Mammoth Road Trip for Summer or Wintertime Fun

With beautiful views of towering mountain peaks, a Mammoth road trip through the Eastern Sierras will have most passengers stoked for a big weekend of riding at Mammoth Mountain.

Along the way, you’ll find great campgrounds, hiking, and some of the best rock climbing in the world!  In addition, you’ll pass Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental United States.  More on how to apply for a permit to hike Whitney in a bit!

Haven’t packed up for a road trip lately?  Pull up our road trip checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need!

ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST

Places to Visit on Your Mammoth Road Trip

• June Lake
• Yosemite National Park
• Mono Lake
• Owens River Gorge
• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Mount Whitney

Before we dive in further, if you’re really interested in visiting Yosemite National Park, read our Yosemite Blog!  In addition, keep in mind that access to Yosemite via Route 395/Tioga Pass is often closed from October through June or later due to snow. 

What’s Included in this Mammoth Road Trip Guide

Whether you’ll be based in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, or elsewhere, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.  We’ll cover:

1. Camping and Accommodations
2. Skiing and Snowboarding
3. Mountain Biking, Gravel, and Road Cycling
4. Fishing
5. Hiking
6. Rock Climbing
7. Hot Springs
8. Food & Nightlife

Mammoth road trips along California’s 395 are one of our favorite ways to see the Eastern Sierras and enjoy both summer and winter activities.

1. Accommodations & Camping Options on Your Mammoth Road Trip

Best Accommodations for your Mammoth road trip

Both Mammoth Lakes and Bishop have a range of hotels, Airbnb’s, and camping options that suit every budget.  On average, accommodations in Bishop or Lone Pine will be much cheaper than in Mammoth Lakes.  There are quite a lot of budget options ranging from $60-150 a night. However, once you reach the town of Mammoth, you can expect to pay almost double for a hotel or Airbnb, but it’s worth it, especially in the wintertime! 

Keep in mind, there is no parking on the streets in Mammoth Lakes between Nov 1-April 30th, so if you have a mountainside rental or hotel, you can walk to the slopes!

Our favorite places to stay on a Mammoth Road Trip to Mammoth Lakes include:

1. Austria Hof– Austrian-style ski chalet, 5-minute walk to the lifts at Canyon Lodge, great restaurant, bar, and jacuzzi
2. Mammoth Mountain Inn– ski-in/ski-out accommodations at Main Lodge
3. Tamarack Lodge– A classic lakeside retreat close to the lakes and cross-country ski trails
4. The Westin or Village Lodge– In the village with gondola access to the mountain
5. Alpenhof Lodge– In town, above the Clocktower Cellar Bar and Petra’s Bistro

The Mammoth Mountain Inn, Tamarack, and the Village Lodge can be booked through Mammoth Mountain lodging reservations.  Each accommodation has a nice restaurant, bar, pool/jacuzzi (except for Tamarack Lodge), and great activities right from the doorstep.  The Austria Hof is our favorite with easy access to both Canyon Lodge, and to get down into the village where you can access all the shops and other services.  While Mammoth Mountain Inn seems perfect, nestled right at Main Lodge, you will feel isolated, especially during a storm when there’s only the lodge bar and restaurant available. 

Top Camping Spots for your Mammoth road trip

We’re always surprised by the amount of RVs and sprinter vans parked in the lots at Mammoth Mountain, so we thought we’d give you a few places to camp on your Mammoth Road Trip! If you have an insulated camper van or RV, you can enjoy year-round camping throughout the area.  However, if you’ll be road-tripping with just a tent, camping will be challenging in the winter months north of Bishop.  Therefore, an Airbnb or hotel might be your best bet if you’re driving up to ski or snowboard at Mammoth Mountain or June Mountain!  Here’s some of our favorite places to camp during a Mammoth road trip:

Mammoth Lakes Camping

First, a warning.  You cannot camp or park your RV/van/sprinter overnight in any of the Mammoth Mountain parking lots in the wintertime.  In addition, you cannot park on the streets from November 1st to April 30th. 

So if you’re heading up to ski, check with Mammoth Mountain for accommodations or try the Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground where they offer year-round camping options.

If your Mammoth road trip will be in the summertime, or at least between May through October, Twin Lakes Campground and Lake Mary Campground are our favorites.  Need a break from camp?  A great place to check out nearby is the Tamarack Lodge for cocktails or dining!

Here you will find incredible views of the mountains, easy access to hiking and biking trails, lakes (very chilly ones) to swim in, and you’ll be at over 9,000ft!  Here’s more info on camping in Mammoth Lakes.

June Lake Camping

June Lake is our second choice for camping.  However, you’ll only find these campgrounds open May through October, or whenever the snow is cleared.

