Best Tent Camping near King City, CA

The Big Sur region surrounding King City, California offers diverse tent camping opportunities within the Los Padres National Forest and state park system. Tent-specific campgrounds include Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with its shaded walk-in tent sites and Nacimiento Campground, which features tent-friendly riverside settings. Andrew Molera State Park provides walk-in tent sites in an open meadow setting, requiring a short hike from the parking area to reach the tent camping area.

Most tent sites in the region include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during dry seasons. Walk-in tent camping at Andrew Molera requires carrying gear a short distance, while primitive backcountry tent sites at Carmel River Camp demand proper filtration equipment as no potable water is available. Vault toilets serve most designated tent campgrounds, but backcountry tent sites lack facilities entirely. Campers visiting primitive tent areas should follow strict pack-in, pack-out protocols. The tent sites at Nacimiento Campground are situated directly alongside the river, providing natural sound barriers from nearby roads.

Tent campers at Pfeiffer Big Sur enjoy significant tree coverage, with redwoods providing ample shade for most sites. The walk-in tent camping area at Andrew Molera offers minimal shade but excellent stargazing opportunities due to its open meadow setting. According to one visitor, "The sites are in an open grassy area with not much shade coverage or privacy, but there is a sweet hike to a private cove with a river emptying into the sea." Backcountry tent sites along the Carmel River Trail require multiple river crossings to access but reward tent campers with solitude. Primitive tent camping areas throughout the region provide varying levels of privacy, with riverside tent sites generally offering more seclusion than open meadow settings.

Best Tent Sites Near King City, California (9)

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

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

    $50 - $75 / night

    "With a stream running near the hike and bike camping area and tall trees offering a cool shade it is a wonderful reprieve from the outside world.  "

    "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. Nacimiento Campground

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

    "Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total)."

    "So beautiful and right next to a creek with fish to play in. The views from the top of the mountain when driving to the ocean are the most beautiful views in the world!"

    3. Lake San Antonio - North Shore

    5 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 472-2311

    "The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available."

    "The lake is everything. A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it’s back and better than ever."

    5. 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! "

    6. Alder Creek Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
    27 miles
    Website

    "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!"

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

    7. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    40 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."

    8. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    30 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. "

    9. Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP Environmental Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Big Sur, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-1112

    $30 - $38 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near King City, CA

582 Reviews of 9 King City Campgrounds



Guide to King City

Tent camping near King City, California, offers a variety of beautiful locations where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from serene lakeside spots to lush redwood forests, there's something for every camper.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Lake San Antonio - North Shore, visitors can enjoy fishing from the shore during the early morning and dusk, making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • The Nacimiento Campground is a great base for exploring nearby hiking trails, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and creek.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Alder Creek Camp offers off-road trails leading to hidden campsites, ideal for adventurous campers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

Tent campers should check out the amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near King City, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near King City, 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 King City, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near King City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.