Camping spots near San Lucas, California offer a mix of elevations from valley floors at 300 feet to ridge-top sites exceeding 2,000 feet in elevation. The region experiences mild winters with occasional frost at higher elevations, while summer temperatures often exceed 90°F from June through September. Dust can become problematic during the dry months, with several campers reporting significant dust accumulation on gear at dispersed sites.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Limekiln State Park where hiking trails lead to impressive waterfalls. "There's a great hike up to see the Limekilns with a beautiful waterfall. There's also beach camping and we watched a beautiful sunset," shares a visitor to Limekiln State Park Campground.
Visit agricultural museum: Explore the farming heritage of the Salinas Valley at San Lorenzo Park. "They have an agricultural museum there. Which would have been cool to actually spend some time and check out but we just saw the 100+ tractors and agricultural equipment on the way in and out of there," mentions a camper at San Lorenzo Park.
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites. A camper at Upper Sweetwater notes, "Dark New Moon Skies means Bright Stars with Clear View of the Milky Way + Safe (Popular with Campers but well distanced from one another)."
What campers like
Ridge-top camping: Upper Sweetwater Recreation Area provides elevated camping experiences. "Clean and well kept. Level ground all be it hard and difficult to get stakes in. I would return if ever in the area. Sites are well spaced and dead quiet at night," reports a camper at Upper Sweetwater Recreation Area.
Wildlife sightings: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Pinnacles Campground, "Many here will tell you about the raccoons! The campground is split by a creek which has a lot of critters, rabbits, chipmunks(?), quail, mice, and raccoon."
Private camping nooks: Road's End provides secluded camping options. "There are two campsites (both RV accessible) about 300' apart, you can barely see the other. We stayed in January and since the other site was unoccupied we had the whole hilltop to ourselves," notes a visitor to Road's End.
What you should know
Access challenges: Several campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. At Upper Sweetwater, "Road to get there is paved but many large pot holes. Pit toilet could use attention," according to one visitor.
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds book rapidly. For Kirk Creek, a camper advises: "BOOKING - The great sites book out VERY quickly. If you want to score you'll need to plan: 1) Use the website, not the call center. 2) Booking windows open 6 months in advance."
Weather extremes: Prepare for significant temperature variations. At Pinnacles Campground, a camper warns: "Between the long walks, the heat, and the surprisingly bold raccoons and birds, I'd recommend this spot only for a one-night stay—especially if you're planning to hike during the day."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education: Turn animal encounters into learning experiences. "This place is great. If you love hiking this place has awesome views and lots of wildlife. Be careful while hiking we came across a rattle snake. Specially during hot summers they are definitely out more," notes a visitor to Upper Sweetwater.
Swimming options: Some campgrounds offer cooling opportunities during hot months. At Pinnacles Campground, "There is a pool, but it looks like it's been closed down for years... We usually do a early morning hike and then spend the afternoon cooling off at the pool."
Safety precautions: Take measures to protect food from wildlife. At Kirk Creek Campground, a camper advises: "You will be quite literally cut off from the world here. You won't find any cell service so turn that phone off when u hit the main road in & enjoy the feeling that comes with uninterrupted connection with nature."
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Several access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "We towed our 30' travel trailer up to this dispersed campground that is located along a ridge line on the west side of the 101. We didn't need 4x4 getting up there or even a high clearance vehicle. Our transmission did start heating up as the road was filled with washboard and it was steep and we had to go pretty slow."
Hookup limitations: Understand service availability before arrival. A visitor to Yanks RV Resort highlights, "Large level spots FHU some shade. Helpful staff clean and well kept." This contrasts with more primitive options in the region.
Dusty conditions: Prepare for dust management at unpaved sites. "7 mile dirt road at times a bit steep and rough. But we made it up here slowly and safely. A few other campers here. Some flies but a slight breeze that will hopefully keep them at bay. Nice spot just not a fan of taking a 27 foot 1996 RV up that road."
