Big Sur Camping

There are many campgrounds to choose from for your Big Sur camping experience.

Because Big Sur California is such a popular central coast destination for camping, you'll need to make your reservations early. This is particularly true in summer, when the weather is nicest.

For those campgrounds that don't take reservations, but are on a first come, first serve basis, be sure to arrive early before they fill up.

Here is a list of Big Sur camping spots:

Andrew Molera State Park
On Highway 1, 21 miles south of Carmel
24 hike-in primitive tent sites, flush toilets, first come/ first served, hiking and biking
831-667-2315

Big Sur Campground and Cabins
On Highway 1, 24 miles south of Carmel
On Big Sur River, tent and RV sites, tent cabins, cabins
831-667-2322

Fernwood Resort Campground
25 miles south of Carmel
Tent cabins, RV sites with electric hookups, restaurant, store, tavern with live music, horseshoes, volleyball, On the Big Sur River, and borders Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Hiking trails.
831-667-2422

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
East of Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel
218 tent and RV sites, no hookups
831-667-2315
More on Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Riverside Campground and Cabins
24 miles south of Carmel
Cabins and 46 campsites, electric hookups. Laundromat, playground and hiking trails. Tent rentals available.
831-667-2414

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
On Highway 1, 37 miles south of Carmel. Twelve miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The Overlook Trail reveals an eight foot waterfall which drops down to the ocean. Whale watching, scube diving.
environmental campground, two hike-in sites, tents only
800-444-7275

Ventana Campground
Located 28 miles south of Carmel. Look for the sign that says "Ventana Inn and Spa". Secluded sites in a redwood grove. Hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water.
831-667-2712

Ventana Wilderness -- part of the Los Padres National Forest
27 miles south of Carmel, just south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
This preserve goes along Highway 1 and includes the Santa Lucia Mountains. Extends up to 5800 feet elevation. Over 100 sites, mostly walk-in tent sites, but some are for RVs. No hookups. There are 237 miles of hiking. No facilities, only a ranger station. Parking fee. Two entrances. Maps and permits are available at the ranger station.

For camping outside the designated areas of the Los Padres National Forest, you must get a permit. You can get one at either the Big Sur Ranger Station (on Highway 1, just south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or at the Pacific Valley Ranger Station, 32 miles north of San Simeon on Highway1.

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