Big Sur, a rugged and mountainous region of the Central Coast of California, offers incredible scenery, dramatic coastal cliffs, beautiful secluded beaches, and numerous coves. The area has the longest stretch of unexplored and undeveloped coastline in the US.
The views, the redwood forests, beaches, hiking, and other recreational facilities, have made this place a popular destination for many visitors from around the world.
The Big Sur area offers many great camping opportunities. The campgrounds are set in the most beautiful locations and are a must-do on every avid camper’s list.
We put together this top 10 campgrounds list so that you, the visitor of our stunning Big Sur area, have all the information you need at your fingertips.
Our top 10 Big Sur Campgrounds
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
- Kirk Creek Campground
- Limekiln State Park Campground
- Fernwood Campground and Resort
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins
- Ventana Campground
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground
- Riverside Campground & Cabins
- Plaskett Creek Campground
- Andrew Molera State Park
1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Pfeiffer Big Sur State park is near Big Sur on California’s Central Coast, 26 miles south of Carmel. This park covers an area of about 1,006 acres and is often known as mini Yosemite due to the spectacular views, stunning mountain peaks, and bounty of wildlife.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a coastal climate with temperatures ranging between 50 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It rains between October to April, while early morning fog is common between May and October.
This park has a variety of wildlife, including raccoons, gray squirrels, black-tail deer, bobcats, and more.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is very popular, so be aware that the campsites often get booked out six months in advance.
Amenities
– 189 RV and tent sites near the Big Sur river
– 1 Cabin available
– Water hookup in the main campgrounds
– Electrical hookup
– Picnic tables
– Hot showers
Fees
– $35/night for a standard campsite
– $50/night for the premium riverfront site
– $45/night for En Route (one night stay only)
– $5/night for hike and bike site – must arrive by bike or on foot, no vehicle allowed, max 2 consecutive nights
– $75/night for the cabin stay
Additional information
– Pets allowed
– No beach or ocean access
– Maximum 2 vehicles per campsite
– Maximum 6 people per campsite
– Bring your firewood, as the wood collection is not allowed
Highlights
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a gorgeous park featuring mountainous scenic views and a wide variety of wildlife.
Park Contact Information
Website: parks.ca.gov
Email: info@parks.ca.gov
Phone: (831) 667-2315
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia or 1-800-444-7275 (toll-free)
Location: Near mile marker 47.2 on Highway 1
2. Kirk Creek Campground
The Kirk Creek Campground can be best called the Amazing Ocean Views Campground. This campground is a natural forest perched atop ocean bluffs with an elevation of 100 feet and overlooks many miles of the pacific ocean along the stunning Big Sur coastline.
The campground is close to many trails leading into the Los Padres National Forest. The campground is 8 miles north of the Big Sur area and five miles from Sand Dollar Beach – the area’s longest sandy beach.
The best time to visit the area is during fall, winter, and spring since the campground is very busy during summer.
Wildlife you may encounter in the area includes raccoons, deer, bobcats, and foxes. Whales can be observed (also from the campground) migrating along the coastline between November and February.
Amenities
- 40 tent and RV campsites available
- Each campsite comes with a campfire ring with a grill and table
- Parking
- Toilets (vault)
- Accessible scenic overlook
- No RV hookups are available
Fees
- $35 per night per site. Each site can accommodate a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles
- Extra vehicle is charged $10 per night
- Bicycle and walk-in tents are charged $5 per night
Additional information
- No cell service is available in the area!
- The nearest RV dump station is at San Simeon State Park, 40 miles south
- Beware of poison oak, which is quite spread in the area
- Bring your water, as it is not available at the campground
- Maximum 2 cars per campsite, an extra charge of $10/night for the 2nd car
- Maximum 8 people per campsite, an extra charge of $10/night for the 7th and 8th person
Highlights
Kirk Creek Campground is situated on a bluff, 100 feet above a beautiful long stretch of beach with spectacular views of the Big Sur Coastline.