You will find several campgrounds located on June Lake, Gull Lake, and Silver Lake.  Reversed Creek Campground and Gull Lake Campground are two of our favorites.  They do not get booked as quickly as the June Lake campground, so both are good places to check out if everything else seems full.  Plus, you can still walk or pedal into town from your campsite!

Bishop Camping

There are lots of campgrounds in the Bishop area, and staying here in the winter to camp is a little bit easier as you’re only at about 4,000ft so it will be warmer.  You can find lots of dispersed camping in Pine Creek Canyon, Upper Rock Creek, in the Coyote Mountains, family-friendly accommodations at Bishop Park, and walk-in camping at Table Mountain Group Camp.   

The Pleasant Valley Pit is also a favorite campsite for rock climbers exploring Owens River Gorge, Happy and Sad Boulders, or the Buttermilks!

If you want to camp by hot springs, Keoughs Hot Springs Resort, just south of Bishop, offers great camping spots along with easy access to showers and a pool fed by thermal waters!

Lee Vining Camping

The tiny town of Lee Vining borders Mono Lake and is at the Eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park.  In addition, it is a very popular camp spot for those wishing to explore both areas plus Mammoth Lakes.  From here you can also view the Mono Craters, the remnants of the great glaciers that carved out the Sierra Mountains!

The Lower Lee Vining Campground is located along Tioga Pass Road.  However, it’s at 7,300 ft., so make sure to check the website to ensure it’s open before driving up.  Depending on snow conditions, Tioga Pass Road is often closed until June, sometimes July!

Yosemite National Park Camping

Searching for camping in Yosemite National Park?  Well, so is everyone else.  To say that camping is extremely competitive within Yosemite National Park is an understatement.  Check Recreation.gov to book a campsite well in advance of your road trip.

You can camp with your pup at most places, but keep in mind you cannot bring them onto the mountain at Mammoth or June.

Best Time of Year to Camp on a Mammoth Road Trip

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times of year to camp on a Mammoth road trip.  When the fishing season begins in April, and then certainly in July and August, you will find less availability for campsites.  If you choose not to make reservations in advance on Recreation.gov or ReserveCalifornia.com be prepped to find dispersed camping, or book a hotel or Airbnb.

If you want to visit when the trees change color, fall is gorgeous in the eastern Sierras!  However, it will be chilly in the evenings and early mornings, so plan accordingly!

How to Prepare for Bears on Your Mammoth Road Trip

Another very important thing to keep in mind when in Mammoth is that this is bear country.  Therefore, you must lock ALL scented items in your bearbox at the campsite.  And even if you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb in Mammoth, it’s wise not to leave trash outside, or any food in your car.

Besides food, this means toiletries, lip balm, gum, utensils, sunblock…basically, anything that might smell like food.  The very last thing you want is to be woken up at 3am by a momma bear digging through your trash can, your cooler, or your tent with you still in it!!

Will you be dispersed camping?  Well then buy a bear box or bear canisters at REI, or learn how to hang your food.  Not only do bears sniff out your greasy camp stove but we’ve had all sorts of animals invade our camp.  Marmots, deer, goats, chipmunks, squirrels, and raccoons!  Some during broad daylight, and while we were sitting at the campsite!

2. Skiing and snowboarding on your Mammoth road trip

Mammoth Mountain is a huge ski resort with every type of terrain a skier or snowboarder could dream of.  Plus, they get an abundance of snow and the Ikon Pass gets you unlimited access!

Looking for something smaller and less crowded?  Locals favor June Mountain over Mammoth on the weekends as it’s also on the Ikon Pass.  More options?  The Badger Pass Ski Area is in Yosemite National Park, however, it’s on the western side of the Sierras.

If you’d like to explore the backcountry around Mammoth Lakes, check out our blog post on preparing for backcountry adventures to get tons of tips on books to read and courses to attend before heading out!

PREPPING FOR BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TRAVEL

If you’re a snowboarder, accessing the backcountry in areas like Mammoth can be challenging, so you’ll need to go with a guide for the best experience.

3. GRAVEL, road cycling, and Mountain Biking at Mammoth

If you’re visiting during the summer months, the mountain biking here is epic!!  In addition, the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is world-class.  Both on the mountain and in town you will be able to rent mountain bikes, helmets, and everything else you’d need for a day of riding the lift-accessed trails.

Not really into the downhill thing?  Well, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Bishop all have trails that are accessible without using ski lifts.  In addition, both gravel and road cyclists will enjoy all the beautiful, yet almost deserted roads just off the 395.  Our favorite big roads for climbing and of course sweeping descents are:

• Whitney Portal Road (The road up to the start of the Mt. Whitney trailhead in Lone Pine, CA)
• White Mountain Road (Leads to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest east of Bishop, CA)
• Horseshoe Meadows Road (Access to Horseshoe Meadows Campground at over 10,000ft near Lone Pine, CA)
• Rock Creek Road (Try Upper and Lower Rock Creek, off the 395 Toms Place exit)
• Movie Flat Road, Alabama Hills (dozens of movies were filmed here near Lone Pine, CA)

4. Fishing on Your Mammoth Road Trip

The Eastern Sierras are chock-full of streams and lakes where several species of trout, perch, and bass can be found.  It’s also one of a few spots where you can find the elusive Golden Trout!

