Front-country - Monterey County

Veteran’s Memorial Park

Location: 1 mile Uphill from downtown Monterey
Activities: Hiking
Facilities: BBQ pits, Water, Restrooms, Showers
Fees: Standard Campsites $20 for 1st vehicle, $5 for second
           Group site- $4/person
Reservations: None
Operated by: City of Monterey

For more information: (831)646-3865
http://www.monterey.org/rec/vetspark.html

Laguna Seca Recreation Area

Location: At Laguna Seca between Monterey and Salinas
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Watching Races, Shooting
Facilities: Fire pits pits, Water, Restrooms, Showers, Shooting ($8/hour/person)
Fees: Campsites $22/night/site
Reservations: $5 fee, call (831)755-4899
Other Notes: This campground is located next to a race track, so you may want to check the race schedule at http://www.laguna-seca.com/ to schedule a race weekend campout.
Operated by: Monterey County Parks

For more information: (831)755-4899
www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/lagunaseca.html

Toro Park

Location: 6 Miles from Salinas, 13 Miles from Monterey
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing
Facilities: BBQ Pit, Restrooms, Showers, Kitchen, Fish Pond, Water
Fees: Group Site 20-50 persons $35 per night,
           51-100 persons $60 per night.
Reservations: $5 Fee, call (831) 755-4899
Other Notes: There is only one campsite, which is a group site.
Operated by: Monterey County Parks

For more information: (831) 755-4899
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/toro.html

San Lorenzo Park

Location: King City
Activities: Golf (Putting Only), Baseball, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Soccer
Facilities: Sports Facilities, Restrooms, Showers, Water, Grills
Fees: $18/site/night
Reservations:    $5 Fee, call (831) 755-4899
Operated by: Monterey County Parks

For more information: (831) 755-4899
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/sanlorenzo.html

Royal Oaks Park

Location: Royal Oaks
Activities: Hiking, Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer
Facilities: Sports Facilities, Restrooms, Showers, Water, Fire Ring
Fees: Group Site 20-50 persons $35 per night,
           51-100 persons $60 per night
Reservations: $5 Fee, call (831) 755-4899
Operated by: Monterey County Parks
Other Notes: There is only one campsite, which is a group site

For more information: (831) 755-4899
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/royaloaks.html

Lake San Antonio

Location: 30 Miles south of King City
Activities: Hiking, Boating, Swimming, Fishing
Facilities: 5,000 Acre lake, fire rings, grills, restrooms, water
Fees: $25/night/site
Reservations: Call (831) 755-4899. For group sites call (831)472-2311
Operated by: Monterey County Parks

For more information: (805)472-2311
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/sanantonio.html

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Location: 26 Miles south of Carmel
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Fishing
Facilities: River, fire rings, grills, restrooms, water
Fees: $25/night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)667-2315
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570
 

Andrew Molera State Park

Location: 20 Miles south of Carmel
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Surfing, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding
Facilities: Walk in sites
Fees: $10/night
Reservations: none
Other Notes: The hike/mountain bike ride in is ¼ mile
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)667-2315
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=582

Limekiln State Park

Location: 52 Miles south of Carmel, 2 Miles south of Lucia
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Swimming
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Water
Fees: $26/night per vehicle
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)667-2403
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=577

Arroyo Seco Campground

Location: 15 Miles West of Greenfield
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Inner-tubing
Facilities: Restrooms, Showers, Fire rings, BBQ pits, River, Water
Fees: Standard Site $15/night
           Group Site $75/night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest/Rocky Mountain Recreation

For more information: (831)674-5726
http://www.rockymountainrec.com/camp/padres-arroyoseco.htm
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/

China Camp

Location: 20 Miles Southwest of Carmel Valley Village, on Tassajara Road
Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding
Facilities: Pit toilets, Fire rings
Fees: Free
Reservations: None
Other Notes: Camp is at 4000 ft. Start of the Pine Ridge Trail. Bring your own water.
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest

For more information: (831)385-5434
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/

Bottcher’s Gap

Location: 20 miles south of Carmel, on Palo Colorado Rd
Activities: Hiking, Photography
Facilities: Pit toilets, Fire rings, BBQs, Limited bottled water available at camp host
Fees: $12/Night
Reservations: None
Other Notes: Bring your own water. Start of the Skinner Ridge Trail, up the road from Pico Blanco.
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest, Parks Management Company

For more information: (831)385-5434 (805)434-1996
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd
http://www.campone.com/

Ponderosa

Location: 68 miles south of Carmel, 50 miles south of King City, on Nacimiento-Ferguson Road
Activities: Hiking, Fishing
Facilities: Pit toilets, Fire rings, BBQs, Water
Fees: $15/Night
Reservations: None
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest, Parks Management Company