Park Contact Information
Website: fs.usda.gov
Information: Monterey Ranger Office – (831) 385-5434 ext 0
Reservations: Reservation.gov or 1-877-444-6777
3. Limekiln State Park Campground
The park is located 52 miles south of Carmel and 2 miles south of Lucia, off Highway One. Limekiln State Park features incredibly beautiful vistas of the Big Sur Coast, hiking through redwood trees, visiting the historic sites at the Kiln tower, biking, beach combing, picnics, wildlife observation, and so much more.
The small, partially rocky beach is a great place for tide pooling, exploring rocks and pebbles, and finding seashells.
The best time to visit this campsite is during fall, spring, or winter since it is very busy during summer. Here, you can go fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking on the Hare Creek Trail.
The campsites are split into two zones:
– Ocean sites (campsites 1-16) are available for tent and RV camping
– Redwood sites (campsites 17-29) are available for tent camping only
Amenities
- Park offers 29 campsites, sites 17-29 are for tent-only camping
- Beach access is available from campsites 1-16 (Ocean sites)
- Flush toilets
- Showers
- Drinking water is available
- Campfire rings
- Firewood available from the vendor
- Camping tables
Fees
- $35 per night per site, includes six people and one vehicle
- Extra person will be charged $10 per night
- Extra vehicle will be charged $10 per night
Additional information
- Maximum 8 people per campsite, which includes children
- Maximum 2 vehicles per campsite
- RVs are not allowed in the redwood camping area
- Dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times
Highlights
Limekiln State Park Campground boasts a unique location with spectacular views, including a unique topography and amazing redwoods.
Park Contact Information
Website: parks.ca.gov
Email: info@parks.ca.gov
Phone: (805) 434-1996
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia or 1-800-444-7275 (toll-free)
Location: Near mile marker 20.95 on Highway 1
4. Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground and Resort is an all-purpose facility providing camping, lodging, and dining in the Big Sur area.
The campground is located near Big Sur River and borders Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with direct access to it. You will enjoy the scenic view of the Big Sur River, hiking trails, and a wide variety of wildlife at the campground. Fernwood Resort provides access to the Grover Hot Springs Resort in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and several other public facilities within the Big Sur area.
Fernwood campground and resort offers 16 RV campsites, 16 tent campsites, 14 tent sites with electricity, 10 tent cabins, 6 cabins, and a motel.
Amenities
- Drinking water
- Toilets
- Showers
- Laundry facilities
- Picnic area
- Dump station for RV
- ADA access
- Firewood available
- Electric hookups for RVs
- Free WiFi in Restaurant and Bar & Grill area
- Restaurant and bar
- Camping supplies store on site
Fees
- Tent camping fees: from $50/night depending on amenities and availability (includes 6 people and 2 vehicles), $5/night extra for each person, $10/night for extra car, $5/night for pet
- RV camping fees are from $85/night depending on amenities and availability (includes 6 people and 2 vehicles), $5/night extra for each person, $10/night for an extra car, $5/night for a pet, fee for dump station use is $20
Additional information
- Dogs are allowed but have to be kept on a leash at all times, and only during stays in tents, RVs, and tent cabins
- Opened year-round
- Reservations available a year in advance
- Cell phone coverage is spotty in general in Big Sur. The best cell phone coverage in Fernwood Resort is best at the open meadow
Highlights
Fernwood campground and resort is situated near the Big Sur River and borders Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and it gives you the comfort of a holiday resort and the wilderness of a state park at the same time.
Park Contact Information
Website: fernwoodbigsur.com
Email: info@fernwoodbigsur.com
Phone: (831) 667-2422
Reservations: Online reservations or on the above phone number
5. Big Sur Campground & Cabins
Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers tent and RV camping among beautiful Redwood trees and the peaceful Big Sur River, with miles of trails and secluded beaches.
Hike along the coast to discover more amazing places to visit and marvel at the variety of animals that can be seen.
Accommodation is available in 70+ campsites, out of which 27 are available for RVs, 4 camping cabins, and 13 cabins.
