Best Tent Camping near Big Sur, CA

Tent campgrounds near Big Sur, California range from pristine redwood forest settings to coastal bluffs with Pacific Ocean views. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground offers tent sites along the Big Sur River, while Ventana Campground provides a tent-only experience nestled among towering redwoods. Andrew Molera State Park features walk-in tent sites that require a short hike from the parking area, creating a more secluded camping experience.

Most tent sites in the Big Sur area include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during summer and fall due to wildfire danger. Ventana Campground provides clean restrooms and coin-operated showers ($2 for 5 minutes), while state park campgrounds typically offer vault toilets. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds providing potable water and others requiring campers to bring their own supply. Reservations are strongly recommended for all tent campgrounds in the area, especially during peak season from May through September when availability becomes extremely limited.

The tent camping experience in Big Sur offers unique natural immersion unavailable to RV campers. According to one visitor, "Camping under beautiful big Redwood trees gave it a magical feel." The redwood canopy creates natural shade and temperature regulation, keeping tent sites cooler during warm days. Campsites vary in size and privacy, with some locations offering more secluded spots than others. One camper noted that "some of the campsites are right on top of each other," particularly at Ventana Campground, while others mentioned finding more private sites by choosing walk-in locations. Morning fog often rolls in from the coast, creating atmospheric tent camping conditions before burning off to reveal sunny afternoons. Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for exploring nearby hiking trails, beaches, and the famous coastal scenery that draws visitors to Big Sur.

Best Tent Sites Near Big Sur, California (10)

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

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

    $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."

    "Site 100 is located on the last/ end loop of the campground in Weyland Camp. It is on the outer edge farthest from the river."

    2. Ventana Campground

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

    $85 - $105 / night

    "We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming."

    "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."

    3. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

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

    $50 / night

    "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."

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

    4. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    10 miles

    "This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam. "

    6. Nacimiento Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "If you can’t secure a spot on the coast in Big Sur, this might be a nice option for you."

    "We drove to Big Sur and all the campgrounds were closed/full so we started driving around and stumbled upon this amazing campground."

    7. A Place to Stay in Big Sur

    1 Review
    Lucia, CA
    25 miles
    Website

    $30 - $60 / night

    "If you're trying to find a great spot in Big Sur, you found it, this is a great spot to pitch a tent and enjoy being near the ocean and the redwoods forests! "

    8. Alder Creek Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
    34 miles
    Website

    "Alder Creek campsite is 8 miles offroad from Hwy 1 in the Big Sur area. 4x4 is definitely recommended."

    "We camped at a primitive spot off the road on the way to the main camp. It was very quiet. Do watch for the cow patties!"

    9. Manresa State Beach Campground

    9 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 761-1795

    $35 / night

    "Stopped here on a one night stay on the way down to Big Sur.  Had campsite #1 which was decently sized and right in the middle of the camp. "

    "The drive in was a little confusing. We got most of our turns right the first time around and still spent a while circling trying to tell if we were where we were supposed to be."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Big Sur, CA

569 Reviews of 10 Big Sur Campgrounds


  • Elliott B.
    May. 11, 2019

    Ventana Campground

    Ranger Review: RovR RollR 60 Cooler at Ventana Campground: Nice campground

    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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • E
    Feb. 28, 2025

    Ponderosa Campground

    Nice quiet spot in early spring

    We camped here February 24-26, 2025. The forest service website indicated the campground is open all year, but when we arrived on the site one through four were available. Beyond site number five was a locked gate. Site five was closed due to “hazardous tree“. The stream was running plentifully and gave a lovely background noise. Sites 1 & 2 share a parking pad which is almost level. Site 1 is completely exposed and quite spacious and full of ground squirrel disruption. Site 2 is very convenient to the parked car, and it was our choice because we sleep in our van. Most of the water taps were not operable but the one by the toilet near the entrance did work and was labeled “non-potable, not for drinking or cooking”. The tap in site number 2 had no handle and was dripping at a rapid pace so we hung a bucket on that tap and use the collected water for handwashing. There were trash cans conveniently located to all of the sites, and there was a good supply of toilet paper, but even though the weather was cool, the toilet closest to the entrance was a bit smelly. It is a pit stop for people driving over or back on Naciemiento-Ferguson Road. I noted that reviewers indicated that they were plagued by flies and yellow jackets in the mid summer, but we had only a couple of flies, no yellow jackets. The weather was predicted to be sunny and pleasant with highs of 70° based on checking the weather reports for Jolon, California. It was almost a new moon and the stars at night we’re gorgeous. There was heavy dew which turned into frost in the early morning. We saw the occasional lizard and a couple of slow moving salamanders. We saw no raccoons, and considering that they have switched from having dumpsters to having trash cans I suspect that raccoons are not a problem. There was a posted memo dated February 2 reported that for the Monterey Ranger district, campfire restrictions were lifted until March 25, due to sufficient rain having been received. We walked the loop of the other campsites; some of them have the picnic table and fire ring located some distance from the parking spot, a few are possibly suitable for RV camping but most of those would require at least some leveling. I don’t know when they plan to open the rest of the sites, but probably March would be a good time to come and enjoy this campground. Bring your own drinking water. The fee is expensive for a no-water campground, but I was willing to pay the discounted price with my lifetime senior pass.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Kirk Creek Campground

