Ventana Campground
C
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2020

Camping Under Giants

The 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!

  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Ventana Campground by Carolyn W., September 10, 2020
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