Big Sur is among the greatest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with wonderful seashores and mountaineering trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood bushes galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest bushes in the world, then Big Sur is a should-go to spot. Big Sur is full of nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent open air.
We’ve established you must positively go to Big Sur, however what about going tenting in Big Sur? What do it is advisable 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 motels and locations to remain from luxurious motels to boutique lodging, but it surely additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the perfect Big Sur campground to swimsuit each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is among 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 primary draw? Ventana Campground has unbelievable glamping services. If you fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are among the finest locations to remain in Big Sur. The lodging is safari-type and a romantic strategy to spend an evening beneath the redwoods. See critiques 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 retailers. Guests have easy accessibility to Big Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale services, akin 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-solely campground, hike-in campsites are an ideal choice. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to succeed in every web site. Hike-in campsites are a unbelievable 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 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 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 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 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 every part you carry, as there isn’t any automotive entry to both web site.
The campsites function hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You might want to carry your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or retailers beforehand. Speaking of outlets, as a result of there are restricted native retailers, it’s best to plan a procuring journey earlier than getting into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In quick, the unbelievable surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you may 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 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 enable round two hours to succeed in 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 barely a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a fireplace pit on the campground. However, don’t count on another vital services. Vicente Flat Camp is right 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 fun of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and among the finest stroll-in campsites. You gained’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 mountaineering and seaside entry. If you desire a base simply outdoors of Big Sur, Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a unbelievable alternative. Campers simply park in 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 hearth pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll should do with no bathe, however the campground’s facilities are helpful for just a few nights. The campground has simply 22 customary tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so make certain to e book in advance.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is unbelievable if you wish to keep off the overwhelmed observe and expertise a much less-developed a part of the area. At the identical time, the campground additionally gives a few of the greatest services – a win-win for those who 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 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 unbelievable areas the place you may pull up for the night time. 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, hold 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 can also like: Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park South Camp
This Big Sur campground is among the greatest on this listing. It is positioned inside the boundaries of Big Sur State Park – excellent 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, it is usually massively common 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 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 best 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 among the most gorgeous 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 unbelievable views of Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.
Getting there’s simple, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Road. The observe is a little bit 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 carry every part 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 (enable round an hour and twenty minutes on account of windy roads). Still, in case you are 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 part 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 positioned in the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra critiques on TripAdvisor
Saddle Mountain Ranch has unbelievable 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 unbelievable luxurious base and is conveniently positioned close to Big Sur. Read extra: Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
7. Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is among the greatest Big Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite gives 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 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 value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the nice open air.
Each campsite in the campground has its personal hearth 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 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 once you aren’t exploring Big Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a unbelievable 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 shocking 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 fireplace ring, vault bathrooms, BBQ services, and firewood for sale. There’s no ingesting water or showers, so hold that in thoughts when packing. The campground is greatest 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 outdoors the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
10. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Riverside Campground and Cabins is among the greatest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It is positioned simply south of Big Sur, off the Cabrillo Highway. The campground gives rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You can ‘glamp’ in type with lovely picket cabins that includes comfy 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 hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, sizzling showers, and laundry services. As its identify suggests, you even have entry to the river. You can benefit from the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Right on the riverside, you even have unmatched 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 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 very upscale and strange glamping expertise? Treebones Resort is the place to remain. Treebones Resort is positioned an hour south of Big Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort gives 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 services embrace an out of doors swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-web site eating places. Each yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you’ll benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones gives. Treebones is greatest for those that need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise accessible. See extra on TripAdvisor
12. Limekiln Campground
Limekiln State Park is a forty five-minute drive south of Big Sur and can be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s fundamental lodging choice 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 comfy, and you’re 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 mountaineering 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 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 right for those that wish 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 (for those who don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bathrooms, and a fireplace ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has every part you can want for a brief keep, and it’s the good 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’re only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Big Sur. Fernwood encompasses a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-type ‘tent cabins’, and ‘adventure cabins’. If you desire a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, primarily upgrades from customary canvas tent cabins. These choices function electrical energy, a heat mattress, contemporary linens, and heating – bliss.
Each cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally encompasses a basic retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-web site choices for a leisurely morning reasonably than having to move into Big Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with a perfect location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a ravishing RV tenting choice and is only a quick 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 superb alternative for these wanting nice services, 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’ve 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 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 every part it is advisable 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, once you discover a ravishing view in Big Sur you need to have the ability to sit outdoors comfortably to get pleasure from 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 services 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 support 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 helpful.
Most importantly, keep in mind your tenting reservations and any crucial passes. It is important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and produce a paper model in case your cellphone dies.
What there’s to do in Big Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unbelievable 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 measurement. 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 get pleasure from spiritual sights, visiting the monastery is among the greatest issues to do in Big Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Trail
Pfeiffer Falls Trail is the perfect quick hike to see redwood bushes 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 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 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 among the hottest US highway journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic National Park in Washington. If you fancy a highway journey whereas visiting Big Sur, you may 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 greatest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automotive.
Swim at The Gorge
The Big Sur River is filled with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Big Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is understood for its crystal-clear waters and calm water situations. Be warned, the water could be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit for those who go to in winter.
Visit Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is among the largest seashores in Big Sur. It will get its identify from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a 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 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 among the most fun issues to do in the world. 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 gorgeous views and contemporary adrenaline.
Go horseback using
Going horseback using is an thrilling strategy to recognize 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 gives a particular picnic and seaside journey.
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 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 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 among the most dramatic pure sights close to Big Sur State Park. During excessive tide, the water falls straight into the ocean. You simply take a brief, mile-lengthy return hike alongside the cliffs to a scenic viewpoint to succeed in the waterfall.
To Conclude
Hopefully, you’re feeling good and ready after studying this Big Sur tenting information. Big Sur State Park is a ravishing 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 mountaineering, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable outside actions. You are going to have a unbelievable time.
Got just a few extra questions? Check out our article on the final word tenting ideas. You might even plan an enormous California highway journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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