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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

97%

174 sites · RV, Tent

Take in the beautiful Big Sur coastal views at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. With ample shade provided by Redwood and Sycamore trees, an 80-foot waterfall that flows from granite cliffs into the ocean, and panoramic views of the coastline, this is definitely your spot for amazing Big Sur camping.
Despite the large campground (172 sites), there’s still room to find space for yourself. This campground is diverse with each loop providing a different landscape. If you want to be closest to the river, sites 171-189 are the best. If being shaded under big trees is more your thing, then check out sites 1-21. There are also 2 group sites if you’re with a big crew or maybe a family gathering. Regardless, you can’t really go wrong at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

Showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

Sewer hookups

No electric hookups

Explore 457 campgrounds near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Saddle Mountain Carmel

91%

(694)

20mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 52 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. Please note, all our sites are pet friendly, but there are additional fees and size limitations depending on the type of site. Please add to the reservation or message us. On site seasonally heated pool (Memorial Day weekend in May through October). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, ping pong table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

dabudage Big Sur

96%

(827)

25mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging

⭐DABUDAGE in southern Big Sur. 🌈🌊***READ THIS ENTIRE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION BEFORE REQUESTING TO BOOK!* And Format Request as Specified *. ⭐ 🌲Disconnect from the virtual world and surround yourself in nature. At the base of a majestic canyon where steep mountains plunge to the ocean, along a flowing creek. Backed by redwood trees and surrounded by national forest is a minimalistic homestead with family, friends and animals. 🌪️*The prices have been raised on hipcamp as Hipcamp now takes a 15% cut from hosts. Guests are also charged an additional 20+%. 🌖 for more information on discounts / avoid fees, you can visit our site direct on the web at dabudage 💸 *We currently only accept reservations for dates within the next 3 weeks*. You must Arrive Before Dark to find your site. There is no wi-fi, cell service or electricity. There are two small communal guest kitchens, fresh water, a shower/bath and composting barrel poopers. 🪨A massive flood in Jan 2021 brought 100's of gigantic full sized redwood trees and boulders smashing down thru most of the land and previous structures. It is and will be in the process of rebuilding for many years to come. Great for families with children. Dogs are welcome off-leash. Alcohol is discouraged. No electronic music devices. Fires in designated pits only. Pack out trash. TO RESERVE A SITE - Please include a bit about yourself/party and where you’re coming from. ⚡️*YOU MUST ALSO INCLUDE - “ My party and I have read the description” - IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED⚡️ Requests are usually checked once daily.🏄‍♂️

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Mountain Paradise

87%

(47)

14mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

New Location established 2026 January. Located on Cachagua Road in Carmel Valley. Cachagua means “hidden waters” in native and is inspired by the Carmel River and Cachagua Dam nearby. While 8 miles from Carmel valley village and 20 from Carmel by the Sea, our weather is consistently warm and sunny as we are tucked in the hills and in the Valley, surrounded by trees in Los Padres National Forest. Within a mile from the property you will have access to single track trails that connect via foot with Big Sur and the Ventana wilderness area in the Santa Lucia Mountains. On the property itself, you will have access to an electrical outlet and water hookup. 36 feet long by 18 feet wide lot... that means 36 feet long including trailer and towing vehicle. *Gate entry to site is 140 inches wide

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Strawberry Fields+Walk to the Beach

97%

(332)

47mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 1 site

We are currently offering one campsite with awesome views for self contained units only. Our property is an eight minute walk to the beach! We are pet friendly! Welcome to southern Santa Cruz County, home of some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in central California. Enjoy the peaceful view of 300 acres of strawberry fields across the valley. We are a small, working farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens and bees. There are many excellent places nearby to hike, walk, surf, swim, tide pool, kayak or just sit and enjoy the view. On site we have a basketball hoop, corn hole, lots of room for kites, frisbees etc. If we appear booked, please inquire anyway, we may have a site that can be opened for a self contained unit. We can usually accommodate early and late check out, please inquire. Our campsite includes water and electric hookups. We welcome self contained units only e.g. Camper vans, RV’s, trailers etc. We do offer a port-a potty and sinks; no shower facilities; good cell service. We provide a fire pit, complimentary firewood, a picnic table and a couple of comfortable chairs. Our property is a great base camp for your Santa Cruz and Monterey County adventures! SFO is 90 minutes away depending on traffic. We regularly host international travelers and we are happy to help you get acquainted with your rig as you set out on your journey. We love to host guests and will happily provide you with information about things to do and see in on the central coast such as Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, Sunset State Beach, Natural Bridges and more. There is a Dump station a few minutes down the road at the KOA (for a fee).

