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Campsites in Big Sur
Discover and book the best camping, glamping, caravan parks, and more.
- Big Sur
Campsites in Big Sur
Big Sur camping epitomizes the rugged California coastline with towering redwoods and roaring surf.
Top-rated stays
93%
(81)
SMR Carmel Camping
21 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents89 acres · Carmel By The Sea, CAWelcome 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 peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.
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
$36
/ night
94%
(95)
Coyote Mynt Ranch, Paso Robles
5 units · Glamping, Tents42 acres · CAOur 42 acres is located at the beginning of the award winning Adelaide Wine trail in Paso Robles.
Our ranch was once home to a horse boarding and breeding ranch which bred Paso Fino horses, known for their beautiful gait.
Having been a horse ranch, it left us with some nice trails that you can enjoy during your stay.
We have some nice uphill walks to view your local surroundings while sitting to enjoy a glass of wine or you morning cup of coffee/tea.
We are on a well out here so at times you may get a sulphur/mineral smell to the water.
Please bring your own drinking/cooking water.
It is safe to shower, my hair feels so much thicker!
On the ranch you will see that we have 2 donkeys, Desi (black) and Lucy (light grey).
Along with our donkeys we have to friendly goats, Fiona (brown) and Sadie (white), they love carrots.
but please stick to one carrot a day each, we don't want to over feed them.
We also have chickens which means have farm fresh eggs. $5 for 1/2 dozen.
Up on the hill you will see Connie a cow and her buddy Samuel, the bull. they love carrots but please do not go into their pasture. She'll think you're bringing food and gets very dangerously excited.
Please feel free to walk the property and become one with nature while observing the local indigenous floral and fauna.
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$75
/ night
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Babbling Bates Creek Hipcamp
4 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Soquel, CAEnjoy a leisurely break from your outdoor activities at Soquel Vineyards tasting room and patio just 2 1/2 miles up the road or Bargetto Winery just a mile down the road. You can bring a bottle of your favorite wine or beer back to your campsite where you'll enjoy the peace and tranquility the forest has to offer.
Coastal adventures await you just 2 and 1/2 miles to the beaches in Capitola Village...another mile from there to the 'Hook' surf spot...a short walk from there along the cliffs to famed surf spot and home of Jack O'Neil (RIP) Pleasure Point and the 'Barrel Burrito' at the Point Market, a local favorite.
Enjoy some local craft beer and good eats at Nubo (New Bohemian Brewery) on 41st ave just a couple of blocks from the beach. For that fine dining experience, book a ride in a vintage car to the famed Shadowbrook Restaurant overlooking Capitola Village and beach.
When you're done exploring all that our coastal communities have to offer, come back to your sweet spot along the banks of Bates Creek and take in the wonderful sounds of nature.
Bring your own bedroll, pillow, towels and cooking equipment as well as flashlights and lanterns as this is 'camping' .
This camp is in a rural/residential neighborhood, so you will see homes along the road. It is a one lane road with a 15 mph speed posted and no exit as it ends at the Land of Medicine Buddha...you will hear the cars as they drive by..
Named for Joel Bates who settled in Santa Cruz County in the early 1850's.
In 1861, three Grover brothers and three other men established a lumber company called Grover and Company 2 miles north of Soquel along Bates Creek. The area came to be known as Grovers Gulch.
Bates Creek is one of the areas checked when doing an estimate of the bird population in Santa Cruz County.
Our camp spot is situated adjacent to Bates Creek and has access by a foot trail. As you explore the creek, you'll see many birds, perhaps a coyote or two and some fingerling trout if you're patient and quiet. You will also see fossils in the creek bed which tells a geographical story of the land and its relationship to the sea.
from
$40
/ night
89%
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The Enchanted Forest Retreat
22 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents45 acres · CAWelcome to the Enchanted Forest Retreat!We are a meditation retreat center with 45 acres of some of the most gorgeous redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains to enjoy hiking, creeks and small water fall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more.Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 hot water shower and plugs for charging phones, laundry shed with sink and hot water, one BBQ grill by the fence up above the creek, and an outdoor amphitheater. We have meditation teaching at the amphitheater and campers are welcomed to attend for free.25 minutes to Silicon Valley - 25 minutes to Santa Cruz Boardwalk we're centrally located in the south bay. Dogs and kids are welcome - dogs must be picked up after and kept on a leash if other campers are present.Please note: This is camping - there may be bugs, critters, dirt, unpredictable weather (pack for the cold, just in case - we get surprise fog often!), early sunrise, no cell data, etc etc. It's not the Hilton - but it is gorgeous. ;)Shopping such as Safeway, Costco and the big box stores are 20 minutes away in Soquel; however, we have a charming little market (Summit Center) 3.5 miles away that has a great selection of groceries, drinks and hot foods, etc.Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we'll help however we can!
