Best Tent Camping near San Lucas, CA

Tent camping opportunities exist throughout the coastal region near San Lucas, California, with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground and Andrew Molera State Park Campground offering established tent sites along the scenic Big Sur coast. These tent-focused campgrounds provide access to redwood forests, rivers, and coastal trails, with both reservable and first-come-first-served options available. The Nacimiento Campground offers a smaller, more secluded alternative with primitive tent sites set along a river in a forested setting.

Most tent sites in the region include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Pfeiffer Big Sur features restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers, while more primitive options like Carmel River Backcountry Camp require backpacking access and offer no facilities. Walk-in tent sites are common at Andrew Molera State Park, requiring campers to carry gear a short distance from parking areas. Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering drinking water spigots while backcountry locations require filtration from natural sources.

The tent camping experience near San Lucas emphasizes natural surroundings and relative seclusion compared to developed RV areas. Many tent sites are positioned under the shade of redwoods or along riverbanks, providing natural cooling during warmer months. Hikers appreciate the proximity to trail networks, particularly at Andrew Molera State Park where a short trail leads to coastal access. According to one visitor, "The sites are in an open grassy area with a sweet hike to a private cove with a river emptying into the sea." Backcountry tent camping at locations like Carmel River Camp requires multiple river crossings but rewards campers with pristine wilderness camping. Reservations are highly recommended for established tent campgrounds during peak seasons, as most sites fill quickly, especially on weekends and during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near San Lucas, California (10)

    1. Lake San Antonio - North Shore

    5 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 472-2311

    "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."

    "The lake is everything. A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it’s back and better than ever."

    2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 - $75 / night

    "With a stream running near the hike and bike camping area and tall trees offering a cool shade it is a wonderful reprieve from the outside world.  "

    "Site 100 is located on the last/ end loop of the campground in Weyland Camp. It is on the outer edge farthest from the river."

    4. Nacimiento Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total)."

    "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!"

    5. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming."

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    6. Alder Creek Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
    27 miles
    Website

    "We camped at a primitive spot off the road on the way to the main camp. It was very quiet. Do watch for the cow patties!"

    "Alder Creek campsite is 8 miles offroad from Hwy 1 in the Big Sur area. 4x4 is definitely recommended."

    7. A Place to Stay in Big Sur

    1 Review
    Lucia, CA
    28 miles
    Website

    $30 - $60 / night

    "If you're trying to find a great spot in Big Sur, you found it, this is a great spot to pitch a tent and enjoy being near the ocean and the redwoods forests! "

    8. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 / night

    "Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year."

    "Big Sur is one of my favorite CA stops and this campsite is a perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the scenery."

    9. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    38 miles

    "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. "

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Tent Camping Reviews near San Lucas, CA

520 Reviews of 10 San Lucas Campgrounds


  • Elliott B.
    May. 11, 2019

    Ventana Campground

    Ranger Review: RovR RollR 60 Cooler at Ventana Campground: Nice campground

    Campsite Review:

    Ventana Campground

    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.

  • E
    Feb. 28, 2025

    Ponderosa Campground

    Nice quiet spot in early spring

    We camped here February 24-26, 2025. The forest service website indicated the campground is open all year, but when we arrived on the site one through four were available. Beyond site number five was a locked gate. Site five was closed due to “hazardous tree“. The stream was running plentifully and gave a lovely background noise. Sites 1 & 2 share a parking pad which is almost level. Site 1 is completely exposed and quite spacious and full of ground squirrel disruption. Site 2 is very convenient to the parked car, and it was our choice because we sleep in our van. Most of the water taps were not operable but the one by the toilet near the entrance did work and was labeled “non-potable, not for drinking or cooking”. The tap in site number 2 had no handle and was dripping at a rapid pace so we hung a bucket on that tap and use the collected water for handwashing. There were trash cans conveniently located to all of the sites, and there was a good supply of toilet paper, but even though the weather was cool, the toilet closest to the entrance was a bit smelly. It is a pit stop for people driving over or back on Naciemiento-Ferguson Road. I noted that reviewers indicated that they were plagued by flies and yellow jackets in the mid summer, but we had only a couple of flies, no yellow jackets. The weather was predicted to be sunny and pleasant with highs of 70° based on checking the weather reports for Jolon, California. It was almost a new moon and the stars at night we’re gorgeous. There was heavy dew which turned into frost in the early morning. We saw the occasional lizard and a couple of slow moving salamanders. We saw no raccoons, and considering that they have switched from having dumpsters to having trash cans I suspect that raccoons are not a problem. There was a posted memo dated February 2 reported that for the Monterey Ranger district, campfire restrictions were lifted until March 25, due to sufficient rain having been received. We walked the loop of the other campsites; some of them have the picnic table and fire ring located some distance from the parking spot, a few are possibly suitable for RV camping but most of those would require at least some leveling. I don’t know when they plan to open the rest of the sites, but probably March would be a good time to come and enjoy this campground. Bring your own drinking water. The fee is expensive for a no-water campground, but I was willing to pay the discounted price with my lifetime senior pass.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Kirk Creek Campground

