Los Padres Group Camping - Big Sur, Monterey & Ojai CA
Los Padres Forest is the SoCal camping mecca. Pinyon forests & peaks of nearly 9000′ make this the highest elevations of Kern County. This coastal forest on the San Andreas Fault burns bad due to winds & wildfires, but there is plenty back country to enjoy with minimal crowds - as long as camp fire safety is key.
Southern Los Padres National Forest may operate Group Campgrounds for reservations, but you may need to call the rangers to inquire more on these. Holiday Group Campground near Ojai takes online reservations. Several back country camp spots can accommodate a large group. Mount Able for instance has a group spot. Maybe Mil Potrero Campground (re-opening 2008) near Pine Mountain Club.
Northern Los Padres - Hwy 1 around the Big Sur/Monterey CA region has 2 Group Campgrounds w/ facilities, flush toilets & reservations online.
Los Padres Reservable Group Campgrounds:
| campground | elev | people | veg | toilet | water | notes |
| Arroyo Seco Group Camp | 1000′ | 49 | mixed | flush | piped | Carmel Valley, Greenfield CA |
| Plaskett Creek Campsite | 600′ | 45 | pines | flush | piped | South Big Sur coast |
Plaskett Campground is across from Sand Dollar Beach, a popular day use area. California Coast Campground - the infamous Central Coast Highway - Hwy 1 (so you may hear traffic @ camp)
map of the regions -