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$70
/ night
94%
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Santa Cruz Bayview Retreat
4 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · CAExperience everything the Bay Area has to offer from this mountain top site. Roughly 50 minutes to any city in the Bay Area, this site is ideal for any person looking for an adventurous getaway retreat.
The Serenity and privacy make this an uncommon, yet ideal romantic place to stay. This site is sheltered by the manzanitas and pines of this chaparral community.
Adventure seekers will find paradise here! Mount Madonna Park with miles of trails is 20 minutes down the road. You can dump your septic there as well! Horseback riding rentals are located near the park as well as an archery range.
Demonstration forest is 15 minutes down the road, with miles of mountain biking. Spend a day at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, or Carmel and return to your private oasis. Or Explore Silicon Valley from this centrally located parcel.
Kim Son Meditation Center and Mount Madonna Center are approximately 15 minutes away. There are also wonderful wineries throughout the mountains here.
The trip to the site will begin with a three mile drive on a private dirt road. Being on the very top of a mountain brings more seasonality than the surrounding cities. Please be prepared for any kind of extreme weather. Summer: Shade is highly recommended it can get into triple digits. *Spring/fall: Temperatures are generally mild but high winds are possible. *Winter: Typically cold and windy. *During rainy/muddy conditions 4x4/AWD is highly recommended. It is possible for it to get windy, foggy, rainy, hot and sunny, and even sometimes snowy.
Please note: the nearest grocer is 30 minutes from this site. Emergency supplies are available for delivery to your campsite. Cell phone reception is good on most carriers. Pets are allowed. Enjoy your time howling at the moon, star gazing, bird watching/wildlife viewing, or relaxing with your favorite libation.
Don't forget your camera!
Since this is our first year renting our land we have found that August is a high wasp season time in the mountains. We are doing everything humanly possible to hunt down each and every Wasp for your enjoyment. With this in mind we ask you use the provided bug repellent, keep the lid to the trash closed, and do not pour grease anywhere you do not want wasps.
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$60
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Silicon Valley View
4 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · CA We created this space for everyone to enjoy.
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$60
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Redwood Paradise Camping
9 units · Glamping, Tents5 acres · CA5 acre property surrounded by 300ft+ tall redwood trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, zip line, hammocks.
THERE IS A 1 MINUTE WALK TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5!
For poolside and Oak tree campsite is closer to the parking.
FOR ALL CAMPSITES
Free coffee in the mornings on the deck!
If you have pets make sure to include the extra fee please!
We are very near the Lost Empire Hiking trail less than a mile away!
We ask you to please let us know your ETA before coming as there is spotty connection.
Thank you!:)
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$98
/ night
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Enney's Ranch
4 units · Glamping850 acres · San Miguel, CAEnney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast. We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries. We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields. Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.
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$85
/ night
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Hartley Farms Organic Orchard
12 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents37 acres · San Miguel, CABarbara & Dan bought these 37 acres in 2005. It had no improvements. The only thing it had going for it was a 200-year-old oak tree, and its location in the heart of wine country. We would come up and camp under the tree, and plant. In 2007, we drilled a well. In 2008, Dan proposed under the tree, and we brought in power. We have continued to make improvements since. We built a little house, then we built a big house, we added farm animals, kids, fruit trees, a jam line, a pond, and more keep coming! So come up and enjoy the farm like we did in the good old days! See you at the Farm!Pitch your tent or park your RV on our 37-acre farm. The campground connects to a hiking trail that takes you to a 2-acre landscaped garden, or to our friendly goats & chickens. You are a short drive to local wineries, or downtown nightlife. No power, or showers here, but the outhouse is one of those fancy solar powered deals with running water and a flushing toilet. Add some farm fresh eggs from our chickens, or a jar of our organic jam, and cook up your breakfast, or head in to town for a fresh baked cinnamon roll.