    Beautiful campground above the Pacific

    Full disclosure, I did not camp here (all the sites were full). However, I was passing through and wanted to take a look. All of the sites have great views of the Pacific Ocean which is about 100 feet below. There is very little tree cover, which means very little shade and it seemed like there was a slope going on (might be hard to get a level site). I talked with the ranger/camp host in charge (mostly because he had an amazing, huge, beautiful bloodhound dog) and he said that even though there is no water available in this campground it is very popular and usually full from May until October. You can buy water for $5 a gallon,so be sure to come with plenty of your own water! In the winter months you apparently can watch whales migrating just off the coast. The vault toilet was very clean and well maintained, and each site had a picnic table and fire ring with grill. You are allowed to forage for firewood, but you really won’t find any in or around the campground, so be prepared to pay out the nose for firewood ($12 a bundle!!). You will have better luck heading into the Los Padres National Forest (inland) to gather firewood. It’s only a couple of miles. Just up the road are Sand Dollar Beach and McWay Falls, and there are hiking trails all over the hills (including one trailhead directly across the street from the campground).

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Nacimiento Campground

    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.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2019

    Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest

    Camp under Oak trees near the Arroyo Seco River

    • A primitive campground that has about 8 campsites. Some campsites are pretty big and have privacy. Some are closer together than others. We stayed at site 8 and it was really nice. Tucked in the back with lots of privacy and space.
    • First-come, first-serve walk-in campground ($20/day) but I was able to make reservations online as well.
    • No running water, but there is are vault toilets (long drop) near the entrance of the campground
    • Lots of fantastic hiking nearby including Junipero Serro Peak. Trails are a little difficult to see because there are so many going in different directions, so a map can help. You can also see LOTS of animal scat so there are animals using hiking paths as game trail. Stay alert and be careful. Otherwise, it's so beautiful here and you can get AMAZING VIEWS!
    • This campground is in the valley of a few peaks so it was freezing at night (especially without a campfire)
    • Each campsite has a picnic table, firepit, and trashcans (with lids). The campground floors were covered with leaves but for the most part very flat and easy to find good spots for pitching a tent.
    • There was a fire ban during the time we stayed so no fires were allowed
    • Lots of wildlife and animal activity nearby. Loved camping underneath the canopies of Live Oak trees and listening to Acorn Woodpeckers in the morning. They are loud but still pleasant
    • The 18-mile drive getting here off the main highway was also beautiful and windy. We saw lots of deer and rabbits. This campground is far from shops or stores so make sure you come with plenty of supplies and water.
    • Very secluded and rustic campground. We only saw one other group in the evening, and they ended up leaving. During the day time there were more people coming for day hikes and parked at the visitor parking lot.
    • No cell reception AT ALL so you feel like you're off the grid (AT&T)
  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Ponderosa Campground

    Pretty campground in need of service

    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.

  • sasha N.
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    Good for the skys

    Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year. Most sites are very exposed, I would bring extra shade for your site if you'll be here in the summer. But a great view of the sky and stars if it's not cloudy. Saw quails and deer around the campground.

    Firepits, picnic tables, and food storage boxes at all sites. Bathrooms (with soap!), drinking water, trash and recycling available.

    The trail leading out to the coast from the beach was washed out and currently dead ends at the river not too far from the camp site, but you can take the trail out to the beach from the parking area. The purple sand was really cool.

    The site has a lot of road noise which was my one complaint. Site was quite windy due to being on the coast.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    Get there early

    Great for tent camping and hiking. RV sites have 30 amp hookups. No water or sewer hookups. Dump station was available. RV sites are all gravel and fairly flat. Paying after the store closed at 6pm was an ordeal. Could never make it happen. We tried to log in for 3$ to pay online but it failed and we were never able to connect. Tent sites were secluded, many under shade trees, and well dispersed. Bathrooms were few and far between. Mostly vault toilets. There is a pool that families will enjoy. There is a small store. Walks and hikes are what is available. For a National Park it underwhelmed.