Amenities
- Fire pit at every campsite
- Picnic table at every campsite
- Showers
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Water and electric hookups at RV sites
- Dump station
- Restaurant and a tavern
- General store
- Laundry
- Massage, yoga & meditation
Fees
- Tent camping fees: ranging from $80/night beginning of November to $215/night end of August
- RV camping fees: ranging from $105/night beginning of November to $235/night end of August
- Fees are based on 2 people and 1 vehicle per site
- Each additional person costs an extra $5/night (up to 5 people)
- 2nd vehicle costs an extra $15/night (up to 2 vehicles)
- Pets fee is $5/night
Additional information
- Each campsite can accommodate a maximum of 5 people
- 2 vehicles maximum allowed per campsite
- Pets are allowed but are not allowed to stay in cabins
- Lower rates for first responders
- Cell phone service is limited
- No WiFi available
Highlights
This campground is located among majestic coastal redwood forests along the pristine Big Sur River. Enjoy camping in Big Sur camping sites near hiking trails and secluded beaches.
Park Contact Information
Website: Bigsurcamp.com
Email: info@bigsurcamp.com
Phone: (831) 667-2322
Reservations: Online reservations or on the above phone number
Address: 47000 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
6. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground in Big Sur is approximately 30 miles south of Carmel and 65 miles north of San Simeon.
The campground is located on a stunning 40 acres of the redwood canyon. The region has the tallest trees reaching up to 379 feet.
Visitors can enjoy wonderful views, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. The campground is close to many beaches and overlooks the scenic Pacific Ocean.
If hiking is your thing, you can go hiking along trails leading to the coast, either north or south. The campground is situated in an ideal location for those who want to enjoy wildlife watching.
Amenities
- Fire rings at every campsite
- Picnic tables at every campsite
- Drinking water
- Showers
- Toilets
- Shared kitchen facilities
- Store directly in camp
- Firewood available for $14/bundle
- Boardwalk to reach the secluded beaches and waterways
Fees
- $85-$105/night
Additional information
- Maximum of 5 people, 2 dogs, and one car per campsite
- Tent-only campground!
- Dogs are allowed but have to be kept on a leash at all times
- WiFi is only available for glamping guests
Highlights
Ventana Campground is located along the Big Sur coastal region and enjoys spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Park Contact Information
Website: VentanaCamping.com
Phone: (831)-667-2331
Reservations: Online reservations or call (855)-391-8683
Address: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
7. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a state park 37 miles south of Carmel.
This park boasts white and purple sand beaches, turquoise waters, clear blue skies, tree-covered cliffs, and an 80-foot waterfall.
The park allows you to discover hidden coves, secret beaches, and scenic trails. Plenty of wildlife, including birds, deer, and otters, can be seen.
Camping in the park offers beautiful ocean views, in two environmental campsites.
The best time to visit this park is during fall, spring, or winter since the park is very busy during summer.
Amenities
- Fire pits
- Camping tables
- Trash cans
- Pit toilets
- Drinking water
Fees
- $30/night
- Discounts for seniors ($2/night) and disabled discount pass holders (50% off)
- Distinguished veterans pass holders stay for free
Additional information
- Dogs are not allowed!
- Campsites are hike-in only, with no entrance for vehicles
- Check-in at the entrance kiosk
- Max 4 persons per campsite allowed
- No firewood available, bring it with you
- Collection of firewood in the park and at the campground is not allowed
- No firearms and weapons are allowed
- Hunting is prohibited
Highlights
The park has a sandy beach with clear turquoise-blue waters and scenic views of the cliffs.
Park Contact Information
Website: parks.ca.gov
Phone: (831) 667-1112
Reservations: Online reservations or call 1-800-444-7275 toll-free
Location: At the 35.8-mile marker of Highway 1
8. Riverside Campground & Cabins
Riverside Campground & Cabins is located near the Big Sur River in a waterfront setting. The campground is surrounded by towering redwood trees and offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the forest.
The campground is 22 miles south of Carmel and 68 miles north of San Simeon. It is close to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and many historic sites.
Hike along the coast to discover more amazing places to visit and marvel at the variety of animals that can be seen.
This campground boasts a wide variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking. It offers accommodation in 22 tent campsites, 12 RV campsites, and 12 cabins.
The best time to visit is during autumn, spring, or winter since summer is very popular.
Amenities
- Fire pit at every campsite
- Picnic table at every campsite
- Showers
- Laundry facilities
- Toilets
- Camp store
- Firewood is available at the campground
- Electricity and water hookups are available at RV sites
Fees
- $80-$120/night for tent and for RV campsites
- $5/night per pet
Additional information
- Maximum of 5 people per campsite
- 1 is vehicle included in the cost of the campsite
- 2 people and 2 pets are included in the cost of the campsite, extra charge for additional people and pets
- Pets are allowed and have to be kept on a leash at all times
- No collecting of firewood
- No dump station is available!