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

Salty Fox Retreat @ Peaceful Valley

95%

(151)

47mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful Valley Glamping Near the Beach & Redwoods Welcome to our peaceful slice of paradise—tucked away in a quiet valley just one street over from one of North America’s top-ranked KOAs and less than a mile from the beach (with a walking path to get you there!). Surrounded by state parks, beaches, and scenic trails, our property offers the perfect mix of convenience and serenity. The land is a mostly flat, open field bordered by a redwood tree line and adjacent to a national wildlife reserve. Neighboring properties have horses and sheep, giving the area a tranquil, rural charm. It truly is a hidden gem—and we're excited to now share it with campers after years of hosting only weddings and private events. Great destination if you want to be close to hikes in the redwoods, access to to some of the most beautiful beaches on the central coast and more. Great fishing along the beaches for striper and perch along with some great surf spots just a few minutes a way. 🏕 The Campsites: 4 available sites – book solo or with friends. Site can accommodate large groups but price set for up to 4 people. These sites are close. Equipped with a fire pit, string lights, bocce ball, horseshoes, and more PLEASE NOTE: Fire ban can come into effect at anytime w/o notice if there is windy weather making it dangerous. Well water available (for fire safety and non-potable uses) One clean, regularly serviced porta-potty Sites are primarily self-contained, so please come prepared 🐎 The Vibe: Our venue is occasionally used for weddings and events, and we can host up to 300 guests if you're looking for a retreat or celebration space. Tables, benches, bars, and decor are available for special bookings—reach out if you'd like to plan something big! 🏡 About Your Host: The host lives on-site but values privacy and keeps a low profile. You likely won’t run into them during your stay unless you need something. 🐾 Pet Policy: Friendly, well-behaved pets are welcome—just check with us first. We ask that you fully clean up after them and ensure they get along with other animals and guests. 🔇 Quiet Hours: Please respect quiet hours starting at 9 PM (Santa Cruz County noise ordinance begins at 10 PM). Be courteous to fellow campers and nearby residents.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Elkhorn Ranch

95%

(397)

39mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Five minutes from the beach, Elkhorn Ranch is home to goats, sheep, wild chickens followed by their baby chicks, and a couple of cows, dogs, and sheep. In addition to the animals there is a greenhouse and an acre of pumpkins, corn, and beans. A small fruit orchard borders the chicken coop. Anybody who enjoys small farm life and activity will find this place enchanting. Norris and Roberta are incredible hosts and inclusive to any guests that want to participate in farm life. Close to restaurants and the cute harbor town of Moss Landing, 30 minutes from Carmel and Santa Cruz, Elkhorn Ranch can be a place to relax or a gateway to explore Big Sur and all the amazing hidden gems of the Central California Coast. After your stay here if you would like to continue your exploration of the coast, we have a partner who does surfing tours between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566796147238 Thanks and hope to see you soon!

Pets

Toilets

Potable water

Pinnacles View - 2 mi from Park

100%

(16)

34mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 4 sites

Looking for your next great stop in your Sprinter van, camper van, or small RV? You’ve found it in Monterey County! Park your fully self-contained camping vehicle beside our organic vineyard, just 2 miles from the Westside entrance of Pinnacles National Park. You can be at the gate right when it opens and snag the best parking spot without the morning scramble. After a full day on the trails, return to the vineyard to catch the sunset from one of our comfortable patios. Stay out a little longer, and you’ll see the sky deepen into a canopy of stars — we are proudly in a designated dark-sky zone! Please note that we do NOT have services on site and you must be in a fully self-contained camping van or RV to stay on site. No tent or car camping is allowed on this private property. Due to the "no pets" policy at the Pinnacles National Park, and because we have working barn cats on site, we also have a "no pets" policy on this private property.

Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

99%

(375)

49mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

OUR HAPPY PLACE

93%

(138)

43mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

The property is easy Motorcycle, Auto, Van, Camper, Caravan and RV access from paved road. It's an enjoyable, primitive, quiet place to hang out. Dog and Cat friendly. Surrounded by mountains. Weak to no signal! Plenty of Wildlife with cool and quiet evenings.. The stars will be bright. Rugged setting. Clean portable potty.. Be sure to add some firewood, sourdough bread, homemade jelly, various homemade canned goods, or an off road tour from the EXTRAS tab on this Hipcamp page. Check out the BACK 40 for an even more remote rugged camping experience.... Hikers welcome.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

100%

(69)

45mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging

Looking for a place to relax, recharge or explore surrounding areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties? Vega Vortex is home to the Gaia Health Retreat which possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. Parking is close to our Vega Vortex sign and a short walk to your tent. Filtered potable water, electricity, composting toilet, and shower with "on demand" hot/cold water are available. Instructions for use are available should you need assistance. Experience 3 campsites: BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) Tent Site (#1) 10'x10', BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) Site (#2) 8'x8' or an onsite Bell tent complete with carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 bed frames each with a memory foam mattress plus bedding. All sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. *A shower and a compost toilet are available for use to all campers. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, swings, a "grounding" spot, birding, water fountains and art. A no noise policy by the county occurs at 9 pm. Due to a high risk fire zone, no open fires (small camp stoves are ok). Due to the proximity of the tents right next to Vega Rd, sounds from vehicles can be heard. We are situated in a rural neighborhood setting, with sounds of sheep, goats, chickens, wild turkeys, dogs and many birds nestled between both counties. The terrain is hilly with a few gopher holes. Staying on paths limits poison oak exposure. While respecting your privacy, we can be seen improving the property. ***For precautionary measures, we ask that you sign our waiver immediately after you book your reservation. The waiver is "REQUIRED" for you to be able to stay here at the Vega Vortex. Vega Vortex has been called a Park and Machu Picchu due to the amphitheater landscaping of terracing. Practicing permaculture, a diversity of pollinating plants/ flowers, organic garden and art features exist. Minutes away from National Parks, the Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk, Roaring Camp Train, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough/Canoe/Kayak, Estuaries (bird watching), golfing and multiple beaches. As a gift for staying here, you may receive either a bottle of "structured" water, a healing tincture, salve, a bottle of infused olive oil or another healing product curated from the Vega Vortex!

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

Heavenly Views

100%

(14)

39mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 1 site

Rural Southern Monterey County hilltop with 360° views of the surrounding valley. To the west is an unobstructed view of the Los Padres National forest, sunsets over the coast ridge from Junipero Serra peak to the north and Rocky Butte to the south. To the east is Williams Hill BLM area, with clear views of the sunrise. To the southeast is Lake San Antonio. Nacimiento Lake is a beautiful 45 minute drive to the south. Although the dirt access road can be a little dusty and bumpy for a sports car, in the 35 years I've been here it has always been accessible for a 2 wheel drive vehicle. The property is at the end of the road. No traffic, no noise, only views of the surrounding area. If you are interested in night skies, the milky way is a constant. After winter rains, everything is green and wild flowers are abundant. Stay and enjoy the vistas or travel relatively short distances for hiking in the Los Padres forest, drive CA HWY 1, visit Paso Robles wineries, boat or fish at Lake San Antonio or Lake Nacimiento. Nearby Williams Hill BLM area for hunting, shooting or ATV riding. For hunters and fisherman, Ft Hunter Liggett is to the immediate west. Occasional weekend's be entertained by military training and occasional aircraft, helicopters and planes. It is so quiet that you can hear vehicles passing several miles away on Jolon Rd in the valley below. Visitors travel to Morro bay, Avila beach to the south or Big Sur and Monterey Bay to the north. Motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy 100's of miles of uncrowded country roads. Host is an avid motorcyclist and will provide enough helpful guidance for all levels of riding. Corbin saddle in Hollister is a great destination for lunch and a custom made seat by appointment. Getaway to the central coast of California and leave the city behind. San Francisco is a bit over 2 hours to the north and LA about 4 hours to the south. Owner has intimate knowledge of way to many destinations.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Grey Oaks

98%

(302)

