Carmel River Backcountry Camp

Bluff Camp

## Overview

Amid a grove of towering trees, eight campsites create a loop within White Oaks Campground, just off Tassajara Road. In the center of this loop, an enormous berry bush, shrubbery and trees reach up to the sky, creating the visual heart of this intimate setting. Red-tail deer and small animals can be seen eating berries around the middle of the campground, giving campers a memorable sight to see. Each campsite is shaded by the natural growth of the oak and pine trees, creating a sequestered and private atmosphere.

## Recreation

The White Oaks Campground is 2.7 miles from the Pine Ridge Trailhead. From the campground, follow the dirt road you drove in onward to China Camp. You are under the coverage of enormous pine trees and shady oaks with a view of hills as far as the eye can see. The Santa Lucia mountain range spreads out as valleys and hilltops that you never get tired of looking at. Once you reach the trailhead, you have 23 miles of trail to explore.

## Facilities

Open daily, year-round. There are eight campsites located around a loop in the middle of the facility. While these campsites are mostly enjoyed by tent campers, RVs of 20 ft. or shorter could navigate into a campsite here as well. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Pets are allowed. Two vault toilets are located near the campsites. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water onsite. The campsites all have a good amount of space from one another and allow you to have the much-desired privacy and intimacy you want in a camping experience.

## Natural Features

A wide variety of shrubbery and trees decorate this beautiful area. The Santa Lucia mountain range graces you with wondrous shades of green, orange and yellow. Canyons and valleys burst with color and the oak woodlands provide important scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats. More than 90 species of birds can be found in this bird watcher's paradise. Deer, bobcats and small animals of all kinds can be seen regularly in this area. Whether they are just passing by or looking for some food to nibble on, they provide an unforgettable experience that can only come from the outdoors. 

## Nearby Attractions

Hiking trails and mountain biking within 30 minutes. Day trips to the higher elevation and lengthy trails are about 2.7 miles from the campground.

White Oaks Campground

## Overview

Pleasantly nestled under a large canopy of pine trees, China Camp is a campground where peace and quiet is commonplace. The spacious campsites allow you to set up camp with more than enough space between you and your neighbors. As you drive into the campground you are overtaken by the sweet smell of pine and the natural beauty surrounding the campground.

## Recreation

China Camp offers trails along the hillside and a trailhead which begins in the campground. The Pine Ridge trailhead begins across from the campground bulletin board. This 23-mile trail offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia mountain range which are covered in towering oaks trees.

## Facilities

The campground offers 10 campsites, with campsites 1 - 5 open year-round and campsites 6 - 10 open only in the summer season. The campground is suitable for tent and car camping, but is not recommended for RVs over 20 feet. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings, however, always check local fire restrictions prior to your arrival. Two vault toilets are located near the campground bulletin board. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) onsite. There is no dump station.

## Natural Features

China Camp is surrounded by oak and pine trees, providing ample shade for visitors. Bobcats, coyotes and black tailed deer roam the rolling, lush hills. Red tailed hawks and turkey vultures can be seen soaring above the trees, so bring along some binoculars and make sure to keep an eye out. The melody of chirping of birds during the day time complimented by the sounds of crickets at night provide the textbook balance of unspoiled nature. 

## Nearby Attractions

Hiking and biking trails are within 10 - 15 minutes from the campground. Backpacking and mountain biking the trails nearby is a popular activity in the area.

China Camp Campground

Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground features 189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.

 Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.

 All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.



Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Fernwood Campground & Resort

Ventana Campground

Located among majestic Coastal Redwood trees along the pristine Big Sur River, Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers camping and lodging with the emphasis on Family. Enjoy tent and RV camping on the forest floor as you watch the kids inner tube by in the cool water. Or pamper your family in one of several styles of cabins, from rustic camping cabins to fully equipped cabins with kitchens and fireplaces.

Pitch your tent among the redwood trees and enjoy camping in one of the most beautiful settings anywhere. A firepit and picnic table are provided at each site, and you'll find a bath house with hot showers nearby. 

