Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Big Sur, CA

It’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.

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. 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.

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. 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!

After being on the road for 2 1/2 months this place was just what we needed for a stop over on our way NORTH on 101. Clean everything, perfect level cement pad, large very nice dog park with room for the pups to run and play and a friendly helpful staff. This would be a perfect place to explore Pinnacle National or Hearst Castle. There is nothing near buy, except a Shell station with the lowest diesel prices I’ve seen in California. We ordered dinner from Luigi’s (located in Gonzales) they delivered for free and the food was fantastic. We will definitely stay here again.

Campsite Review:

Ventana Campground

Ventana Campground is a tent only campground, which I love as I feel like it’s harder and harder to find now a days. They can’t accommodate RV’s, motor homes, travel trailers or pop-up tent trailers. Although we did see a few of the rental company camper vans and trucks with roof tents or small campers on top. This campground isn’t cheap… But for the Big Sur area, I guess it’s “reasonable” as this campground is right in the middle of Pfieffer Big Sur and Julia Pfieffer Burns State Parks. It really is in a great location to explore the coast That being said, I did find it a little disappointing just how close the campsites are to each other here, meaning you’re not going to get anything close to a secluded camping experience. These (like almost all campground now a days) come with a fire ring and picnic table. We were lucky enough to get randomly placed in a spot right next to a wonderful little 2-foot waterfall on the creek that runs through the campground. We lucked out as there was never anyone at the front gate and there was just a list of everyone’s per-assigned campsite. There were some other campsites which were right on top of each other and you had to basically walk through someone else’s area to get to “your” table and fire ring.

It was nice that there was both recycling/trash and potable water stations scattered throughout and the bath facilities were decently maintained, and as they say “modern” (i.e. flush toilets). However, I was blown away that they only have coin-operated showers available (2 minutes per quarter). This and they really did pack in the 60+ sites plus a “glamping” area in the back for $425-695 (average ~$600) a night…

The tent site campground is reservable by phone at 1-855-391-8683 or online ($85 for Sunday-Thursday, $105 for Friday & Saturday)

While we don’t have one, I know people like to know that dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash (2 per campground).

For me personally the campground only gets 3/5 stars :

Overall, remember that while you have great access to the beauty that Big Sur Coast has to offer and the campground is pet friendly you’re definitely, not really going to get a remote camping experience and there’s a lot lacking for how much you’re paying. The facilities don’t have dish washing areas and while they are nicely cleaned and maintained things like a shower shouldn’t have cost extra…

These rules are copied from their pamphlet.

•        Respect the peacefulness and quiet of the redwoods.

•        QUIET HOURS 10 PM TO 7 AM.

•        No loud noise or loud music at anytime.

•        NO RVS. NO HOOK UPS. NO GENERATORS.

•        All fires must be in fire rings, under control at all times and extinguished before departure.

•        PLEASE DO NOT DEFACE TREES OR STUMPS.

•        Please purchase your firewood in Big Sur. Collecting groundwood is forbidden.

•        No fireworks or fire arms permitted on property.

•        LEAVE NO TRACE on campsites or facilities.

•        Conserve water. Firmly close water taps when not using.

•        Dogs must be quiet, on leash at all times and stay in campsites or roads. Please clean up after your dog. No dogs left unattended.

•        Recycle bins are available for plastic bottles, cans and glass. Please recycle.

•       Maximum five people, one vehicle, two dogs.

Gear Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and what I got to use during this trip for protecting our food from the wildlife and the elements was RovR’s RollR 60 cooler. While listed as “a 60-quart carrying, all-terrain attacking, patented design that can go anywhere you can. Engineered with the world's best cooling and organization design on the inside and built to carry your campsite, tailgate or party on the out.” It really turned out to be all this plus so much more. We had a really easy time wheeling it around and to our site and it was so much nicer than having to carry a cooler like I’ve done with my other rotomolded brands. Ugh… they get heavy with food and ice in them.

This cooler comes with a lot of really unique features that no other cooler has! Plus many other customization and add-on possibilities. Their coolers come with a folding tote container which is attached to the top with velcro straps so that while wheeling it around it won’t just slide right off. Good thinking there! When not in use this tote folds flat, and fits into an indention on the top thus serving possibly as a slight cushion for sitting.

When in use, the tote is unfolded and becomes an additional dry container for holding extra gear like a stove, pots and pans, paper towels, etc. You can also remove it entirely from the top and placed to the side or move it to a picnic table with all that dry gear you have for cooking or whats not. This “feature” is awesome - it is like having two carrying containers in one.

There are additional fixtures on the cooler which are designed to attached auxiliary items like a cutting board, umbrella or drink holders. There’s even a fixture for attaching an extension that can be attached to a bicycle. Thus, one can pull the cooler behind a bicycle like a trailer. Innovative game changer for those bike campers!

My favorite feature was Inside the cooler there is a special bin that can hold items that may not need to be chilled like bread, towels or utensils. This feature is so important to keep items separate and dry when moisture develops, or the ice starts to melt. The bin itself has an internal divider which further aids with organization. Sometimes you want things right on the ice, but other stuff isn’t going to do as well if you freeze it!! This was an awesome idea.

Overall, I give the cooler 5/5 stars. I really love the company’s innovation to the rotomolded cooler and even our cats approved! Go get ourselves one of these instead of some of those other rotomolded coolers at RovRproducts.com

Cooler’s Features:

•        Certified grizzly bear resistant rotationally molded body and lid with anchor pins for attaching prep station and accessories!!! Yes, please. Especially with all the bear cu

•        Up to 10 days of ice retention depending on use. Umm....need to test this out fully, but it lasted the 4 days i needed it with opening the cooler a few times per day.

