Description

Nacimiento campground offers remote camping close to Monterey and Big Sur. If you're looking to escape the crowded coast, this small campground is the spot, and it's more about the journey than the destination to this site (though, both are the cream of the crop)—trust us, when you go, you'll understand. Peaceful sites are located in groves of oak and a small creek is nearby. Bring what you need because it's a long way up, down, and around, and you'll never want to leave this hush-hush spot.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
8 sites
Up to 8 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Picnic table available
No potable water

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Ride along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the central Monterey coast, or anywhere you want in this huge forest. The recomme...Read more

Fishing

You can fish in the rivers and streams located throughout the forest, and fish in the ocean on the Monterey coast at Sand Dolla...Read more

Hiking

Up by Big Sur, the Ventana wilderness is a popular hiking destination, with 260 miles of hiking trails, making it a unique exp...Read more

Horseback riding

The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly f...Read more

Paddling

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountai...Read more

Swimming

You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be...Read more

Wildlife watching

Whether you are an avid birdwatcher (California Condor...check), or just enjoy seeing what the wilderness has to offer, Los Pad...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Nacimiento Camp Campground.

Beach
Cave
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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29 Reviews

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Hipcamper Emmett
Emmett M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
September 3rd, 2019

Best free camping in California. Period. Surreal tent sites rest on dramatic hills overlooking the mighty pacific ocean. The road to get here is a little treacherous, but it is completely worth it. Nacimiento road has so many great camp spots, but the most important thing with this area is to leave no trace and pack up all trash. Keep Big Sur beautiful!

Hipcamper Tori
Tori M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 1st, 2016

This is a perfect option for peak times in Big Sur, when camp spots is hard to find. There are plenty of camping options situated right on the cliff, with beautiful views.

If you are up for a challenge, continue up the road all the way to Prewitt Ridge. Very few know about it, and it is one of the most beautiful car camping spots in that area. Four-wheel drive definitely recommended, as the last section of the drive is on a rocky dirt road.

Hipcamper April A.
recommends this listing.
August 2nd, 2019
Hipcamper Emmett M.
recommends this listing.
September 2nd, 2019
Hipcamper Jenny H.
doesn't recommend this listing.
December 29th, 2018
Hipcamper Melanie C.
recommends this listing.
July 23rd, 2018
Hipcamper Brittney D.
recommends this listing.
July 30th, 2018
Hipcamper Becky H.
recommends this listing.
September 19th, 2018
Hipcamper Philip O.
doesn't recommend this listing.
October 3rd, 2018
Hipcamper Alex C.
recommends this listing.
October 16th, 2018
Hipcamper Jennifer D.
recommends this listing.
December 22nd, 2018
Hipcamper Olivia B.
recommends this listing.
May 28th, 2019
Hipcamper Andy F.
recommends this listing.
May 31st, 2018
Hipcamper Paula M.
recommends this listing.
May 27th, 2018
Hipcamper Veronica G.
recommends this listing.
May 12th, 2018
Hipcamper Alexandra B.
recommends this listing.
April 19th, 2018
Hipcamper Danielle D.
recommends this listing.
February 7th, 2018
Hipcamper Deonn A.
recommends this listing.
January 21st, 2018
Hipcamper Courtney B.
recommends this listing.
November 15th, 2017
Hipcamper Katharine  S.
recommends this listing.
October 21st, 2017
Hipcamper Denise A.
recommends this listing.
September 19th, 2017
Hipcamper Arjun M.
recommends this listing.
July 9th, 2017
Hipcamper Lauren H.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
June 14th, 2017
Hipcamper Jeff B.
recommends this listing.
April 26th, 2017
Hipcamper Karlyne B.
recommends this listing.
April 18th, 2017
Hipcamper Leo B.
recommends this listing.
April 12th, 2017
Hipcamper Lisse L.
recommends this listing.
March 17th, 2017
Hipcamper William C.
recommends this listing.
March 15th, 2017
Hipcamper Kristin E.
recommends this listing.
January 29th, 2017
Park
Los Padres National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(805) 968-6640
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
36.014° N, 121.412° W
$15/night
Tent / RV / Trailer: 8 Sites
(Up to 8 people per site)