If you want to explore the beauty of Jolon, glamping is an excellent option. Glamping near Jolon is especially popular among campers who enjoy beds and electricity. These scenic and easy to access California glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
UPDATE ( February 7, 2024 ) - Limekiln State Park is CLOSED until further notice due to storm damages and Highway 1 road conditions. Highway 1 remains a hard closure at Paul's Slide (Hwy. 1 PM 21.7) - meaning the highway is CLOSED to all public and emergency vehicles at that location with NO DETOUR. Crews continue to work 12-hour shifts and seven days a week to repair damages from the landslide. The current estimate from Caltrans for reopening Hwy. 1 at Paul's Slide is late Spring 2024.
The southern closure is located one half mile south of Paul's Slide. There is no parking in the turnaround area. Limekiln State Park remains CLOSED with entry into the park strictly prohibited. It is also illegal to camp in turnouts or anywhere on Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast unless in a designated campsite in a campground open to the public (Monterey County Code 14.18.020(a)). Travelers on Hwy. 1 north of Ragged Point will encounter multiple areas of intermittent traffic control as repairs to damage from winter storms continues at various locations.
Situated on California’s scenic Big Sur Coast, about 55 miles south of Monterey, Limekiln State Park has weathered its fair share of hardships. It began in the late 1800s, when the Rockland Lime and Lumber Co. began stripping the limestone out of the canyon for use as building materials for the burgeoning San Francisco area. At the time, the redwood forest covering these coastal slopes was almost entirely clearcut. Nearly a century later, after recovering, the area was almost clearcut again, but conservation groups intervened. It finally became a state park in 1995. Since then, a portion of the park burned in 2008, then it was threatened with closure in 2012, due to state budget shortfalls. The park was saved once again when the Save the Redwoods League stepped in to assist with funding and maintenance needs.
The small campground in Limekiln State Park offers 29 campsites in two areas along Limekiln Creek. About half are in an open area near the highway, with beach access; the other half are located upslope, under a canopy of shady redwoods. Sites are small and can only accommodate trailers up to 15 feet, and RVs up to 24 feet; each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Both upper and lower camp areas have drinking water, restrooms, showers and picnic areas. Firewood gathering is not permitted in the park, and dogs must remain leashed at all times. Visitors should keep in mind that this is a rugged coastal environment, and exercise caution around cliffs and near the ocean; climbing on the cliffs is not permitted. Campsite rates are $35/night.
The main attraction at Limekiln State Park is the old lime kilns that still sit at the base of the hillside, more than a century since their last use. These giant furnaces were used to purify the limestone being mined out of the canyon, before it was shipped north for construction uses. The kilns can be seen via a 0.5-mile trail from the upper camp area. A short side trail on the way to the kilns leads to 100-foot Limekiln Falls. Watch out for poison oak while hiking. The park is also a great place for wildlife watching. Keep your eyes peeled for bobcats, foxes and ringtails on shore, and otters and gray whales in the ocean. More than 200 species of birds are known to inhabit the area, including pelicans, peregrine falcons and California condors.
$35 / night
Pinnacles Campground is located in the unique Pinnacles National Park, 32 miles south of Hollister, California. The park encompasses 26,000 acres of spectacular rock formations and remnants of an extinct 23 million-year old volcano. Hiking and rock climbing are very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is watching for the majestic California condor overhead. Pinnacles National Park is a nesting place for the endangered soaring bird, the largest in North America.
Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from the campground. Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight! Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.
The campground is situated in a rolling landscape dotted with shady Valley Oak, Blue Oak and Coast Live Oak trees. A gentle, seasonal creek runs through the grounds. Springtime finds Pinnacles bursting with a wide variety of vivid wildflowers that line every trail and fill entire meadows with color. Deer and wild turkeys roam the area, and condors can be viewed from within the campground. The park ranges in elevation from 824 feet along South Chalone Creek to 3,304 feet atop North Chalone Peak.
$43 - $164 / night
$85 - $105 / night
Temporarily closed. Small campground with 9 campsites located among oak trees. Located near a running creek. Recreational Vehicles no longer than 25 feet.
