Big Sur offers a stark contrast of landscapes where 3,000-foot mountains drop abruptly to meet the Pacific Ocean, creating a unique microclimate that varies dramatically between coastal and inland areas. Temperatures range from 40-65°F in winter and 50-85°F in summer, with significant variation between sunny coast and shaded redwood groves. Seasonal fog often blankets coastal campsites from June through August, requiring layers regardless of season.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls and hot springs: A moderate 10-mile round trip hike from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park leads to Sykes Hot Springs with natural thermal pools. "The best part about this site—and the reason why so many hikers make the 10 mile trip with 1000+ ft elevation range—is of course, its NATURAL HOT SPRINGS!!! There are 2 finished tubs with water at about 100 degrees," reports Sara M.
Explore historic lime kilns: The trails at Limekiln State Park lead to preserved 19th-century industrial structures. "There's a great hike up to see the Limekilns with a beautiful waterfall," says Paula S., who appreciates the dual access to forest and ocean environments.
River tubing and swimming: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for cooling off. "The river is perfect for setting your chair in the river and sipping your beer while you watch the butterflies dance across the river and pine trees," describes John W. about Big Sur Campground & Cabins, adding they offer tube rentals and even have rope swings.
What campers like
River access for dogs: Many pet owners appreciate riverside camping spots at Big Sur Campground & Cabins for dog-friendly water play. "My husband and doggos have been to big sur three times now. It is our favorite spot to go. Good size lots, we have only been tent camping. Right near a river which is so much fun! Tubing there is great," explains Monica H.
Stargazing from oceanfront sites: Kirk Creek Campground offers unobstructed night sky views from its coastal bluff. "There's nothing that can compare to drifting off to sleep on the edge of the earth while gazing up at the milky-way, cut off from the rest of the world," writes Jessica.
Variety of accommodation options: Travelers appreciate having multiple lodging choices within a single property. "Fernwood is a unique campground because it has tent sites, RV spaces, canvas tents, cabins, a motel and even a restaurant. It's situated on the river in Big Sur, and is surrounded by the majestic Redwood trees," notes Ashley Z.
What you should know
No cell service: Most Big Sur campgrounds have zero connectivity. "You will be quite literally cut off from the world here. You won't find any cell service so turn that phone off when u hit the main road in," advises Jessica from Kirk Creek, adding that "wifi can be found by stopping for a beer at the pub connected to the Big Sur post office."
Booking window challenges: Reservations for popular campgrounds open exactly 6 months in advance. "The great sites book out VERY quickly. If you want to score you'll need to plan: Use the website, not the call center," recommends Jessica about Kirk Creek. "There's a 14 days limit so people who booked before you mean a site may be unavailable on your planned check-in day."
Variable seasonal temperatures: Weather changes rapidly in Big Sur, especially between day and night. "We were incredibly fortunate when we camped as all of the National Parks had been closed due to the Dolan fires, and Highway 1 was closed just after the campground turnoff, so there literally was no traffic on the Coastal road which is unheard of!" reports Carolyn W. about Ventana Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season weekday visits: For more availability and space at dog-friendly campgrounds near Big Sur, try shoulder seasons. "Shoulder season is great, with more availability than you might expect. We arrived in early March without a reservation, and found many open sites, some (like the one we snagged) right on the river," shares Patrick M. about Pfeiffer Big Sur.
Campground amenities for kids: Many families appreciate facilities that keep children entertained. "Lots of activities for younger kids. Convenient location, lots of amenities," notes Tim F. about Saddle Mountain Ranch, which includes a heated pool and playgrounds.
Site selection for privacy: When booking family sites, look for specific site recommendations. "The campsites we had were great. No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean," shares Grace M. about Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, adding that proximity to trails was convenient for family excursions.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations vary significantly: Several campgrounds have strict length restrictions or challenging access roads. "Do your homework if you have a larger rig, roads are winding and trees can obstruct with larger and smaller sites. Hwy 1 can be challenging but big rigs take it every day, the route to the South has very tight turns," advises Mike M. about Pfeiffer Big Sur.
Alternative camping near Monterey: For larger RVs, Veteran's Memorial Park offers proximity to the Monterey Peninsula. "RVs are limited to 25' and smaller and they don't have any hookups but a pump out and potable water fill station is available below the lower restrooms by the entrance," explains Chris M., who recommends arriving before mid-afternoon for first-come, first-served spots.
Riverside RV sites: Some campgrounds offer premium riverside hookups. "We were looking for a place to camp and it would seem the California state parks are all full in perpetuity—found this place on the Dyrt app and made a reservation—it's right up the road from the Henry Miller library," shares David W. about camping with hookups at Big Sur Campground & Cabins.
