Big Sur is without doubt 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 stand up near the tallest bushes on the earth, then Big Sur is a must-visit 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 it’s essential 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 numerous choices. This Big Sur tenting information will cowl all one of the best campgrounds, together with some further 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, however it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown one of the best Big Sur campground to go well with each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is without doubt one of the most lovely campgrounds in Big Sur and we extremely advocate staying right here. We beloved 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 definitely accessible off of the Cabrillo Highway. And the principle draw? Ventana Campground has unimaginable 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-style and a romantic strategy to spend an evening below the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, sizzling 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 services, equivalent 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 desire a tent-only campground, hike-in campsites are a fantastic possibility. 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 incredible 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 reasonably 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 bushes 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-fit, however be ready to hold every thing you convey, as there is no such thing as a automobile entry to both web site.
The campsites function fireplace rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You might want to convey your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or outlets beforehand. Speaking of retailers, 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 incredible 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 one of the best of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Big Sur gives. 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 permit round two hours to achieve 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 just 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 services. Vicente Flat Camp is good for individuals who wish to ‘rough it’ somewhat, 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 positioned simply north of Big Sur State Park. It is legendary for its distant and various mountain climbing and seashore entry. If you desire a base simply exterior of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a incredible alternative. Campers simply park within 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 fireplace pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll need to 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 prematurely.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is incredible if you wish to keep off the overwhelmed observe and expertise a less-developed a part of the area. At the identical time, the campground additionally gives a number of the finest services – a win-win in the event 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 desire a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked strategy to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many incredible places the place you’ll be able to pull up for the evening. 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, hold your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. Some of those glamping websites even include a sizzling tub or two.
This part will cowl one of the 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 without doubt one of the finest on this checklist. It is positioned inside the boundaries of Big Sur State Park – ultimate in order for you a central location. South Camp is a large, 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 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 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 services and facilities for a straightforward tenting expertise. Read: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is without doubt one of the most beautiful 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 may be simple, and also you simply drive to the location on Prewitt Road. The observe is somewhat 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 convey every thing you want.
The better part about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It is somewhat 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 value 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 fantastically positioned 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 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 incredible 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 without doubt one of the finest Big Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite gives RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Road. Arroyo Seco is positioned inland, and entry is somewhat restricted. Be ready to drive practically two hours since it’s important 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 might be value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the nice outdoor.
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 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 using if you aren’t exploring Big Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a incredible place to remain in inland Big Sur State Park. You don’t need to 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 positioned 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 checklist in order for you 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 services, and firewood on the market. There’s no ingesting water or showers, so hold that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for individuals who 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 without doubt one of the finest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It is positioned simply south of Big Sur, off the Cabrillo Highway. The campground gives 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 elective non-public decks. Otherwise, park your RV and cool down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has fireplace pits, picnic tables, restrooms, sizzling 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 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 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 very 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 gives a choice 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 services embody 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 may benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones gives. Treebones is finest for individuals 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 be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s primary lodging possibility and gives 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 might be inside driving distance of retailers for emergency provides. When it involves close by points of interest, 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 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 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 good for individuals 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 be supplied (in the event 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 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 within the coronary heart of Big Sur Valley, you might be only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Big Sur. Fernwood includes a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-style ‘tent cabins’, and ‘adventure cabins’. If you desire a glamping expertise, we’d advocate the journey cabins, basically upgrades from commonplace canvas tent cabins. These choices function 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 includes a normal retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-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 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, 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 wonderful alternative for these wanting nice services, a lot of house, and lodging close to Sand Dollar Beach. It is filled with open inexperienced house and proper subsequent to the ocean. Check charges on TripAdvisor
Big Sur FAQs
Now that we’ve coated one of the best locations for tenting in Big Sur State Park, we have now some important particulars for you. If you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it may well really feel somewhat daunting to arrange. And moreover, even if you’re a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific info is all the time important.
This part is every thing it’s essential 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 transient on what to pack for a Big Sur tenting journey.
First, if you’re 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 (suppose further poles and a tent restore equipment). You’ll additionally need just a few luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. After all, if you discover a stupendous view in Big Sur you need to have the ability to sit exterior 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 gained’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 robust pair of mountain climbing boots (plus a primary help equipment with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray will even turn out to be useful.
Most importantly, bear in mind your tenting reservations and any essential 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 may be 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 this can be a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small dimension. These are one of the 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 non secular points of interest, visiting the monastery is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Big Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Trail
Pfeiffer Falls Trail is one of the best quick hike to see redwood bushes up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is good and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for all sorts of walkers. The largest redwood 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 hanging {photograph}. We suppose one of the 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 without doubt 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 finest 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 thought for its crystal-clear waters and calm water situations. Be warned, the water will be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit in the event you go to in winter.
Visit Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is without doubt one of the largest seashores in Big Sur. It will get its title from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a singular 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’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 without doubt one of the most fun issues to do within the space. Bring your personal 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 recent adrenaline.
Go horseback using
Going horseback using is an thrilling strategy 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 gives a particular picnic and seashore trip.
Visit Point Sur State Historic Park
Point Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island related to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It is dwelling to Point Sur Lighthouse, which was inbuilt 1889 and remained useful 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 without doubt 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-long 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 stupendous 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 incredible time.
Got just a few extra questions? Check out our article on the last word tenting ideas. You may even plan a large California highway journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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