California’s Highway One is sprinkled with some spectacular vistas, but to really get to see experience its stunning scenery, a Big Sur camping trip is absolutely essential. Spending the whole 90-mile drive between Carmel and San Simeon in car just doesn’t do it any justice. The area is known for its wild and rugged beauty (a part of it recently fell into the ocean) as well as unique landmarks such as Hearst Castle.
There is plenty to fill your Big Sur camping plan with breathtaking destinations, or just relax and enjoy nature. Either way, you’ll be in a camper’s dream in this amazing California destination, with majestic mountains on one side and the endless ocean coastline on the other.
Why Big Sur is a Perfect Camping Destination
Big Sur is very popular and rightly so. Big Sur campgrounds usually fill up months in advance, especially in when the weather is perfect in spring and summer. If you are planning on staying at one of these campgrounds, make sure to plan as far ahead as you can, so that you can get the one you want. Once there, you can pick between forest, beaches, mountains, and charming little oceanside towns during your Big Sur adventure. Big Sur really offers something for every nature lover. Biking, hiking, and walking, are all great ways to explore Big Sur.
For those more introspectively inclined, Big Sur reeks of creative inspiration. In fact, some of the world’s most famous writers often came here to feel inspired and write, some even about Big Sur. John Steinbeck, Jack London, Orson Welles, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Jack Kerouac, often visited the cafes and inns along the coast. Hunter S. Thompson was even the caretaker of the well-known Esalen Institute. This makes Big Sur a great place for writers seeking retreats or artists looking a spark of creativity.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Right near Big Sur River, Pfeiffer State Park is a scenic spot for camping in Big Sur. There are 189 RV camping and tent site at this Big Sur Campground. For those just roadtripping, cozy cabins are available for rent, each including a parking spot, fire ring, and access to showers. This campground is right in the middle of Big Sur, so there are many options for day hiking right around you! This campground fills up half a year in advance almost all year round, so make sure to plan ahead. Book sites online up to 48 hours before your visit. If you are visiting for the day, the park is open for day use until 8PM.
Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground is near Pfeiffer Beach and has some great options for Big Sur camping to cater to all kinds of campers. There are tent and RV campsites as well as tent cabins, forest cabins, and glamping tents available. Campers can use two bath houses with hot showers, a dish washing area, and laundry. Some campsites have water and electricity, and all have a picnic table and fire ring. This campground fills up pretty quickly too, so book early if this is going to be your Big Sur stop!
Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge Campground is a beautiful and secluded dispersed camping location located in Big Sur, California, along Highway 101. It is a perfect destination for those who prefer to camp away from the crowds and enjoy the wilderness. With its breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and its unique location above the clouds, Prewitt Ridge Campsite offers an unforgettable camping experience.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Prewitt Ridge camping is not for those who require the amenities provided by a traditional campground. There are no toilets, running water, or reservations available, so campers must come prepared with everything they need for the duration of their stay. This includes enough food and water, a reliable source of warmth and shelter, and the ability to pack out all of their trash.
Despite the lack of services, the Prewitt Ridge campsite is a truly remarkable destination that offers a truly immersive camping experience. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in nature or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Prewitt Ridge in Big Sur is a fantastic option. So, if you’re up for the challenge and ready to embrace the beauty and serenity of the wilderness, consider this spot for Campground for your next camping trip. Be sure to check to the website before heading out, to make Prewitt Ridge campground is open.
Andrew Molera State Park and Trail Camp
Andrew Molera State Park is a relatively rugged area of Big Sur with a number of options for exploring beach and mountain. Hike through through beautiful meadows, breathtaking bluffs, picturesque beaches, and an array of vistas. Trail Camp is a walk-in campground that has 24 first-come, first-serve tent sites. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker. There is also access flush toilets and drinking water. A working cattle grazing ranch called El Sur Ranch neighbors the Trail Camp, so pay attention to any signs in the area.
How to Plan Your Big Sur Camping Trip
The weather in Big Sur can shift fairly quickly, so make sure to to pack clothes for all weather when getting ready for your Big Sur camping trip. A wet, foggy morning can quickly turn into a warm, clear afternoon. Fortunately, Big Sur has many months of great camping weather, stretching from April to mid November. The ideal time is from mid-September to the end of October, when the crowds are less but the weather is still good.
Traffic delays are very common and many incidents can cause road closures, such as accidents, falling rocks, and mudslides. Make sure to check your route before you head out. Also, have a back-up plan in case you are can’t reach a certain part of the highway or park. For up to date information on road and trail closures, check for any alerts in effect on the California State Parks website.
The road is affected by weather. If you are traveling during rougher weather, consider booking camping near Big Sur on either end of the highway, near Monterey on the north or San Luis Obispo on the south. Weather allowing, you could then drive into the middle for day trips.
What To See and Do While in Big Sur
The Big Sur State Parks are part of the California State Parks system, so a day use fee of $10/day per car will apply, which gives you access to all state parks for the day. If you have a valid State Parks Pass, that will get you in, too! Once you’re in, there’s a long list of Big Sur adventures to enjoy.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a day use park which is home to 300-foot redwoods over 2,500 years old, as well as Big Sur’s iconic McWay Falls. The overlook for McWay Falls is one of the most breathtaking sights for anyone visiting or camping in Big Sur. The waterfall drops 80 feet onto a immaculate beach cove. The trail to the overlook is a short 0.6-mile round trip hike, which is reached directly from Highway One or from parking areas within Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. This popular park is partially open, with only some trails closed. However, it is important to check update here.
Nepenthe Restaurant
Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth bought a cabin in Big Sur in 1944, while vacationing on the coast. They ironically never spent a single night there, and it is now the popular Big Sur restaurant, Nepenthe. Sitting high on a bluff above the ocean, a glass building and outdoor patio offer a seemingly endless coastline view and delicious local wine menu.
Sykes Hot Springs
For Big Sur campers seeking a little more of an adventure, Sykes Hot Springs can be reached though 18 mile out-and-back Pine Ridge trail into the Ventana Wilderness. This is true wilderness, completely Leave No Trace, and for experienced campers and hikers. A picturesque spot with stone tubs nested in the redwood awaits those who venture to it.
Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the most iconic spots of Big Sur is the Bixby Creek Bridge. It is the longest concrete arch bridge in California, and the subject of countless photos. If you want to get your own picture, make it out just before or around sunset for perfect lighting.
Visiting Big Sur Responsibly
With temperatures going up and annual rainfall still low, one of California’s biggest threats are forest fires. When planning a Big Sur camping trip, make sure you know the current campfire regulations and how to safely start and extinguish a fire. You can check if there are any fire restrictions are in effect at the US Forest Service website. Make sure your campfire is in a designated metal pit and that every ember is out before going to sleep.
Make sure to Leave No Trace and make sure you properly dispose of or pack out all your trash. In some areas, you may encounter animals, so store your food and trash safely. Wind can also blow around trash and things left out, so make sure to be careful of that too! If you do see animals like foxes or coyotes, make sure to never feed them. This protects them from becoming dependent on human food and prevents you from getting bitten or attacked. To learn more about conservation efforts in Big Sur, visit the non-profit group Ventana Wildlife Society.