Big Sur Campground and Cabins welcomes you and your RV. We can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 40 feet in length in select sites. In addition to a picnic table and firepit, we provide water and electric hookups at the site, and a central dump station.

If you're looking for the feel of camping but don't have your own gear, take a look at our popular camping cabins. Situated on or near the river, each cabin includes a queen bed with linens, blankets, and towels to use the camper’s bathhouse. Simply bring your cooler and camp stove and you're ready to go! 

Big Sur Campground & Cabins

Andrew Molera State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp

Arroyo Seco Campground is a semi-rustic, but developed facility in California's westernmost national forest. It offers a great place for camping near San Jose - into the mountain air and provides access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Recreation The small non-body contact lake near the group campsites gives campers an edge on mountain fishing and small non-motorized boating. Anglers will find mostly bass and catfish in the lakes, and other species on occasion. A fishing license is required for visitors over 16 years of age. The nearby river offers a small beach where campers and day use visitors may wade and swim. All nearby bodies of water are dependent upon seasonal rain for levels to rise. The Ventana Wilderness, also known as "the gorge," provides ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, backpacking, hunting and horseback riding. No motorized vehicles are allowed (unless prior permission is granted by the Forest Service) beyond the gated road and parking lot. The 15.5-mile Santa Lucia Trail is available for hiking and horseback riding and provides access to the surrounding wilderness and a variety of other trails. Facilities The campground offers sites that are both modern and more primitive, for single and double-family occupancy. Campsites are available for tent or RV camping, however utility hookups are not provided and there is no dump station. Some sites are level and large enough to accommodate most RVs. Roads are paved throughout the campground. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Campsites in the first loop offer accessible flush toilets, coin-operated showers and drinking water. In the more primitive area of the campground, vault toilets are provided, as well as drinking water. Some sites are fully accessible. A group campsite is available for reservations and can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. It provides tables and a campfire circle, as well as vault toilets and drinking water. Natural Features The campground offers views of the Ventana Wilderness mountain peaks and one small lake (water levels depend on the season). It is nestled into the hillside, surrounded by abundant shrubbery and large oak trees. It is situated next to the Arroyo Seco River at an elevation of about 1,200 feet. A variety of birds and wildlife make their home in the area. A splash of color greets visitors at the entrance gate, where a variety of plants in bloom. In the spring and fall, the leaves on the trees change to beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, creating a beautiful scenic landscape. In the springtime, lupines bloom all around. Nearby Attractions The city of Monterey provides a variety of tourism opportunities and is located about 50 miles from the campground. The west side of the Pinnacles National Monument is about 30 miles from the campground. The monument and surrounding area is popular among rock climbers during the spring and fall. ADA Access: N

Arroyo Seco

Private

This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam.  The trail is pretty easy to follow, but crosses the river/creek extremely frequently.  I had to cross the river about 50 times in a weekend in an out &amp; back trip.

This is backcountry backpacking, so:

*   So potable water - bring a filter
*   Pack in pack out trash
*   Fires may be restricted
*   No restrooms or other facilities
*   Lots of poison oak
*   Trail may be impassable at some points

I spent the first night of this trip at the Bluff camp just a bit north.  On the second night I hiked several miles south until the trail was impassable due to a fallen tree and turned back.  My car was up at the Los Padres Dam and I had to be out by noon of day 3 so the Carmel River camp allowed me to pack up and hike out to the car in just a couple of hours.

Here is the trail info:

[http://www.ventanawild.org/trails/ventana-wilderness-trails/carmel-river-trail](http://www.ventanawild.org/trails/ventana-wilderness-trails/carmel-river-trail)

Here is an interactive Map: [http://bigsurtrailmap.net/interactivemap.html?latlon=36.0898,-121.5651&amp;zoom=11&amp;bkgmap=USGS+Quad+%2BWilderness&amp;mode=trailmap&amp;control=0](http://bigsurtrailmap.net/interactivemap.html?latlon=36.0898,-121.5651&amp;zoom=11&amp;bkgmap=USGS+Quad+%2BWilderness&amp;mode=trailmap&amp;control=0)

Carmel River Backcountry Camp

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