Be sure to purchase a fishing license and check the local regulations.  Certain areas are off-limit, while others require the use of barbless hooks and artificial flies or lures.

Top Three Fishing Spots (and also just Beautiful Places to Visit!)

Lake Crowley

One of the most popular lakes for catching large trout is Lake Crowley.  You can fish from the shore, rent kayaks or a boat and enjoy this manmade reservoir that’s teeming with trout!

Convict Lake

Touted as one of the most beautiful lakes in California, Convict Lake is easy to access and has Mount Morrison as a beautiful backdrop.  Convict Lake gets its name from a famous shootout between a group of convicts and a posse of bounty hunters.

Today, visitors enjoy Convict Lake for camping, hiking, and, of course, fishing.  You can catch big trout from the shore, by boat, canoe, or kayak.  In addition, you can relax and simply paddle around on your SUP or float tube.

Owens River

The longest river in the Eastern Sierra and one of the best for trout fishing is the Owens River.  The Upper Owens River is where most of the action is, with unusually large fish being pulled out year-round.

Fly fishing on the Owens River outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA.

5. Hiking & Trail Running near Mammoth

With low humidity and temperatures in the mid-70s, June-August is the best time to go hiking and trail running in the Mammoth area.  But always be prepared for snow at high elevations.

Although the air is relatively cool, the high elevation and dry air can increase your risk of sunburn and dehydration. Therefore, be sure to bring sunblock and drink plenty of water!

best Hiking And Trail Runs on your mammoth road trip 

Rainbow Falls via Devil’s Postpile

The Rainbow Falls Trail is 4.8 miles out and back hike that takes you past Devil’s Postpile.  This area alone draws hundreds of visitors each day to walk across the rock formations or hexagonal ‘postpiles’. 

The Rainbow Falls Trail is suitable for all runners, hikers, and dogs on leash are welcome. However, the trail will most likely be closed all winter as is the road to Devil’s Postpile.

Lundy Canyon Trail

Closer to Lee Vining, the Lundy Canyon Trail is a lightly trafficked 5.5 miles out and back trail.  We recommend this trail if you’re traveling in the early Fall as you’ll see the leaves changing colors, wildflowers, waterfalls, and even a famed beaver dam.  Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Mt. Whitney via the Mount Whitney Trail

The Mount Whitney Trail is a 21.9-mile strenuous hike that summits Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48.  This being said, some might feel you need to be an experienced rock climber and have proper climbing gear.  While there are technical climbing routes on Whitney, there is a 3rd class route that can be summited without climbing gear.

Mt. Whitney permits are required for those who plan to camp overnight and become available via lottery in February.  Didn’t quite plan that far ahead?  You can still do the hike, or others nearby up to gorgeous alpine lakes, you just cannot camp.  Check in at the Lone Pine Ranger Station for last-minute openings for a Whitney Trail permit!

The John Muir Trail

Often another bucket list hike is the 211-mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney.  The trail runs mainly in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail or most often called the PCT.

On the hike, you’ll pass through both the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and of course Yosemite National Park. Get all the details about permits and preparation on the PCT website!

6. Rock Climbing near Mammoth Lakes

When it comes to rock climbing near Mammoth, Yosemite National Park is not only the best in Sierras, it’s one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world!  You could spend your whole life climbing here and not discover all that Yosemite has to offer.

However, there are also many places to go trad or sport climbing near Mammoth Lakes.  From Pine Creek to Owens River Gorge to the imposing Mammoth Crest!  There are several local guidebooks by Marty Lewis, with thousands of routes described in great detail.  It also includes tons of pictures, diagrams, and maps of how to get to each climbing area.

Best Time Of Year To Climb

For rock climbers, the colder and drier the rock is, the better.  This is because cold, dry weather produces more friction between your skin and the rock.  Bishop tends to stay fairly cool and dry, so climbing is great from October through May.  After May, head to higher elevations near Pine Creek Canyon, Mammoth Lakes or Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. 

Top Spots for Rock Climbing Near Mammoth Lakes

Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park

If you’re interested in climbing skip the crowded Yosemite Valley and head for Tuolumne Meadows.  Here you’ll find fewer crowds, cooler temps, and a greater chance of scoring a campsite!

In addition, if you think Yosemite climbing is all about Half Dome and El Capitan, think again.  Tuolumne Meadows has hundreds of both trad and sport routes, and dozens of boulder problems. 

