Tent camping near San Simeon, California provides access to the Los Padres National Forest, which covers approximately 1.75 million acres across central California's coastal ranges. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently reaching 100°F at inland campgrounds, while coastal sites maintain moderate temperatures year-round. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional heavy rainfall, particularly in January and February when forest roads can become difficult to navigate.
What to do
Creek swimming: Nacimiento Campground offers direct creek access where campers can cool off during hot summer days. One visitor noted, "So beautiful and right next to a creek with fish to play in" and mentioned it's "a 30min drive to the ocean where you can surf or spy starfish."
Stargazing sessions: Santa Margarita KOA offers organized astronomy activities during certain seasons. A camper mentioned, "I enjoyed the fact that they had an astronomer one of the evenings to star gaze," making this a unique educational opportunity not available at more primitive sites.
Boating and fishing: Lake San Antonio provides boat ramps and shoreline fishing opportunities. A recent visitor reported, "Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk," highlighting the lake's accessibility for water activities.
Off-road exploration: Alder Creek Camp requires an 8-mile drive on unpaved roads from Highway 1. According to one adventurous camper, "4x4 is definitely recommended" and "anyone who wants to go exploring this is your place! Great views all the way up."
What campers like
Natural sound barriers: Nacimiento Campground sites are positioned alongside the river, creating natural white noise. A camper observed the sites are "set right next to the river which drowns out any road noise," providing a more peaceful sleeping environment.
Abundant shade trees: Many sites at Nacimiento offer "great tree cover for shade" and "good hammocking trees," making this location particularly valuable during hot summer months when temperature management becomes critical.
Spacious lakeside camping: At Lake San Antonio's North Shore, a recent visitor appreciated the uncrowded atmosphere, commenting they "literally had the place to ourselves" during their weekend trip, with enough space to anchor their boat directly to shore near their campsite.
Proximity to Big Sur: Alder Creek provides an alternative when coastal sites are full. One camper advised, "If you can't secure a spot on the coast in Big Sur, this might be a nice option for you," noting it's "only about 10 or so miles to the coast."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Nacimiento Campground requires approximately 45 minutes of driving on forest roads. A visitor warned, "you will need a 4x4 to get into certain areas," suggesting high-clearance vehicles are necessary for certain campsites.
Campsite privacy: Primitive spots along access roads may offer more seclusion than designated areas. At Alder Creek, one camper shared, "We camped at a primitive spot off the road on the way to the main camp. It was very quiet."
Seasonal closures: Campground availability fluctuates throughout the year. A recent Nacimiento visitor simply reported "Closed" in October 2021, highlighting the importance of checking current status before planning a trip.
Limited connectivity: Cell reception is virtually nonexistent at most forest campsites. At Santa Margarita KOA, a camper noted, "There is no reception at all, you have to drive outside of the campsite about 7-10 miles to get reception."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Santa Margarita KOA provides family-friendly facilities including "a pool, jumping pillow, playground, etc." making it "great for young families" according to visitors who appreciated the structured activities.
Hiking opportunities: Many campgrounds connect to trail systems suitable for children. A camper at Santa Margarita KOA mentioned, "The park is loaded with really nice hiking trails," providing accessible outdoor activities for families of all ages.
Wildlife viewing: The forest roads around San Simeon offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. One camper traveling to Nacimiento reported, "We saw a small bobcat at night driving to the campsite," creating memorable nature experiences for children.
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures at Lake San Antonio regularly exceed 100°F, requiring extra precautions for families with young children. A visitor advised, "The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer... finding shade can be a challenge."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many forest campgrounds have size restrictions for vehicles. At Nacimiento, a reviewer noted "there really isn't room for RV's or campers" with a length limit of approximately 25 feet, making this location better suited for tent camping or small trailers.
Challenging access routes: RV drivers should exercise caution on forest roads. One Alder Creek visitor cautioned, "Would not recommend for a trailer as theres not a lot of room for oncoming cars to negotiate, and i could see towing be an extra issue if the roads are wet."
Hookup availability: Lake San Antonio North Shore provides full hookups, but advance planning is necessary. A camper advised, "You'll need reservations if you want a hookup," indicating limited availability of serviced sites during peak periods.
