Ponderosa Campground is located in Big Sur, CA approximately 45 miles north of Cambria, CA (to Nacimiento/Ferguson Rd.) and 55 miles south of Carmel, CA (to Nacimiento/Ferguson Rd.).
Ponderosa Campground has family campsites along a mountain trout stream under a canopy of beautiful trees approximately 13 miles east from Kirk Creek campground on the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road.
The Nacimiento-Ferguson Road runs from the coast at Kirk Creek on Rt. 1 to the Big Sur high country.
38 miles east of Nacimiento, the road provides access to King City and US 101 via Jolon Road (County Road G-14), passing through the Hunter-Liggett US Military Reservation. Ponderosa's rich environment contains Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Madrone & Sycamore trees in a high valley with the Nacimiento River running through.
The Nacimiento River is great for fishing and there are many places for a cool dip in the stream.
The campground has 23 units, each with a picnic table, fire ring and pedestal grill. Average Temperature in the summer is high 80s to mid 90s in the day and high 50s to mid 60s at night.
Wildlife includes Fox, Bobcat, Deer and Raccoon. Occasional Mountain Lion and Bear are seen in the area although they have never entered the campground.
Keep food in a secure location as the Raccoons will get at anything left out.
The Forest Service is enforcing a 2 car maximum per site at the campground.
Location: Near Fort Hunter Liggett
Description: Small campground located among the oaks. Located near a running creek.
Number of Sites: 23 units
Directions: From Salinas take Interstate 101 south and take the Ft. Hunter Liggett exit. Then go 17.5 miles to the junction with Mission Road.
From 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 12 miles to Ponderosa CG from this point.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, camping, hunting (check with California Department of Fish and Game for hunting season in the area).
Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue grills, RV's no longer than 35'.
Special Rules: Campfire Use Site. 14 day maximum stay.
Fees: $15.00 per site. 6-8 people per site.
Seasonal Use: Open all year
Helpful Hints: Water available from March through November. Nearest gas, food, and supplies 14 miles west to Pacific Valley. During summer months temperatures may get above 100 degrees.
Concession managed by Parks Management Co. (805)434-1996 or (805) 434-9199. Website http://www.campone.com
Reservations: Reservations available for 50% of sites (reservations www.Recreation.gov) or call 1-877-444-6777.