At Lake Nacimiento, there are seven unique campgrounds to choose from. Whether you plan on truly “roughing it” or want to bring along your fully outfitted RV, you will find a campground that pleasantly accommodates your vacation. EAGLES RIDGE This is the fifth campground from the entry gate, turn right off the main road and continue to the campground. Many people consider this the very best overflow campground you could ask for. Others make it their first choice. Many of the spaces are walk in and have fantastic views of the lake and resort. There are chemical toilets, trash service and fresh water provided. All the spaces are first come first serve and many require a significant change of elevation to access. If you are looking to get away from it all and don’t mind a drive or hike to the nearest showers, Eagles Ridge might just be the place for you. OAK KNOLL *Reservations Only This very peaceful campground is the first campground after Entry Gate on the right with 40 Full Hook-up single sites. Most sites have picnic tables, barbecues, and fire rings. The campground has flush toilets and free showers conveniently located a short walk from all the sites. Boat trailer spaces are provided on a first come first served basis. Overflow parking is provided in the Day Use lot located near the General Store.If you are looking for peace and quiet it can usually be found at Oak Knoll. Reservations for Oak Knoll campgrounds can be made by calling: (805) 237-4924 opt. 1 PINE KNOLL *Reservations Only If you are seeking water access and close proximity to the store, marina and restaurant Pine Knoll is probably where you want to be. Many campers choose this over any other location and tell us it is their favorite getaway in California. With over 90 campsites, two flush restrooms and free showers this is where it is at. When camping in Pine Knoll you can leave your car at your camp and walk to the pool, shoreline and seasonal movie theatre. Water is provided close to most spaces. The flat areas have lots of shade and are the closest to the lake. The upper campsites have sweeping views and can take advantage of the cool evening breezes. Pine Knoll is by reservation only and fills quickly on the busy weekends. QUAILS ROOST *Reservations Only First campground through Entry Gate on your left as you enter. This campground provides campers with a choice of 60 single regular sites. Most sites have some shade and back up on open space. There are convenient flush restrooms and free showers located in the center of the campground, an easy walk to all the sites. Water is located throughout the campground and most sites have fire rings and barbeques. Picnic tables are provided on most spaces. This campground is not recommended for large RVs and vehicles with trailers due to the narrow roads. Quails Roost is a reservation campground. If you are looking for a place to take the family and friends, try out Quails Roost for an experience you wont forget. ROCKY CANYON This canyon based campground is the second campground on the right after Entry Gate. No Large RVs or large vehicles towing boats allowed to enter this campground due to the narrow roads and parking areas. For use by tent camping groups only. This is a first come, first serve campground with 14 sites ranging from single vehicles up to seven vehicle group sites. Sites have picnic tables and barbeques, some have fire rings. The campground has flush toilets and free showers conveniently located in the campground. Built on the ridge above the lake, Rocky Canyon affords many of the sites magnificent views and access to the evening breezes. Shade is provided in many of these campsites by a mix of pine and oak trees. Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of these mini group sites. First come, first serve. SANDY POINT *Reservations Only Fourth campground after Entry Gate, turn right twice. Sandy Point has 12 single and group sites. Reservation and site assignment by Office prior to use required in this very popular campground. Advance reservations are highly recommended but limited space may be available on a first serve basis, check at the entry gate before going to Sandy Point. No hook-ups, water is available close to many of the spaces. Flush toilets and free showers are located centrally in the campground. Narrow roads, use caution, not suggested for vehicles towing boats and trailers. Sandy Point boasts a large day use area available for registered Sandy Point campers and that famous sandy beach at the campground is named for. If you want the very best camping experience that Nacimiento has to offer, most people agree that is found at Sandy Point. For Reservations please call 805-237-4924 opt 1
$45 - $55 / night
Ponderosa Campground offers visitors a beautiful location to relax and enjoy nature. It runs along the Nacimiento River, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Swimming, fishing and wading are all enjoyed by visitors, as well as hiking and backpacking on any of the surrounding mountain trails.
The Nacimiento River provides opportunities for trout fishing and wading, as well as swimming in any of the swimming holes along its course. A variety of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails can be accessed within a short drive from the campground. The trails offer scenic views of waterfalls, massive redwood groves, meadows and mountain streams.
