Escondido Campground

Escondido Campground is a small, primitive campground in Los Padres National Forest, reached via Indians Road as it climbs into the Santa Lucia Mountains. The site sits in a grassy meadow ringed by sandstone rock formations and oaks, with the Arroyo Seco River running through the canyon nearby, and trailheads at the campground connect to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding routes deeper into the forest. The campground has nine sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring; eight can be reserved in advance and one is first-come, first-served. There is no potable water on site, so visitors need to pack in their own supply. Because of its remote setting well off the main highway corridor, it draws backcountry campers and forest travelers looking for a quiet, low-frills stop in the Santa Lucia range.