Are you in need of a campground near Lucia, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Lucia, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$45 - $49 / night
"While we used to just head up & find a site- its become nearly impossible to "walk-in" during high season."
"We happened to drive in at the right time, had one walk- in site available. Campsites, large, away from other campers and clean."
$35 / night
"Each site has a fire circle and picnic bench, even the walk In sites. There are really no services close by, some items like at ice can be bought at Lucia, so everything has to be brought in..."
"Lower sites are more exposed, but get the benefit of the ocean sounds and rocky beach proximity. Upper sites are tucked back into redwoods, with a little stream nearby.
Hike to the kilns!"
$45 - $204 / night
"Walking distance to beach and hiking. Off road 4WD trails next to camp sight. Beautiful trees there too."
"Very nice campground with good privacy and shade for sites on the loop that surrounds the facility."
$50 - $75 / night
"No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean. We didn’t have a river site but the river was right across from us."
"I think it's a California State Park and Covid thing right now. There is some construction going on but it didn't effect our stay at all. We had a river site."
"You can walk over and see McWay Falls on the path. You are also within walking distance to the beach as well."
"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."
"I've always loved Will Creek Road, I feel you can get free access to the greatest show on planet earth here…Both the sun set and the sun rise, but you got to get above the marine layer and get to the very"
"I’m surprised I haven’t known about this little gem that is only 2 hours away from me. Above the fog line and beautiful views!!"
$85 - $105 / night
"Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."
"Luckily I was there with my son the first night and was able to pick a great site at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. the big downside is slit of the sites are walk in, you park your car and have to bring your"
$34 - $154 / night
"Campground was nice and views were pretty good, very hilly part of California."
"recid=10906 is located about 60 minutes south of Salinas in the Los Padres National Forest."
"Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other. 4x4 vehicle needed. Fairly safe, clean, and not crowded."
"It's a very dry summer & residents are on edge - just a reminder:
"Hey campers!"
$80 - $699 / night
"Made it just before dusk and we were able to get a tent camping spot for about 70 a night which was not a problem, cuz a roadside parking ticket was waaay higher."
"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."
ScoutSlightly bumpy dirt road to get to the campsites, but easy enough to follow. We camped here with a rooftop tent and had no difficulty parking. There were only two other campers there - 1 tent and 1 RV. Beautiful sunrise off the hill in the morning and plenty of birds hanging out to watch while making our camp breakfast.
GuideNice state park camping! Tried a few rv sites on this road and most were $140-$170 per night!! This site was $50 and even more lovely! The showers are extra but seemed clean.
TravelerGood place to crash for a few to days. Decent cell service. Nice put toilet. Only 6 spots first come first serve and decently spaced out so that's good too. The road in was dusty and kinda long way up a hill. So everything was covered in dirt. I wouldn't advise big RVs coming up here. Most of the spots only accommodate like van size and down.
ScoutI had a great time at the Pinnacles Campground. I saw a bunny (pictured) and hordes of quail. The tent-only sections of the campground were very pretty too. The only downside of our site (130–134) is that there was not a lot of privacy — it would have done better as a group camp. Fortunately, our neighbors were awesome so the forced company was not a downside! But if I go again, I am going to try to get spot 129, which seemed really secluded. The other nice thing about the little area we were in is that it is right at the trailhead for the Bench Trail. Raccoons were REALLY bold — they stole our neighbors' food while they were at their campsite! So keep the area crumb clean for sure.
TravelerLarge level spots FHU some shade. Helpful staff clean and well kept.
ScoutHi- My name is Tom Collins. I'm a director with the Big Sur Community Association. I enjoyed your informative blog. It's a very dry summer & residents are on edge - just a reminder:
"Hey campers!🌲👋 If you're planning to visit the Big Sur Coast this summer, just a heads up: campfires are NOT permitted outside of established campgrounds during the summer months🚫🔥. This is crucial to prevent forest fires, which we've struggled with in the past. We love having you here and want to keep Big Sur beautiful for everyone😊. Thanks for helping us protect this amazing place!"
Thank you, Tom Collins
CABS
ScoutWe had a wonderful stay at Plaskett Creek Campground. Lisa and William, the hosts, are absolutely lovely and welcoming. The toilets are very clean, although there are no showers on site. The campground is well-maintained, there’s a fire pit at each site, and the surrounding nature is breathtaking. The beach right across the road is stunning — truly one of the most beautiful we’ve seen. Everything was great, and Starlink worked perfectly for us. Highly recommended!
ScoutLots of activities for younger kids. Convenient location, lots of amenities.
Cabin was super nice to stay in after a week of car camping! Kitchenette, bathroom, hot water. Perfect.
ScoutThe campsites specifically are nice, but the campground was very disappointing. Lots of freeway noise, amenities were disappointing (fitness center was only open until 9-5?), dog park was closed, beach requires a brutal walk through soft sand. It’ll work as a landing point for a couple nights, but don’t plan on this being a nice campground to enjoy your vacation at.
Camping near Lucia, California, offers a mix of stunning views and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot in the woods or a place with ocean views, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Lucia, California, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Lucia, California?
Lucia offers several camping options along California's stunning Big Sur coastline. Plaskett Creek Campground provides spacious sites with tables, fire pits, and bathrooms, plus it's walking distance to the beach with nearby 4WD trails. Though temporarily closed, Limekiln State Park Campground is known for its beach and redwood sites when operational. The area also features dispersed camping options on nearby forest service roads. For those traveling further out, Kirk Creek Campground offers ocean bluff camping, while inland options include BLM sites in the Los Padres National Forest. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season.
When is the best season for camping around Lucia, CA?
The best season for camping around Lucia is late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Summer offers warm days and cool nights, but expect more crowds and necessary advance reservations. Fall brings pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter camping is possible but risky due to potential storms and mudslides affecting coastal roads and campgrounds. San Simeon Creek Campground remains accessible year-round but can get foggy in summer mornings. Laguna Seca Recreation Area offers good off-season camping with fewer crowds in late fall. Always check road conditions before traveling to this rugged coastal region.
Is camping allowed at Prewitt Ridge near Lucia, CA?
Yes, camping is allowed at Prewitt Ridge, which is a popular dispersed camping area in the Los Padres National Forest near Lucia. This free camping spot offers spectacular ocean views, but comes with important considerations. The area has no facilities (no toilets, water, or trash service), so campers must pack out all waste and bring sufficient water. Access requires navigating steep, narrow dirt roads that can become impassable in wet conditions. Laguna Mountain Campground, another BLM option in the region, provides a similar dispersed experience. Always check current forest service regulations and fire restrictions before heading out, as they may change seasonally.
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