The campground is situated next to the river and has a scattered canopy of ponderosa pine, oak, madrone and sycamore trees, which provide ample shade in most campsites. It is located in the Los Padres National Forest in the mountains of Big Sur at an elevation of 1,500 feet. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Mission San Antonio is a short drive east of the campground. Located in the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Base, the mission is one of the oldest in California. A museum, original aqueducts and a Native American cemetery are found here. The San Antonio Reservoir Recreation Area is located about 32 miles southwest of the campground. Boating, fishing, swimming and guided tours are available.
$35 - $39 / night
$60 - $100 / night
$35 - $45 / night
Traveler
The Pinnacles Campground offers a variety of sections to fit the need of most every type of camper. There are two sections to the park - an east and a west side which are not connected very easily unless you hike through the Pinnacles themselves. However, the main Campground offers a ranger station and store that provides books, snacks, and information on the park. There is wifi and a pool and showers available. Sections include group sites (which were the ones I stayed at), good for families, school trips, or camps, and more family style camps, and places where you can glamp in your RV fully equipped with hook ups.
The pinnacles is unique because they are one of two spots in California where you can see the California Condors, a huge giant scavenging bird that almost became extinct. From the campsite you can watch them soar back to their roosts in the higher Pinnacles through binoculars. Truly a wonderful experience.
Cons: Watch out for the raccoons. They will eat everything you don't lock away!
Scout
Beautiful sites intertwined with the trees and a creek that runs through the campground. Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29). Some of the campsites would be pretty close together if the whole campground was full, however you can tell they thoughtfully try to disperse guests amongst the sites.The campground is beautiful enough that it could almost make the price worth it, however for $100 & $80 a night tent sites I expect a nearby restroom. Our site was towards the very back of the campground next to glamping and we found ourselves driving to the bathroom because it was a 10 minute walk (lazy I know). Lack of bathrooms seemed to add to more car traffic throughout the grounds as we noticed many others doing the same thing. Nevertheless we had a great time and would consider returning.
GuideThe was our first visit to Ventana Campgrounds and we found it to be very nice. All of the sites are under beautiful big Redwood trees which gave it a magical feel! We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming. We were incredibly fortunate when we camped as all of the National Parks had been closed due to the Dolan fires, and Highway 1 was closed just after the campground turnoff, so there literally was no traffic on the Coastal road which is unheard of! Fortunately for us, Ventana had reopened a few days prior to our reservation and I’d say that 75 percent of the reservations had been canceled so the campground was quiet and quite private which we loved! I imagine when it is filled to capacity the scene could be quite different as campsites are very close. The campsites had a fire pit with a grill but unfortunately fires were prohibited with the fire risks. Water spigots were convenient as were toilets and showers ( pay showers). Recycling and trash receptacles were also conveniently located around camp. Because most sites were empty we were able to scope out all the sites. It should be noted that all sites are tent only sites and some are very small or have very steep elevation changes which could be problematic for larger tents or those with mobility restrictions. Some sites are hike in only and should you choose those you had better pack extremely light as the climbs up were incredibly steep and the task of getting down without falling was a challenge for us being hands free and nimble let alone being older, or carrying a cooler, child, or larger tent. Just be aware! Once you got to the hike in sites they were much more private and quite nice, but I could see that it could bring some challenges. Be sure to pick a site with your tent size in mind as some of the sites literally could only hold a two man tent. It should be noted that while we were there, there was construction of some type going on in one part on the campground and the workers started quite early. We were well away so it was not too bad where we were located but if you were close you would have hammering and sawing as your alarm. Ventana also offers glamping tents which are adorable! If you wanted an easy turn key experience that is the way to go. Those tents have running warm water, a propane fire pit and a grill. Some even had hammocks. They are in a loop that is much more private and spread out than the tent sites. Overall, we had a great experience and would love to return. Crowds are not our thing, so I am not sure we will ever be able to duplicate the lovely quiet experience we had, but we are thankful that we got to experience it that way!
Ranger
There is nothing not gorgeous about this site in Big Sur. It’s also very close to Pfeiffer Beach. Along with access to the site, there are resort amenities like a restaurant up the hill, a general store, and a full bar with a patio. This is a really great and affordable site. Our group stayed in a yurt, but it’s really unnecessary to spend that extra money if you have a tent.
RangerTraveling alone with two little girls, I opted for more populated campgrounds with nearby amenities. Granted, it was spring and the weather still too cold for most, so the Fernwood Campground was all but deserted. (If there were more people, it would likely have been loud in the campground as the spots are really close together.)
