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The best camping near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pfeiffer Big Sur adventure.

The best camping near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pfeiffer Big Sur adventure.

Camping near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

98% (879 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pfeiffer Big Sur adventure.

Settle into the Big Sur forest at this inland state park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

92%
(316)

SMR Carmel Camping

34 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres ¡ Del Rey Oaks, CA
Welcome to Saddle Mountain Ranch, 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, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Our glamping stays are NOT pet-friendly aside from one of our luxury tents. We charge $5 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). 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, Foosball 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!
from 
$70
 / night
95%
(442)

DABUDAGE

6 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents10 acres ¡ CA
A place to stay in southern Big Sur with camp sites and accommodations. Before sending an inquiry please read the listings. Also available as a host your own retreat venue starting at 250 per night
from 
$45
 / night
100%
(167)

Roads End, Bradley Lockwood

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents12 acres ¡ Lockwood, CA
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.
from 
$29
 / night
100%
(139)

Redwood Cabins

5 sites ¡ Lodging13 acres ¡ Carmel Valley, CA
25 minute drive on a country road to Carmel Valley Village and all it's wineries and restaurants. Buy that perfect bottle of wine and enjoy it in your tent topped cabin, or redwood cabin. Nothing but peace and quiet other than the crickets, birds, frogs, and the resident owl. Relax and recharge away from city life. 40 minutes to the coast, Carmel's shops and galleries and restaurants. A few more minutes puts you on the most beautiful golf courses in the world or take Highway #1 to Big Sur for the day.  Short drive and hike to Los Padres Dam . Fishing, rubber rafts, and a gorgeous spillway. Spend the night at the Redwood Cabin on your way to your adventure at Tassjarra.  Ride your mountain bike along scenic Cachagua rd with it's SEASONAL creek to Chews Ridge. Totally private and quiet. Off the power grid. 12v power supplied by solar and batteries. Unlimited hot water in the private bath house.  The bath house is a 40 step stroll through the oaks, No tv's or microwaves. AT&T cell service along with a few other small providers. Guests love staying here "Really lovely little camp cabin. Has everything you need to elevate your camping experience while maintaining the outdoor feels. It was so nice to have a flush toilet and indoor sleeping area while being able to prepare food outdoors.The property is somewhat remote, tucked away from light pollution, providing excellent stargazing. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of this trip, and the hosts were excellent."
from 
$149
 / night
98%
(199)

Star Route

1 site ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ Carmel Valley, CA
The original owner, of this property, Varisto,  was a happy go lucky bootlegger back in the day, that welcomed many to try his brew and listen to a song or two on the accordion.  He's good neighbor, a famous cowboy artist, Jack Swanson, and he used to have fun fishing out of the river, and sharing a glass or two.  One day as Jack was herding his cattle through the area, past Princess Camp, located across the street, he spend a little too long here at Star Route, and to his surprise, the cattle had made their way into Princess Camp startling a few campers outside their airstreams.The Esselen Indians settled just up the road at the Cachagua Community Park back in the 1800's right by the Carmel River, which has an old stone house above the river, and many places to sit and reflect.
from 
$100
 / night
99%
(77)

Brigadoon Glamp Site

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Watsonville, CA
Stay within minutes of Manresa, Sand Dollar, and Sunset State beaches. There are excellent biking and hiking opportunities on the Watsonville and Elkhorn sloughs, or commune with the redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The air is amazing here, between the salt sea and redwood forest. We welcome you to relax and refresh on the Monterey Bay coast.
from 
$85
 / night
100%
(8)

TASHCREEK

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Greenfield, CA
5 USABLE ACRES LOCATED IN LAS PADRES FOREST AREA; A SPECIAL AREA ONCE HOME OF INDIANS BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS AND BIKING ON PAVED SURFACES. LOCATED BETWEEN HIWAYS 1 AND 101. PINACLES PARK LOCATED 20 MILES AWAY. A SERENE UNINCORPORATED SPOT FOR RETREAT AND CAMPING ACTIVITY. SITES ARE GATED AND SAFE FROM UNINVITED TRAFFIC. CAMPFIRE RINGS CAN BE USED WITH PRIOR CONSENT. OUTDOOR TABLES. NON POTABLE WATER AND ELECTRICITY PROVIDED. LAND PHONE SERVICE AVAILABLE TO GUESTS UPON REQUEST. SELF CONTAINED RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ONLY AT THIS TIME. WELL BEHAVED DOGS WELCOME. BRING INSECT REPELLANT FOR PERSONAL COMFORT. SOME THINGS ALL CAMPERS NEED; HIKING BOOTS AS THE TERRAINE CAN BE HIKED IF DESIRED. BACK PACKS AND WATER BOTTLES. HAT FOR SUN PROTECTION. THE BASIC CAMP SITE IS CLEAN FLAT AND HAS SHADE OR SUN ACESS.. ELECTRICITY IS PROVIDED. NON POTABLE WATER PROVIDED. A FIRE PIT IS PROVIDED. SITES ARE FENCED AND GATED TO ALLOW CAMPERS TO EXPLORE SURROUNDING LOCATIONS AND NOT WORRY ABOUT VEHICLES AND BELONGINGS.
from 
$50
 / night
88%
(171)