For more information: (831)385-5434 (805)434-1996
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/
http://www.campone.com/

Nacimiento

Location: 65 miles south of Carmel, 55 miles south of King City, on Nacimiento-Ferguson Road
Activities: Hiking, Fishing
Facilities: Pit toilets, Fire rings, BBQs
Fees: $10/Site/Night
Reservations: None
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest, Parks Management Company
Other Notes: Bring your own water or pump from seasonal stream

For more information: (831)385-5434 (805)434-1996
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/
http://www.campone.com/

Plaskett Creek

Location: 60 miles south of Carmel, 3 miles north of Gorda
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Swimming
Facilities: Flush toilets, Fire rings, BBQs, Water, Beach Access
Fees: $22/Site/Night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://reserveamerica.com
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest, Parks Management Company

For more information: (831)385-5434 (805)434-1996
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/
http://www.campone.com/

Kirk Creek

Location: 56 miles south of Carmel, 4 miles south of Lucia
Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Surfing
Facilities: Flush toilets, Fire rings, BBQs, Water, Beach Access, Firewood for sale, Bike sites
Fees: $22/Site/Night
Reservations: None Operated by: Los Padres National Forest, Parks Management Company

For more information: (831)385-5434 (805)434-1996
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/
http://www.campone.com/

Front-country - San Benito County

Fremont Peak State Park

Location: 11 miles south of San Juan Bautista
Activities: Hiking, Astronomy Facilities: Showers, Pit toilets, Observatory, Water, Fire rings
Fees: Standard Site- $15/night per vehicle,
           Group Site- $75/night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Other Notes: Schedule an astronomy outing! Call (831)623-2465 for observatory schedule.
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)623-4255
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=564

Pinnacles Campground

Location: 30 miles South of Hollister
Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Water, Fire rings
Fees: Standard Site- $10-$35 (see website)
           Group Site- $75 for first 10 plus $7.50 for each additional. $50 damage deposit.
Reservations: $7 fee
Other Notes: Right next to Pinnacles National Monument
Operated by: Pinnacles Campground, Inc.

For more information: (831)389-4462

http://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camp.htm

Bolado Park

Location: About 5 miles South of Hollister
Activities: Camping Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Water, Barbecue Pits
Fees: $7.50/tent/night
Other Notes: Can Accommodate Large Groups
Operated by: Pinnacles Campground, Inc.

For more information: (831)389-4462
http://www.sanbenitocountyfair.com/

Front-country - Santa Cruz County

Sunset State Beach
Location: 16 miles south of Santa Cruz
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle,
           Group site- $224
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)763-7062
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=544

Manresa State Beach

Location: 10 miles south of Santa Cruz
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)761-1795
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=545

New Brighton State Beach

Location: Capitola
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Cycling
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle,
           Group Site- $125/night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Other Notes: Permission slips required for all youth under 18
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)464-6330
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Location: Felton
Activities: Hiking, Cycling, Swimming
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water, Nature Center
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)438-2396
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=546

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Location: North of Boulder Creek
Activities: Hiking, Cycling
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water, Nature Center
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle,
           Group Camps- $180 or $224/ night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)338-8860
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540

Butano State Park

Location: 30 miles north of Santa Cruz
Activities: Hiking Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water, Nature Center
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle,
           Group Camps- $180 or $224/ night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (650)879-2040
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536

Portola Redwoods State Park

Location: 40 miles north of Santa Cruz
Activities: Hiking
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water, Nature Center
Fees: Standard Site- $25/night per vehicle
           Group Camps- $111 or $224/ night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (650)948-9098
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=539

Front-country - Outside Council Area

Carpinteria State Beach

Location: Carpinteria, 10 miles east of Santa Barbara
Activities: Swimming, Surfing, Kayaking
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees: Standard Site- $20-25/night per vehicle,
           Group Camp- $150.00/night
Other Notes: Near downtown and AMTRAK station, near famous Rincon Beach
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (805)968-1033
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599

Refugio State Beach

Location: 20 miles west of Santa Barbara
Activities: Swimming, Surfing, Hiking, Bicycling
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees:  Standard Site- $20-25/night per vehicle,
            Group Camp- $180.00/night
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.reserveamerica.com
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (805)968-1033
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=603

Lopez Lake Recreation Area

Location: 10 Miles East of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County
Activities: Hiking, Swimming (Warm Lake), Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Water Slides
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees:  Standard Site- $20/night, $3.50 per non-motorized boat/$7 per motorized boat Reservations: (805)788-2381
Operated by: San Luis Obispo County Parks

For more information: (805)788-2381
http://www.slocountyparks.com/activities/lopez.htm

Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Location: 15 miles inland from Ventura
Activities: Boating, Canoeing, Bicycling
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees: Standard Site- $19/night per vehicle
           (add a $75 reservation fee for group site that covers all vehicles)
Other Notes: $7.50 per motorboat, $4 per canoe or kayak. No body contact permitted with water.
Reservations: $7.50 fee, http://www.casitaswater.org/camping-reservations-and-fees/
Operated by: Casitas Municipal Water District

For more information: (805)649-1122 http://www.lakecasitas.info/

Gaviota State Park

Location: 33 miles west of Santa Barbara
Activities: Swimming, Hiking
Facilities: Showers, Restrooms, Fire Rings, Water
Fees: $20-25/night per vehicle
Other Notes: There are hot springs that you can hike to
Reservations: none
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (805)968-1033
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=606

Back-country - Monterey County

Ventana Wilderness

Location: The area between the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley, Salinas Valley, and Fort Hunter Liggett
Terrain: Rugged, many trails are overgrown to varying degrees. Elevations range from 100-5800 feet.
Camping: There are many backcountry camps, many of which have fire rings and natural water sources.
Fees and Permits: No Fee (NOTE: the Adventure Pass is not required in the Ventana Wilderness) Free campfire permits required http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/passes/campfire/
Trailheads: A collection of trailheads form a perimeter around the wilderness:
    China Camp,
    Big Sur Station (27 Miles south of Carmel),
    Kirk Creek,
    Arroyo Seco,
    Bottcher’s Gap,
    and The Indians (aka Santa Lucia Memorial Park)
    (See Memorial Park on http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/)
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest

For more information: (831)385-5434
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/trails/mrd/
http://ventanawild.org

Recommended trail guide:
Trail guide to Los Padres National Forest, Monterey Ranger District : Ventana Wilderness and Silver Peak Wilderness, Seventh Edition $14.95 @ REI.com

Recommended Hikes:

Ventana Double Cone:
3 days, hard, 28 miles
Start at Bottcher’s Gap, hike 7 miles in on the Skinner Ridge and Ventana Trails to Pat Spring (large, developed spring near camp). The next day, take a day hike to 4850’ Ventana Double Cone on the Ventana Trail (14 miles round trip). Hike out on the third day.

Pine Ridge Trail:
3 days, hard, 23 miles
Start at China Camp, hike 8 miles along the Pine Ridge Trail to Pine Ridge Camp. The next day, hike 8 miles to Barlow Flat. The last day, hike 7 miles to Big Sur Station. Very scenic.

Pine Valley:
2 days, moderate, 11 miles
Start at China Camp, hike three miles along the Pine Ridge Trail, turn right at Church Creek Divide and hike 2 miles to Pine Valley. Hike out the way you came in. Pine valley is a beautiful high valley with sandstone formations.

Fish Camp:
2 Days, easy, 3 Miles
Start at Camp Pico Blanco and hike 1½ miles on the trail to Jackson to Fish Camp.

Silver Peak Wilderness

Location: Near Gorda (62 Miles south of Carmel)
Terrain: Rugged, Steep
Camping: There are many backcountry camps, many of which have fire rings and natural water sources.
Fees and Permits: No Fee (NOTE: the Adventure Pass is not required in the Ventana Wilderness)
Free campfire permits required http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/passes/campfire/
Trailheads: There are several trailheads between Gorda and Salmon Creek (70 miles south of Carmel)
Operated by: Los Padres National Forest

For more information: (831)385-5434
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/trails/mrd/
http://ventanawild.org
 

Recommended trail guide:
Trail guide to Los Padres National Forest, Monterey Ranger District : Ventana Wilderness and Silver Peak Wilderness, Seventh Edition $14.95 @ REI.com

Recommended Hikes:

Three Peaks:
3 Days, moderate, 13 Miles
Start at the Salmon Creek Trailhead, 70 miles south of Carmel. Hike up the Salmon Creek Trail to the San Carpoforo aka San Carpojo trail. Follow the San Carpoforo trail to Dutra Flat Camp. This is 4 ½ Miles. The next day, do a 5 mile round trip day hike to Three peaks at 3300 feet. Hike out on the third day. Make the trip a two nighter by not doing the day hike.

Back-country - San Benito County

We currently do not know of any backcountry camping areas in San Benito County. Please email us at esselencamping@gmail.com if you know of any.