We rented a yurt for two nights right on the Big Sur River. My girls had a blast playing in the mud, traversing the meadow and climbing readwoods. Really, this place lacks nothing.
One major stair climb and you are in the hotel on HWY 101. My youngest has a knack for falling in rivers, so we took advantage of the laundry facilities in a nearby hotel while sipping cocoa and eating a hearty breakfast.
Only 4 stars because the spots are too close together to achieve that "remote" feel I like.
LegendCampsite Review:
Ventana Campground is a tent only campground, which I love as I feel like it’s harder and harder to find now a days. They can’t accommodate RV’s, motor homes, travel trailers or pop-up tent trailers. Although we did see a few of the rental company camper vans and trucks with roof tents or small campers on top. This campground isn’t cheap… But for the Big Sur area, I guess it’s “reasonable” as this campground is right in the middle of Pfieffer Big Sur and Julia Pfieffer Burns State Parks. It really is in a great location to explore the coast That being said, I did find it a little disappointing just how close the campsites are to each other here, meaning you’re not going to get anything close to a secluded camping experience. These (like almost all campground now a days) come with a fire ring and picnic table. We were lucky enough to get randomly placed in a spot right next to a wonderful little 2-foot waterfall on the creek that runs through the campground. We lucked out as there was never anyone at the front gate and there was just a list of everyone’s per-assigned campsite. There were some other campsites which were right on top of each other and you had to basically walk through someone else’s area to get to “your” table and fire ring.
It was nice that there was both recycling/trash and potable water stations scattered throughout and the bath facilities were decently maintained, and as they say “modern” (i.e. flush toilets). However, I was blown away that they only have coin-operated showers available (2 minutes per quarter). This and they really did pack in the 60+ sites plus a “glamping” area in the back for $425-695 (average ~$600) a night…
The tent site campground is reservable by phone at 1-855-391-8683 or online ($85 for Sunday-Thursday, $105 for Friday & Saturday)
While we don’t have one, I know people like to know that dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash (2 per campground).
For me personally the campground only gets 3/5 stars :
Overall, remember that while you have great access to the beauty that Big Sur Coast has to offer and the campground is pet friendly you’re definitely, not really going to get a remote camping experience and there’s a lot lacking for how much you’re paying. The facilities don’t have dish washing areas and while they are nicely cleaned and maintained things like a shower shouldn’t have cost extra…
These rules are copied from their pamphlet.
• Respect the peacefulness and quiet of the redwoods.
• QUIET HOURS 10 PM TO 7 AM.
• No loud noise or loud music at anytime.
• NO RVS. NO HOOK UPS. NO GENERATORS.
• All fires must be in fire rings, under control at all times and extinguished before departure.
• PLEASE DO NOT DEFACE TREES OR STUMPS.
• Please purchase your firewood in Big Sur. Collecting groundwood is forbidden.
• No fireworks or fire arms permitted on property.
• LEAVE NO TRACE on campsites or facilities.
• Conserve water. Firmly close water taps when not using.
• Dogs must be quiet, on leash at all times and stay in campsites or roads. Please clean up after your dog. No dogs left unattended.
• Recycle bins are available for plastic bottles, cans and glass. Please recycle.
• Maximum five people, one vehicle, two dogs.
Gear Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and what I got to use during this trip for protecting our food from the wildlife and the elements was RovR’s RollR 60 cooler. While listed as “a 60-quart carrying, all-terrain attacking, patented design that can go anywhere you can. Engineered with the world's best cooling and organization design on the inside and built to carry your campsite, tailgate or party on the out.” It really turned out to be all this plus so much more. We had a really easy time wheeling it around and to our site and it was so much nicer than having to carry a cooler like I’ve done with my other rotomolded brands. Ugh… they get heavy with food and ice in them.
This cooler comes with a lot of really unique features that no other cooler has! Plus many other customization and add-on possibilities. Their coolers come with a folding tote container which is attached to the top with velcro straps so that while wheeling it around it won’t just slide right off. Good thinking there! When not in use this tote folds flat, and fits into an indention on the top thus serving possibly as a slight cushion for sitting.
When in use, the tote is unfolded and becomes an additional dry container for holding extra gear like a stove, pots and pans, paper towels, etc. You can also remove it entirely from the top and placed to the side or move it to a picnic table with all that dry gear you have for cooking or whats not. This “feature” is awesome - it is like having two carrying containers in one.
