Big Sur is among the greatest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with superb seashores and mountain climbing trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to stand 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 outdoor.
We’ve established you must positively go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do you must 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 numerous 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 lodges and locations to remain from luxurious lodges to boutique lodging, nevertheless it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the very best Big Sur campground to go well with each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is among the most stunning campgrounds in Big Sur and we extremely suggest staying right here. We cherished exploring the Big Sur coast from Ventana because it gave quick access to lots of the prime sights. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is definitely accessible off of the Cabrillo Highway. And the principle draw? Ventana Campground has unbelievable glamping amenities. If you fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are the most effective locations to remain in Big Sur. The lodging is safari-fashion and a romantic technique to spend an evening beneath the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, sizzling showers, picnic tables, a fireplace ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward outlets. Guests have quick access to Big Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale amenities, comparable to swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You can also 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 amazing choice. These websites additionally provide tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, in contrast to backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to achieve every web site. Hike-in campsites are a implausible compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and infrequently beautiful 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, 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 moderately 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 facet 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 every little thing you carry, as there isn’t a automotive entry to both web site.
The campsites function hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You might want to carry 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 coming into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In quick, the implausible surroundings and site. 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 affords. 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 achieve 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 count on another vital amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is good for those that wish to ‘rough it’ a bit of, 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 the most effective stroll-in campsites. You received’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. But it’s the good 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 mountain climbing and seashore entry. If you need a base simply outdoors of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a implausible selection. Campers simply park in the parking zone after which hike round 0.25 miles to achieve 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 must do with no bathe, however the campground’s facilities are helpful for a number of nights. The campground has simply 22 commonplace tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so ensure to guide in advance.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is implausible 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 affords a few of the greatest amenities – a win-win if you happen to ask us. You can discover close by sights like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the highway. The selection 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 technique to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many implausible 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, preserve your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds in this part. Some of those glamping websites even include a sizzling tub or two.
This part will cowl the very best Big Sur campgrounds for RV tenting and glamping. Let’s dive straight in. You can also like: Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park South Camp
This Big Sur campground is among the greatest on this checklist. It is positioned inside the boundaries of Big Sur State Park – best if you’d like a central location. South Camp is an enormous, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It is definitely accessed off Pfeiffer Big Sur Road and has loads of facilities. Yet, additionally it is massively standard with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. 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 comprised of 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 straightforward tenting expertise. Read: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is among the most beautiful campsites round Big Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking the most effective 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 simple, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Road. The monitor is a bit of tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Just take your time although, and also you’ll be fantastic. In phrases of facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so carry every little thing you want.
The better part about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It is a bit of farther from the middle of Big Sur (enable round an hour and twenty minutes attributable to windy roads). Still, if you’re planning a highway journey, it’s effectively value basing your self at Prewitt Ridge for an evening.
6. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV, and Campground
Saddle Mountain Ranch blends every little thing collectively – RV and tent tenting and glamping. It is definitely 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 fantastically 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 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 implausible 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 among the greatest Big Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite affords RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Road. Arroyo Seco is positioned inland, and entry is a bit of restricted. Be ready to drive practically 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 outdoor.
Each campsite in the campground has its personal hearth 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 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 while you aren’t exploring Big Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a implausible 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 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 ought 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 bogs, BBQ amenities, and firewood for sale. There’s no ingesting water or showers, so preserve 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 among the greatest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It is positioned simply south of Big Sur, off the Cabrillo Highway. The campground affords rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You can ‘glamp’ in fashion with stunning wood cabins that includes comfy queen-sized beds and non-compulsory non-public decks. Otherwise, park your RV and quiet down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, sizzling showers, and laundry amenities. As its identify 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 unequalled 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 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 strange 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 affords 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 may benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones affords. Treebones is greatest for those that need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise accessible. 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 predominant lodging choice and affords tent and RV websites. Limekiln Campground is definitely 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 sights, your choices are even higher. You can take one of many mountain climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Old Limekiln Ruins, nearly straight from the campground. There’s even seashore entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It is great if you wish to be close to a seashore, have nice mountain 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 good 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 offered (if you happen to don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a fireplace ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has every little thing you might want for a brief keep, and it’s the good base to wander, bike, or experience 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 guts of Big Sur Valley, you might be only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Big Sur. Fernwood incorporates a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-fashion ‘tent cabins’, and ‘adventure cabins’. If you need a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, basically 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 hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally incorporates a common retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-web site choices for a leisurely morning moderately than having to move into Big Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with a perfect location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a gorgeous RV tenting choice and is only a quick 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 fireplace ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a superb selection for these wanting nice amenities, a lot 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 lined 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 may well really feel a bit of daunting to organize. And apart from, even if you’re a professional-camper, a little bit of vacation spot-particular info is all the time important.
This part is every little thing you must 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 transient 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 equipment). You’ll additionally need a number of luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. After all, while you discover a gorgeous view in Big Sur you need to have the ability to sit outdoors comfortably to take pleasure in it.
Don’t neglect 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 amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Kit-wise, you want a robust pair of mountain climbing boots (plus a primary assist equipment 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, bear in mind your tenting reservations and any needed passes. It is important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and convey a paper model in case your telephone dies.
What there’s to do in Big Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unbelievable campground and a few mountain climbing trails, what else is there to do in Big Sur? The reply to this can be 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 take pleasure in spiritual sights, visiting the monastery is among 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 good and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for all kinds of walkers. The largest redwood is named 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 hanging {photograph}. We assume the very best view is from Castle Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to determine.
Drive the Big Sur Coast on Highway 101
The Big Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Highway 101 is among 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 because the park is greatest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automotive.
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 situations. Be warned, the water could be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit if you happen to go to in winter.
Visit Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is among the largest seashores in Big Sur. It will get its identify from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a novel shell- their endoskeleton. The shell is left behind when the urchin dies, and many individuals gather them as souvenirs. Apart from the actual fact you could find shells, Sand Dollar Beach is magnificently stunning. A Sand Dollar Beach day ought to be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Big Sur is among the most enjoyable issues to do in the realm. 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 beautiful views and contemporary adrenaline.
Go horseback driving
Going horseback driving is an thrilling technique to admire the outside. We suggest happening a path experience to expertise Big Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center is a well-liked choice and affords a particular picnic and seashore experience.
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 house 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 among 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 achieve the waterfall.
To Conclude
Hopefully, you are feeling good and ready after studying this Big Sur tenting information. Big Sur State Park is a gorgeous place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days might be full of mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and plenty of enjoyable outside actions. You are going to have a implausible time.
Got a number of extra questions? Check out our article on the last word tenting ideas. You might even plan an enormous California highway journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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