Big Sur Camping Road Trip

Travel, Adventure

Big Sur Camping Adventure

Big Sur is considered one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world.  So it’s no wonder that camping in Big Sur is so sought after!  Whether Spring or Fall, raining or glorious sunshine, Big Sur seems to be filled with camper vans, backpackers, and families out for the day.

So, to avoid the crowds, this travel guide will give you lots of tips for when to go, where to actually find spots to camp, the best trails and scenic overlooks along the way!

 

Where is Big Sur

 

Located along the Central California Coast, Big Sur is about 5-6 hours north of Los Angeles and about 3 hours south of San Francisco.  This largely undeveloped stretch of California is home to breathtaking views of rugged rocky coastline, small sandy coves, and some of the most perfect sunsets.  There’s almost no cell service throughout your drive, so it’s the perfect road trip to unplug and enjoy the scenery!

 

Big Sur Bixby Bridge

One of the most iconic images of Big Sur, and one of the most photographed bridges in California, the Bixby Bridge.

 

Is Big Sur a State Park or National Park?

 

Although it seems like the entire stretch of Big Sur from Carmel to San Simeon should be designated a national park, Big Sur actually is comprised of both state and federal lands, as well as private ownership.

And while most of the interior of Big Sur is Los Padres National Forest, there is also Ventana Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness, and Fort Hunter Liggett.

 

What to expect in Big Sur

When to Visit:

The best times to visit Big Sur to avoid the crowds are during the winter months, between October to April.  Do you want to travel in the summer instead?  Expect full campgrounds all summer long and slow-going traffic.  And the same goes for holiday weekends.

As Big Sur is right on the coast, it never gets too cold.  Highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s are fairly common throughout the winter.  So if you don’t mind chilly nights around the campfire, or a bit of rain, opt for the fall or winter months in Big Sur.  Another bonus is that the rain will clear out the skies, so it’s better for stargazing than the summer months where you can often have foggy evenings.

 

What you will see/hear/experience:

  • Coyotes, rattlesnakes, deer, bobcats, mountain lions, black bears, and the California Condor!
  • Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and elephant seals
  • Cool (to very cold!) ocean breezes- bring lots of layers!
  • Instagrammable ocean views around every bend!

 

Things you may not find while camping in Big Sur:

  • Freshwater (just a few campgrounds will have access to drinking water)
  • Cell service
  • Wifi (there are a few hotels, lodges, and restaurants in Big Sur where you can access wifi (read on for our favorite spots!)
  • Flush toilets
  • Electricity hook-ups (rare find at most campgrounds)
  • Dogs on trails

 

Ready to get going on your Big Sur camping trip?  Download our Road Trip Packing Checklist!  But, for those of you that want more information about where to camp and what else there is to see, let’s dive in.

 

big sur coastline

Often times you’ll be completely fogged in while driving through Big Sur. Try heading a bit inland, and up one of several east-west roads for a better view!

 

Driving to Big Sur

 

Your journey through Big Sur will begin shortly after leaving the seaside town of Carmel to the north, or San Simeon at its southern border.

If you are flying in, the most popular towns you’ll travel from are either Monterey or San Jose on the north end, or San Luis Obispo down south.  You’ll definitely need a car as there are no public buses or trains that travel this part of California’s Highway One. There is a public bus that departs from Monterey-Salinas, but it will only take you as far as Nepenthe Restaurant.

There are a few other roads that come into Big Sur from the eastside.  These roads however are truly less traveled:

 

Driving While in Big Sur

 

You can drive through Big Sur with your Class A Motorhome, RV, camper van, trailer, bicycle, or motorcycle.  However, be prepared for very winding roads, steep drop-offs, and often foggy conditions. Driving a very large vehicle like an RV will be slow-going, and not for the faint of heart!  Expect 2 hours to travel on California Highway 1 from San Simeon to Carmel without stops.  But, trust us, you will want to stop often to take in the views or hop in for a swim!

Interested in renting a camper van for your trip?  We use Outdoorsy.com for our camper van rentals.  In fact, if you’re considering trying out the #vanlife, here’s a $50 credit to get you started!

 

big sur julia pfieffer state beach

McWay Falls flows year-round, toppling 80 feet onto the sand at Julia Pfieffer State Beach.

 

Big Sur Camping, Lodging, and Entrance Fees

 

Good news, there are no entrance fees to visit Big Sur!  There are campground fees, and these vary depending on which campground you’ll be staying at.  In addition, there are also day-use sites where entrance fees are $10 per vehicle.  However, if you have a California State Parks Pass, or a National Forest Adventure Pass, take ’em with you on your trip to avoid the fees!