The classics in Tuolumne include Tenaya, Matthes Crest, and Cathedral Peak.  We also love the roadside access of Stately Dome and Daft Dome.  Plus you can swim in Tenaya Lake when you finish up!

The Buttermilks and Happy & Sad Boulders

These are some of the most famous bouldering spots in Bishop.  The Buttermilks boast big quartz monzonite boulders with polished patina crimps as well as sharp edges. 

Just twenty minutes away from the Buttermilks you can find the Happy & Sad Boulders, a formation of volcanic tablelands. Here you’ll find hundreds of world-class boulder routes.

Owens River Gorge & Pine Creek

According to Mountain Project, the Owens River Gorge is the most concentrated sport-climbing area.  This makes it a great stop for sport climbers of all levels. 

However, this area is often crowded in the Spring and Fall, and super hot in the summer.  Therefore, you might want to head up in elevation to Pine Creek Canyon where you’ll find hundreds of routes that are both sport and trad climbing.  Both areas are often climbable all year round, but summer temps can be close to 100 degrees in the Gorge!

Our group on the summit of Daft Dome with Fairview Dome in the background. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, CA.

7. Visiting Hot Springs on Your Mammoth Road Trip

One of our favorite stops while on a Mammoth road trip is visiting the hot springs along Route 395.  Some of these geothermal pools are natural, they are small and often hidden, making it even more exciting when you arrive and can have one all to yourself!

Nothing beats a soak in the hot springs after a long day of hiking, climbing, or skiing at Mammoth Mountain!

Best Time Of Year For Hot Springs

Cold weather makes the hot springs feel more luxurious, so we recommend visiting in winter, fall, and spring.  However, heavy snowfall might prevent you from getting there!  In addition, many of the hot springs are clothing optional, so be prepared if you have little kids in tow!

Top Hot Springs to Visit on Your Mammoth Lakes Road Trip

Wild Willy’s, the Crab Cooker, and Hilltop Hot Springs

Close to the Mammoth Airport, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and Hilltop Hot Springs are the easiest to find in the area. Mostly all can be seen on Google or Apple Maps.  Be prepared to walk a bit down a dirt road, muddy or snow-covered path, or along a series of boardwalks to get out to each of the pools.

In addition, there’s no shelter from the sun and they are very rustic (think rock-like bathtub in a cow pasture).  However, the incredible views of the Sierras and the stars coming out at sunset can’t be beaten!

Old Benton Hot Springs

The Old Benton Hot Springs is a private spot with a motel, thermal-fed hot tubs, and a historic mining town.  We would not recommend traveling here unless you are heading east via Highway 120 and Highway 6.  In addition, you have to be a motel guest to access the hot tubs.

Keough Hot Springs

Keough Hot Springs Resort is just off the 395 near Bishop.  You’ll find an old pool house with two pools fed by the natural hot springs or you can head a bit down the road where the primitive pools lay. Keough’s also offers a snack stand, changing rooms, showers, and camping!

Travertine Hot Springs

If you have the time, Travertine Hot Springs is a great destination.  These all-natural hot springs have a beautiful view, and there are several pools where you can relax and enjoy.

The Travertine Hot Springs is closer to Bridgeport, which is an hour north of Mammoth Lakes.  However, it’s worth the trip if you are coming from or continuing north to Lake Tahoe!

The Travertine Hot Springs is also a great place to stop if you’re planning to visit Bodie State Historic Park.  Bodie is an old gold mining town turned ghost town with still beautifully intact buildings that once housed 10,000 residents!

Mammoth Lakes at night, as seen from Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.

8. Food & Nightlife on your Mammoth Road Trip

Though we all love the great outdoors, no trip is complete without some great food and local craft brews.  We enjoy preparing our own feast at the campsite, but sometimes we do head into town when we are out of food or too tired to cook!  Here are some great options for every budget.

Best food and drinks in Mammoth Lakes:

Try the Village at Mammoth Lakes for a few different restaurants and bar options.  We love Shelter Distilling for food and beverages aprés ski!  The Clocktower Cellar and the Sierra Bar are also fun spots with good pub food!  And then Mammoth Brewing Company is another classic.

With the fam?  Try Mammoth Rock n’ Bowl! 

Our hands-down favorite aprés ski bar is the Lincoln Bar at Canyon Lodge at Mammoth Mountain.  Finish your last run of the day here on Friday or Saturday, grab a Mammoth Mocha, and be ready to dance or just bob along with the crowd as the DJ turns the music up!

Best Food & Drinks In Bishop:

No road trip to Mammoth is complete without a stop at the OG Schat’s Bakery in Bishop!  And if you want a great sandwich or stocking up on road trip snacks, try Mahogany Smoked Meats!