Highlights
Riverside camping in an amazing Redwoods forest, accompanied by great, resort-like amenities.
Park Contact Information
Website: riversidecampground.com
Phone: (831) 667-2414
Email: reservations@riversidecampground.com
Reservations: Online reservations
Address: 47020 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
9. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is located in a beautiful park-like setting, in the shade of many Monterey pines and Cypress trees.
The campground is amidst towering redwood trees and offers the perfect opportunity for numerous activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
It features several beautiful hiking trails and secluded beaches, perfect for swimming. Hike along the coast to discover more amazing places to visit and marvel at the variety of animals that can be seen. This campground is located just a few miles from Sand Dollar Beach.
The best time to visit the beach is during spring, fall or winter. The campsite is busiest during winter.
Amenities
- 44 tent and RV campsites
- Campfire ring with grill at every campsite
- Picnic tables at every campsite
- Drinking water
- Toilets
Fees
- $35/night (6 persons are included in the price)
- Additional persons are charged $10/night/person
- An additional vehicle is charged $10 per night (1 vehicle is included in the price)
- Walk-in or bike-in fee of $5 (shared campsite)
- Interagency senior and Access pass holders get 50% off the camping fee
Additional information
- Maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per campsite
- No cell service in the area!
- Buy firewood locally
- Dogs must be kept on a leash when outside
- No utility hookups for RVs
- No dump station
- Poisonous oak is spread in this area
Highlights
Just walking distance from the biggest sandy beach in the area – the Sand dollar beach
Park Contact Information
Website: fs.usda.gov
Phone: (831) 385-5434 ext 0 – Monterey Ranger District Office
Email: reservations@riversidecampground.com or alternatively call 1-877-444-6777
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: 69345 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA
10. Andrew Molera State Park
Every scenic drive requires a stop at a beautiful state park, and Andrew Molera State Park is one of the best places to visit.
Located on a meadow close to the Big Sur river, it features several hiking trails and secluded beaches (especially Molera Beach) that offer different activities like surfing, birding, hiking, and beach combing, among others.
This park offers the best landscape in California and is easily accessible for those who drive down from San Francisco to explore the beach, mountains, and ocean. It is known for its great rock formations, wildflowers, and unusual trees.
The best time to visit this park is during autumn, spring, or winter because it is very busy during summer.
Amenities
- 24 tent campsites
- Fire pit at every campsite
- Camping table at every campsite
- Access to a food storage container
- Potable water
- Toilets
- Parking space
- Firewood is available at the entrance station
Fees
- $30/night (parking for 1 vehicle is included in the price)
- $10/night for the second vehicle (parking not guaranteed for the second vehicle)
- $5/night hike and bike campsite (max 2 consecutive nights, shared campsite)
- Campers of 62+ years of age get a $2 discount off the standard campsite fee
- Disabled discount pass holders get 50% off their campsite fees
- Distinguished veterans pass holders camp for free (reservation still required)
Additional information
- Maximum of 4 people and 2 vehicles per campsite
- No dogs allowed!
- Hike-in campground, cars have to be parked at the day-use lot (¼ mile away)
- No wood collecting
- Firearms, weapons, and hunting are prohibited
Highlights
This park is in a beautiful setting surrounded by redwood trees and offers the perfect opportunity for numerous activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
Park Contact Information
Website: parks.ca.gov
Phone: (831) 667-1112
Reservations: Recreation.gov or call toll-free 1-800-444-7275
Location: Near the 52.1-mile marker of Highway 1
In conclusion
The Big Sur area offers one of the most beautiful camping locations in the whole area, with its amazing shorelines, ocean views, Redwood and Pine forests, and state parks.
There are many more campgrounds that didn’t make our list that are worth giving a try. The listed top 10 Big Sur campgrounds are very popular and therefore are in high demand.
If you decide to give one of the mentioned 10 campgrounds a try, please consider sharing your experiences with us in the comment section below.
