Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, San Lucas, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. San Lucas is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
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.
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.
$129 - $154 / night
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.
$50 / night
$85 - $105 / night
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
Temporarily closed. Small campground with 9 campsites located among oak trees. Located near a running creek. Recreational Vehicles no longer than 25 feet.
$60 - $100 / 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 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
$35 - $45 / night
I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia.
I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.
Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you’ll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will). i went early August and there was only one other camper van. very quiet. AMAZING sunset view. one of the best i’ve seen. just wished there was signal , for safety reasons.
Great 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.
Campground is fine. Very hot and very dry after June. No camp fires after June bear gulch caves are also closed after June. Seen a ton of wildlife and over all wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing.
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
They have had some flood damage, so repairs are going on. Beautiful spot, great trails, showers, general store. Didn't get to see any condors. I'll stay here again. AT&T was acceptable coverage.
Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the maintenance going on, once that is complete it's a 5 Star.
Just driving here was worth the visit, but get out on the trails to really appreciate the diversity.
Bathrooms were a bit of a distance apart. Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing. Good distance from any other stores and the camp store closes promptly at 5.
There is no potable water available, not even a water fountain. People and animals cannot touch the water. You cannot fish or swim in the lake. There is no reduction in price. This may be temporary, but it has been this way for at least a year.
This is a perfect place to go for a camping experience. The kids would absolutely love it. Free showers. The water is very hot. Washers and dryers for a small fee. There is a quarter machine inside the washer & dryer area so bring some cash. The place is very clean. Enough spots on the river to enjoy for yourself. We stayed in lot #39. I love the redwood trees so being surrounded by them was amazing. I hope this helps. Oh and there are a couple cats out there that will stop by if you have food left out so put away your food.
Not a bad campground, very open. Dry desert area, would not want to come here in July, though it was basically full on a Wednesday.
They have a pool, but it's small. No way am I getting into it with all the potential people. You are in middle of nowhere so they had a decent camp store.
I had a bar of reception but you can also purchase internet if needed.
Spot was not level, so definitely needed blocks. Did see two deer hanging out.
Only a couple of showers but glad they had them. Only two per gender.
Generators or vehicles are not allowed to be running anytime any day to recharge phones or any other electrical devices or doing anything without paying for a hookup and too many flies to stay outside enjoying things!
Our camp site was located just by the entry, which was a bit noisy but at least close to toilet and shower. Had a quite dirty pool and a lot of young kids that also were quite noisy. Worst toilet paper so far on our 2 month trip around the US
It was horribly hot in July, the campground pool was an oasis. Our first time to this unique national park, what a hidden gem!
The camp store was a life saver. We left our tent poles at home but were able to buy some at the camp store. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The pool guy was funny too.
New camper great experience beautiful place friendly staff great prices
Great place, hidden gym. Store and pools hours are dumb. 5pm store and 6pm pool. Showers were great. It had body soap and shampoo. The caves were closed though for 4 stars.
As a tent, van or Class C camping location, I think this campground would be just fine. This is NOT a campground you want to pull your bump-pull trailer or Class A into. There are no turn arounds. The pads are facing the wrong way for backing in. The loops that the sites are on are rough roads with branches, logs and rocks that make turns damaging to your rig. It's tight back there, people! Go to an RV park outside the park or get a smaller rig. You've been warned.
We just returned from a week living under the Redwood trees. It was both magical and peaceful to listen to rushing water in a creek below us, and the birds flying over head. It was so quite. The camp hosts are amazing, Manuel (our hero) helped us bring our gear to our “hike in” site that was uphill. Once settled it was the perfect spot to be one with nature. The rest rooms are clean and had plenty of hot water for showers. The price is more than a state run campground but for us worth the money. Happy Camping 🏕️
We were heading to the other campground but saw à sign and stopped here. The views are not spectacular since you are in a little depression. But toilet, picnic table, structure to protect from the sun, firepits. Cant beat that for free.
We had a reservation for site 59 but did not stay. recreation.gov says that this site can accept trailers with a max of 37 ft and while that may be technically true, I think that could only be accomplished if you could somehow have your trailer carried in and dropped into the site by a helicopter. The loop road around the campsites is simply too tight to back a trailer into this or pretty much any of the other sites along these loops. The actual RV sites are 82-112 so stick to those.
For reference, we have a 30' trailer and tried going at it from both directions, but the road and the bounding trees are just too tight to make the turn without scratching up your truck or trailer. The people in spot 60(right next door) had a tiny R-Pod trailer and said that the only way they could get their trailer into their spot was to make a circle by driving through 59 and then around into 60(technically driving on vegetation that would probably break some NPS rules). We ended up canceling our reservation and driving way back down the road to Thousand Trails San Benito.
Thanks a lot, recreation.gov for the inaccurate information, the frustration, and the wasted time.
TL;DR If you have an RV, do not book into any sites here other than the designated RV sites, which are 82-112.
Birds, trees, flowers, grass. Doesn’t have that jammed together RV park like some Thousand trails parks (ahem Cottonwood and Yuma AZ )
EDIT: During the last days of our stay, our Southwire surge protector threw an "open ground" error. This is a super dangerous issue than can lead to hot skin on the camper. Maintenance assured me that it was just my new equipment not liking their old wiring...but didn't have an answer when I told him that my surge protector worked at other podiums around the campsite. MAKE SURE YOU'RE USING SURGE PROTECTION WHEN YOU STAY HERE. And have a backup spot in case you can't use their power. We went without heat for big parts of three nights.
We spent almost two weeks in site 112 with 30 amp, a water spigot about 80’ from our inlet, plenty of solar, and a large open space on our left side. Spot was level and plenty room for our 27’ rig and truck. A favorite roosting tree for a couple dozen buzzards was right behind the site. Nice show from them each night.
Two quirks here: first, dump station is free, but requires you grab a key from the camp store during business hours. Budget some extra time waiting in line—the store stays busy. Second, site numbering isn’t clear. You might want to stop by and ask about your site before you roll up. It’s mostly families and retirees here, as you’d expect at any reasonably developed campground.
Plenty of good birding to be had around the campground and adjacent hiking trails, which are flat and easily accessed.
Cute little campground, but I imagine it gets pretty warm in the summer due to the lack of tree cover. I love that you can hike from your campsite, and the little river that runs along some of the campsites really creates a wonderful space. Watch out for the raccoons! One little bugger was quite brazen and climbed up on our stuff even with us sitting a few feet away at the campfire.
We just returned from a 3 night car camping trip at Fernwood. The site is beautiful, with a river running through that the kids loved playing in. There’s a little hike that my young kids enjoyed (plenty of longer hikes to be found, but my young’und were having none of it).
Everything was clean. Showers and toilets all worked. The camp store was well stocked for everything you forgot & there’s a well situated restaurant that served us a decent lunch
Good size sites with table and fire ring. Sandy gravel, fairly level sites. Beautiful setting with active condors in view.
Only one other person camping in February. Large spaces, road to get there is paved but many large pot holes. Pit toilet could use attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near San Lucas, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near San Lucas, CA is Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park with a 4-star rating from 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near San Lucas, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near San Lucas, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