Need a strong cocktail after a long day’s drive?  Owen’s Valley Distilling Company is a cozy bar off the beaten path!  Want a bigger, fancy meal?  Try the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse.

Wishing You Safe & Happy Adventures in Mammoth

If you’ve never traveled along the 395 through Bishop to Mammoth Lakes, I hope this inspires you to add it to your adventure list!  And if you’ve been a dozen times, I hope this guide gives you some new ideas.

Want more adventure tips and travel destinations?  Check out some of our other travel blogs here:

• Cuba Libre: Travel Tips for Outdoor Adventurers
• Backpacking in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
• San Diego: America’s Finest City

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Until next time, happy road-tripping!

– Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media

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!

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.

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:

• Nacimiento-Fergusson Road– still closed as of October 2021 due to storm damage and rock slides
• Plaskett Ridge Road
• Willow Creek Road

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!

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 Campgrounds and Cabins
• Big Sur Lodge
• Riverside Campground & Cabin
• Treebones Resort– Posh yurts with comfy beds, a few campsites, a main dining area, bar, and incredible views! NO dogs allowed.
• Fernwood Resort– Campground, cabins, and hotel.
• Ventana Campground (owned by the Hyatt, tent camping only, no RVs)
• Santa Lucia Chapel and Campground (allows non-profit organizations, church groups, and families of All Saints Church)
• Ragged Point Inn

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!

• Andrew Molera State Park
• Pfieffer Big Sur State Park, not to be confused with Jula Pfieffer Burns State Park, which has day use only.
• Limekiln State Park

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.

• Saddle Rock and South Gardens Campground
• Sykes Hot Springs Campground
• Timber Top
• Ventana Creek
• Barlow Flat
• Redwood

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

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.

• Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant (831) 667-0520
• Big Sur Roadhouse at Glen Oaks (831) 667-2264
• Treebones Resort Wild Coast Restaurant + Sushi Bar  (805) 927-2390 (reservations needed)
• Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn (831) 667-2377
• Nepenthe & Cafe Kevah at Nepenthe (831) 667-2345
• Village Pub (831) 667-2355
• River Inn (831) 667-2700
• Ripplewood Cafe (831) 667-2242
• Ventana’s Cielo (831) 667-2331
• Post Ranch Inn (831) 667-2200

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 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:

• Baja Mexico Travel Guide: Valle de Guadalupe, Rosarito and Tijuana
• Biking Catalina: Mountain Biking and Gravel Riding in Paradise
• Lodging and Camping in Grand Teton National Park

Keep up on our latest adventures by subscribing with your email below, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy traveling!

– Meredith McConvill

Planning a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree’s high desert wonderland of rocks will offer you a chance to escape from the everyday. This Joshua Tree travel guide will give you lots of tips for spending time in nature and off-the-grid! 

Where is Joshua Tree National Park

Located in Southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is about 2.5 hours east of LA and about an hour north of Palm Springs.  At 4,200ft, the park is home to coyotes, bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbits, and of course the infamous Joshua tree.  In addition to the wildlife, J Tree, as it’s commonly called, is the perfect little road trip destination to get off the beaten path with family or friends!

What is a Joshua Tree?

As a member of the Yucca family, the Joshua tree’s spikey stature can only be found in the Mojave Desert ecosystem.  Where is that?  Well, the Mojave desert covers parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.  In addition, the Joshua trees can only be seen between 2,000 to 6,000ft of elevation.  Although the Mojave desert is vast, you’ll only notice the trees begin to appear as you climb above 2,000 feet.

Joshua trees also bloom in Springtime, along with millions of other wildflowers in the park. Therefore, Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular destination for Spring Break travelers.

Lastly, Joshua trees provide shelter for lizards, birds, and other animals to escape the sun-baked terrain, so they play an important role in the park’s ecosystem.

What to expect at Joshua Tree National Park 

What you will not find:

• Running water
• Cell service (unless you read on to learn about our secret spots!)
• Wifi
• Flush toilets
• Shade
• Power
• Dogs on trails
• Mountain biking 

What you will see/hear/experience:

• Coyotes
• Rattlesnakes
• Rock climbers
• Stars
• Cool desert nights
• Instagrammable scenes around every corner!

So if you’re already convinced JTree is where you want to go, download our Road Trip Packing Checklist!  However, for those of you that want more information about the park, let’s dive more into our Joshua Tree travel guide!

