Big Sur is likely one of the finest locations to go to in California, and it is stuffed with wonderful seashores and climbing 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 outside.
We’ve established it is best to positively go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do it is advisable 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 one of the best 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, nevertheless 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 likely one of the most stunning campgrounds in Big Sur and we extremely advocate staying right here. We beloved exploring the Big Sur coast from Ventana because it gave easy accessibility to most 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 among the finest locations to remain in Big Sur. The lodging is safari-model and a romantic approach 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 hearth ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward outlets. Guests have easy accessibility to Big Sur and its group. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale amenities, comparable to swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You might also 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 ideal possibility. These websites additionally provide tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to achieve every website. Hike-in campsites are a incredible compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and sometimes beautiful views of the Big Sur Coast. This part is devoted completely 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 somewhat 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 way in which 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 aspect 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 all the things you carry, as there isn’t a automotive entry to both website.
The campsites characteristic 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 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 provides. 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 about in an atmospheric forest canyon. It is simply a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a hearth pit on the campground. However, don’t count on some other vital amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is right for those that need to ‘rough it’ a 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 fun of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and among the finest 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 interior 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 known for its distant and numerous climbing and seashore entry. If you desire a base simply exterior of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a incredible selection. Campers simply park in the car 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 should do and not using a bathe, however the campground’s facilities are useful for just a few nights. The campground has simply 22 normal tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so ensure to e book in advance.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is incredible if you wish to keep off the crushed observe and expertise a much less-developed a part of the area. At the identical time, the campground additionally provides a few 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 street. 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 approach to discover the US wilderness, and Big Sur has many incredible areas 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 in 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 might also 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 – splendid if you’d like 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, it is usually massively in style with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the location. 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 simple – 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 beautiful campsites round Big Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking among the finest views in the park. Prewitt Ridge has unimaginable views of Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.
Getting there’s simple, and also you simply drive to the location on Prewitt Road. The observe is a bit tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Just take your time although, and also you’ll be high quality. In phrases of facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so carry all the things you want.
The better part about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It is a bit farther from the middle of Big Sur (enable round an hour and twenty minutes attributable to windy roads). Still, in case you are planning a street journey, it’s nicely 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 need 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 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 likely one of the finest Big Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite provides RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Road. Arroyo Seco is positioned inland, and entry is a bit restricted. Be ready to drive practically 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 likely be value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the proper recipe for an escape to the good outside.
Each campsite in the campground has its personal hearth ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bogs, consuming 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 should miss out on water-aspect 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 needs 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 hearth ring, vault bogs, 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 need 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 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 provides rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You can ‘glamp’ in model with stunning picket cabins that includes snug queen-sized beds and elective 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 get pleasure from.
This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Big Sur. You aren’t removed from the group environment, outlets, and hospitality venues. However, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
11. Treebones Resort
Fancy a 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 provides 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 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 may benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones provides. 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 be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s principal lodging possibility and provides 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 outlets for emergency provides. When it involves close by sights, your choices are even higher. You can take one of many climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Old Limekiln Ruins, virtually straight from the campground. There’s even seashore entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It is superb if you wish to be close to a seashore, have nice climbing trails, and never be too removed from Big Sur. Check out: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
13. Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground is located proper in the center of the Los Padres National Forest amongst the mountains of Big Sur. It is round an hour and twenty-minute drive from the middle of Big Sur. It is right for those that need to expertise RV tenting on a extra mountainous aspect of the area.
Ponderosa Campground is handed by the Nacimiento River, offering swimming and freshwater alternatives. Drinking water can be offered (in case you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a hearth ring at every website. Ponderosa Campground has all the things 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 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 advocate the journey cabins, basically 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 good on-website choices for a leisurely morning somewhat 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 an attractive 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, household-pleasant place to remain in Big Sur. The campground has RV and tent websites, plus restrooms, picnic tables, and a hearth ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a wonderful selection for these wanting nice amenities, a lot 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 one of the best locations for tenting in Big Sur State Park, we’ve some important particulars for you. If you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it may well really feel a bit daunting to arrange. And moreover, even in case you are a professional-camper, a little bit of vacation spot-particular data is at all times important.
This part is all the things it is advisable 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, in case you are tent tenting, you’ll want a water-resistant three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-associated emergency gear doable (suppose 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, if you discover an attractive view in Big Sur you need to have the ability to sit exterior comfortably to get pleasure from 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 verify your campground amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Kit-wise, you want a powerful pair of climbing boots (plus a primary help package with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray may even come in useful.
Most importantly, bear in mind your tenting reservations and any essential passes. It is significant to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and convey a paper model in case your cellphone dies.
What there’s to do in Big Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unimaginable campground and a few climbing trails, what else is there to do in Big Sur? The reply to this can be a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small measurement. 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 get pleasure from 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 one of the best quick 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 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 suppose one of the best view is from Castle Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to resolve.
Drive the Big Sur Coast on Highway 101
The Big Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Highway 101 is likely one of the hottest US street journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic National Park in Washington. If you fancy a street 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 nicely mixed with touring to Big Sur anyway for the reason that park is finest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automotive.
Swim at The Gorge
The Big Sur River is stuffed with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Big Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is thought for its crystal-clear waters and calm water situations. 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 identify from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a singular 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’ll find shells, Sand Dollar Beach is magnificently stunning. A Sand Dollar Beach day needs to be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Big Sur is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in the world. Bring your individual bike, set up 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 approach to admire the outside. We advocate occurring a path experience to expertise Big Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center is a well-liked possibility and provides a particular picnic and seashore experience.
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 house to Point Sur Lighthouse, which was constructed in 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 positioned 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-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 an attractive place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days will likely be crammed with climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable outside actions. You are going to have a incredible time.
Got just a few extra questions? Check out our article on the final word tenting ideas. You may even plan a large California street journey – there are many glorious tenting spots in California.
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