Big Sur is the best of both worlds. You can leave the tall forest transitioning on to the coatal beach and pacific ocean within a few hundred yards. Great camping sites with clean bathrooms and showers. If you love the forest and the ocean then you need to camp here and experience it for yourself….
Big Basin has been part of my life growing up. Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site. Great hiking trails, creaks and fallen giant redwoods make for unlimited exploration. Many sites but they book out fast. Bathrooms, showers, general store are all well kept and stocked. Big Basin will always be one of my favorite places on earth….
The campgrounds are nicely positioned with plenty of space for individuals or families. Adequate parking and tent area. Best feature (besides the fact its only 20 min from our home) are the sites the run along the river. We hung out in the river all day located about 60ft from our campsite. My favorite time is during the late hours of the evening when things quiet down and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and the river flowing by….