California's central coast is home to Big Sur, where camping spots blend ocean views with forested settings. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground draws many campers with its redwood-surrounded sites and Big Sur River access. Big Sur Campground & Cabins works well for families, with a playground and spots for river tubing. Two miles from Big Sur's center, Ventana Campground gives campers more privacy with tall trees around each site. Wildlife like deer, raccoons, and birds are common throughout the area, so you'll need to store food properly. Getting to these campgrounds means driving curvy coastal roads that can be tough for bigger vehicles, but the views are worth it. You'll find basic restrooms and picnic tables at most Big Sur campgrounds, but bringing your own water and supplies is smart. Spring and fall are good times to visit when the weather is mild and there are fewer people than summer. Winter brings rain and cold that can limit trail and road access. The campgrounds vary in privacy - some have more shade and space between sites than others. Big Sur has options for both tent campers and people with small RVs. Always check if there are any closures or rules in place before you plan your trip. Big Sur's landscapes and natural areas make it a place many campers return to year after year.
$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
"Touring Big Sur and surrounding areas."
"It's on the north end of Big Sur which is great since you can come from the north or drive through Big Sur to get there (which is beautiful)."
$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."
$63 - $525 / night
"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"
$35 - $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."
TravelerI feel immense gratitude being able to spend the weekend in Big Sur! The campgrounds offer a variety of trails and amenities, you don’t need to leave if you are looking to be sat and relaxing in the woods. I particularly enjoyed where my campsite was in the back of the campground as it was the most secluded and immersed in the redwoods. All the sites on that road are like that
RangerWe spent 4 nights there under the redwood trees. Must be great to have the shade for warmer seasons. Unfortunately the storm system left list of puddles, rivulets and mud. Route 1 to the south was closed too.
GuideLove the beauty and serenity of the sequoias and other trees here.
It's hard to get reservations, but when you do, it's worth it!
We stayed here 3 days. We usually collect plenty of solar to not need hookups, but the canopy is so dense, we ended up breaking out the generator a few hours each day (we didn't want to disturb our neighbors).
It's a very peaceful experience with plenty of easy to medium hiking.
RangerNice place to camp clean bathrooms store of items and food and most importantly a great place to go hiking
ScoutI stayed for three days, and it felt like I'd been there for a year. There wasn't a single bad staff member, the toilets were super clean, everyone was nice, they greeted us, like other guests, just as we were. Even though it was like we were, I went in and it was very nice.
ScoutFree for veterans. There is an interesting farm machinery graveyard here beside what looks like maybe an old and no longer used King City train station building (no actual train). Spots are easy to get in and out of. It was so quiet, I didn't want to break the silence by starting my engine to leave!
ScoutHookups were easy access, level spot, beach is close by but it is a walk through the sand dunes which in itself was nice. We were on a shakedown run with our new to us van conversion and every went perfect! Staff is VERY helpful and the whole site is clean! Downside is as others stated- freeway traffic can be a bit noisy at times but definitely not a show stopper as the facilities will take your mind off of it!
GuideWe got lucky and just showed up, they had a sing thag said campground full but they do have a first come first serve sight We were able to get a canceled site right next to the water. It fills up fast so show up earlier in the morning to get a site. The campground is close to sand dollar beach and some other random pull offs etc with great views of the water. Campground doesnt have water so plan accordingly
LegendWe stayed two nights while exploring the park. Quiet campground despite being quite busy. We found clean facilities and friendly staff. There is a lot of wildlife eager to partake in food items left laying around so you need to keep a clean site using the boxes where needed. We had a couple raccoons try to visit till our dog said hello. They quickly moved to another campsite where I heard them sending them packing as well.
We enjoyed our time at this campground.
Big Sur camping options span from developed campgrounds to more secluded spots across diverse terrain. Located on California's central coast, Big Sur stretches approximately 90 miles along Highway 1 with elevations ranging from sea level to over 3,000 feet in inland areas. Campers often encounter temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between coastal and inland campsites even during summer months.
Explore waterfall trails: At Limekiln State Park Campground, hikers can access multiple water features. "There's a great hike up to see the Limekilns with a beautiful waterfall. There's also beach camping and we watched a beautiful sunset," shares Paula S. The park combines forest and beach access in one location.
Visit historic lime kilns: The preserved industrial structures provide historical context for the area. "Hike to the kilns! It's fun to see them still standing, and the CCC keeps the trail in fantastic condition!" notes J.Lynn J. This shorter trail offers educational value about the region's industrial past.