There are additional fixtures on the cooler which are designed to attached auxiliary items like a cutting board, umbrella or drink holders. There’s even a fixture for attaching an extension that can be attached to a bicycle. Thus, one can pull the cooler behind a bicycle like a trailer. Innovative game changer for those bike campers!
My favorite feature was Inside the cooler there is a special bin that can hold items that may not need to be chilled like bread, towels or utensils. This feature is so important to keep items separate and dry when moisture develops, or the ice starts to melt. The bin itself has an internal divider which further aids with organization. Sometimes you want things right on the ice, but other stuff isn’t going to do as well if you freeze it!! This was an awesome idea.
Overall, I give the cooler 5/5 stars. I really love the company’s innovation to the rotomolded cooler and even our cats approved! Go get ourselves one of these instead of some of those other rotomolded coolers at RovRproducts.com
Cooler’s Features:
• Certified grizzly bear resistant rotationally molded body and lid with anchor pins for attaching prep station and accessories!!! Yes, please. Especially with all the bear cu
• Up to 10 days of ice retention depending on use. Umm....need to test this out fully, but it lasted the 4 days i needed it with opening the cooler a few times per day.
• Capacity: Without Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 60 cans and 20lbs. of ice. With Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 40 cans and 10 pounds of ice in main compartment and 4-6 bottles of spirits upright with meats, breads, fruits and vegies in dry compartments.
• High performance wheel assembly: 9-inch all-terrain rubber tires with interchangeable tube, aluminum hubs with 2 sealed bearings
• Aluminum pull handle with dual motocross style grips. This is great for pulling the heavy cooler around. Have you tried carrying one of the other brands without wheels?!?! It sucks!! They get really heavy, really fast.
RangerThis National Park is unlike many we have stayed at in that they do have showers, a swimming pool, a store, lots of amenities, getting there is the hard part as it is in a very remote part of California. The park is known for the California condors and our hike didn’t disappoint as we saw many. The hike to the high peak was crazy!
GuideThis is only my 5th National park and was beautiful. Lots of wildlife visitor's. The Park is also home to the California Condor. Bummer that we didn't see any. RV spots have electric plug in. We stayed in a 30 amp spot.
GuideGreat place to hike, spectacular views. Rock climbers will enjoy the pinnacle rock formations. Talus caves add to the wonderful hikes and offer a refreshing break from the sun. Spring and fall best, summers are hot. You may also see a California condor overhead.
Legend
We camped right on the lake and were able to pay to have our boat docked overnight. Huge lake awesome experience, we were able to do some night wake boarding which I had never done . Tons of grass when we were there, California has since had a gnarly drought so you might wanna call ahead. Really Great Lake to camp and take the family to!
LegendI have to admit, I didn't even know Pinnacles NP exsisted. I'm glad I saw the sign and venture to check it out. It’s a beautiful park and has the largest population of California Condors in the world.
The campground is situated about 2.3 miles from the main trailheads. There's tent and RV campsites. It's a good campground with the NP visitor center located within the campground.
Note: There's only 30Amp service at the RV sites. Bring an adapter if you only have 50 or 20Amps.
TravelerWe were suggested by the ranger to take a 9.5 mile hike to see the best of the park. included high peaks trail climbing steps carved into the rock in the 30's. And going through one of their caves (balconies cave) as the other was closed for bat breeding season. 1,500 elevation gain in the first few miles but totally worth it. With a few bathrooms along the way makes it very convenient if you need to stop. Overall an amazing hike and views of California condors when you get to the top.
GuidePer my rating system, this is very close to being 5 stars, meaning it's worth planning a trip from out of state just to visit this park and surrounding national/state forest for 3 days or more The only reason it's 4 stars instead of 5 is that Pinnacles isn't quite big enough to explore exclusively for a minimum of 3 days. You've got a solid and long day of hiking through the park (6 miles, but very intense and exposed). Then a half day of exploring the parts of the park you didn't get to on the hike And then. . well, by then you've probably seen most of what is worth seeing in the park. So hop in the car and drive to Monterey. Go to the aquarium, eat some seafood, and then drive back to Pinnacles (about 3 hours round trip, but worth it if you spend the whole day in Monterey). This is the definition of 4 stars by my system: a park definitely worth visiting if its part of a larger trip to a region. And for locals, this is a must-visit spot, a place that will be on the regular camping rotation.
