These Big Sur Campgrounds Should Be On Your Bucket List

Imagine sleeping beneath a starry sky, waking up to the sound of trees rustling, and getting out of your campervan or tent to enjoy the fresh sea air. That’s the best of Big Sur. But things might become a bit hard when it comes to actually selecting a campground that makes this fantasy come true.

Here’s where we save the day. The top campgrounds in Big Sur that should definitely be on your bucket list are listed here. With views of the ocean or the deep forest, each of these campsites offers a unique Big Sur camping experience.

Join us as we take a closer look at these awesome camping spots in and around Big Sur, and get ready to start planning that epic road trip today!

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is one of the most well-known camping locations in Big Sur, so let’s start there. A must-visit for any camper wishing to truly immerse themselves in nature, this campground (also referred to as the “mini Yosemite”) is situated alongside the Big Sur River and tucked away deep in the redwood forest.

There are over 180 campsites here, with a mix of RV camping, tent camping, and hike-in options, and while there are no hookups, the amenities are enough to make it a comfortable place to call home for a few nights. These include flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, potable water, and a dump station.

However, if there’s one piece of advice we can offer when it comes to camping at Pfeiffer, it’s to make your reservations well in advance. This is especially true if you’re planning to visit during the peak summer season, as this place fills up fast!

When it comes to hiking trails, you’re spoiled for choice here. The Pfeiffer Falls Trails is a relatively easy 2-mile loop that takes you to the beautiful 60-foot Pfeiffer Falls. Or, if you’re up for a longer hike, head to the Valley View Trail, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Big Sur Valley and the Pacific Ocean.

Fernwood Campground and Resort

If you’re looking for a campground that offers both a wilderness escape and some added comforts, Fernwood Campground and Resort is a very good option. This is another campsite located along the Big Sur River, but it has a little more rustic charm than Pfeiffer and an atmosphere that allows you to enjoy some great amenities without sacrificing that classic camping experience.

RV sites here comes with water and electric hookups, and you’ll also find on-site restrooms and hot showers. There’s also WiFi available (which is ideal if you need to check your email every now and then while you’re in the woods), a general store, and a coffee shop where you can grab a quick snack and cup of Joe.

Something you do need to keep in mind when camping here is that, while campfires are permitted, you do need to use a designated fire pit – there’s no building a fire wherever you want. Also, there fire regulations in place at certain times of the year, but you’ll be made of aware of these when you check in.

When it comes to finding something to do in the local area, you’ll be based right by some excellent hiking trails within Pfeiffer State Park, and you can also take a short drive down to Andrew Molera State Park, where you’ll find a mix of coastal and inland hikes. After a day of adventuring, head to the Fernwood Tavern to grab a well-earned drink, enjoy the live music, and chat to your fellow campers.

Kirk Creek Campground

Dreaming of staying at campsite with ocean views? Look no further than Kirk Creek Campground. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this is one of those campgrounds where you wake up, open the door to your campervan, and are immediately greeted by the ocean in all its glory! The sunsets here are unbelievable, too, and it’s the perfect place to experience Big Sur in all of its rugged beauty.

One thing you do need to know is that Kirk Creek is a more primitive campground compared to the first two on our list. This means there are no showers, flush toilets, potable water, or RV hookups, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are vault toilets available. It’s also easily accessible, as it is located just off Highway 1.

Something else to keep in mind about camping here is that sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and you can’t make reservations in advance. So, if you want to camp at Kirk Creek, you’ll need to arrive early to snag a spot.

Now, while it may seem like this campground is quite lacking in terms of amenities, it more than makes up for it with views and opportunities for exploring the nearby Ventana Wilderness, with trailheads like Vicente Flat Trail taking you through coastal forests and up into the mountains. You’ll also have easy beach access from a walkway down the cliffside, where you can explore tide pools or simply relax by the ocean.

Hearst San Simeon State Park Campgrounds

A little south of Big Sur, you’ll find Hearst San Simeon State Park, which offers you more of a mellow camping experience without sacrificing on the stunning views. This park is also close to the famous Hearst Castle, and there is plenty of access to the rugged coast and wildlife spotting opportunities.

