas. We will definitely return!

  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Abigail A., July 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Abigail A., July 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Abigail A., July 20, 2020
  • (4) View All
Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2018

Hidden jem

If you can’t secure a spot on the coast in Big Sur, this might be a nice option for you. Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total). There really isn’t room for RV’s or campers (I think the limit is 25 feet), so most of your neighbors will be tents. Sites are set right next to the river which drowns out any road noise. Sites are also fairly close to each other, tho there is some underbrush and there is great tree cover for shade. Most sites have good hammocking trees. The vault toilet is fairly clean and each site has a picnic table and fire pit with grill. These sites are not reservable, so first come first serve. It’s only about 10 or so miles to the coast and there are lots of hiking trails nearby both in the forest and on the coast.

  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Annie C., July 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Annie C., July 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Annie C., July 1, 2018
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Nacimiento Campground?

Nacimiento Campground is a small, rustic campground with limited amenities. It features approximately 9-10 campsites nestled along the Nacimiento River. The campground has basic facilities suitable for tent camping, with sites that are somewhat exposed to one another and to the road. There's a creek with fish nearby for recreation. The campground has size restrictions, limiting vehicles to 25 feet or less, making it unsuitable for larger RVs or campers. For those seeking shade, the campground offers more tree cover than some nearby alternatives like Ponderosa.

What do reviews say about the Nacimiento Campground experience?

Campers describe Nacimiento Campground as beautiful, particularly highlighting the adjacent creek with fish that provides natural entertainment. The campground is praised as a good alternative when coastal Big Sur sites are full. Visitors appreciate the natural setting tucked in the forest along the river. The scenic drive to the ocean offers what some consider the most beautiful views in the world. Wildlife sightings include bobcats in the area. However, some visitors note that the campsites lack privacy, being exposed to each other and to the road.

How do I make reservations for camping at Lake Nacimiento?

Nacimiento Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through a reservation system. Given its small size (only 9-10 sites), arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. For the most current reservation information, contact Los Padres National Forest or check their official website. The campground's limited capacity and popularity as an alternative to coastal Big Sur sites means it can fill quickly during busy periods.

Where is Nacimiento Campground located in relation to Big Sur?

Nacimiento Campground is located inland from Big Sur, accessible via Nacimiento Road. It's approximately a 30-minute drive to the ocean and Big Sur coast. The campground serves as an alternative option when coastal Big Sur campgrounds are full or closed. The drive between the campground and the coast offers spectacular views from the mountain top that many visitors find memorable. The location allows for day trips to the ocean where visitors can surf or explore tide pools with starfish. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for accessing certain areas around the campground.

Keep Exploring