I’ve found Boondocker* paradise in the central California coast range! or close to Paradise. Its called The Indians, because this was last place the Salinas Indians lived in the area. It features a free campground, with a low valley surrounded by low mountain ridge peaks & big rock formations to the west, lots of hiking, hunting & trout fishing in season.
- Boondocking - The art of camping in an RV without paying. Ideally in the Boondocks, but Walmart, business parks & near universities will do.
This is an absolutely beautiful area with large rock formations at approx. 45 degrees for easy climbing, almost level hikes across meadows with scattered rock formations, low rocky peaks to climb, & a closed road into the Arroyo Secord canyon for easy walking. It is the best boondocking place I found during a 2 month long search of So Cal coastal and near coast mts in late 2010.
You can reach it via King City on Route 101 in the San Joaquin Valley or via Macimiento-Fergustion Road over coastal range from Big Sur, north of Plaskett, east at Kirk Creek campground. From King City take G14 west. Right at junction of Mission Road (about 20 miles & on Ft Hunter Liggett Military Reservation. Near main base entrance on Mission Road, take Del Venturi Road to left. This will take you into Los Padres NF &The Indians.
The road climbs a shallow mountain valley out of fog & crosses two shallow fords of the San Antonio River. The fords are closed by military during high water. Enter south gate of the most northern section of Los Padres National Forest. Grassy valley with scattered trees, mountains are short, rocky & pointed.
Road climbs over saddle & down into shallow valley with many trees. Many damaged in recent 2008 fire, but recovering nicely. Arrived at campground. Large parking area to right, suitable for a few RVs, no hookups, no water, no cell phone. Real boondocking! Scattered tent campsites follow creek & road to south entry of Arroyo Secord. There are about twenty cabins & sportsman club picnic area & several very nice trails near campground. By driving .7 mile back to saddle & easy climb up rocks about 100 feet, I was able to get four bars on my phone.
I visited during December & was told it was best time of year because the occasional frost keeps the flys down. Was told they are a problem during warmer months. I stayed a week, had frost 1 night, most nights lows around 40*, had 3 sunny days, high upper 60* days, & 3 cloudy days & 2 mostly rain days, high lower 60*s. I planed on coming back in February or March to see what it is like then.
It is March & I am on my drive north. Because of rain I will not be able to get across the fords to The Indians this season. Sorry, no photos, it looks like I only took video & I don’t know how to post video yet.
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