The park, which is located in a tight valley in San Benito county, is a geologically unique spot nestled in oak studded rolling California coastal mountains. There are two entrances into the park, but the campground is only accessible from the Gilroy/Hollister side. If you're coming from the Bay Area, take Hwy 101 through Gilroy and then get on Hwy 25 South. As you wind your way on Hwy 25, you pass ranch land and within 10 miles of getting off the freeway, you feel like you're pretty far away from it all. That's the thing about California. Get off the main thoroughfares and out of the population centers, and things get rugged fast. In the days of trillion-dollar market caps for Silicon Valley technology companies, people often forget that California has a rich agricultural history. I've lived in California for going on 3 decades, and I sometimes wonder what the more quintessentially central California experience is: Shopping at the Apple Store in San Francisco and then dining at a fine restaurant as the fog rolls in, or buying produce from a farm stand in a valley bordered by rolling hills. It's probably both. San Benito county is a great place to experience the latter.
What makes Pinnacles geologically unique is that the park is formed from bulbous rock formations. These are somewhat reminiscent of what one would find in southern Utah, at a place like Arches. The main hike, which is a loop that begins and ends at the parking lot, takes you up the ridge line and then across the rock faces. It's an intense and fun hike. It's just under 6 miles, but it will take the entire day. Pack a lunch and plenty of water. There are no water sources on the trail. If you're lucky, you'll see condors floating in the thermal currents.
Speaking of thermal currents, Pinnacles is extremely hot in the summer. I've never come here past April. The winter is ideal for Pinnacles. But if you are in the Bay Area in the summer, it's worth checking out. But be prepared for heat.
There are two campgrounds loops: one is for RV's and the other is for tents and RV "dry camping" (i.e. no hookups). I was in the tent section, dry camping my Airstream. The RV loop is easy to get in and out of. The loop I was in was a bit trickier - "blue square" difficulty level for a 28' trailer. I had a back-in spot, but the angle of the spot made it easy to back in. The tricky part was that it was kind of narrow, with railroad ties on either side. It was a good spot, and I'd definitely take that one again. But, if you want full hookups on the RV loop, spots 50 and 51 are the ones to get. Many of the spots on the RV loop were really exposed, and it can get hot in Pinnacles, even in the winter during the day.
As I mentioned in the introduction of this post, there is a lot to do within a 2-3 hour (round trip) drive of Pinnacles. You could go up to the southern Bay Area. You can go to Monterey. You could go wine tasting in Paso Robles. This is a great place to plan a 3-4 night trip. It's always on my short list of places to go.
GuideCAMPFIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED HERE. Not even in the fire rings at each site!
We enjoyed seeing LOTS of wildlife in Pinnacles from our campsite: California quail scurrying up a hill, mule deer, and raptors of all kinds. Lots of nocturnal animal activity!
But the campsites themselves were dispersed around a parking lot -- not much more to it, and very little shade or barrier between sites. Quiet hours were not enforced at all. People were loud through the night.
Wrong name was written on our placard so we worried all night that someone would accuse us of taking their spot, even though we had reserved. and pre-paid for the one we were in. Camping host was indifferent to this error.
Great National Park, though, and seemed to be the only camping option in the area.
ScoutLoved our campsite's proximity to an ugly parking lot and the traffic noise of Highway 1, the view from our campsite of two storm drains in the"creek," and the Ventana Inn's Glamper-luxury-vehicle thoroughfare lighting at night!
But the best part! The demeaning, rude behavior of the camp"host." First campsite assigned to us, perched over the highway, was so thunderous we asked to be moved."Host" was not accommodating-- she was disrespectful and too busy to be bothered-- and ended up putting us in the"only other campsite available," even though there were empty sites everywhere, which she said were"reserved."(When you go to reserve on the campground's website, you find you cannot reserve a particular campsite. She informed us that the night before your arrival a computer assigns campsites and she was powerless to change things. Who set this system up?)
I've been California camping since I was two, and that means for 50 years, including countless times in Big Sur State Park. I thought I'd pay the extra money to have a quiet, peaceful, upgraded long weekend with my family. I cannot recall a more miserable ordeal being so appallingly treated by this host, and in front of my son.
