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ESCONDIDO CAMPGROUND

Big Sur, California · USDA Forest Service

Dump stationShowersPets welcome
ESCONDIDO CAMPGROUND — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

As of 11/1/2026, this campground is under new management - it is now being managed directly by the Los Padres National Forest, Monterey Ranger District. The campground is CLOSED while we assess and address health and safety concerns. Thank you for your patience, we look forward to serving you soon! Escondido Campground is one of the best kept secrets in the Santa Lucia Mountains. This family-friendly campground boasts scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations and sprawling oaks this campground rests in a beautiful grassy meadow. The outdoor activities are endless. Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and bird watching are just a few of the activities you can do while visiting this Los Padres National Forest gem.Open daily and year-round, there are nine campsites and each include a picnic table and fire ring. Two vault toilets are located near the campsites. You should plan to be completely self-sustainable for the duration of your trip. There is no potable water (drinking water) onsite. There is no dump station.Escondido Campground has a diverse and thriving environment that contains ponderosa pine, oak madrone and sycamore trees, just to name a few. The Arroyo Seco River runs through this canyon terrain and only a short distance from the campground. A variety of wildlife viewing and backpacking opportunities await at this hidden treasure.Hiking trails, biking, fishing, horseback riding are within minutes of this campground. The San Antonio Mission, one of the oldest of the California Missions, is within a 15-minute drive. Escondido Campground has trailheads located near the campground and is only a short drive to multiple other trails with access to backpacking, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Hitching posts for your horses are available at the campground trailhead. Sandstone landscapes, wildflowers and wildlife are part of the experience in this pristine part of the forest.

Directions

Take Highway 101 to Jolon Road, turn onto Mission Road, to Del Venture Road. Travel 12 miles to the campground. Last 3 miles is unsurfaced.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
California
City / area
Big Sur
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Los Padres National Forest
Campsites
9
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$30 / night
Rating
3.20 / 5 (5 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
See Recreation.gov

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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