Big Sur is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in California, and it is stuffed with wonderful seashores and climbing trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood bushes galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest bushes 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 open air.
We’ve established it is best to undoubtedly go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do it’s worthwhile to know, and the place do you have to keep? Whether you like glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Big Sur State Park has plenty of choices. This Big Sur tenting information will cowl all the very best campgrounds, together with some additional important particulars. Ready? Let’s get began.
Best Camping in Big Sur
Big Sur has many motels and locations to remain from luxurious motels to boutique lodging, nevertheless it 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 stunning campgrounds in Big Sur and we extremely advocate staying right here. We cherished exploring the Big Sur coast from Ventana because it gave quick access to lots of the prime points of interest. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is well accessible off of the Cabrillo Highway. And the primary draw? Ventana Campground has unimaginable glamping amenities. If you fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are probably the greatest locations to remain in Big Sur. The lodging is safari-fashion and a romantic approach to spend an evening underneath the redwoods. See critiques on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, scorching showers, picnic tables, a hearth ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward outlets. Guests have quick access to Big Sur and its group. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale amenities, reminiscent of swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You may additionally 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 an excellent possibility. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a brief stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to succeed in every web site. Hike-in campsites are a unbelievable compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and sometimes beautiful views of the Big Sur Coast. This part is devoted fully to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, good for tenting in and round Big Sur State Park.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is definitely a area reasonably than a campsite. It is situated 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 bushes that develop all the best way to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is actually 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 facet of Highway 1. Saddle Rock and South Gardens Environmental Campgrounds are only a brief stroll from the Cabrillo Highway. Don’t fear about being marathon-match, however be ready to hold all the things you deliver, as there isn’t any automotive entry to both web site.
The campsites function fireplace 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 buying journey earlier than getting into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In brief, the unbelievable surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you’ll be able to spot migrating grey whales, hike beautiful 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 situated on the junction of the Stone Ridge and Vincente Flat Trails. It is roughly 5 miles from Vicente Trailhead, so permit round two hours to succeed in the campground and pack accordingly because you’ll have to hold all of your gear. The campground is about in an atmospheric forest canyon. It is simply a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a hearth pit on the campground. However, don’t anticipate some other important amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is right for those that wish to ‘rough it’ slightly, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.
So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you need the joys of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and probably the greatest stroll-in campsites. You gained’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. But it’s the good campground to channel your interior Bear Grylls.
3. Andrew Molera Trail Camp
Andrew Molera State Park is a way more undeveloped state park situated simply north of Big Sur State Park. It is known for its distant and various climbing and seashore entry. If you need a base simply outdoors of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a unbelievable alternative. Campers simply park in the 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 fireplace pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll must do with no bathe, however the campground’s facilities are useful for just a few nights. The campground has simply 22 commonplace tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so be sure to e book in advance.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is unbelievable if you wish to keep off the overwhelmed monitor and expertise a much less-developed a part of the area. At the identical time, the campground additionally presents a few of the greatest amenities – a win-win should you ask us. You can discover close by points of interest like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the highway. 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 approach to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many unbelievable areas the place you’ll be able to pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
Of course, it’s your decision extra luxurious than a fundamental 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 additionally 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 record. It is situated inside the boundaries of Big Sur State Park – ultimate if you would 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 common with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the location. It doesn’t get a lot better for RV and tent tenting.
You can eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso constructed from the campground’s water provide. South Camp is Big Sur tenting made simple – what’s to not love? Big Sur State Park South Camp is the most suitable choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of amenities and facilities for a simple tenting expertise. Read: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is likely one of the most beautiful campsites round Big Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking probably the greatest views in the park. Prewitt Ridge has unimaginable views of Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.
Getting there’s simple, and also you simply drive to the location on Prewitt Road. The monitor is slightly tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Just take your time although, and also you’ll be effective. 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 slightly farther from the middle of Big Sur (permit round an hour and twenty minutes resulting from windy roads). Still, if you’re planning a highway journey, it’s effectively price 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 situated in the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra critiques on TripAdvisor
Saddle Mountain Ranch has unimaginable amenities, 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 situated 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 situated inland, and entry is slightly restricted. Be ready to drive practically two hours since you need to 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 shall be price it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the good open air.
