Searching for a tent camping spot near San Lucas? Find the best information on tent camping near San Lucas, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of San Lucas, California's most popular destinations.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground features 189 RV and tent sites are situated on or near the Big Sur River. There is a Campfire Center that offers evening programs on the weekends during peak season.
Each campsite includes a parking area for at least one car, a fire pit with half-grill and picnic table. No hookups are provided at any site. Fresh water, hot showers and toilets are a short walk.
All incoming campers must check in at the entrance kiosk. Camper vehicles must display vehicle tag (proof of reservation) in the windshield. Vehicle tags are also valid for day use entrance into other area state parks.
$50 - $75 / night
$85 - $105 / night
Temporarily closed. Small campground with 9 campsites located among oak trees. Located near a running creek. Recreational Vehicles no longer than 25 feet.
Large oak-shaded camp on the banks of Alder Creek. Contact the Monterey Ranger District for more information on this campground at 831-385-5434 X 0.
Read ENTIRE LISTING DESCRIPTION before requesting to book.
CURRENTLY - Because of major road repair - this land is ONLY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE SOUTH - THROUGH CAMBRIA - in San luis Obispo County. Highway 1 is completely impassable to the north in between Limekiln and Lucia. The only way to exit is also to return south.
-ONLY booking within 2 weeks or less - NOT accepting reservations more than 14 days out. Arrive Before Dark to find your site.
Find a place to set up your own tent, pads and bedding near the creek or on the hill. Most sites require walking away from your car. There are some flat spots to sleep in a vehicle.
A homestead at the bottom of a canyon where the creek meets the ocean. It is off-the-grid with no Wi-Fi, cell service or electricity.
A great place for families and children to experience nature. A Young child and baby live here, as well as three dogs, a cat and chickens/ducks. Dogs are welcome off-leash, unless they attack chickens/ducks, cats or other dogs. Please bury/cover dog poop.
This is a remote area with beautiful beaches, creeks and hiking trails throughout. Some areas can be very dangerous with steep cliffs and loose rocks. Be aware that things like spiders, snakes, raccoons, mice, poison oak, etc.. exist in natural areas like this.
Structures on the land are very rustic, A small communal guest kitchen is available with a two-burner stove and sink. Fresh water is available for drinking. There is a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers.
In the Fall of 2020 a huge fire burned the entire canyon followed a few months later by a massive flood that brought down gigantic redwood trees and boulders smashing through everything in it's path including the main living quarters and farm animals. The rains of 23’ also had a significant impact. The land is in the process of restoration and many areas are being worked on.
Alcohol is discouraged. It is not intended as a place to party or get drunk. A casual drink is okay. No stereos or electronic music devices. Acoustic instruments are fine. Fires can be made in designated pits near the creek only. Please do not bring excessive waste into the forest and Pack it Out. There are garbage and recycling cans if necessary.
TO BE ACCEPTED - please write “My party and I have read and understand the description” at the top of your booking request followed by a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from.
Because there is no Wi-Fi on the land - the internet may only be checked once daily - unless we are in town. Responses will come from Gene or Elle. It is advisable to check the weather before booking, especially in the winter - as there may be unsafe road conditions.
$30 - $60 / night
There is no access to the campgrounds, beach trail, or any trails on the South side of the Big Sur River due to storm and flood damage.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a hike-in campground. Campers park in the day use parking lot and hike about 1/4 mile to the campground. Trail Camp contains 22 standard tent sites and two (2) hike-and-bike campsites. The campground is situated in a meadow near the Big Sur River. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and food storage container. Trail Camp offers potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.
Standard campsites are available for reservation. Reservations fill up six months in advance.
$50 / night
Two Environmental Campsites are located on the west side of Highway 1 south of McWay Cove. Both sites are hike-in only and no vehicle access is permitted. These sites are extremely popular year round and usually fill up six months in advance. Reservations are required and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275.
No dogs are permitted in the campground or on park trails.
PLEASE NOTE: Camping in the two designated sites is the only camping permitted in the park. Camping or sleeping inside a vehicle in the parking lot or on the highway is not allowed.
