Bell tents in Big Sur with campfires

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

United States
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California
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Big Sur

Bell tents in Big Sur with campfires

Big Sur camping epitomizes the rugged California coastline with towering redwoods and roaring surf.

Top-rated stays

26 sites · Lodging, Tents21 acres · Angels Camp, CAExperience the ultimate in glamping at this breathtaking destination near Murphys. Nestled between ancient rock formations and boasting stunning lake and mountain views, our serene and very private property is sure to be the glamping experience of your dreams! Spectacular sunrises and sunsets await you as does a sky full of night stars that just make everything right with the world. A very large rock firepit overlooks the lake with ample seating for 8 people. The outdoor shower gets you back to nature and you can hike down to the seasonal creek that runs along the North side of the property. Turkeys, deer, and birds are common to see and may meander through during your visit!

2 sites · Lodging20 acres · Shaver Lake, CANestled up in the woods on top of the mountain, it will be you and the stars and the sounds of nature. With 20 acres and 100's of acres of national forest, you will feel like no one else is around. At 5400ft you are above it all and can see the entire Sierras to your east and the distant lights of fresno to the west. Shaver lake is 15 minutes away with great fishing and kayaking. There is countless hikes and waterfalls within 45 minutes drive. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave :) We have 4 total places to stay on this property but they are all spaced out so you plenty of privacy from the others. There is countless spaces to roam and relax and you will feel like you have the whole place to yourselves. -Shaver Lake is 15 minutes away. -McKinley Grove is a beautiful patch of massive Sequoia trees about 45 minutes away. -Mono Hot Springs is 1.5 hours away and just incredible. We have horseshoe pits, fun swings, amazing views, hiking trails throughout the property as well as flushing toilet and on-demand hot showers.

from

$105

/ night

Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

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.