Driving to Joshua Tree National Park

 Park Entrances

If you are flying in, the most popular towns to fly then drive to Joshua Tree from would be San Diego, Palm Springs, or Los Angeles. When driving from these spots to the park, the most common entrances are often through the north or west side.  You will enter through the town of either Joshua Tree – the West Entrance, or 29 Palms – the North Entrance to the park.  However, there are a few other roads that come into the park.   These less visited entrances include:

• Cottonwood- At the south end of the park near Cottonwood Campground and Visitor Center
• Black Rock- At the west side of the park, where you’ll find both a campground and visitor center
• Indian Cove- Located on the north side of the park and home to the Indian Cove Campground

Driving in Joshua Tree

It’s good to note that all the main roads in the park are paved.  Therefore can you drive in with your Class A Motorhome, RV, camper van, trailer, bicycle, or motorcycle and enjoy all the park has to offer.  That being said, there are a few dirt roads within Joshua Tree National Park.  You’ll find these inside a few of the campgrounds, and near some of the major trail entrances.

Looking to rent a camper van for your trip?  We love Outdoorsy.com. In fact, if you’re considering renting one for your trip, here’s a $50 credit to get you started!

Pro tip: if you’re interested in rock climbing, you’ll want to drive into the park at the West or North Entrance to be closer to the popular climbing areas like Hidden Valley, Quail Springs, Boy Scout Trailhead, and Sheep Pass.

Joshua Tree National Park Camping and Entrance Fees

Before we dive into camping and entrance fees, we highly recommend picking up a National Parks Annual Pass.  Read more about how an Annual Pass makes a great gift for adventurous family and friends.  Just be sure to hint that you want to come with them!

Joshua Tree Fees:

• Car, RV, or camper van entrance fee: $30, good for 7 days and can be purchased in advance
• Camping fee: $20/night (Just $10 if you have an Annual Pass!  Read more about making Joshua Tree camping reservations below.)
• Individual on foot or by bike: $15
• Annual Pass: $80 and good for ANY National Park or National Monument for 1 year from the date of purchase. You can also buy an annual pass for just Joshua Tree National Park for $55.  However, if you’re travelers like us, it’s worth it to get the $80 pass.

One last reason we buy an Annual Parks Pass every year?  They are a great way to give back to the public lands we love!

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

First Come, First Serve Campgrounds

Most of the camping in Joshua Tree National Park used to be first-come, first-serve.  Examples of our favorites?

• Hidden Valley
• Sheep’s Pass

However, both of these campgrounds are extremely popular with rock climbers. Therefore, this means that during the high season (Spring and Fall), you’ll have to drive in during the week to secure a spot.  Or, be prepared to drive circles around the campground in the mornings to see if anyone is packing up. 

Often we’ll walk the campground with our dog Lucy and give a friendly good morning wave, then check-in to see if people are leaving.  It’s much less offensive than yelling out your car window!

Pro tip: Join the Park Rangers for Climber’s Coffee every Saturday and Sunday from 8-10am at the Hidden Valley Campground.  This is also a great way to find out if there may be spots opening up that morning, or later in the week.

How to Make Camping Reservations in Joshua Tree

There are now more opportunities to reserve a campsite in Joshua Tree through Recreation.gov.  The most popular campgrounds where you can reserve a spot in advance are:

• Ryan Mountain
• Jumbo Rocks
• Cottonwood
• Indian Cove

What to Expect While Camping in Joshua Tree

As we mentioned earlier, camping in Joshua Tree National Park is fairly primitive.  You can expect 1-2 parking spots, and an easy walk-in, with campsites 20-30 feet from your car.  In addition, they’ll be a picnic table and fire ring.  Some sites often have a tall BBQ grill, or at least a grill grate to fold over your campfire.

Campgrounds will also have single-stall compost toilets, trash, and recycling containers throughout the campground.  Keep in mind, there is no running water in the park. In addition, some campgrounds will also have a camp host, guided tours and talks, and extra/overflow parking spots for vehicles that do not fit at your campsite.

Camping with Pets

Good news, dogs are allowed in Josuha Tree!  However, they must remain on a leash, and cannot be left unattended at your campsite.  Dogs are also not allowed on trails.  Why?  Mainly to preserve the park’s wildlife.  Read more about Joshua Tree National Park’s travel guide and rules for bringing your pup camping.

What to Pack for Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

Since you won’t have access to any restaurants or cafes inside the park, 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!

Need a quick packing list for all the other non-food items you might need?  Download ours 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’ve already left town, there are several places to stock up on supplies in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms.  There’s even a Walmart!  Forgot some climbing gear or a guidebook at home?  No problem.  Nomad Ventures is just outside the Park’s West Entrance and will have everything you need.

Best Places to Eat and Drink near Joshua Tree

If you’d rather make your own meals for breakfast and lunch, but then head out for a proper dinner, or margaritas to cool off after a long day of climbing, we’ve got you covered!  From the Rib Company to Dickey’s Barbeque Pit.  Sam’s Indian Food & Pizza.  The Joshua Tree Saloon.  And, of course, every trip is worth the drive out to Pappy & Harriet’s!  Why?  The owner often books musicians that you’d normally see on stage at Coachella!  Read more on Joshua Tree’s best watering holes.