•        Capacity: Without Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 60 cans and 20lbs. of ice. With Deepfreeze dry bin installed: 40 cans and 10 pounds of ice in main compartment and 4-6 bottles of spirits upright with meats, breads, fruits and vegies in dry compartments. 

•        High performance wheel assembly: 9-inch all-terrain rubber tires with interchangeable tube, aluminum hubs with 2 sealed bearings 

•        Aluminum pull handle with dual motocross style grips. This is great for pulling the heavy cooler around. Have you tried carrying one of the other brands without wheels?!?! It sucks!! They get really heavy, really fast.

Small enchanting Campground in the middle of the big sur coastline. Sites in the redwoods and sites on the beach. Both are wonderful. Great short hike along the creek, to the limekilns or to 2 waterfalls. Sites are in close proximity to your neighbor but people are generally too in awe of the natural beauty to party it up. Remains a fairly serene and peaceful environment. It's special really. A must at least once in your life. Dogs ok in the camp but not on the trails. No swimming in the ocean currents and waves are too strong but you can get your feet wet!

I love big Sur and this state park just has it all.

This is my second choice campground right in Big Sur. Not because I really like it, I've been there when it was too crowded, but because it has similar qualities to my favorite campground across the road -Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. 

In the summer the campground is thick with families and RVs/trailers, and tent campers. But off season the place mellows out and there is room to move. The campground is on either side of the Big Sur River, RVs and trailers on one side, tent campers on the other. 

Amenities are there, but the free showers on the tent camping side of the campground are better than the pay for showers on the RV side. Every time I've had a meal at the restaurant there has been a different menu and style. Maybe they change chefs every season, but it's not a far drive down to Deetjen's for breakfast if one is up for a treat. The Fernwood General Store has a good selection of food items, wood for the fire, and a few camp supplies.

My most recent stay here was in July 2019, on my sister's vacation with her RV. We had spot number 9 which was smack dab in the middle of everything which was not my preference, but my sister loved it. When I have a choice, I tent camp or vanlife in Big Sur between September and April. 

I would give it between 3 and 4 stars, depending on season and how much you like to be around other people.

This was such a beautiful campsite! The entire area was huge, plenty of gorgeous hikes in and around the camps. Dogs had to be on leash the entire time and on paved areas only, and are not allowed on any stage park trails in the area, making it difficult to really explore if you have your doggos. There is abundant poison oak! But you are warned upon entering it’s in the area, and being aware of its presence made it pretty easy to avoid even with it surrounding most of our camp. The bathrooms and facilities are all very clean and supplied, showers are ran by token system purchased at lodge. Again, amazing campsite and even better surrounding views in Big Sur. Can’t wait to return

The visit overall was wonderful. I plan on making this a go to spot whenever I'm in the Big Sur area

This campground is a gem in the middle of the Big Sur area. Gorgeous walking trails. Beautiful Mountain View’s. Nice and spacious campsites!

This is one of my favorite campsites due to iats relatively small size and gorgeous views of Big Sur. There is a cute, rocky private beach with access from the campground and a long hiking trail across the street that is dog friendly (just be aware of poison oak). 

Just note that if planning to reserve a spot, you must come first thing Friday morning when they open. By lunchtime, all spots are usually gone. If you come mid-week, even better. Also important if you want a spot overlooking the ocean. 

Also, raccoons are intense here. They will go through your stuff if you leave anything out. My dog did have a good time patrolling the campground at night and scaring them all away though. 

The last time I was there there were massive motor homes parked in all the front facing spots which was kinda a bummer, so even more reason to get there early to strategically pick a spot if tent camping.

like all campgrounds in big sur, it gets packed. But the campsites are decent and there's access to a beautiful beach nearby.

Honestly, camping in Big Sur is great no matter how you cut it. The hikes are amazing and the weather is moody and romantic. But really there is a special vibe here and that's something you just have to experience. The campground is well spread out along a creek and there is a lot of privacy and solitude to be had. That being said the campsites can be dark at times. I'm not sure they allow campfires at this time as there's a high fire danger in the area. This is a good home base for exploring all of Big Sur. You aren't on the coast and must drive or walk far to access it.

Only bummer is no more water at campgrounds due to drought, so pit toilets. Campsites on the cliff overlooking Big Sur, can see whales easily in the Winter.

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. The setting is 10/10 and is probably one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places I could think of pitching a tent. There is something truly special about sleeping underneath a giant redwood forest, and this grove of trees is nothing short of amazing. 

The camping experience aside, Ventana is by far the most expensive campground I have ever stayed in. This is partly due to the fact that it's owned by the luxury Ventana Resort up the hill, and also simply because it's Big Sur (where camping is pricey even at the public campgrounds.) I get that Big Sur is extremely popular, but there becomes a certain point where the price tag for a simple campsite becomes outrageous. I feel that Ventana is more or less taking advantage of campers in that respect, banking on people who are willing to pay any price just to be able to camp in Big Sur, especially when every other option is booked. 

Bu with the hefty price tag, you get to camp in a beautiful setting that is very well maintained, that has probably the nicest/cleanest camp bathroom I have ever seen. Seriously, the bathrooms are actually pretty nice and they have showers. (Pro tip: Use the bathrooms in the lower loop because they have individual single rooms with showers where you can be alone. The bathrooms in the upper loops have showers in the shared bathroom space.) Firewood and shower tokens can be purchased from the host, and they sometimes drive around in golf carts to your site with wood and tokens so you don't even have to leave your site. I will note one slightly frustrating thing about this campground: while you can reserve ahead of time, you can't choose your site specifically. But what you can do is write a comment in the reservation and request a specific area and that has usually worked for me. Some of the campsites are kind of close together with shared parking, but it has never been issue. 

All in all, I loved camping at Ventana/Big Sur. I just wish I didn't have to spend so much to do so.

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.