Explore Free Camping Options in Monterey Ranger District: Your Ultimate Guide to Nature
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Monterey Ranger District in the Los Padres National Forest, a paradise for camping enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Covering over 200,000 acres, this district features diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene lakes, making it a perfect spot for weekend getaways or extended adventures. Popular campgrounds such as Ponderosa, Nacimiento, and Kirk Creek offer well-equipped sites, while free camping options like the dispersed sites along the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road provide opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. With more than 400 miles of hiking trails and abundant wildlife, visitors can immerse themselves in nature and experience the tranquility that the district has to offer. The Monterey Ranger District is also home to stunning coastal views, with campgrounds like Plaskett Creek providing easy access to the famed Big Sur coastline. Plan your trip to the Monterey Ranger District today and discover the perfect blend of adventure and serenity in the heart of California's sublime wilderness!
Arroyo Seco Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (59 min south of Salinas, CA) with an elevation of 956 feet. There are a total of 39 campsites including 17 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 22 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $35.00 to $150.00. Some amenities include shower. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
China Camp is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 20 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 4,311 feet. There are a total of 10 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Escondido Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 14 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 2,186 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 25 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $38.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Kirk Creek Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (3 hrs 21 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 508 feet. There are a total of 32 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 26 and 56 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $45.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming, restroom. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Limekiln Campground is part of Limekiln State Park in California (3 hrs 26 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 105 feet. There are a total of 23 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 18 and 24 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $35.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, accessible, swimming, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Memorial Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 1 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 2,102 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Plaskett Creek Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 32 min west of El Paso de Robles, CA) with an elevation of 386 feet. There are a total of 46 campsites. The campground is open all year. 23 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $45.00 to $200.00. Some amenities include flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Ponderosa Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (about 47 miles from El Paso de Robles, CA) with an elevation of 2,084 feet. There are a total of 23 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 22 sites can accommodate RVs between 15 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $37.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
White Oaks Campground is located in the Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 8 min southeast of Seaside, CA) with an elevation of 4,013 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
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