Things To Do in Joshua Tree National Park:

• Hiking- best hikes are near the Real Hidden Valley, Lost Horse Trail, Ryan Mountain, and Jumbo Rocks. Pro tip: You can easily get turned around and off trail as the formations begin to look the same. Use All Trails, but also bring a printed map or screenshots of a topo map so you can find your way!
• Trail running
• Rock climbing- mainly trad climbing with very little sport climbing in the park
• Bouldering
• Read & relax!

I could write a whole separate blog on why Joshua Tree is one of my top 3 spots for rock climbing in Southern California…and maybe I will.  But for now, you’ll find everything you need in one of the many rock climbing guidebooks.  Falcon Guides are our fav travel guides!

Mountain Project is also helpful as a travel guide for climbing in the park, just make sure you download both the area and the photos.  With no service in the park, it can be hard to find the route you’re looking for without a photo to guide you.

Cell Service and Wifi in Joshua Tree

If you like living and working remotely, but still need to check that email or make a call while visiting Joshua Tree, it can be done.  Typically heading for higher ground might get you 1-2 bars of cell service.  But, here’s a few other spots where we’ve been able to make calls and send emails while camping in Joshua Tree National Park:

• Boy Scout Trailhead entrance near Quail Springs Road
• Sheep Pass parking lot
• Key’s View

However, if you need to be on a video call or download something more than 5MB, head outside the park.  Even just by making the descent back into Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms, you’ll come back into cell service before you even leave the park.

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!

Adventure Awaits in the Desert!

We enjoy any opportunity to explore new places, but Joshua Tree National Park is one we go back to several times each year.  Just pulling out our climbing packs gets me excited!  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:

• Backpacking in the Wind River Range in Wyoming
• Road tripping through Utah’s National Parks
• Driving California’s 395 to Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park

Keep up on our latest adventures by subscribing with your email below, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy traveling!

– Meredith McConvill

Hosting An AirBnB in 5 Easy Steps

Interested in hosting an Airbnb?  our guide has everything you need to get started!

We wrote the “Hosting an Airbnb in 5 Easy Steps” guide with new hosts in mind.   Therefore, we hope you can pick up a few tips to get started as a host. 

We’ve included everything from how to stage and photograph your Airbnb, to what to include in your listing.  How to manage guest check-ins, cleaning, and Airbnb reviews, to how to set your listing so the price is based on current hotel occupancy rates and pricing.  So, let’s get started!

Hosting an Airbnb: Our Journey

We started our Airbnb journey about 6 years ago after we purchased a small craftsman home in North Park, a historic neighborhood in San Diego, CA.  In addition to the house, there was a small detached ADU.  This had been partially converted with a bathroom and hookups for kitchen appliances.   We knew this might work as a rental unit someday.  But, we hadn’t considered short-term renting as an option.

Then, the increasing popularity of Airbnb brought the potential of short-term rentals into focus for us.  So we decided to take the leap! We booked our first reservation for our Tiny Home in North Park in August of that year for Comic-Con.   Since then, we’ve had over 400 people stay with us.  As a result, we’ve added additional listings.  And, we’ve helped friends and family get started with hosting their own Airbnb.

Beyond giving us an extra stream of income, hosting our home on AirBnB has given us something much more valuable.  Opportunity.   We’ve been able to travel more.  Start a business.  And, spend more time with our families in large part because of the safety net that short-term renting provides.

So, if you are interested in learning more about hosting your own Airbnb, we are Airbnb Ambassadors!  Therefore, we can help you at each step along the way.

Click the button below to learn more:

Hosting an Airbnb: Is Short-Term Renting Right for You?

Take a moment to think about these two questions before heading down the path of hosting an Airbnb

1. Would I feel comfortable renting my space out to a stranger?

This is the first question to ask, and one of the most important things to consider when you start this journey. 

When we first started renting we had some concerns.  Things like privacy.  And, the amount of extra work we were taking on.  Therefore, we did everything we could to mitigate these concerns.  But, in the end, it was definitely learn as you go. 

Tip: Try writing out all of your concerns first.  Then, develop a strategy to address them as you go through your setup and styling process.   For example, if you are worried about interacting with guests for health or privacy reasons, set up a process that allows your guests to check-in effortlessly.  Ways we make it work?  Keyless entry, a house welcome book, and opening up the communication before they arrive.

2. Do I have a space that works for short-term rentals?

The amount of creativity and innovation hosts have put into setting up their properties is really amazing!  There are so many different tastes and styles.  You might be surprised what works for a guest.  Therefore, if your space is permitted, comfortable, and safe for your guests, give it a go!

hosting an airbnb: Set up and Style

Styling

Ok…this is the fun part!   Once you’ve decided you’re going to host and chosen your space, it’s time to get it ready to list.

