Best Tent Camping near Big Sur, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Big Sur, California

565 Reviews of 10 Big Sur Campgrounds

• 

  Christopher S.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 28, 2023

  Big Sur Campground & Cabins

  Very nice wooded camp ground

  Enjoyed my two night stay camping in a tent. Touring Big Sur and surrounding areas.

• D

  Dan M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 14, 2022

  Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

  Get there early

  Great for tent camping and hiking. RV sites have 30 amp hookups. No water or sewer hookups. Dump station was available. RV sites are all gravel and fairly flat. Paying after the store closed at 6pm was an ordeal. Could never make it happen. We tried to log in for 3$ to pay online but it failed and we were never able to connect. Tent sites were secluded, many under shade trees, and well dispersed. Bathrooms were few and far between. Mostly vault toilets. There is a pool that families will enjoy. There is a small store. Walks and hikes are what is available. For a National Park it underwhelmed.

• J

  James B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 1, 2018

  Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

  Not in July

  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.

• M

  Monica H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 5, 2020

  Big Sur Campground & Cabins

  All around great campground

  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. Lots of other kids and dogs around.

• 

  Chris J.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 3, 2022

  Big Sur Campground & Cabins

  Overpriced and Underwhelming

  New ownership, who reportedly paid $28 mill for the campground, immediately doubled their prices to $225 per night for a standard tent site. No site improvements, just a 100% price increase. They are hopeful people will just pay because it’s Big Sur, after all. Don’t support this business model.

• 

  Kimberly K.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 14, 2019

  Fernwood Campground & Resort

  My Second Choice Campground In Big Sur

  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.

• A

  Ashley Z.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 16, 2019

  Fernwood Campground & Resort

  Magical Wooded Adventure with the Redwoods

  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. If you don’t feel like cooking head up to the restaurant for a delicious meal. There’s also a small market to pick up necessities and ice.

• 

  Kathy M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 1, 2017

  Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

  Perfect Family Camping

  This was a fantastic campground for a family. Hikes within short walking distance and within bike or short car ride to general store and lodge. Coin showers and bathrooms were very clean. There is a laundry site (this was open) and second general store on premesis however it was not open for the season yet. Camp hosts were very nice and knowledgeable about area. Wood bundles were delivered directly to site. Tent site came with picnic table and large fire pit with grate. This made for an amazing first experience at Big Sur. Highly recommend.

• 

  Olivia A.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2021

  Arroyo Seco

  Beautiful and quiet

  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. Checked in and found the camp hosts to be so helpful and nice. They also have ice, water, firewood and other items available for purchase. Stayed for about 3 nights with perfect 80 degree weather every day. Went on a hike and found the most captivating view. When it hit about 6pm the mosquitoes came out so just make sure you’re equipped. Would love to come back. Also, went to visit Big Sur which is only a 2 hour drive, well worth the visit.

• A

  Alexa S.

  Guide

  

  May. 24, 2017

  Julia Pfeiffer Burns Environmental Camping — Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

  Huge campground

  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. I think each site has a limit of 3 tents (that could be wrong, but I remember the number being lower), but even coming up in the middle of Spring Break we didn't struggle too hard to get a campsite.

  The campsite is close to some trails and is across from the iconic Big Sur waterfall. If you get the chance to camp here, I highly suggest walking across the street to check out the waterfall. There's a lso a nearby trail right at the head of the campground. The trail weaves up into the mountains and has a beautiful view of the ocean from higher up. There's still a lot of fire damage along the trail, but it's cool to see how the forest has re grown since.

• 

  Laura Q.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 22, 2019

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  .

  I have come here since I was a kid with my Dad. This was the cheapest way to stay with a family in Monterey/Carmel. You will drive through a country residential area that does not look like there would be a campground then all of a sudden you take a turn and you’re in a nice wooded, shady place on a hill. The best of both worlds in the hills outside of Carmel but still close to town and beaches. They have glamping tents, cabins, and small tent camping spots. There is not room for more than two small and medium tents. Camp sites are not very private but they are clean. Kids love the pool and game areas and begged to stay longer and come back. Bathrooms are very nice and clean with hot water. I recommend if you want to take a family trip to Monterey or Carmel to check this place out. Only downside was I missed seeing and hearing the peacocks that I remember as a kid.

• L

  Lisa T.

  Scout

  

  May. 12, 2018

  Plaskett Creek Campground - Los Padres National Forest

  Nice family campground

  Nice rv/tent campground. It was the most reasonably priced campground we could find in the Big Sur area. It’s right off Hwy 1 so there is some traffic noise but since the road is closed a few miles south, there’s not much traffic (this will change when the road reopens in Sep 2018). There is beach access across the road, about a ten minute walk. There are flush toilets which are clean. Several of the sites have a slight slope but not too bad. Sites have tables/benches and fire pits. Most had bbq. Ranger comes around every evening selling bundles of firewood.

• M

  Mara

  Scout

  

  Jun. 10, 2021

  Kirk Creek Campground

  Gorgeous location- but come early in the morning to get a spot

  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.