Back-country - Santa Cruz County

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Location: 4 miles north of Aptos
Terrain: Moderate
Camping: There is one backcountry camp, 6 miles from the trailhead
Fees and Permits: $5/night per person. Reservations required, call (831)763-7073
Trailheads: The one trailhead is on Aptos Creek Rd
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)763-7063
http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/nisene/index.php
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666
 

NOTE: The following parks (Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park, Portola Redwoods State Park, Pescadero Creek County Park) are connected by trails which allow you to plan an long Santa Cruz Mountains trip. We recommend that you look at the information page at  http://www.bigbasin.org/Skyline_to_the_Sea_Trail_Camp_Information.pdf for camp information and purchase the Sempervirens Fund Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Maps at http://www.sempervirens.org/store.htm.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Location: near Boulder Creek
Terrain: Moderate
Camping: There are 5 trail camps throughout the park
Fees and Permits: $10 per site (up to 6 people)/night. Reservations required ($5 fee), call (831)338-8861
Trailheads: There are two trailheads: one at Big Basin Headquarters and one at Rancho del Oso at Waddell Beach
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (831)338-8860
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540
http://www.bigbasin.org/

Castle Rock State Park

Location: Near the Junction of Highway 9 and 35
Terrain: Moderate
Camping: There are 2 Trail camps in the park, Castle Rock is 3 miles in and Waterman Gap is 7 miles in from the trailhead.
Fees and Permits- $10 per site (up to 6 people)/night. Reservations required ($5 fee), call (831)338-8861
Trailheads: There are two trailheads: the junction of 35 and 9 (Saratoga Gap) and Castle Rock
Operated by: California State Parks
For more information: (408)867-2952
http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/castlerock/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538

Portola Redwoods State Park

Location: 40 miles north of Santa Cruz
Terrain: Moderate
Camping: There is 1 trail camp in the park, 2 miles from the trailhead
Fees and Permits- $10 per site (up to 6 people)/night. Reservations required ($5 fee), call (831)338-8861
Trailheads: There is one trailhead at the headquarters
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (650)948-9098
http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/portola/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=539

Pescadero Creek County Park
Location: 40 miles north of Santa Cruz
Terrain: Moderate
Camping: There are 2 trail camps in the park, each is about 3 miles from one trailhead and 6 from the other
Fees and Permits- $10 per site (up to 6 people)/night. Reservations required ($5 fee), call (831)338-8861
Trailheads: There are two trailheads: the Tarwater and the Hoffman Creek trailheads, both off of Portola State Park Rd
Operated by: San Mateo County Parks

For more information: (650)879-0238
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12313311_12345074,00.html

Butano State Park

Location: 30 miles north of Santa Cruz
Terrain: Moderate
Camping: There are is one trail camp about 4 miles from the trailhead
Fees and Permits: $10 per site (up to 6 people)/night. Reservations required ($5 fee), call (831)338-8861
Trailheads- There is one trailhead at park headquarters
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (650)879-2040
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536

Recommended Hike:

Skyline to the Sea Trail:
3 days, moderate, 30 miles
Starting at Saratoga Gap, take the Skyline to the Sea Trail west through Castle Rock State Park to Waterman Gap Trail Camp (7 Miles). The next day, hike into Big Basin to Jay Camp (10 Miles). On the last day, hike 13 miles to Waddell Beach. This is a nice, downhill through hike.

Back-country - Outside Council Area

Henry W. Coe State Park

Location: 13 miles east of Morgan Hill
Terrain: Easy to Rugged
Camping: The park is divided into zones. In the Western Zone, you are required to stay in designated trail camps, many of which have spring or creek water sources. In the rest of the park, you may camp anywhere. You can go a week and never hike the same trail twice. In addition, horse packing and bike camping is popular.
Fees and Permits: $3/person per night
Trailheads: There is one trailhead at park headquarters and one near Gilroy Hot Springs
Operated by: California State Parks

For more information: (408)779-2728
http://www.coepark.org/
http://www.coestatepark.com/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=561

Recommended Hike:

Deer Horn:
2 days, Moderate, 10 miles
Hike in from headquarters on the Corral, Fish, Middle Ridge, and Hobbs Road to Deer Horn. Camp has 3 sites, a spring, and a pit toilet. Hike out on Hobbs Road, Middle Ridge Trail, Frog Lake Trail, Flat Frog Trail, and Corral Trail.

You can purchase a map at http://www.coepark.org/.

The Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada Mountains form the backbone of California, with peaks as high as 14,000 feet. Plan extended advanced backpack trips in these mountains. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are administered by the following agencies. Contact them for information on wildernesses.

Stanislaus National Forest - http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/

Yosemite National Park - http://www.nps.gov/yose/

Toyabe National Forest - http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/

Inyo National Forest - http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/

Sierra National Forest - http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/

Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks - http://www.nps.gov/seki

Some hikes to aspire to: the 210 mile John Muir Trail, the 160 mile Tahoe Rim Trail, and the 180 mile Tahoe-Yosemite Trail

Point Reyes National Seashore

In Marin County, the Point Reyes National Seashore is an amazing place filled with coves, forests, beaches, and mountains.

For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/pore/ or call (415)464-5100