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.
$50 - $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."
$80 - $699 / night
"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!"
"Touring Big Sur and surrounding areas."
$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)."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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"
$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."
GuideIt’s too hot and the caves are closed in July due to the bats giving birth. We stayed here due to having to detour from Big Sur because of the landslide that closed the 1 hwy. on our way up to Alaska.
However, it was a nice campground with a good amount of shaded RV sites with electric hookups to run AC, a lot of nearby hikes, scenic views and wildlife. We definitely want to return when it’s cooler and the caves are open to explore.
TravelerI 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. Weather was perfect (did not need a rain fly on the first night!), trails were well kept, and camping sites at both Sykes Hot Springs and Ventana were in great conditions. The Sykes site has probably over 10 spots or so with enough room in between tents to have some privacy. At times, you'll be separated from other parties by the Big Sur river! Water, in the summer season is below knee height -- this is very important as the Sykes camping site is on both sides of the river. Don't worry about bringing a rope to cross --one is there already!! The best part about this site -- and the reason why so many hikers make the 10 mile trip with 1000+ ft elevation range (3000 ft up, 2000 ft down) -- is of course, its NATURAL HOT SPRINGS!!! There are 2 finished tubs with water at about 100 degrees - one tub fitting 2 people and a second fitting up to 4 people. The best reward after a fairly long hike with a heavy back. I highly recommend!
I did not spot any bears. Although of course this is bear country, I noticed THREE small camping groups hanging their food bags at kids party piñata heights...so either the bears are well fed elsewhere or we all just got very lucky. On the other hand, I saw 2 non-poisonous snakes, and a FOX!!! 2 hikers ahead of me let me know they crossed paths with 2 quite loud rattle snakes. So, yeah, mind your step, don't run and wear closed shoes. OH, BRING DEET -- I cannot stress that enough. I brought the natural kind along with every other camper I ran into and it does NOT work. You will be greeted by thousands of insects ready to dine on you flesh and blood. All sites have little out-toilets tucked behind redwood trees for your convenience. One last thing, this trail and all camping sites on this trail have so much water - bring a water filtration system and you'll be set! Maybe use iodine pills for the the sites at lower elevation as more people do bathe and who knows what else in the river upstream.
GuideI 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. Well worth it! It rained the night I stayed here. It came as a surprise because California was in a serious drought. And the one day the sky decided to open up was when I was staying in Big Sur. But it's okay. It was still fun and well worth it!
ScoutMy 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. Lots of other kids and dogs around.
TravelerThis 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. Lower sites are more exposed, but get the benefit of the ocean sounds and rocky beach proximity. Upper sites are tucked back into redwoods, with a little stream nearby.
Hike to the kilns! It's fun to see them still standing, and the CCC keeps the trail in fantastic condition!
GuideConveniently 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.
Guidelike all campgrounds in big sur, it gets packed. But the campsites are decent and there's access to a beautiful beach nearby.
GuideThis 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), hiking trails and the rest of Big Sur right at your fingertips. The sites are fairly small and close together - this campground is all about location and views not having the place to yourself.
We stayed here over Labor Day weekend 2017 and had record high temperatures, beautiful sunsets and lots of fun exploring the area. Big Sur is a great place to visit year round.
RangerLoved camping here as a stop on a road trip along Oregon coast hwy 101. 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. Check out the actual decommissioned lime kilns nearby.
It's just on the edge of Big Sur. Not much oversight to the park, but that was OK. It allowed us let some traveling kids without a reservation share our site.
Discover the beauty of camping with your furry friends near Big Sur, California, where stunning landscapes and pet-friendly campgrounds await.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Sur, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 65 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 54 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Sur, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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