• 

  Sara M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 10, 2016

  Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

  Sykes Hot Springs Backpacking Trip

  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.

• K

  Kelli H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 3, 2018

  Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

  Love this campground. The campsites are private and fairly large. Beautiful redwood tress are everywhere and a river runs through the park. There are numerous hikes, one to a beautiful waterfall. The lodge is wonderful, and the food at the restuarant is delicious

  Tent camping

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 1, 2018

  Nacimiento Campground

  Hidden jem

  If you can’t secure a spot on the coast in Big Sur, this might be a nice option for you. Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total). There really isn’t room for RV’s or campers (I think the limit is 25 feet), so most of your neighbors will be tents. Sites are set right next to the river which drowns out any road noise. Sites are also fairly close to each other, tho there is some underbrush and there is great tree cover for shade. Most sites have good hammocking trees. The vault toilet is fairly clean and each site has a picnic table and fire pit with grill. These sites are not reservable, so first come first serve. It’s only about 10 or so miles to the coast and there are lots of hiking trails nearby both in the forest and on the coast.

• A

  Amber D.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 22, 2016

  Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

  Beautiful, memorable, cool

  This campground is one of our all-time favorites. Tent sites are far enough from the RV sites that they are quiet and peaceful. The river is lovely and cool. It's a super popular campground and yet the tent sites are situated such that it feels more spacious than crowded.

• m

  marcus K.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Big Sur Campground & Cabins

  Amazing trees

  Set amidst some amazing redwoods adjacent to a bubbling creek. Clean and well maintained facilities. Has cabins, rv sites, and tent sites. Many trails nearby along with some great restaurants. There is no wifi and no verizon cell service.

• y

  yvette H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 10, 2021

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Nice and clean!

  This place is great! Well kept and clean! Pool area was awesome! Tent site was perfect too! Bathroom/showers were clean as well! Wish we had time to do the trail but will come back again and do it.

• 

  Jonathan F.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 22, 2021

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Convient and great location

  Great for kids and very clean. Sites are close together but the terrace makes for a little space from each tent site. Very close to Carmel makes a morning walk on the beach and back in the pool by lunch very manageable.

• L

  Lisa

  Guide

  

  Nov. 1, 2020

  McAlpine Lake and Park

  More like a mobile home park

  First I would give no stars really. We did not stay here (but did drive thru the property Oct 2020) We would have preferred a rest stop on the hwy (although we did find a better campground another hour down the road). 90% of the sites were full with what appeared to be full time residents. The RV spots were extremely packed together. And there were a ton of cars parked in any available area. There were a few actual tent sites - without parking, but other “tent sites” were really just a strip of grass. I found the website photo misleading as the lake was fenced off, and it really just felt like a parking lot next to the highway. There was a little market with food and fishing supplies but it looked like you also had to pay to fish. Friendly staff.

• 

  Neil C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 29, 2021

  Ventana Campground

  Decent site but expensive

  Paid 80 bucks for a tent site that was really small and close to other people. This campsite is packed to the gills. Plenty of kids screaming off in the distance. Not ideal but it’s in a highly sought after area, so it is what it is.

• C

  Clark B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 23, 2018

  Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

  Embraced by Redwoods

  Not sure if there is a bad tent camping site in this State park. All the site are in and around Redwoods – a perfect getaway for an individual, a couple, or the family. Sites close to bathrooms, include a firepit and table, plenty of room. Perfect for kids to explore – trees, streams, fields. Several excellent hikes in the immediate area – for all skill levels.

• 

  Anna R.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 16, 2018

  Andrew Molera State Park Campground

  Fills up quick

  This is a great stop along highway 1 with trails to the ocean. The tent sites are in a nice open field so you see the other campers but most are quiet and respectful. it is possible to share a campsite with others if it's full and you are willing to make friends.

• B

  Barb K.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 27, 2018

  Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

  Quiet, friendly, clean!

  Security guy was awesome, kind, friendly, helpful! We arrived at 11:30 pm - exhausted, with no reservation, asking for a tent site. No problem! He quickly got us registered and put us in a site with empty sites on each side of ours. In no time we had our tent set up, and we were comfortable and fast asleep. Felt VERY safe!

• 

  Michael O.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2024

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  In between camping and glamping, but somehow neither

  So, if you’re looking to be in nature and have a proper camping experience, this ain’t it. If you want a resort style vacation, this isn’t it either… yet somehow it’s a little of both. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping because you’re literally right next to your neighbor camping and isn’t really in the “woods”. Suggest you get a delux tent which includes a bed, fire pit and bbq. That’s why I’ve rated it high because it’s what I needed for one night. Plus the pull and games (corn hill, ping pong) are nice additions. Just know what you’re in for.

• 

  Bridget M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2018

  Kirk Creek Campground

  Best views

  We stayed at Kirk Creek this weekend in one of the walk up tent sites. although we could not park by the spot, we arrived that day with no reservation and we’re happy to park across the street with how beautiful how surroundings were! From what I could tell, every site had a wonderful view of the ocean with how the campground is situated on the bluff. I will most definitely stay here again!