We’ll explore those in more detail in just a moment, but let’s take a look at the amenities, first. The park has two main campgrounds: Washburn Campground and San Simeon Creek Campground, both of which are open to tents, RVs, and campervans.

The San Simeon Campground is closer to the beach and has flush toilets, showers, and drinking water, while Washburn is more primitive, with vault toilets and no showers. So, keep this in mind before deciding which is the best choice for your camping style. You can also make reservations for both sites in advance, so they’re a good choice if you’re not keen on the idea of first-come-first-served policies.

OK, let’s revisit those local attractions. One of the best things about camping at San Simeon is how close you are to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rockery, and the boardwalk here offers great viewing opportunities of these massive marine mammals. Or, if you’re in the mood for a little history, Hearst Castle is just up the road, and the tours are worth every penny.

Pinnacles National Park Campground

Though it’s a bit of a drive from the coast, Pinnacles National Park is a great addition to any Big Sur camping trip, and it is famous for its amazing rock formations, bat caves, and for being one of the few places where you can spot the endangered California condor.

There are both tent sites and RV sites here, and you’ll find electric hookups for RVs, which is ideal if you need your creature comforts. Likewise, there are also on-site showers, flush toilets, WiFi, a general store, and a swimming pool that is open from April through September, making it one of the more well-equipped camping spots on this list. You can also make camping reservations online up to six months in advance, which is ideal if you’re planning a camping trip well ahead of time.

So, the amenities are great and there’s no stress about finding a space when you arrive, thanks to the online reservations system. But what can you do in the surrounding area? Well, Pinnacles is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy to pretty strenuous!

The High Peaks Trail is a must-do if you’re looking for sweeping views of the park’s iconic rock spires, and the Bear Gulch Cave Trail lets you explore a bat-filled cave (don’t worry, they’re not out during the day)! There are also some challenging climbing routes throughout the park that rock climbers will love.

Plaskett Creek Campground

For a more laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, you should consider making Plaskett Creek Campground your number one choice. Located on the inland side of Highway 1, this campsite offers you a nice mix of amenities, including flush toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables, but you do need to keep in mind there are no RV hookups.

Sites here can be reserved in advance and group bookings are also welcome, with designated sites available that can accommodate up to 40 people. These group sites also come with a fire ring, but you’ll need to bring your own firewood to use these and make sure there aren’t any fire restrictions in place before striking a match.

There is plenty to do in terms of nearby activities, and you’re just a short walk or drive from Sand Dollar Beach, where you can fish, swim, surf, or kick back on the shore and let the sound of the waves wash over you. You’ll also find some wonderful hiking trails here, including the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, which is an easy and scenic walk along the coast.

Riverside Campground and Cabins

If you’re after a peaceful camping experience right along the river, Riverside Campground and Cabins is the perfect choice. This campground is located right in the heart of Big Sur and, as its name suggests, offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites, and cabins (which is ideal if you’re looking to escape your vehicle for a night or two).

The RV sites here come with water and electric hookups, and there are hot showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities on-site that all guests are welcome to use, giving it a little touch of luxury. You can also reserve sites here in advance, which is a great thing for anyone who prefers to make a solid plan rather than risking it with a first-served campsite.

While the excellent amenities are one draw here, another is how close Riverside is to some of the most popular Big Sur attractions, including Pfeiffer Beach and Andrew Molera State Park, both of which provide multiple scenic hiking trails through beaches and redwood groves. Or, if you prefer to stay closer to your campervan, you can head to the river for a day of swimming, fishing, and relaxing.

Final Thoughts

A road trip through Big Sur offers you two things – a scenic drive along Highway 1 and a place to slow down, breathe deep, and immerse yourself in nature. And if you’re road-tripping in a campervan, Travellers Autobarn has you covered with a comfortable, reliable vehicle that comes complete with unlimited miles as standard.

So, pack your gear, load up the van, and set out for the adventure of a lifetime. You don’t have to let the adventure end at Big Sur, either! Check out some of the best campgrounds in the USA and add another leg to your journey.