Each campsite in the campground has its personal fireplace ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bogs, ingesting water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seashore entry. It is situated 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 using once you aren’t exploring Big Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a unbelievable place to remain in inland Big Sur State Park. You don’t must miss out on water-facet 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 situated off Cabrillo Highway, simply south of Lucia. Kirk Creek Campground is a shocking spot with ocean views and direct seashore entry. Kirk Creek Campground needs to be on the prime of your record if you would 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 hearth ring, vault bogs, BBQ amenities, and firewood for sale. There’s no ingesting 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 outdoors 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 situated 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 fashion with stunning picket cabins that includes comfy queen-sized beds and optionally available personal decks. Otherwise, park your RV and cool down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has fireplace pits, picnic tables, restrooms, scorching showers, and laundry amenities. As its title suggests, you even have entry to the river. You can benefit from the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Right on the riverside, you even have unequalled seasonal fishing to get pleasure from.
This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Big Sur. You aren’t removed from the group environment, 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 situated an hour south of Big Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort presents a collection of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. Guests even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The amenities embrace an outside swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-web site eating places. Each yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you’ll benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones presents. Treebones is greatest for those that need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise out there. 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 fundamental however comfy, and you might be inside driving distance of outlets for emergency provides. When it involves close by points of interest, your choices are even higher. You can take one of many climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Old Limekiln Ruins, nearly 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 climbing 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 facet of the area.
Ponderosa Campground is handed by the Nacimiento River, offering swimming and freshwater alternatives. Drinking water can be supplied (should you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a hearth ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has all the things you possibly can want for a brief keep, and it’s the good base to wander, bike, or trip across the dramatic surrounding panorama.
14. Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground and Resort is the last word glamping keep in Big Sur. Situated in the center of Big Sur Valley, you might be only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Big Sur. Fernwood encompasses a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-fashion ‘tent cabins’, and ‘adventure cabins’. If you need a glamping expertise, we’d advocate the journey cabins, primarily upgrades from commonplace canvas tent cabins. These choices function electrical energy, a heat mattress, contemporary linens, and heating – bliss.
Each cabin comes with its personal fireplace ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally encompasses a common retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-web site choices for a leisurely morning reasonably than having to move into Big Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping possibility with a perfect location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a stupendous RV tenting possibility and is only a brief stroll from Sand Dollar Beach, the biggest 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 hearth ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a superb alternative for these wanting nice amenities, numerous house, and lodging close to Sand Dollar Beach. It is stuffed with open inexperienced house 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 now have some important particulars for you. If you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it may possibly really feel slightly daunting to arrange. And apart from, even if you’re a professional-camper, a little bit of vacation spot-particular data is all the time important.
This part is all the things it’s worthwhile to find out 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-proof three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-associated emergency gear potential (assume additional poles and a tent restore package). You’ll additionally need just a few luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. After all, once you discover a stupendous view in Big Sur you need to have the ability to sit outdoors comfortably to get pleasure from it.
Don’t neglect your tenting range and cooking gear both. Of course, relying on which campground you select, you gained’t want some gear – so test your campground amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Kit-wise, you want a robust pair of climbing boots (plus a primary assist package with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray can even come in useful.
Most importantly, keep in mind your tenting reservations and any essential passes. It is important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and produce a paper model in case your telephone dies.
What there’s to do in Big Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unimaginable campground and a few climbing 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 – good 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 get pleasure from spiritual points of interest, 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 brief hike to see redwood bushes up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is sweet and flat – making it a simple hike, appropriate for all varieties 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 powerful architectural attraction and makes for a putting {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 highway journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic National Park in Washington. If you fancy a highway journey whereas visiting Big Sur, you’ll be able to drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Big Sur. This is effectively mixed with touring to Big Sur anyway for the reason that park is greatest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automotive.
Swim at The Gorge
The Big Sur River is stuffed 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 may be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit should you 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 accumulate them as souvenirs. Apart from the very fact you could find shells, Sand Dollar Beach is magnificently stunning. 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 enjoyable issues to do in the world. Bring your individual bike, manage bike leases, or e book an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of beautiful views and contemporary adrenaline.
Go horseback using
Going horseback using is an thrilling approach to recognize the outside. We advocate 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 situated in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waterfall is likely one of the most dramatic pure points of interest 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 stupendous place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days shall be full of climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable outside actions. You are going to have a unbelievable time.
Got just a few extra questions? Check out our article on the last word tenting suggestions. You may even plan an enormous California highway journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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