These Beautiful Big Sur Campsites Will Make You Fall In Love With The Great Outdoors
Camping may not be for everyone, but if you visit Big Sur, it is highly recommended. It’s not that Big Sur is lacking in beautiful beach hotels, it’s just that the camping spots here really steal the show. After all, you’ll be surrounded by nature at its finest, and sometimes the ocean is just a few steps away.
A word of caution: A portion of scenic Highway 1 south of Big Sur will be closed for up to a year due to a recent washout. See this updated article on the Big Sur road closure and which campgrounds can be accessed from the north and south.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll find waterfalls, redwood groves, sycamores and willows, hiking trails, and of course, some of Big Sur’s most popular campsites. These sites lie along the beautiful Big Sur River and can be booked through ReserveAmerica. Pfeiffer Beach is down a windy road that begins near the state park.
Big Sur Campground & Cabins
If you’re camping with your family or you’d prefer the comfort of a cabin, this campground is the perfect place for you. Since 1935, this has been a high quality destination for nature lovers everywhere. Along with tent sites, RV sites and cabins, you’ll find a playground, a camp store and laundry facilities here. Call 831-667-2322 to reserve a spot.
Limekiln State Park Campground
This campground was once privately owned, but has become a state park. Camp spots are just a short walk to the beach. Hiking trails begin near camp and explore the inland valleys leading to waterfalls and creekside resting spots. Limekiln State Park is popular so get reservations well in advance.
Andrew Molera State Park
The walk-in campground at Andrew Molera State Park is currently closed due to flood damage, but should re-open in the near future. Check the state park website for updates. The park remains relatively undeveloped, offering visitors beautiful hiking trails and beachcombing activities.
The campground here is primitive and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is a walk-in trail camp located about ⅓ mile from the parking lot. The fee is $25 per night, which includes parking.
Riverside Campground & Cabins
If you want to camp near the services provided by the little town of Big Sur, this is a perfect place for that. Riverside Campground has tent spots and RV sites in the woods among redwood trees and alongside the Big Sur River. This campground comes with other perks including laundry, firewood, hot showers, and even a store with groceries and camping supplies. Several great restaurants are nearby.
Kirk Creek Campground
Simply put, this campground is an oceanside paradise. Each site overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and there are a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in the area. It’s located just a few miles from Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in Big Sur. Call 805-434-1996 to reserve a spot.
Fernwood Resort
Fernwood Resort is best for those who enjoy camping but prefer to be near the comforts of home. The property has a motel, a lodge and campsites as well as a bar and grill and a small grocery store. You can pitch a tent, park your RV or reserve one of the “glamping” tents. Call 831-667-2422 to book.
Plaskett Creek Campground
This is another beautiful oceanfront campground located near Sand Dollar Beach, and the scenery here is pretty spectacular. The campground isn’t far from the road and is often busy, so if you expect seclusion and silence, this might not be your ideal spot. That being said, this is one of the most beloved campgrounds in Big Sur, and the majority of campers say they aren’t bothered by the occasional road noise.
If camping isn’t your thing, consider one of these unique places to stay in Big Sur.
