Los Padres National Forest Permits
Rugged coastal wilderness from Big Sur to Santa Barbara. Includes Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness areas.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in Los Padres
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Kirk Creek Campground
Coastal bluff campground on Highway 1. High demand.
Plaskett Creek Campground
Campground near Sand Dollar Beach.
Pine Ridge Trail / Sykes Hot Springs
Classic Big Sur backpacking to Sykes Hot Springs. Campfire permit required.
Plaskett Creek Group Campground
Group camping near Sand Dollar Beach.
Arroyo Seco Campground
Campground with hot springs access.
Vicente Flat Trail
Classic Big Sur coastal backpacking. No quota permit.
Buckeye Trail / Hot Springs
Silver Peak Wilderness hot springs corridor.
Nacimiento Campground
Remote ridge campground on Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.
Escondido Campground
Arroyo Seco corridor campground.
Memorial Park Campground
Big Sur backdoor access via Carmel Valley.
Salmon Creek Trail
Waterfall access and wilderness entry on South Coast.
Other National Forests & Wilderness Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
Los Padres Permit FAQ
What permits are required for Los Padres National Forest?
Los Padres National Forest requires permits for various activities including Kirk Creek, Plaskett Creek, Plaskett Group, Nacimiento, Escondido, and 6 more. Each permit has different requirements and booking processes.
How do I get a permit for Los Padres National Forest?
Permits for Los Padres National Forest are available through Reservation, Walk-Up systems. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When should I apply for Los Padres National Forest permits?
Timing varies by permit type. Lottery permits typically open months in advance, while reservation permits release on a rolling basis. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to never miss an opening.