$30 - $38 / night
Traveler
Camped with family over Memorial Day weekend. Park was busy , but amazing. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Our camp neighbors were awesome. Bathroom and showers clean. We camp here at least twice a year. Can’t wait to come back.
TravelerI know we all rant here about how, “if you can go outside school holidays, you’re in for a real treat!” The most popular places, like Pfeiffer, can be nuts in the high season, although socially, that can be fun, too.
However, I have had the nicest times in the Winter here, truly. Christmas, Thanksgiving, special moments. The winter sun and sunsets are extraordinary. The Big Sur community, chill and awesome without all the tourist pressure.
Another fun fact… sometimes, when I have come back from a backpacking trip in the area, I will book a day or night, even if I don’t SPEND the whole night, because the showers are SO GOOD. And you know what’s it like to want a decent shower after you’ve been in the muck a few days.
Traveler
I didn’t enjoy this campground for years — I’d always drive home, to my cooler coastal home. It is WICKED hot in the summer. But one time, I joined my daughter, who did have a summer reservation, and I changed my mind! They have a pool! The kids are thrilled! There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek. Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in. By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape. In spring, it’s a wildflower fantasia.
I was selfishly a little sad when Pinnacles became a national monument, instead of a regional secret. But I’m so glad they got the money, they deserve it! Note: I discovered it because my kids were in rock climbing classes in town, and “this” was the field trip. So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside.
Scout
Long story short the staff were unhelpful and lied about there being multiple spots open. When we arrived the people in the spot next to us had completely blocked our spot with one of their cars and were using our table. Had to asked a second time to be moved spots and only found out there were available spots when someone without a reservation showed up to registration when I was up there complaining.
Traveler
Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you’ll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will). i went early August and there was only one other camper van. very quiet. AMAZING sunset view. one of the best i’ve seen. just wished there was signal , for safety reasons.
Traveler
Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers.
TravelerCampground is fine. Very hot and very dry after June. No camp fires after June bear gulch caves are also closed after June. Seen a ton of wildlife and over all wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing.
Traveler
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
Traveler
small hill top campground with amazing sunrise and sunset view. There is a small trail to go down the beach right next to camp site #22 Avoid sites that close to the restroom as it can get very smelly. Site #7,8,9 are the best with open space for ocean views. Can get very windy at night (depending on on season) so secure down your tent tightly
Scout
The sites are clean and the views are lovely. We loved the fire pits and the string lights hanging from the trees. Very nice atmosphere.
Traveler
Got there around noontime on the Friday of Memorial Day and grabbed the last designated lot. Really awesome area. Beautiful sunset over the mountains. Hiked Laguna Mountain and the Falls. Highly recommended. Toilet was also nice.
Guide
This year MG run was held in Hollister Hills due to Clear Creek being closed. My registration came with free camp spot in the Upper Ranch. For an organized trail run I would give it a 5 star as it was very respectful and actually not loud at all including day light hours.
From a dispersed camp/ camp experience I am giving this a 4 star thats because I knew I was not camping here for a camp experience but an off-road experience with many other off-road enthusiast.
ScoutQuiet, serene and green and beautiful. i really don’t know what else you could ask for in a remote campsite. It is a 10 for the view and the setting. I will so be back….and often Rupert
GuideThe moon , stars, and timing of life could not have lived up better for us and our decision to revisit after a not-so great experience 25 yrs ago!
When my hubby told us, we were going to Hollister for our annual off-roading trip with our grandkids, I immediately became apprehensive and worried of other inconsiderate and dangerous riders, infestation of bugs and ticks (more than I have ever witnessed in my life during my past visit years ago), among garbage and other things.
All the worry was for nothing! This trip could not have been more peaceful, magical, and all the campers were very respectful of others space, quiet and children present.
It was just the right crowd, amount of dispersed visitors, and super clean!!!!
What I liked most was - the presence of caring and kind park rangers! Making sure safety was a priority, but knowing we were there to have fun as well! Thank you!!!
