Big Sur is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with wonderful seashores and mountaineering trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest timber in the world, then Big Sur is a should-go to spot. Big Sur is filled with nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent outside.
We’ve established you need to undoubtedly go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do you have to know, and the place must you keep? Whether you like glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Big Sur State Park has lots of choices. This Big Sur tenting information will cowl all the very best campgrounds, together with some further important particulars. Ready? Let’s get began.
Best Camping in Big Sur
Big Sur has many lodges and locations to remain from luxurious lodges to boutique lodging, but it surely additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the very best Big Sur campground to swimsuit each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is likely one of the most lovely campgrounds in Big Sur and we extremely suggest staying right here. We beloved exploring the Big Sur coast from Ventana because it gave easy accessibility to lots of the prime sights. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is well accessible off of the Cabrillo Highway. And the principle draw? Ventana Campground has unbelievable glamping services. If you fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are top-of-the-line locations to remain in Big Sur. The lodging is safari-model and a romantic strategy to spend an evening underneath the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, scorching showers, picnic tables, a fireplace ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward outlets. Guests have easy accessibility to Big Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale services, similar to swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You may like: The Complete Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park
Big Sur Campgrounds: Hike-In Campsites
If you need a tent-solely campground, hike-in campsites are a terrific possibility. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to succeed in every website. Hike-in campsites are a unbelievable compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and infrequently gorgeous views of the Big Sur Coast. This part is devoted solely to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, excellent for tenting in and round Big Sur State Park.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is definitely a area quite than a campsite. It is positioned 12 miles south of Big Sur State Park. The park is famend for its coastal surroundings, with granite cliffs and dramatic ocean views, and forests of redwood timber that develop all the best way to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is really a sight to behold and a very good base from which to discover the coast.
The park options two hike-in environmental campsites on the west aspect of Highway 1. Saddle Rock and South Gardens Environmental Campgrounds are only a quick stroll from the Cabrillo Highway. Don’t fear about being marathon-match, however be ready to hold all the things you deliver, as there is no such thing as a automobile entry to both website.
The campsites characteristic hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You might want to deliver your individual water and firewood; cease by at a water station or outlets beforehand. Speaking of outlets, as a result of there are restricted native outlets, it’s best to plan a procuring journey earlier than coming into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In quick, the unbelievable surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you may spot migrating grey whales, hike gorgeous trails like Ewoldsen Trail, and take a look at waterfalls like Mcway Falls (extra on that later). You’ll have a central location to discover the very best of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Big Sur presents. Read: The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary
3. Vicente Flat Camp
Vincente Flat Camp is a bit more remoted and positioned on the junction of the Stone Ridge and Vincente Flat Trails. It is roughly 5 miles from Vicente Trailhead, so enable round two hours to succeed in the campground and pack accordingly because you’ll have to hold all of your gear. The campground is ready in an atmospheric forest canyon. It is just a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a fireplace pit on the campground. However, don’t anticipate another vital services. Vicente Flat Camp is right for those that wish to ‘rough it’ a bit, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.
So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you need the fun of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and top-of-the-line stroll-in campsites. You received’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. But it’s the excellent campground to channel your internal Bear Grylls.
3. Andrew Molera Trail Camp
Andrew Molera State Park is a way more undeveloped state park positioned simply north of Big Sur State Park. It is legendary for its distant and various mountaineering and seashore entry. If you need a base simply exterior of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a unbelievable alternative. Campers simply park in the car parking zone after which hike round 0.25 miles to succeed in the campground. It is a handy hike-in campground and never as strenuous as reaching Vincente Flat.
The camp has hearth pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll should do and not using a bathe, however the campground’s facilities are helpful for a couple of nights. The campground has simply 22 commonplace tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so ensure that to guide in advance.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is unbelievable if you wish to keep off the crushed observe and expertise a much less-developed a part of the area. At the identical time, the campground additionally presents among the greatest services – a win-win for those who ask us. You can discover close by sights like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the street. The alternative is yours.
Big Sur Campgrounds: Car Camping and Glamping
Not so eager on hike-in campsites? Perhaps you need a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked strategy to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many unbelievable areas the place you may pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
Of course, it’s your decision extra luxurious than a primary tent or RV tenting. In that case, maintain your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds in this part. Some of those glamping websites even include a scorching tub or two.
This part will cowl the very best Big Sur campgrounds for RV tenting and glamping. Let’s dive straight in. You may like: Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park South Camp
This Big Sur campground is likely one of the greatest on this checklist. It is positioned throughout the boundaries of Big Sur State Park – perfect if you’d like a central location. South Camp is an enormous, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It is well accessed off Pfeiffer Big Sur Road and has loads of facilities. Yet, additionally it is vastly in style with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. It doesn’t get significantly better for RV and tent tenting.
You can eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso constituted of the campground’s water provide. South Camp is Big Sur tenting made straightforward – what’s to not love? Big Sur State Park South Camp is the best choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of services and facilities for a straightforward tenting expertise. Read: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is likely one of the most gorgeous campsites round Big Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking top-of-the-line views in the park. Prewitt Ridge has unbelievable views of Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.
