Big Sur is likely one of the finest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with superb seashores and mountain climbing trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood bushes galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest bushes on the planet, then Big Sur is a must-visit spot. Big Sur is filled with nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent outside.
We’ve established it is best to undoubtedly go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do you should 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 a number of choices. This Big Sur tenting information will cowl all the perfect campgrounds, together with some additional important particulars. Ready? Let’s get began.
Best Camping in Big Sur
Big Sur has many accommodations and locations to remain from luxurious accommodations to boutique lodging, but it surely additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the perfect Big Sur campground to go well with 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 liked 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 definitely accessible off of the Cabrillo Highway. And the principle draw? Ventana Campground has unimaginable glamping amenities. 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-style and a romantic solution 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 hearth ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward retailers. Guests have easy accessibility to Big Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale amenities, akin 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-only campground, hike-in campsites are an ideal possibility. These websites additionally provide 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 implausible 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 totally 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 quite 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 way in which 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 brief stroll from the Cabrillo Highway. Don’t fear about being marathon-fit, however be ready to hold every thing you convey, as there isn’t any automotive entry to both web site.
The campsites characteristic fireplace rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You might want to convey your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or retailers beforehand. Speaking of retailers, as a result of there are restricted native retailers, it’s best to plan a buying journey earlier than coming into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In brief, the implausible surroundings and site. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you’ll be able to 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 perfect 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 ready 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 count on another vital amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is right for many who 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 joys of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and top-of-the-line walk-in campsites. You gained’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. But it’s the good campground to channel your inside 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 numerous mountain climbing and seaside entry. If you need a base simply exterior of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a implausible alternative. Campers simply park within 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 fireplace pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll must do and not using a 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 make sure that to e-book prematurely.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is implausible if you wish to keep off the overwhelmed monitor and expertise a less-developed a part of the area. At the identical time, the campground additionally presents a number of the finest amenities – a win-win in case you ask us. You can discover close by sights 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 solution to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many implausible places the place you’ll be able to pull up for the evening. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
Of course, you might have considered trying extra luxurious than a primary tent or RV tenting. In that case, preserve your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. Some of those glamping websites even include a scorching tub or two.
This part will cowl the perfect 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 finest on this listing. It is situated throughout the boundaries of Big Sur State Park – superb if you would 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 vastly 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 produced 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 gorgeous campsites round Big Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking top-of-the-line views within 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 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 wonderful. In phrases of facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so convey every 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 (permit round an hour and twenty minutes because of windy roads). Still, in case you are 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 every 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 superbly situated within 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 unimaginable amenities, together with a big out of doors 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 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 finest Big Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite presents RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Road. Arroyo Seco is situated inland, and entry is a bit of restricted. Be ready to drive almost two hours since you need to drive all the way in which across the park to re-enter the east. It is a particular spot although, and the serenity of Arroyo Seco will probably be price it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the good outside.
Each campsite within the campground has its personal fireplace ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bathrooms, ingesting water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seaside entry. It is situated proper subsequent to Arroyo Seco Trailhead and The Lakes Beach (a small seaside 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 implausible place to remain in inland Big Sur State Park. You don’t must miss out on water-side 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 surprising spot with ocean views and direct seaside entry. Kirk Creek Campground must be on the prime of your listing 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 bathrooms, BBQ amenities, and firewood on the market. There’s no ingesting water or showers, so preserve that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for many who wish to be close to a seaside 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 finest 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 type with lovely picket cabins that includes snug queen-sized beds and non-obligatory 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 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, retailers, 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 number 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 amenities embrace an outside swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-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 finest for many who need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise obtainable. See extra on TripAdvisor
12. Limekiln Campground
Limekiln State Park is a 45-minute drive south of Big Sur and can also be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s principal lodging possibility and presents 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 primary however snug, and you’re inside driving distance of retailers 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 immediately from the campground. There’s even seaside entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It is great if you wish to be close to a seaside, 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 midst 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 many who 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 also be offered (in case you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bathrooms, and a hearth ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has every thing you could possibly 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 final word glamping keep in Big Sur. Situated within the coronary heart 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-style ‘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 characteristic electrical energy, a heat mattress, recent linens, and heating – bliss.
Each cabin comes with its personal fireplace ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally contains a normal retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-site choices for a leisurely morning quite than having to go into Big Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping possibility with a really perfect location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is an exquisite RV tenting possibility and is only a brief stroll from Sand Dollar Beach, the most important seaside 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, family-friendly 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, plenty 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 perfect 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 could possibly really feel a bit of daunting to organize. And moreover, even in case you are a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific info is at all times important.
This part is every thing you should 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, in case you are tent tenting, you’ll want a waterproof three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-related 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 an exquisite 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 gained’t want some tools – so examine your campground amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Kit-wise, you want a powerful pair of mountain climbing 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 may also come in useful.
Most importantly, keep in mind your tenting reservations and any mandatory 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 unimaginable campground and a few mountain 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 dimension. These are the perfect 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Big Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Trail
Pfeiffer Falls Trail is the perfect brief hike to see redwood bushes up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is good and flat – making it a simple hike, appropriate for all sorts 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 perfect 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 because the park is finest 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 circumstances. Be warned, the water will be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit in case 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 will discover shells, Sand Dollar Beach is magnificently lovely. A Sand Dollar Beach day must 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 within the space. Bring your personal bike, arrange bike leases, or e-book 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 using
Going horseback using is an thrilling solution 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 possibility and presents a particular picnic and seaside 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 inbuilt 1889 and remained purposeful till 1974. You can go to the historic constructing, taking particular moonlight excursions in case you are 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 sights close to Big Sur State Park. During excessive tide, the water falls straight into the ocean. You simply take a brief, mile-long 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 an exquisite place to camp; it’s stuffed with pure magnificence and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days will probably be full of mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and plenty of enjoyable out of doors actions. You are going to have a implausible time.
Got just a few extra questions? Check out our article on the final word tenting suggestions. You may even plan an enormous California highway journey – there are many glorious tenting spots in California.
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