Best Campgrounds near Big Sur, CA

Big Sur, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Big Sur is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Big Sur, California (70)

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $75 / night

    "I spent 2 nights and 3 days hiking from Big Sur Station to Sykes Hot Springs camping site, via Ventana camping site on way back -- 22 mile round trip."

    "I love love love big sur! This is where I stayed during my bike trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Big Sur was definitely a challenge with all that hills but the scenery was so beautiful."

    2. Big Sur Campground & Cabins

    28 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2322

    $80 - $699 / night

    "Touring Big Sur and surrounding areas."

    "It's on the north end of Big Sur which is great since you can come from the north or drive through Big Sur to get there (which is beautiful)."

    3. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "I have always ended up here every time I have visited Big Sur because the public campgrounds in the area are always booked out, but this has to be one of my favorite places that I have ever camped."

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    4. Fernwood Campground & Resort

    16 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2422

    $60 - $100 / night

    "It’s situated on the river in Big Sur, and is surrounded by the majestic Redwood trees. If you don’t feel like cooking head up to the restaurant for a delicious meal."

    "Great spot in Big Sur."

    5. Julia Pfeiffer Burns Environmental Camping — Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    13 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-1112

    "Conveniently located along route 1 south of Big Sur, this campground is tucked into a redwood forest. It was quiet, and I wish we'd had more time to explore the park's recreation opportunities."

    "This is another favorite of my Big Sur stops. If you're with a big group, this campground has lots of tent sites and plenty of room to host multiple campers."

    6. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 / night

    "Big Sur is one of my favorite CA stops and this campsite is a perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the scenery."

    "Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year."

    7. Limekiln State Park Campground — TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    40 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 / night

    "This spot is a favorite in Big Sur's magical beachside forest. Books up well in advance, so last-minute reservations are quite the long-shot."

    "The entire campground isn't like this, but our site was directly beneath the highway and next to the beach. There are fun hikes that leave right from camp that go to a waterfall."

    8. Kirk Creek Campground

    43 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $45 - $49 / night

    "This is one of my all time favorite campsites - it's hard to beat the ocean view, easy access to Kirk Creek and the ocean (rocky water access only from campsite but Sand Dollar Beach is just down the road"

    "We happened to drive in at the right time, had one walk- in site available. Campsites, large, away from other campers and clean."

    9. Saddle Mountain Ranch

    23 Reviews
    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 624-1617

    "close to Big Sur and nice spot. Very close to other people. Can buy wood from the camp and shower!"

    "It’s close to Monterey, Big Sur, Point Lobos with beautiful scenery. Pool, good shower and laundry facilities. Sites are divided by fences and shrubbery"

    10. Arroyo Seco

    14 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $34 - $154 / night

    "Went to tent camp at site #14 (close to the bathrooms and showers) last week. I booked online in advance and arrived a little before check in."

    "recid=10906 is located about 60 minutes south of Salinas in the Los Padres National Forest."

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Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Big Sur, CA

709 Reviews of 70 Big Sur Campgrounds



Guide to Big Sur

Camping near Big Sur, California, offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, each has its own unique charm and features that cater to different camping styles.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the breathtaking trails in the area. Many campers rave about the beautiful hikes available. One visitor at Pinnacles Campground mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
  • Star Gazing: The dark skies around Big Sur make for excellent star gazing. A reviewer at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground shared, "We saw a lot of wildlife and shooting stars on the clear nights."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning landscapes. One visitor at Kirk Creek Campground said, "Amazing sunrise and sunset view."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean, took my fiancé camping here for our first time."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Big Sur Campground & Cabins are great for families. One reviewer noted, "The playground was well maintained and modern."

What you should know:

  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Limekiln State Park Campground warned, "It gets super windy so be prepared."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Veteran's Memorial Park Campground pointed out, "There’s no market nearby, so bring your own supplies."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground mentioned, "If you can go outside school holidays, you’re in for a real treat!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, "The camp host was delightful and very accommodating."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Big Sur Campground & Cabins mentioned, "The welcome package is a nice touch, 2 mugs, a deck of cards."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Pinnacles Campground shared, "Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Kirk Creek Campground advised, "Avoid sites that are close to the restroom as it can get very smelly."
  • Use Dump Stations: Take advantage of dump stations available at campgrounds. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance."
  • Book Early: Reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak season. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "You will need to book a few months in advance."

Camping near Big Sur, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With its beautiful landscapes and variety of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families, solo adventurers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Big Sur, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Big Sur, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Sur, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Big Sur, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Sur, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 63 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Sur, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Big Sur, CA.

What parks are near Big Sur, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Big Sur, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.