I’m 54, an outdoor enthusiast, and pay a lot of attention to my environment. It was unreal that there was no annoying bugs to be seen anywhere, although I’m sure they were present in. Forest - just not out being annoying. Could be the presence of so many kinds of birds as well. I’ve never seen so much beauty flying around in one place and comfortable with dropping in and saying hello to our grandkids! Made for picture perfect postcards incase any of you visitors love bird watching.
The trails were so well maintained and tracks groomed for safety . I have zero complaints and will definitely be returning!
I everyone of us had an awesome time!
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
TravelerNice Campsites. Only 5 sites. Bathrooms. Free. First come first serve
Traveler
They called me and told me they loved my story and dreams and wanted to help me with the dreams I have with my future Lifebook lifestyle
TravelerFree and well maintained campsite. I only saw 5 marked campsites. There's a small parking lot and bathroom. Some spots are more convenient for travel trailers, others are not
RangerI first stayed in this campground in 1975 while on break from collage. 49 years later it is still just a beautiful as I remember, even though they were recovering from some very heavy rains, most all of the campsites were open.
Great location to base out of when exploring the central coast. If you are coming from the south be sure to check that Highway 1 (PCH) is open, otherwise you will have to backtrack inland.
Friendly staff, general store, lots of things to do.
RangerThey have had some flood damage, so repairs are going on. Beautiful spot, great trails, showers, general store. Didn't get to see any condors. I'll stay here again. AT&T was acceptable coverage.
Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the maintenance going on, once that is complete it's a 5 Star.
GuideJust driving here was worth the visit, but get out on the trails to really appreciate the diversity.
TravelerBathrooms were a bit of a distance apart. Great views. Very dark at night which is great for star gazing. Good distance from any other stores and the camp store closes promptly at 5.
Scout
A GREAT find, can't say enough good things about this place. We stayed in the Washburn campground (up the hill/less expensive/better views/less people, more space, less trees and a clear view of the sky in every campsite (visited in February, we have Starlink and solar). The stars here are incredible at night, all you hear are the waves crashing, and beautiful views in every direction. The camp host, Shelby, was delightful and very accommodating when we wanted to switch sites. Lots of bathrooms, very clean, lots of dumpsters and water spigots, all conveniently located. Rangers regularly drive through and we felt safe and attended to; a sketchy situation had materialized in one of the sites and the Ranger stood in the pouring rain for two hours, ensuring these folks left. A well run and maintained area. RV water and dump station at bottom of hill. automated, $10.
ScoutBig Sur Campground and Cabins, while on the pricier side for camping, definitely delivers on cleanliness, service, and quality of experience. Check in is super easy, and the staff were all very friendly and helpful. The welcome package is a nice touch, 2 mugs, a deck of cards, flashlight and bundle of firewood. They also have free ice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate daily.
It rained the first day we were there, and campsites stayed pretty well drained. Our site was kind of tucked away in the back of the camp ground, near the showers and playground. The bathroom/showers were cleaned regularly and stocked with shampoo conditioner and shower gel. Playground was well maintained and modern
Plenty of water spigots throughout the campground, each site has a fire pit. During our stay, over NYE, there was a nice mix of RVs, trailers, suvs with RTTs and tent campers. The campground doesn’t see a lot of sunlight, due to the large trees shading most of the area. If you rely on solar power, you may need to get creative.
Guide
There is no potable water available, not even a water fountain. People and animals cannot touch the water. You cannot fish or swim in the lake. There is no reduction in price. This may be temporary, but it has been this way for at least a year.
GuideEnjoyed my two night stay camping in a tent. Touring Big Sur and surrounding areas.
Scout
I ended up stopping here to camp in between a trip from Joshua Tree to Big Sur and I couldn't be happier that I did. The people managing the property are super welcoming and nice. And having the opportunity to relax in the hot springs in between stretches of driving was really pleasant. I'd definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to camp in the Paso Robles area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Lucas, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Lucas, CA is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Lucas, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near San Lucas, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