Getting there’s straightforward, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Road. The observe is a bit tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Just take your time although, and also you’ll be tremendous. In phrases of facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so deliver all the things you want.
The better part about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It is a bit farther from the middle of Big Sur (enable round an hour and twenty minutes as a result of windy roads). Still, if you’re planning a street journey, it’s properly value basing your self at Prewitt Ridge for an evening.
6. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV, and Campground
Saddle Mountain Ranch blends all the things collectively – RV and tent tenting and glamping. It is well accessed off Carmel Valley Road and is only a forty-minute drive north of Big Sur. If you wish to keep close by Big Sur, Saddle Mountain Ranch is superbly positioned in the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra opinions on TripAdvisor
Saddle Mountain Ranch has unbelievable services, together with a big outside swimming pool. It additionally has heated showers, restrooms, wi-fi, and a playground. Whether you need glamping or RV tenting, it’s a unbelievable luxurious base and is conveniently positioned close to Big Sur. Read extra: Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
7. Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is likely one of the greatest Big Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite presents RV and tent tenting and is well accessed off Arroyo Seco Road. Arroyo Seco is positioned inland, and entry is a bit restricted. Be ready to drive almost two hours since you must drive all the best way across the park to re-enter the east. It is a particular spot although, and the serenity of Arroyo Seco might be value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the good outside.
Each campsite in the campground has its personal hearth ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bathrooms, consuming water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seashore entry. It is positioned proper subsequent to Arroyo Seco Trailhead and The Lakes Beach (a small seashore space on the shores of a freshwater lake). You can fish, swim, hike, and even go horseback driving once you aren’t exploring Big Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a unbelievable place to remain in inland Big Sur State Park. You don’t should miss out on water-aspect tenting since The Lakes are proper subsequent to the campground.
8. Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground is round a fifty-minute drive from Big Sur. It is positioned off Cabrillo Highway, simply south of Lucia. Kirk Creek Campground is a surprising spot with ocean views and direct seashore entry. Kirk Creek Campground needs to be on the prime of your checklist if you’d like a campground for RV tenting with ocean views.
Kirk Creek Campground has a mixture of tent and RV tenting spots. The campground has a fireplace ring, vault bathrooms, BBQ services, and firewood for sale. There’s no consuming water or showers, so maintain that in thoughts when packing. The campground is greatest for those that wish to be close to a seashore and surrounded by nature – it’s not unusual to identify mountain lions and deer simply exterior the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
10. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Riverside Campground and Cabins is likely one of the greatest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It is positioned simply south of Big Sur, off the Cabrillo Highway. The campground presents rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You can ‘glamp’ in model with lovely picket cabins that includes snug queen-sized beds and optionally available personal decks. Otherwise, park your RV and quiet down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, scorching showers, and laundry services. As its title suggests, you even have entry to the river. You can reap the benefits of the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Right on the riverside, you even have unmatched seasonal fishing to take pleasure in.
This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Big Sur. You aren’t removed from the neighborhood ambiance, outlets, and hospitality venues. However, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
11. Treebones Resort
Fancy a extremely upscale and weird glamping expertise? Treebones Resort is the place to remain. Treebones Resort is positioned an hour south of Big Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort presents a choice of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with gorgeous views over the Pacific Ocean. Guests even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The services embody an out of doors swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-website eating places. Each yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you may benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones presents. Treebones is greatest for those that need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise obtainable. See extra on TripAdvisor
12. Limekiln Campground
Limekiln State Park is a forty five-minute drive south of Big Sur and can be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s major lodging possibility and presents tent and RV websites. Limekiln Campground is well reached off the Cabrillo Highway and has a big parking space.
Facility-wise, the campground has restrooms and showers. It is primary however snug, and you’re inside driving distance of outlets for emergency provides. When it involves close by sights, your choices are even higher. You can take one of many mountaineering trails to Limekiln Falls or Old Limekiln Ruins, virtually instantly from the campground. There’s even seashore entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It is superb if you wish to be close to a seashore, have nice mountaineering trails, and never be too removed from Big Sur. Check out: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
13. Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground is located proper in the center of the Los Padres National Forest amongst the mountains of Big Sur. It is round an hour and twenty-minute drive from the middle of Big Sur. It is right for those that wish to expertise RV tenting on a extra mountainous aspect of the area.
Ponderosa Campground is handed by the Nacimiento River, offering swimming and freshwater alternatives. Drinking water can be offered (for those who don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bathrooms, and a fireplace ring at every website. Ponderosa Campground has all the things you possibly can want for a brief keep, and it’s the excellent base to wander, bike, or trip across the dramatic surrounding panorama.
14. Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground and Resort is the final word glamping keep in Big Sur. Situated in the center of Big Sur Valley, you’re only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Big Sur. Fernwood contains a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-model ‘tent cabins’, and ‘adventure cabins’. If you need a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, primarily upgrades from commonplace canvas tent cabins. These choices characteristic electrical energy, a heat mattress, recent linens, and heating – bliss.
Each cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally contains a basic retailer and espresso cafe. These are excellent on-website choices for a leisurely morning quite than having to go into Big Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping possibility with an excellent location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a fantastic RV tenting possibility and is only a quick stroll from Sand Dollar Beach, the most important seashore in Big Sur. It is only a fifty-minute drive from Big Sur and simply accessed off the Cabrillo Highway.
The campground is likened by many to a park, and it’s a spacious, household-pleasant place to remain in Big Sur. The campground has RV and tent websites, plus restrooms, picnic tables, and a fireplace ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a wonderful alternative for these wanting nice services, a number of area, and lodging close to Sand Dollar Beach. It is filled with open inexperienced area and proper subsequent to the ocean. Check charges on TripAdvisor
Big Sur FAQs
Now that we’ve coated the very best locations for tenting in Big Sur State Park, we’ve got some important particulars for you. If you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it could actually really feel a bit daunting to arrange. And moreover, even if you’re a professional-camper, a little bit of vacation spot-particular info is all the time important.
This part is all the things you have to learn about tenting in Big Sur State Park.
What to pack for a Big Sur tenting journey?
You can view our final tenting guidelines right here, however we’ll present a fast temporary on what to pack for a Big Sur tenting journey.
First, if you’re tent tenting, you’ll want a water-resistant three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-associated emergency gear attainable (assume further poles and a tent restore package). You’ll additionally need a couple of luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. After all, once you discover a fantastic view in Big Sur you need to have the ability to sit exterior comfortably to take pleasure in it.
Don’t overlook your tenting range and cooking tools both. Of course, relying on which campground you select, you received’t want some tools – so test your campground services forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Kit-wise, you want a powerful pair of mountaineering boots (plus a primary support package with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray will even come in helpful.
Most importantly, keep in mind your tenting reservations and any obligatory passes. It is significant to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and produce a paper model in case your cellphone dies.
What there’s to do in Big Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unbelievable campground and a few mountaineering trails, what else is there to do in Big Sur? The reply to it is a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small measurement. These are the very best issues to do in Big Sur – excellent additions to your tenting itinerary. Read our full information: The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
New Camaldoli Hermitage
The New Camaldoli Hermitage is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastery perched on a mountainous vantage level overlooking the ocean. If you take pleasure in non secular sights, visiting the monastery is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Big Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Trail
Pfeiffer Falls Trail is the very best quick hike to see redwood timber up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is sweet and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for all forms of walkers. The largest redwood is known as the Colonial Tree. Keep your eyes peeled for it.
See Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge is an iconic spot alongside Highway 101, and the dramatic canyon crossing stands 85 meters tall. Bixby Bridge is a formidable architectural attraction and makes for a hanging {photograph}. We assume the very best view is from Castle Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to resolve.
Drive the Big Sur Coast on Highway 101
The Big Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Highway 101 is likely one of the hottest US street journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic National Park in Washington. If you fancy a street journey whereas visiting Big Sur, you may drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Big Sur. This is properly mixed with touring to Big Sur anyway for the reason that park is greatest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automobile.
Swim at The Gorge
The Big Sur River is filled with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Big Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is understood for its crystal-clear waters and calm water circumstances. Be warned, the water could be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit for those who go to in winter.
Visit Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is likely one of the largest seashores in Big Sur. It will get its title from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a novel shell- their endoskeleton. The shell is left behind when the urchin dies, and many individuals acquire them as souvenirs. Apart from the very fact you’ll find shells, Sand Dollar Beach is magnificently lovely. A Sand Dollar Beach day needs to be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Big Sur is likely one of the most fun issues to do in the world. Bring your individual bike, manage bike leases, or guide an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of gorgeous views and recent adrenaline.
Go horseback driving
Going horseback driving is an thrilling strategy to admire the outside. We suggest occurring a path trip to expertise Big Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center is a well-liked possibility and presents a particular picnic and seashore trip.
Visit Point Sur State Historic Park
Point Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island linked to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It is residence to Point Sur Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1889 and remained practical till 1974. You can go to the historic constructing, taking particular moonlight excursions if you’re fortunate.
Visit McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a 24-meter waterfall positioned in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waterfall is likely one of the most dramatic pure sights close to Big Sur State Park. During excessive tide, the water falls straight into the ocean. You simply take a brief, mile-lengthy return hike alongside the cliffs to a scenic viewpoint to succeed in the waterfall.
To Conclude
Hopefully, you are feeling good and ready after studying this Big Sur tenting information. Big Sur State Park is a fantastic place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days might be stuffed with mountaineering, redwood and ocean surroundings, and plenty of enjoyable outside actions. You are going to have a unbelievable time.
Got a couple of extra questions? Check out our article on the final word tenting suggestions. You may even plan an enormous California street journey – there are many glorious tenting spots in California.
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