The Hill Fort - Camelot

18 sites ¡ RVs, Tents48 acres ¡ Greenfield, CA
Camelot was founded on the Summer Solstice, in the year 2000, by a small group of like minded people as a peaceful refuge from the trappings and ills of society. The name "Camelot" was chosen because of the groups' belief in a round table approach to problem solving, and the desire to reach a unanimous group consensus in any course of action which might affect any one individual of the group. A pendragon was elected as the the lifetime group leader, or "first among equals". This position exists today, though the members of the original group have faded into history. We are located a 45 minute drive from Carmel Valley, CA and 50 minutes from Pinnacles National Park. We have 15 tent and RV sites available. We can only accommodate vehicles under 25 ft and there are no hookups. No campfires allowed. Wifi only works in certain areas of the property. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash. We have a toilet and shower but campers must supply their own soap, shampoo and towels. Please note, there are a lot of animals nearby so there will be noise at night.
from 
$45
 / night
95%
(160)

Elkhorn Ranch

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents11 acres ¡ CA
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.
from 
$75
 / night

Wilde Big Sur

3 sites ¡ Lodging28 acres ¡ Lockwood, CA
In the south coast redwood forests of Big Sur along Plaskett Creek there is a wild land waiting for you to explore it and yourself. Take in the grandeur of the forest canopy, the lush blankets of sorrel and the sound of the creek rippling through the woods. Laze in the grassy meadow, enjoy a bath in the creek or chop wood and enjoy a campfire in our heart shaped fire ring. Encounter birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer, lizards and many other creatures on your hike to Puma Point with the most spectacular view of Sand Dollar Beach. Solitude abounds on this land. We need the land, and the land needs us. Bring your worry, your anger, your fear, your stress, your doubt, your regret - offer it to the land. Mother Gaia can take it. She knows how to process energy. She filters it, recycles it and transmutes it into wind, fire, rain - into beauty. Our tears become the streams and eventually the waves of the ocean. Allow yourself to feel deeply here.
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$333.99
 / night
100%
(43)

Strawberry Fields Forever

3 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Watsonville, CA
Walk to the Beach! Campsites for RVs and trailers with water and electric hook ups. No size constraints on RVs or trailers. Sorry, no on the ground tent camping. We are located in La Selva Beach, a five minute walk to Manresa State Beach. The entire property backs up to 300 acres of strawberry fields. We have vegetable and flower gardens, lots of great walks and hiking from the house and nearby. Surfing is excellent at Manresa beach. The camp sites include a fire pit and wood. Surf boards available for rent from the surf shop on site. There is a porta-potty on site. We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey. There is a Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA. These sites are appropriate for a couple or small family. If you show up with more guests than you registered for, you may be turned away. Please be respectful of our property. We will try to work with you to accommodate your needs.
from 
$85
 / night
100%
(237)

Hideaway Oaks

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Lockwood, CA
This campsite is a natural setting in the corner of our lower pasture. It features several oaks and lots of room. It is an extremely private spot free from other campers or busy traffic. This site now includes a picnic table on a leveled area, a firepit and a toilet . Water is available if you wish to hike a bit up a hill. You can enjoy our beautiful evening skies, sunrises and starlit nights. If you are looking for a peaceful, poison oak free, quiet hideaway, this is your place. Trails are available for walks and taking in the views of the valley below. Since this site is tucked away in our pasture we recommend that campers arrive before dark. We are located near Lake San Antonio, Lake Nacimiento, San Antonio Mission, San Miguel Mission, Fort Hunter Liggett, and the Nacitone Museum. There is local wine tasting and we are 45 minutes away from wine tasting in Paso Robles. Many campers find this to be an ideal meeting place for family and friends coming from the north and south.
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park guide

Overview

About

Situated just inland from the Big Sur Coast, on the banks of the Big Sur River, Pfieffer Big Sur State Park is among the most popular spots for camping and hiking in the region. It provides a habitat for all sorts of wildlife, from California condors to bobcats, and offers over half a dozen trails ranging from short jaunts to more challenging uphill treks. The park's 189-site campground stretches along the river and features a camps store, a laundromat, a dump station, and token-operated showers. Some sites have direct river access, but they cost a bit more.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • You can reserve a campsite at Pfeiffer Big Sur using the online ReserveCalifornia system, or by calling California State Parks.
  • Campsites open for booking at 8am, six months in advance, and tend to get snapped up quickly.
  • Same-day walk-up campsites are occasionally available due to cancellations or early departures, but can only be obtained in person.
  • If you can't secure a campsite, you may have better luck at the nearby Andrew Molera State Park, which offers hike-in tent camping only, or at one of the many private campgrounds or Hipcamps in the area.

When to go

The entire Big Sur area is at its most popular—and its busiest—during the summertime. The weather this time of year is usually at its finest, but you’re likely to encounter equally pleasant weather if you visit in early- to mid-September, when summer break is over and the crowds begin to subside. Winters can get stormy, leading to flooding, mudslides, and road closures. The area often stays wet into the spring, when wildflowers in the area begin to bloom.  

Know before you go

  1. There are lots of spots to pick up groceries or get gas within a few miles' drive of the park on Highway 1.
  2. Dogs are allowed in the campground, parking lots, and on the Warden's Path and River Path, but must remain on a leash.
  3. Ticks are found in the area, so it's important to check yourself (and your pets) frequently, especially after hiking through areas with a lot of foliage.
  4. The campground can accommodate trailers up to 27 feet in length or motorhomes up to 32 feet long.
  5. The park has five accessible campsites and five accessible restrooms/showers. The Nature Trail and River Trail are also accessible.

Nearby attractions

  • Adventure calls at Fort Ord National Monument, a spectacular destination for camping enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, diverse flora and fauna, and an array of hiking and biking trails, it promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.
  • Immerse yourself in maritime history while camping near Piedras Blancas Light Station. As you explore the light station and witness the elephant seals, the Piedras Blancas camping experience will prove a unique and educational coastal retreat.

Top cities near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

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