The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Lucia, California
Camper submitted image from Nacimiento CampgroundView 16 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Lucia, California

Nacimiento Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Within Los Padres National Forest, Nacimiento Campground sits along the Nacimiento River with just nine or ten sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The US Forest Service manages this forested campground where RVs are limited to 25 feet, making it primarily a tent camping destination.

Sites line up directly beside the river, and Annie C. notes that the water "drowns out any road noise." Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit with grill. Tree coverage provides shade throughout the campground, with many sites offering suitable trees for hanging hammocks. Sites sit fairly close to each other with some underbrush between them.

The campground features vault toilets that reviewers describe as reasonably clean. Campers can fish in the adjacent creek, and the location provides access to hiking trails both within the forest and toward the coast. The drive to reach ocean access takes about 10 miles from the campground. Some visitors mention needing 4x4 vehicles for certain access routes in the area.

For campers wanting more separation between sites, Ponderosa offers another option nearby with different spacing arrangements.

Fee Info

$20.00 per site per night. 6-8 people per site, pay via fee tube or via host. One car is included with the price of the campsite. Additional vehicles are $10.00 per vehicle per night. Interagency Senior and Access Pass entitle pass holder to 50% off camping fees only.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Pacific Coast Road Trip

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Nacimiento Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the north take Interstate 101 south and take the Ft. Hunter Liggett exit. Then go 17.5 miles to the junction with Mission Road. From the south take Interstate 101 south, take exit #252 and take county road G18, 21.7 miles to the junction at Mission Road. From the junction proceed 3.2 from the junction to Naciemento Ferguson Road and turn left. It is 13 miles to Nacimiento CG from this point.

Coordinates

36.01326883 N
121.4127944 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets

Drive Time

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

40%
20%
20%
0%
20%

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Small riverside campground with 9-10 tent-friendly sites offering good shade and natural sound masking from the river. Sites lack privacy and one reviewer found it closed, but those who stayed enjoyed the natural setting and clean facilities.

E
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2025

Less desirable than Ponderosa

We took a look but did not choose to camp here. Sites are exposed to one another and to the road. More shade than at Ponderosa.

Site0
Month of VisitFebruary
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

One of my favorites

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! We saw a small bobcat at night driving to the campsite. A 30min drive to the ocean where you can surf or spy starfish. This is one of my favorite places to camp.

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Jillean G., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Jillean G., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Jillean G., July 6, 2021
  • (6) View All
Abigail A.
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

Loved it!

We drove to Big Sur and all the campgrounds were closed/full so we started driving around and stumbled upon this amazing campground. There’s about a 45 min drive to get there and you will need a 4x4 to get into certain areas. We will definitely return!

  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Abigail A., July 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Abigail A., July 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Abigail A., July 20, 2020
  • (4) View All
Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2018

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.

  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Annie C., July 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Annie C., July 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Nacimiento Campground by Annie C., July 1, 2018
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Nacimiento Campground?

Nacimiento Campground is a small, rustic campground with limited amenities. It features approximately 9-10 campsites nestled along the Nacimiento River. The campground has basic facilities suitable for tent camping, with sites that are somewhat exposed to one another and to the road. There's a creek with fish nearby for recreation. The campground has size restrictions, limiting vehicles to 25 feet or less, making it unsuitable for larger RVs or campers. For those seeking shade, the campground offers more tree cover than some nearby alternatives like Ponderosa.

What do reviews say about the Nacimiento Campground experience?

Campers describe Nacimiento Campground as beautiful, particularly highlighting the adjacent creek with fish that provides natural entertainment. The campground is praised as a good alternative when coastal Big Sur sites are full. Visitors appreciate the natural setting tucked in the forest along the river. The scenic drive to the ocean offers what some consider the most beautiful views in the world. Wildlife sightings include bobcats in the area. However, some visitors note that the campsites lack privacy, being exposed to each other and to the road.

How do I make reservations for camping at Lake Nacimiento?

Nacimiento Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through a reservation system. Given its small size (only 9-10 sites), arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. For the most current reservation information, contact Los Padres National Forest or check their official website. The campground's limited capacity and popularity as an alternative to coastal Big Sur sites means it can fill quickly during busy periods.

Where is Nacimiento Campground located in relation to Big Sur?

Nacimiento Campground is located inland from Big Sur, accessible via Nacimiento Road. It's approximately a 30-minute drive to the ocean and Big Sur coast. The campground serves as an alternative option when coastal Big Sur campgrounds are full or closed. The drive between the campground and the coast offers spectacular views from the mountain top that many visitors find memorable. The location allows for day trips to the ocean where visitors can surf or explore tide pools with starfish. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for accessing certain areas around the campground.

Keep Exploring