  • Sarah L.
    Sep. 13, 2016

    Kirk Creek Campground

    Breathtaking views and incredibly peaceful

    This is a campground out of a dream...you pull into the subtle entrance just off the side of the road and suddenly it's ocean as far as you can see. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are vault toilets, but no showers or water. Reservations are highly recommended, and honestly, necessary. Every campsite has outstanding views, so there aren't any bad spots. It is also incredibly convenient- right off Hwy. 1 and close to many different kinds of trails. Beyond being able to look out over the ocean and fall asleep to waves crashing, I also enjoyed the lovely trail that brings you through a woodsy area with a beautiful creek and finally down to the water. Everyone at the campground respected the serene environment and were very quiet- it was a very relaxing stay and one of my favorite campgrounds I have visited thus far!


Guide to San Lucas

Tent camping opportunities near San Lucas, California position visitors within 30 miles of both oak woodland and coastal environments. The Carmel River watershed flows through much of this region, creating riparian habitats that contrast with drier chaparral zones typical of inland areas. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F inland while coastal campsites remain cool with frequent fog and temperatures averaging 60-70°F.

What to do

River access recreation: Lake San Antonio - North Shore provides water-based activities when water levels permit. "I 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," notes Emily S. Fishing opportunities exist directly from shore, particularly in early morning and evening hours.

Backpacking excursions: Carmel River Backcountry Camp offers primitive wilderness camping accessed via the Carmel River Trail. The route requires approximately 50 river crossings round-trip according to Austin C., who notes the trail starts at Los Padres Dam and requires hikers to "bring a filter" for water and be aware of "lots of poison oak" along the route.

Coastal exploration: Trail access from camping areas leads to secluded beach coves. A camper at Andrew Molera State Park Campground describes "a sweet hike to what I call the secret beach. Wonderful private cove with a river emptying into the Sea." Seasonal river conditions determine crossing methods—sometimes requiring wading through knee-deep water.

What campers like

Environmental diversity: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground contains varied ecosystems within walking distance. "Camping in the trees, with some sites right on the river. Shoulder season is great, with more availability than you might expect," explains Patrick M., who arrived in early March without reservations and found available riverside sites.

Seclusion options: Nacimiento Campground provides less crowded alternatives to coastal sites. "Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total)... Sites are set right next to the river which drowns out any road noise," explains Annie C., noting the campground prohibits vehicles longer than 25 feet.

Accessibility to attractions: Camping locations provide strategic bases for exploring regional highlights. According to Kalai L., "This campground is close to some of the most beautiful attractions in the area, close to hiking trails, Pfeiffer Beach, falls, convenient stores and fancy restaurants." Many campsites position visitors within 10 miles of coastal access points.

What you should know

Seasonal water levels: Lake and river conditions fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Chip K. notes that at Lake San Antonio, "During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water. Some years the lake is almost dry."

Reservation requirements: Competition for established sites intensifies during peak periods. "Very hard to book, as everyone wants to be there!" warns Kalai L. For Ventana Campground, reservations operate through a computerized assignment system rather than specific site selection.

Site characteristics: Andrew Molera State Park Campground requires a quarter-mile walk from parking areas and features open layouts. "The sites are in an open grassy area... Not much shade coverage or privacy so be prepared," advises one camper. Wind exposure can affect tent camping stability in coastal locations.

Road conditions: Access routes to inland campgrounds may require appropriate vehicles. Abigail A. recommends for Nacimiento Campground: "There's about a 45 min drive to get there and you will need a 4x4 to get into certain areas."

Tips for camping with families

Campground proximity: Select campsites with convenient access to facilities when traveling with children. Grace M. recommends Pfeiffer Big Sur sites that are "Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean... It was great staying in the SP because you can walk to many of the trails offered."

Environmental challenges: Prepare for variable coastal weather patterns. Sasha N. advises that at Andrew Molera "Most sites are very exposed, I would bring extra shade for your site if you'll be here in the summer." Morning fog often persists regardless of inland conditions.

Accommodation alternatives: A Place to Stay in Big Sur offers tent sites plus cabin and glamping options for families seeking hybrid camping experiences. Jake C. notes its location provides access to "being near the ocean and the redwoods forests" simultaneously.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many campsites explicitly restrict larger vehicles. At Nacimiento Campground, Annie C. explains "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."

Seasonal campsite availability: Shoulder seasons provide better opportunities for spontaneous camping. "Shoulder season is great, with more availability than you might expect," reports Patrick M., who found riverside sites at Pfeiffer Big Sur in early March without reservations.

Hookup considerations: Ventana Campground offers tent-only accommodations with no RV services despite its resort association. "NO RVS. NO HOOK UPS. NO GENERATORS," emphasize campground rules. For RV camping with hookups, Lake San Antonio provides electric, sewer, and water connections according to Jack J., who confirms "Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Lucas, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Lucas, CA is Lake San Antonio - North Shore with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near San Lucas, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near San Lucas, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.