Walk to secluded beaches: Andrew Molera State Park Campground provides beach access via a scenic trail. "There's a sweet hike to what I call the secret beach. Wonderful private cove with a river emptying into the Sea," explains one camper. The beach requires crossing a small river that varies in depth seasonally.
Natural hot springs: Some backpackers trek from Big Sur Station to access thermal features. "The best part about this site 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," reports Sara M. who visited Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground.
River recreation: Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers water-based activities directly on site. "The campground has a river running right thru the middle, our campsite was just 10 ft from the river with tubing available for rent and rope swings into the water!" explains Dennis V. Kids particularly enjoy the water access during warmer months.
Dark sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing. "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," notes a camper at Kirk Creek Campground about the night sky visibility along the coast.
No cell service: Most Big Sur camping areas 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 Campground. For emergencies, some campgrounds post locations of the nearest payphones.
Premium pricing: Campsite costs reflect the high demand for limited spaces. "Very expensive. Pricey. Fresh," notes Edwin N. about Ventana Campground, with most sites throughout Big Sur ranging from $35-105 per night depending on location and amenities.
Reservation challenges: Securing spots requires advance planning. "They are booked 6 months ahead so don't expect to walk in!" warns Nicole O. about Limekiln State Park. Most popular sites book within minutes of reservation windows opening six months ahead.
River campsite selection: When traveling with children, riverside sites offer built-in entertainment. "The part of the river that was in front of us wasn't appropriate for kids to play in but the kids still enjoyed putting their feet in at the rivers edge," notes Grace M. from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Playground access: Some facilities offer additional recreation options. "Great campground, tucked into the trees. Nice quiet spot right on route 1. The campground has a river running right thru the middle, our campsite was just 10 ft from the river with tubing available for rent and rope swings into the water!" reports Dennis V. about Big Sur Campground & Cabins.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings around camp. "Saw quails and deer around the campground," mentions one camper at Andrew Molera State Park, noting the regular wildlife appearances near campsites.
Site leveling challenges: Ventana Campground has terrain variations that affect setup. "It should be noted that all sites are tent only sites and some are very small or have very steep elevation changes which could be problematic for larger tents or those with mobility restrictions," cautions Carolyn W. Always check site specifications before booking.
Limited big rig access: Highway 1 presents navigation difficulties. "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 accessing Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "They don't have any hookups but a pump out and potable water fill station is available below the lower restrooms by the entrance," notes Chris M. about Veteran's Memorial Park Campground, highlighting the need to plan service stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RV camping facilities available in Big Sur?
Yes, Big Sur has several campgrounds that accommodate RVs with varying levels of amenities. Pinnacles Campground offers a good number of shaded RV sites with electric hookups, making it a comfortable option for RV campers. Big Sur Campground & Cabins is another option that welcomes RVs. Note that many campgrounds in the area have size restrictions due to narrow, winding roads, and full hookups are limited. Always check specific site limitations and reservation requirements before planning your RV trip to Big Sur.
Where are the best camping sites in Big Sur?
Big Sur offers several stunning camping options. Kirk Creek Campground stands out for its breathtaking ocean views, hiking trails, and proximity to Sand Dollar Beach. It's considered one of the premier spots along the coast. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is another favorite, nestled among redwoods with gorgeous walking trails and spacious campsites. For a more secluded experience, explore the inland options like Sykes Hot Springs via the Big Sur Station trail. Each location offers unique natural beauty typical of this magnificent coastal region.
Is beach camping allowed in Big Sur?
Direct beach camping is limited in Big Sur, but there are campgrounds with beach access. Limekiln State Park Campground offers sites close to a rocky beach, providing the soothing sounds of ocean waves. Plaskett Creek Campground doesn't directly sit on the beach but provides easy access to beautiful nearby beaches. Most beach areas in Big Sur are day-use only, with camping restricted to designated campgrounds. Always respect posted regulations as unauthorized beach camping can result in significant fines.
Do I need reservations for camping in Big Sur?
Reservations are strongly recommended for most Big Sur campgrounds, especially during peak season (summer through fall). Popular sites like Julia Pfeiffer Burns Environmental Camping book up months in advance. For more flexibility, consider Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember that campfire regulations vary seasonally, with strict restrictions during dry summer months. Plan ahead by securing reservations through official park websites or recreation.gov to ensure you have a spot at these highly sought-after destinations.
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