Oh, but the bathrooms were clean.
LegendCampground Review:
Be sure to look at a map carefully and drive to the property side of the park if you plan to camp here! There are two entrances to Pinnacles and they don't connect by road. Also, we didn't have any cell phone service, but we did manage to get service with our hotspot while in the campground. The store has wifi too, but we didn't need it. The campground is plenty nice, but it doesn't have the feel of a typical National Park campground. We stayed in one of the electric sites with our RV, but there are dry camping sites as well. We had an awesome time in the park hiking and spotting California Condors. The park is absolutely worth a visit and this is by far the closest place to stay.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products from time to time. At this campground, I tested the Ecovessel Boulder Insulated Water Bottle. The quality and performance of this product are both very impressive! I tested this out both with hot tea and cold water and gatorade and have been very pleased. I love the strainer feature so it keeps ice from rushing to my mouth every time I take a sip. It's also convenient for tea as well. Not to mention the color is great. I love this water bottle!
LegendThis is a large campground (and the ONLY campground) in Pinnacles National Park. It is on the East side of the park, and you can only access it from the East side. There is no road going across the park from west to east, so expect to drive south or north in order to get to the campground if you are coming from the coast (as I was). Here’s what I like about the campground: it’s kind of spread out and it seemed that each site had a little privacy, every site has its own bear box, and some sites have trees for hammocks. Here’s what I didn’t like: the entire campground’s septic system was on the fritz and not expected to be fixed anytime soon, so all modern bathrooms were closed and porta potties were in place everywhere (and they needed tI be serviced). I also didn’t like that there was only one shower house with two showers (for women, I am am assuming 2 for men) for so many campers. I also didn’t like that the host sites were tucked back behind the pool and shower house on a spur road, making it difficult to spot (I finally found them late the second day; none too helpful either). All that said, the ranger station is right at the front of the campground, and there are great trails you can hike to or take a quick drive to from the campground. The CAVES!!!! So cool! And you have to hike the Balconies. Take at least two sources of light (cell phones do not count) and plenty of water as it gets hot in the afternoon. The coolest part was seeing 5 of the 30 or so California Condors soaring on the thermals over me on the Bear Gulch Loop.
Legend
This is a gem of place to camp with only one black mark against it (I’ll get to that in a minute). This site is run by the US Forest service and sits alongside the really pretty Nacimiento River. If you don’t mind the noise from the road, the best two sites with the river running next to them are right in front across from the pay station and host site. The river is great for wading and supposedly for fishing. There are some swimming holes further up the river (but still in the campground area) as well. There are no hookups for RV’s and the road is very narrow; probably not the ideal place to bring your rig, which makes it perfect for tent camping. Some sites are really private and spread out, and others are on top of each other. They all have picnic tables and fire rings with grills, and there was water available. Alright, now for the bad part. The vault toilets were terrible! They definitely needed to be pumped out, and were in desperate need of a good cleaning. The flies and smell was overwhelming. They had obviously been “maintained” as they were stocked with toilet paper, but that was the extent of that. There are lots of nearby hiking trails to pick from and you are not too far from the coast.
TravelerNice area. Shaded, next to a stream, lots of wildlife, hiking nearby. Did not have my prepaid reservation. Lots of mosquitoes and poison oak. Quite a few homeless with shopping carts of belongings. Not much sleep because other campsites are loud all night long.Host is there for what?
GuideUpon checkin we found nice quiet spot and walked to the river to skip rocks. It was really clean in the restrooms and plenty of places to grab food nearby. Kids even found a rock stump witttons of paired rocks to take ad leave. Spots are my full hookup and are 30amp.
Guide
We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around. Grandpa is a local to Bradley and this is a favorite spot when we want to get away but still have all the accommodations of home.
ScoutNew camper great experience beautiful place friendly staff great prices
ScoutI love this place! So many beautiful views and amazing spots to camp. The lake is everything. A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it’s back and better than ever.
TravelerGreat camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers.
GuideIt was a warm weekend at San Antonio. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available. During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry. Camping spaces are spread out finding shade can be a challenge. Bathrooms and shower are available.
Legend
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.
TravelerWe 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Jolon, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Jolon, CA is Limekiln State Park Campground — TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Jolon, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Jolon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