Your space should be an expression of your personal style or a theme you want your guests to enjoy.   Therefore, we love the idea of styling your place to compliment the location, culture or cuisine!

Check out some of the listings below for inspiration.

If your looking for help styling your listing we’ve got your back: Contact Us

Setting up Your Physical Listing

One of the most important things to remember at this step is to keep it simple.  The amenities and extra touches you provide for your guest are a key way to set your listing apart.  But, they can also be a huge headache from a maintenance and upkeep perspective.   Therefore, your goal is to create a space with everything your guest may need, but also one that is easy to clean and restock for the next guest!

AirBnB’s amenities list is one of the best resources to use as a checklist for your setup: My Amenities

Tip: Remember, hi-tech is not always better.  When we first got started on hosting our Aibnb we installed smart locks that were wifi enabled for our properties. We thought this would save us a ton of time.  And, make the check-in process much easier for our guests.  But, the Schlage smart locks we bought had so many problems they ended up being worse than a simple keypad lock.  Just remember that if an amenity is costing you extra time without drastically improving the experience your guest has, then you should get rid of it.

Taking Photos

In terms of telling the story of your listing, there is no better way to do that than with good photos.  And if there is one thing in this Hosting An AirBnB In Five Easy Steps  guide you should note, it is this: Invest some time and money into staging your listing and learn how to take good photos!  You can use your smart phone, or work with a professional, and we’ve written a blog that walks you through all of it: How to Take Good Photos and Use Them to Market Your Business!

Check out this listing from Mission Beach, CA

Stunning examples of good photography that tells us a story

hosting an airbnb: Creating and Publishing Your Listing

Upload Your Photos

We recommend doing this first. It is much easier to write the descriptions of the rooms with the photos upload.  It also helps you provide an accurate description of the listing for your guest. 

Describe your listing

Your goal in your description is to set expectations for your guest and make sure you accurately describe your listing, its spaces, and amenities.   Your photos have set the stage, and your copy should complete the picture.   Your guests should be feel like they are “in the room” when they see your photos and read your description

Block your Calendar

If you are renting an ADU, accessory dwelling, house or room that is reserved for short-term rental, this one is easy!  Just remember to block out dates for the friends and family you want to stay in your new pad.

If you are renting your primary residence, you’ll want to take some time to plan ahead 3 to 6 months.   You can cancel reservations in your listing if you need to, but AirBnB only gives you so many cancellations before it affects other metrics that are important for your listing search results and other factors.

Tip:  This AirBnB will help you get everything set up no matter what scenario you are in – Setting up My AirBnB Calendar.

Set Your Pricing

We could get into an entire blog post about pricing.   AirBnB offers pricing tips within the listing settings, but we don’t recommend using this.  There are two apps that we’ve used for price discovery and pricing.   Our recommendation is to use a service like Beyond Pricing or AirDna.com.   They automate the process of dynamic pricing and charge you a small fee for the service.   The return on investment is really huge here.

Communicating With Your Airbnb Guests

Upon Reservation:

Send the guest a thank you for booking.  Let them know you are looking forward to their stay.  And, let them know when they can expect additional details on the reservation (Lock codes, directions, parking details, etc.)

Check-In:

We usually send check-in information 24-48 hours before our guests arrive.  And, we follow up just to make sure they don’t have any questions.  Or if we need to clarify additional details upon check-in.

Problems and issues

Address problems and issues as they arise.  Things will break, and accidents will happen.  Especially if you are renting a vacation home in a touristy area that allows for large groups. 

Therefore, make sure you always use the AirBnB app to communicate with your guests about issues.  This ensures there is a record of the conversation in the event you need to resolve any issues with AirBnB directly.

Tip: Develop a relationship with a quality local handyman, and have their information ready.

Hosting an Airbnb: Other things to consider

Cleaning & Cleaning Fees

We recommend forming a partnership with a local cleaning service that has experience cleaning Airbnb’s.  Why?  Because having someone you can trust with the cleaning and restocking is such an important aspect of your short-term rental.   

Even if you are cleaning the rental yourself, make sure you have a service available.  Therefore, in the event you want to travel, or may not be available, you have a backup already established.  

Pets & Pets Fees

We love pets, and allow them at all of our listings.  However, we do not charge a pet fee.  And, we have never had a problem with any pet-related damage.   

We’ve had dogs, cats, parrots, and lizards stay at our places.  In one of our listings, almost 60% of the people that booked have a dog!  Therefore, allowing pets can be a huge competitive advantage to you when you set up your listing.   

We recommend not charging a fee, however, be clear with your guests what your expectations and rules.  Then, if you do have pet-related damage that you need to charge a guest for, simply use the AirBnb Resolution Center. 

Thanks for reading our Hosting an Airbnb in 5 Easy Steps guide.  If you’d like some help getting your listing setup up, just click the button below and we can help you as you go.