Big Sur is likely one of the finest locations to go to in California, and it is stuffed with superb seashores and mountaineering trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest timber in the world, then Big Sur is a should-go to spot. Big Sur is filled with nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent outdoor.
We’ve established you need to undoubtedly go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do you want to know, and the place do you have to keep? Whether you’re keen on 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 perfect 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, however it 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 most of the high points of interest. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is definitely 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 top-of-the-line locations to remain in Big Sur. The lodging is safari-model and a romantic solution 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 fireplace ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward outlets. Guests have easy accessibility to Big Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale 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 desire a tent-solely campground, hike-in campsites are an awesome choice. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a brief stroll, in contrast to backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to achieve every website. 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 fully to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, excellent for tenting in and round Big Sur State Park.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is definitely a area quite than a campsite. It is positioned 12 miles south of Big Sur State Park. The park is famend for its coastal surroundings, with granite cliffs and dramatic ocean views, and forests of redwood timber that develop all the best way to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is 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 automobile entry to both website.
The campsites characteristic hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You might want to deliver 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 purchasing 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 possibly can 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 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 permit 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 anticipate another important amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is good for those that wish to ‘rough it’ a little bit, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.
So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you need the joys of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and top-of-the-line stroll-in campsites. You gained’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. But it’s the excellent 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 numerous mountaineering and seaside entry. If you desire a base simply exterior 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 need to do with out a bathe, however the campground’s facilities are useful for a couple of nights. The campground has simply 22 normal tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in complete), so be certain 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 finest amenities – a win-win if you happen to 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 selection 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 solution to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many implausible places the place you possibly can 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 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 checklist. It is positioned 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 definitely accessed off Pfeiffer Big Sur Road and has loads of facilities. Yet, additionally it is vastly widespread with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. It doesn’t get significantly better for RV and tent tenting.
You can eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso produced from the campground’s water provide. South Camp is Big Sur tenting made straightforward – what’s to not love? Big Sur State Park South Camp is the best choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of amenities and facilities for a straightforward tenting expertise. Read: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is likely one of the most gorgeous campsites round Big Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking top-of-the-line views in the park. Prewitt Ridge has 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 straightforward, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Road. The monitor is a little bit tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Just take your time although, and also you’ll be nice. In phrases of facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so deliver all the things you want.
The better part about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It is a little bit farther from the middle of Big Sur (permit 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 all the things 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 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 positioned close to Big Sur. Read extra: Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
7. Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is likely one of the finest 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 little bit 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 value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the proper recipe for an escape to the nice outdoor.
Each campsite in the campground has its personal hearth ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bathrooms, consuming water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seaside entry. It is positioned 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 whenever you aren’t exploring Big Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a implausible place to remain in inland Big Sur State Park. You don’t need to 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 seaside entry. Kirk Creek Campground must be on the high of your checklist 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 fireplace ring, vault bathrooms, BBQ amenities, and firewood for sale. There’s no consuming water or showers, so preserve that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for those that 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 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 model with lovely wood cabins that includes comfy queen-sized beds and optionally available personal decks. Otherwise, park your RV and calm 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 ambiance, outlets, and hospitality venues. However, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
11. Treebones Resort
Fancy a extremely upscale and weird glamping expertise? Treebones Resort is the place to remain. Treebones Resort is positioned an hour south of Big Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort affords a choice of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with gorgeous views over the Pacific Ocean. Guests even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The amenities embody an out of doors swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-website eating places. Each yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you’ll benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones affords. Treebones is finest 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 also be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s fundamental 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 retailers for emergency provides. When it involves close by points of interest, your choices are even higher. You can take one of many mountaineering trails to Limekiln Falls or Old Limekiln Ruins, nearly straight from the campground. There’s even seaside entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It is superb if you wish to be close to a seaside, have nice mountaineering trails, and never be too removed from Big Sur. Check out: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
13. Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground is located proper in the center of the Los Padres National Forest amongst the mountains of Big Sur. It is round an hour and twenty-minute drive from the middle of Big Sur. It is 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 also be offered (if you happen to don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bathrooms, and a fireplace ring at every website. Ponderosa Campground has all the things you may want for a brief keep, and it’s the excellent base to wander, bike, or journey across the dramatic surrounding panorama.
14. Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground and Resort is the final word glamping keep in Big Sur. Situated in the guts 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-model ‘tent cabins’, and ‘adventure cabins’. If you desire a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, primarily upgrades from normal canvas tent cabins. These choices characteristic electrical energy, a heat mattress, recent linens, and heating – bliss.
Each cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally includes a normal retailer and espresso cafe. These are excellent on-website choices for a leisurely morning quite than having to go into Big Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with an excellent location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a phenomenal RV tenting choice and is only a brief stroll from Sand Dollar Beach, the biggest 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, household-pleasant place to remain in Big Sur. The campground has RV and tent websites, plus restrooms, picnic tables, and a fireplace ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a wonderful selection for these wanting nice amenities, plenty of 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 perfect 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 will possibly really feel a little bit daunting to organize. And apart from, even if you’re a professional-camper, a little bit of vacation spot-particular data is at all times important.
This part is all the things you want to learn about tenting in Big Sur State Park.
What to pack for a Big Sur tenting journey?
You can view our final tenting guidelines right here, however we’ll present a fast temporary on what to pack for a Big Sur tenting journey.
First, if you’re tent tenting, you’ll want a water-proof three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-associated emergency gear attainable (assume additional poles and a tent restore equipment). You’ll additionally need a couple of luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. After all, whenever you discover a phenomenal 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 examine your campground amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Kit-wise, you want a robust pair of mountaineering 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 come in useful.
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 unimaginable campground and a few mountaineering trails, what else is there to do in Big Sur? The reply to it is a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small dimension. These are the perfect issues to do in Big Sur – excellent additions to your tenting itinerary. Read our full information: The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
New Camaldoli Hermitage
The New Camaldoli Hermitage is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastery perched on a mountainous vantage level overlooking the ocean. If you take pleasure in spiritual points of interest, 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 timber up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is sweet and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for all varieties 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 formidable architectural attraction and makes for a placing {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 possibly can 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 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 will be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit if you happen to 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 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 accumulate them as souvenirs. Apart from the actual 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 in the realm. Bring your personal bike, arrange bike leases, or guide an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of gorgeous views and recent adrenaline.
Go horseback using
Going horseback using is an thrilling solution to admire the outside. We suggest happening a path journey to expertise Big Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center is a well-liked choice and affords a particular picnic and seaside journey.
Visit Point Sur State Historic Park
Point Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island linked to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It is residence to Point Sur Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1889 and remained practical till 1974. You can go to the historic constructing, taking particular moonlight excursions if you’re fortunate.
Visit McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a 24-meter waterfall positioned in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waterfall is likely one of the most dramatic pure 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 achieve the waterfall.
To Conclude
Hopefully, you’re feeling good and ready after studying this Big Sur tenting information. Big Sur State Park is a phenomenal place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days shall be stuffed with mountaineering, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable out of doors actions. You are going to have a implausible time.
Got a couple of extra questions? Check out our article on the final word tenting suggestions. You might even plan an enormous California highway journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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