45mi from Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Grey Oaks' Rustic Campsites, are a boutique camping experience with real old-timey style. We have 2 RV/tent campsites and currently 2 tent-only sites for hipcamp use. Grey Oaks is located on 20 acres of land, with multiple interesting and cool landscape features, hot water shower, and animals up by the house (1/4 mile from the campsites) that you can interact with during your stay here. ( 2 pasture horses, 1 Donkey, 2 friendly dogs, and 1 awesome cat). At the campsites, we have picnic tables, fire pits, bbqs, chairs, and more. A clean and fresh well water hand/dishwashing station and two outhouses are conveniently located to the campsites. We provide one hot water shower and there are 3 outhouse style toilets on the grounds. We do not provide any soaps/shampoos/sponges, etc so pleas bring your own. There is NO running water at the sites so we suggest you bring your own drinking water. There will be limited water provided for hand/dish washing. We are a pack it in/pack it out campground so please, be mindful of waste as we ask that you take it out with you. We do not have dumpsters/trash service on site so please be mindful of this when packing and booking. Firewood will be provided at your site when you check in. We make a nightly run to check in and replenish and/or, you may message us up to 8pm if you'd like more. We will restock your wood rack the next day for those staying multiple nights. It really is a beautiful and wonderful property. There is wildlife, and it is private and peaceful. It is very dark at night and the view of the stars, moon, and planets is amazing. There is poison oak on the property so please be aware. We will show you what it looks like, so you can easily avoid it.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

More to explore nearby

97%

893 ratings · 67 reviews

Recommends

· September 2026

Campsite 115

Tent

Campsite 115, near the bathroom. There is a lot of foot traffic 360. If you don’t mind that, this is a golden spot!

Mixed feelings

· May 2026

Tent · With pets

Beautiful campsite, quiet and peaceful. You are pretty close to other campsites but everyone was really respectful. Word of caution, there is poison ivy/oak EVERYWHERE! I'm really allergic and I had my dog with me so it was pretty nerve-wracking making sure to keep him out of it.

Recommends

· April 2026

Beautiful spot, great hikes

Tent

There are many beautiful hiking trail heads right from the campground, from short nature trails to longer day hikes. The river that runs through the campground is beautiful. Look for a site that is on the river if possible.

Recommends

· March 2026

20 ft Class B

Excellent facilities, creek, big trees and nice campground for our van!

Recommends

· March 2026

Tent · With pets

Campground is beautiful. Lots of birds and bugs. Not so maintained toilet and shower. But campsites are the best. People bring dogs on trails that don’t allow dogs- soooo.

Recommends

· June 2025

Tent · With kids

Beautiful!! Shady and spacious spots!

Recommends

· June 2025

Had a great stay enjoyed campsite and short drive into town. Beach is a short walk and loved listening to the waves at night.

Recommends

· March 2025

Gorgeous campground in epic big sur

I last camped at Pfeiffer Big Sur on a Sunday in January of 2022 in my Tacoma w/ Rooftop tent (GFC). The campground is well maintained and most sites are nestled under a canopy of dense trees. With it being a Sunday night, the campground was relatively empty and very quiet at night.

Recommends

· January 2020

Big Sur has some scenic views along the Vista Points on PCH. About 30 minutes in either direction of the park you'll find iconic locations such as the Big Sur Lighthouse and Bixby Bridge. In the park are dozens of scenic hikes alongside streams and creeks. The campground itself is well maintained and has a lot of amenities, including hot showers. Fishing is highly regulated in the area. If you do fish, there is little cellular signal in the area. Make sure you call ahead of time to get the rules on any body of water you plan on fishing in.

Recommends

· February 2019

Nights can get chilly, even in the summer. Bring something cozy.

Recommends

· February 2019

check weather/road condition, especially since the fires and the rains! Beautiful area!

Recommends

· January 2019

The coastline is rough & protected. McWay Falls is a must. IRS the only beach on California coastline with a huge waterfall that spills on the sandy beach. Try to avoid visiting on weekends or holidays as tourists flock to this spot. There is an easy trail with a comfy bench at end of your walk. You can sit and watch the beautiful sunset. The entire park is photographers paradise.

Recommends

· January 2019

Check the trail conditions before you go. Rain/mud slides often close off sections of trails.

Recommends

· December 2018

Beware of poison oak.

Recommends

· November 2018

Check for road closures before you set out.

Recommends

· November 2018

The hot springs at Esalen are open to the public at 1am but require a reservation. They are absolutely amazing!

Recommends

· October 2018

Absolutely beautiful. Try and get a spot along the river, you can hear some road noise from the PCH if camped near the road. Book early! Tends to be booked for months i advance on weekends!

Mixed feelings

· October 2018

No dogs allowed

Recommends

· October 2018

This may have changed, but you cannot randomly collect wood for a fire.

Recommends

· September 2018

Great!

LocationPfeiffer Big Sur Campground, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California, United States

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What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

Showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

Sewer hookups

No electric hookups

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