There are over a dozen campgrounds, cabins, lodges, and resort-style hotels in Big Sur to choose from.  But, these all book up very early, and there is no roadside camping allowed on Highway 1.  So, make a reservation, or take your chances on a last-minute cancellation or first-come, first-serve site available.

 

Independently Run Campgrounds in Big Sur

 

These lodges and campgrounds in Big Sur are independently run and booked through their respective websites.  Most have a general store, restaurant, freshwater, showers, firewood, campsites and/or cabins, and wifi:

 

 

big sur camping

Campgrounds that are up above California’s Highway 1 might be more remote, and challenging to get to, but offer some of the best views of Big Sur.

 

California Federal and State Park Campgrounds in Big Sur

 

All of the California State campgrounds listed below can be booked online through ReserveCalifornia.com.  Sites book up fast, especially in Pfieffer Big Sur and Andrew Molera State Park!  Why?  These campgrounds are at the north end of Big Sur, easily reached from Monterey.  Both are more inland from the coast, so you’ll be nestled in under giant redwood trees!

 

Most of the Big Sur campgrounds below are on U.S. Forest Service or federal lands and are available for booking on Recreation.gov.  A few of the campsites at both Plaskett Creek and Kirk Creek campgrounds have first-come, first-serve sites.  So, if you did not make a reservation, you might get lucky if you turn up at check-in around 2pm.

  • Kirk Creek Campground
  • Plaskett Creek Campground- across from Sand Dollar Beach!
  • Ponderosa Campground– Located far from California highway 1, deep in the Big Sur wilderness.  Access is off Nacimiento-Fergusson Road which is currently closed to thru traffic.
  • Nacimiento Campground– Just before Ponderosa Campground is Nacimiento.  This is a first-come, first-serve only campground.  Just like Ponderosa, access is via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, which is currently closed to thru traffic.

 

Hike-in Only Campgrounds

 

The following Big Sur campgrounds are hike-in only.  So, no vehicles can access these sites.  These are designed more for backpackers that are thru-hiking Big Sur.  There are often no toilets, potable water, or picnic tables at these Big Sur campsites.

 

Dispersed Camping in Big Sur

 

Having an off-road vehicle, or something with 4 wheel drive will give you access to some of the most incredible dispersed camping areas throughout Big Sur.  However, these dispersed campsites are often reached through a rough drive up winding dirt roads.  And due to forest fires and storms, those accessible via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road may be closed if coming from California Highway 1.

But if the roads are open, the reward is a campsite view like none other.  Above the clouds and with a stunning view of the Big Sur wilderness!  Here are some of the most popular dispersed camping areas in Big Sur:

 

  • Prewitt Ridge Road– Possibly one of the best-dispersed camping areas in all of Big Sur!
  • South Coast Ridge Road
  • Plaskett Ridge Road

 

big sur camping with dogs Camping with dogs can be challenging when they are not allowed on the trails.  If you plan to do a lot of hiking, they will be happier if left at home or at doggy daycare.

 

Camping in Big Sur with Pets


Yes, dogs are allowed in Big Sur!  However, they must remain on a leash, and cannot be left unattended in vehicles or at your campsite.  Dogs are also not allowed on any trails in Big Sur.  Why?  Mainly to preserve the wildlife.

But, Sand Dollar Beach is one of the few beaches that allow dogs.  There’s a day-use parking lot or a quick hike from Plaskett Creek Campground will take you there!

 

Where to Eat in Big Sur

 

If you tire of cooking at your campsite in Big Sur, there are several restaurants and cafes nearby to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view!  Keep in mind, some of these restaurants may be seasonal, so call a few days in advance to make a reservation, or be prepared to wait.

 

Views Big sur camping

Dine at Nepenthe or any of the Big Sur restaurants and be rewarded with incredible sunsets right from your table!

 

What to Pack for Camping in Big Sur

 

Depending on the season, you may not have access to as many restaurants or cafes inside Big Sur.  So, be prepared to bring enough food, water, and firewood for the length of your stay.  Remember, 1 gallon of water per person, per day.  And bring extra for the pups.  Also, don’t forget marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers to make s’mores over the campfire!


We always pack lots of layers, a beanie, a puffy jacket, gloves.  Even in the summer months.  Download the camping items we pack from our Road Trip blog!  We’ve thought of everything from pillows to propane.  Headlamps to hair ties.  Solar chargers to spatulas!

But, if you’re already on the road, you can stock up at the north end in Carmel or at the south end in San Simeon.  Both towns have grocery stores, gas stations, and anything else you might have forgotten.  Keep in mind, once you leave either town, you may not have service at all in Big Sur.  So, make sure to make all phone calls or send emails before you depart!