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$45
/ night
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Santa Cruz's Rudy Ranch
5 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Boulder Creek, CAIf you're looking for an ADULTS ONLY, beautiful and quiet place to camp, rest, kick back and hear the birds and wind in the trees, you've found it! While we do enjoy the energy of young children, we live in a very quiet neighborhood and have made the decision to exclusively host mature guests looking for a restful retreat. We have also decided that we will not make exceptions to this decision and invite those looking for a family experience to continue their search on the Hipcamp platform. There are many family friendly hosts excited to accept children of all ages! We ask those interested in enjoying our property with us to read through all of the information we provide prior to requesting to book. Happy HipCamping!
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$80
/ night
96%
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Camp Arroyo Grande
12 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents29 acres · Arroyo Grande, CAWelcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Come enjoy our sprawling 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, peaceful oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the charming village of Arroyo Grande with restaurants and shopping.
Featuring 11 cabins and lodges, in-ground pool, hiking trails with ocean views, meeting facilities, commercial kitchen and outdoor amphitheater, there is something to meet almost any need, from a quiet family get-away to a large group retreat.
The property is also home to many youth groups and non-profits,
continuing a 135-year legacy as a community center and retreat. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, weddings, family reunions and events since 1897.
Arroyo Grande is a small coastal town with historic, suburban, and rural elements. It is one of the cities on the Central Coast known as the "Five Cities".
Welcome!
from
$35
/ night
99%
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Twisselman Ranch
13 units · Glamping, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CATwisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others.
Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch.
We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield.
Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest.
Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release).
-We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY
Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space).
Seasonal Wood Burning Fires - Start your stay off right by purchasing a firewood bundle 8-10 pieces of wood perfect for bbq and/or evening campfires.
In summer months we are an ember free site due to high wildfire risks, starting May 1st 2021 - Your $15 per night (additional nights can be payed for upon arrival) rents a propane fire pit, great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area.
The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in.
-Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag.
We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night.
We have recently started selling grass fed beef & jerky, hats & coffee mugs straight from the ranch to our local community & visiting guests. If your interested in purchasing some wholesome delicious beef during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest & if you’d like it during your stay or on departure. All beef is frozen in vacuum sealed bags.
Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all.
Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure.
Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch
from
$60
/ night
Outdoor stays for every style
Find your new favourite spot.
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Perfectly positioned on Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) between Monterey and San Simeon, Big Sur is tucked against the backdrop of the Santa Lucia Range. Privately owned Big Sur campgrounds and cottages dot the land, while coveted state park spots suit all camping styles, from walk-in tent sites with fire rings and RV hookups to tent cabins with hot showers. Pitch your tent under Redwood trees in an old-growth forest, or sleep beside the Big Sur River. Crown jewels include the 80-foot McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's own 60-foot cascade. Book early, as the best Big Sur camping can book up six months in advance.
Where to Go
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Pfeiffer Falls is just one of the many gems to discover at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, ideal for a day hike or evening stroll through Redwood groves and river gorges. Pfeiffer Beach offers a sheltered cove known for its tide pools—well worth the 2-mile windy drive down. Nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to McWay Falls, best viewed from the McWay Falls Overlook Trail. The best Big Sur camping includes 174 sites at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground or two secluded, walk-in campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns Campground.
Andrew Molera State Park
There's no car or RV camping at Andrew Molera State Park, but it’s a short trek to the 24 walk-in tent camping sites in an open meadow at the Andrew Molera Trail Camp. This Big Sur campground is well situated for exploring miles of hiking trails. Set off on the Bluffs and Panorama Trail or the Andrew Molera Beach Trail for beach access and views on the Big Sur coast.
Ventana Wilderness
Within Los Padres National Forest, this federally protected wilderness includes some 200 miles of trails. Hikers will encounter a varied terrain, from riparian creeks to the steep, rocky ridges of the Santa Lucia mountains. Backpackers heading into the backcountry are rewarded with miles-high views. Be prepared if you decide to explore the terrain and be sure to observe any fire restrictions.
Carmel Valley & Monterey Bay
Take a side trip into this scenic area, with Monterey Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea offering Pacific ocean views for coastal campers just 15 miles from the inland Carmel Valley. Stop for wine tasting at a variety of tasting rooms, head to Garland Ranch Regional Park’s many hiking trails, from oak woodlands to ridge trails with views of the Monterey Peninsula, or hit the horseshoe-shaped bay’s Monterey Bay Aquarium.
San Simeon
Considered the gateway to the Big Sur area, this coastal village is home to Hearst Castle, the Piedras Blancas Light Station, and a rookery where you'll find colonies of northern elephant seals year-round. San Simeon beaches are popular for picnics, while fishing is possible from the pier.
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