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.