 

10 Things To Do on your Big Sur Camping Trip:

 

1. Hiking & trail running in Big Sur

Down the All Trails app for the best hiking trails in Big Sur.  With little to no service in the park, it can be hard to find a trail without maps to guide you.  The Ragged Point Inn also has a great list of popular hiking trails in the area!

 

2. Swim or surf at Big Sur

Surfing in Big Sur is best at Sand Dollar Beach and San Carpoforo Creek Beach.  At both beaches, you’ll find the long stretches of sandy beachfront with little to no rocks.  Sand Dollar Beach has a day-use parking lot available for $10 with a bathroom and picnic tables.  San Carpoforo Creek Beach has some pullouts near the beach trail so there are no parking fees. 

However, Big Sur is not suited for those learning to surf or beginner surfers.  For swimming, try the same beaches, but keep in mind, there are strong currents, rocky shorelines, big surf, and cold temps.  You may only be in for a quick session!

 

3. Mountain biking in Big Sur

Download MTB Project, All Trails, or the Trailforks App for the top mountain biking routes.  However, there are not many trails suitable for mountain biking within Big Sur.  And, out of the trails you can bike on, there are often very steep climbs!

 

4. Check out the Art Galleries

Big Sur boasts a large artist community!

 

5. Visit Bixby Bridge

Park on either side of the Bixby Bridge and admire the gorgeous architecture of this concrete structure, built in 1932.  The Bixby Bridge spans the steep canyon walls almost 260 feet above the Bixby Creek.  Imagine the engineering accomplishment to create this masterpiece, and 5 years before the road even connected Carmel and San Simeon!

 

6. Take in the view of McWay Falls at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park

There is a day-use parking lot at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, and from here it’s a short walk to McWay Falls.  However, you will not be able to get down to the beach here, so it’s just a quick stop to take in the view.

 

7. Tour Piedras Blancas Lighthouse and visit the Piedras Blanca Elephant Seal Rookery

At the southern end of Big Sur, you’ll spot the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.  As you continue south, you’ll find a creek that California Highway 1 crosses, and here’s where you’ll typically be able to spot the first group of elephant seals.  Head further south for the larger parking areas and the main site of the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery!

 

8. Visit Hearst Castle and Hearst San Simeon State Park

At the southern end of Big Sur, you can walk along the shoreline at Hearst San Simeon State Park or head up the hill to Heart Castle where you will learn more about William Randolph Hearst and the legacy he left behind.

 

9. Walk the purple sands of Pfieffer Beach

Drive down Sycamore Canyon Road, just south of Big Sur Station, to reach Pfieffer Beach.  The road is unsigned and is not an option for RVs or trailers as it’s quite narrow and winding.  At the parking lot, you’ll have a short walk to the beach.  Here you’ll spot Keyhole Arch and be able to walk on the unique purple sands.  The purple sand is created by the manganese garnet rocks in the cliffs!

 

10. Read & relax

Read and relax amongst the giant coastal redwoods- some of which are over 500 years old!  In fact, just adjacent to parking lot #4 in Pfieffer Big Sur State Park is the Colonial Tree, one of the largest redwoods in the park at 31 feet in diameter!

 

You can find lots of information on trails, beaches, waterfalls, and art galleries in one of the many Big Sur guidebooks.  We love the Falcon Guides: Explore Big Sur Country Guidebook!

 

big sur camping

Big Sur has miles of unspoiled coastline, so plan on at least 4-6 hours to explore it all…instead of just driving straight through!

 

Cell Service and Wifi in Big Sur

 

If you can be off-the-grid for a day or two, but still need to check email or make a call while visiting Big Sur, it can be done.  At either Andrew Molera or Pfieffer Big Sur State Parks you might get 1-2 bars of cell service.  However, once deep into your drive, you will have a little less luck.  But, here’s a few other spots where we’ve been able to make calls and send emails while camping in Big Sur:

  • Nepenthe- lots of outdoor benches to spread out and be on your phone or computer, instead of at the dining table.
  • Big Sur Bakery
  • Big Sur Deli
  • San Carpoforo Creek Beach in Hearst San Simeon State Park- closest to the small town of San Simeon

 

However, if you need to be on a video call or download something more than 5MB, do it before you get into Big Sur, or after visiting the area.  In addition, to keep from roaming and draining your battery, we often keep our cell phones in airplane mode most of the day.  Then, we turn our phones off at night, using our solar chargers to power them back up during the day!

 

Your Big Sur Adventure Awaits!

 

We always enjoy any opportunity to explore new places, but Big Sur is one of those places we road trip through at least once a year.  Don’t forget to download our Road Trip Packing Checklist if it’s been a while since your last road trip.

 

Want more travel tips?  Read our blogs:

 

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Until next time, happy traveling!

– Meredith McConvill

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