    Beautiful campground above the Pacific

    Full disclosure, I did not camp here (all the sites were full). However, I was passing through and wanted to take a look. All of the sites have great views of the Pacific Ocean which is about 100 feet below. There is very little tree cover, which means very little shade and it seemed like there was a slope going on (might be hard to get a level site). I talked with the ranger/camp host in charge (mostly because he had an amazing, huge, beautiful bloodhound dog) and he said that even though there is no water available in this campground it is very popular and usually full from May until October. You can buy water for $5 a gallon,so be sure to come with plenty of your own water! In the winter months you apparently can watch whales migrating just off the coast. The vault toilet was very clean and well maintained, and each site had a picnic table and fire ring with grill. You are allowed to forage for firewood, but you really won’t find any in or around the campground, so be prepared to pay out the nose for firewood ($12 a bundle!!). You will have better luck heading into the Los Padres National Forest (inland) to gather firewood. It’s only a couple of miles. Just up the road are Sand Dollar Beach and McWay Falls, and there are hiking trails all over the hills (including one trailhead directly across the street from the campground).

  • Sara M.
    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.

  • J
    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.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2019

    Memorial Campground - Los Padres National Forest

    Camp under Oak trees near the Arroyo Seco River

    • A primitive campground that has about 8 campsites. Some campsites are pretty big and have privacy. Some are closer together than others. We stayed at site 8 and it was really nice. Tucked in the back with lots of privacy and space.
    • First-come, first-serve walk-in campground ($20/day) but I was able to make reservations online as well.
    • No running water, but there is are vault toilets (long drop) near the entrance of the campground
    • Lots of fantastic hiking nearby including Junipero Serro Peak. Trails are a little difficult to see because there are so many going in different directions, so a map can help. You can also see LOTS of animal scat so there are animals using hiking paths as game trail. Stay alert and be careful. Otherwise, it's so beautiful here and you can get AMAZING VIEWS!
    • This campground is in the valley of a few peaks so it was freezing at night (especially without a campfire)
    • Each campsite has a picnic table, firepit, and trashcans (with lids). The campground floors were covered with leaves but for the most part very flat and easy to find good spots for pitching a tent.
    • There was a fire ban during the time we stayed so no fires were allowed
    • Lots of wildlife and animal activity nearby. Loved camping underneath the canopies of Live Oak trees and listening to Acorn Woodpeckers in the morning. They are loud but still pleasant
    • The 18-mile drive getting here off the main highway was also beautiful and windy. We saw lots of deer and rabbits. This campground is far from shops or stores so make sure you come with plenty of supplies and water.
    • Very secluded and rustic campground. We only saw one other group in the evening, and they ended up leaving. During the day time there were more people coming for day hikes and parked at the visitor parking lot.
    • No cell reception AT ALL so you feel like you're off the grid (AT&T)
  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Ponderosa Campground

    Pretty campground in need of service

    This is a gem of place to camp with only one black mark against it (I’ll get to that in a minute). This site is run by the US Forest service and sits alongside the really pretty Nacimiento River. If you don’t mind the noise from the road, the best two sites with the river running next to them are right in front across from the pay station and host site. The river is great for wading and supposedly for fishing. There are some swimming holes further up the river (but still in the campground area) as well. There are no hookups for RV’s and the road is very narrow; probably not the ideal place to bring your rig, which makes it perfect for tent camping. Some sites are really private and spread out, and others are on top of each other. They all have picnic tables and fire rings with grills, and there was water available.  Alright, now for the bad part. The vault toilets were terrible! They definitely needed to be pumped out, and were in desperate need of a good cleaning. The flies and smell was overwhelming. They had obviously been “maintained” as they were stocked with toilet paper, but that was the extent of that. There are lots of nearby hiking trails to pick from and you are not too far from the coast.

  • Monika V.
    May. 5, 2021

    Julia Pfeiffer Burns Environmental Camping — Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    Magical

    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


Guide to Big Sur

Tent camping near Big Sur, California, offers a unique blend of stunning coastal views and lush forested landscapes, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

  • This campground features accessible riverfront sites, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sounds of nature just steps from their tents at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground.
  • With clean facilities and friendly staff, it's a popular choice for families looking to camp in a vibrant community atmosphere.
  • The park is known for its hiking trails, providing ample opportunities for exploration right from your campsite.

Tips for tent camping near Big Sur

  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially if camping at Andrew Molera State Park Campground, where summer sites can be quite exposed to the sun.
  • Arrive early to secure a spot, as campgrounds like Nacimiento Campground can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
  • Bring extra shade options for your tent, particularly if you choose a site near the river, as the sun can be intense during the day.

Unique local attractions for tent campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Sur, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Sur, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 67 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Sur, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Big Sur, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.