91% (3K)
Top-rated campgrounds
91% (3K)
Top-rated campgrounds
Camper favorites in and near Big Sur
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds in and near Big Sur
Stories from the community
R
RAJASHREE
2 weeks ago
Tent
I loved camping at Gene's land , highly recommend it. Great host and beautiful location close to the beach.
See more
H
Hayley
November 2025
Tent
We had an incredible few days on Gene’s land. A few highlights include a lovely outdoor kitchen, easy creek access and a nice grassy area for our tent.
See more
B
Billy
November 2025
Tent
I loved our drive-in tent spot. The accommodations were very nice. Really liked watching the sunset from our hillside spot.
See moreG
Gary
October 2025
Tent
Great location on North Hwy 1/Big Sur with a running creek 'soundtrack' in a great location especially when finding availability at the big (State or Nationals) Parks are sold out.
See moreM
Matthew
September 2025
B
Bo
September 2025
1 night at dabudage Big Sur
My partner and I loved the redwood gazebo at Gene’s camp site. The view from the site is gorgeous. Gene is responsive and friendly. I would love to go back when possible - also highly recommend it to anyone looking for a calm and therapeutic experience.
See more
C
Cristina
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping
The Safari Rustic Tent exceeded my expectations. Impeccably clean and excellent creature comforts like a shower and bathroom. Hosts are informative and made the location easy to find. The property is gated and feels safe. Thank you so much!
See more
K
Kelly
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great location along the creek with easy access to beach! Quirky, unique spot that offers several campsites tucked along the creek and hillside. It’s first come, first serve, so recommend getting there early to scope out the best spot and get a parking spot. Kitchen and water available around property, although we brought our own stuff so didn’t use it. Fire pits are around but not at each site. Overall, we enjoyed our time and would come back!
Couple things to note:
- LOTS of dogs off leash, which is awesome, but if you don’t enjoy dogs or are looking for a pristine campground, this may not be your spot.
- It’s unclear where to go when you arrive. We just walked up toward a group of structures and a woman who lives there came out and briefly explained we could basically just find any spot. There was no check-in so I’m not even sure how they account for people being there. Definitely follow their instruction to be there before dark as you’ll struggle to find where to go.
- Some spots are up the hillside so if you have a lot of stuff, just be prepared for some exercise!
- Very kid-friendly and it seems several kids live there. That said, they are out and about being kiddos throughout the day and into the evening so you’ll hear them!
- Lots of raccoons! Make sure all your food is secure and trash put away before bed!
Have fun!!
See moreK
Kate
September 2025
Tent
The reviews don’t lie — this land is magical, and we’re very grateful to have had the chance to experience it.
Perks were the coolest cat ever living her best life and inspiring us to do the same, the hot shower, the short walk to the ocean, and the winding creek.
Thanks to Gene and fam for sharing their space!
See moreB
Bruce
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Lovely people and a lovely place. Hope to return and camp again soon!
See moreR
Romina
September 2025
Tent
I loved staying here. Camping with the best views, connected to Nature and away from technology. And just a walk away from the ocean
Gene and family are great. I really enjoyed my stay
See more
L
Lorraine
September 2025
2 nights at dabudage Big Sur
The views are stunning and definitely help with emotional regulation and grounding. The more in tuned you are with nature the better your experience will be. The hike up to the Redwood Room was a lot and my first day my legs were SORE! However, there is a water spigot and a pooper close by the room so you don't have to keep climbing up and down for basic needs. The only downfall is food. Because of the raccoons, having food up is a giant no no. However, the nighttime racoon activity did keep my pup up all night, less about me feeling in any sense of danger, but more of something to keep in mind. There was also a cluster of daddy long legs just outside of the room. Knowing they are completely harmless to humans I didn't mind, plus apparently when they cluster, they emit an odor that is supposed to repel predators from coming close so it gave me a sense of safety. Overall, it was a wonderful experience being out there and I hope to return.
See more
Peyton
September 2025
Tent
This is everything I hope for in a camp site - pure nature and the lands beauty. I'm so grateful to have been able to spend a couple days on this gorgeous piece of property. Amazing sunsets, basically a private beach, river running along the sites. Can't wait to come back, such a gem of a spot.
See more
Matthew
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great location. So much to explore in southern Big Sur before the closure. Recommend bookmarking and downloading your points of interest and hikes beforehand as you will not have reception. I used All Trails. You can “walk” to the ocean either across the street up the way you drove in, or even better, via a small dirt trail under the bridge which leads as awesome, just wear good water shoes. I stayed at the very first site by the “saw mill”, super private, creek and ocean sounds, fantastic nights sleep. Some of the other sites closer to the communal areas were much smaller, better for 2 person tents.
See more
Zoe
September 2025
Tent
We really enjoyed our stay. The campground was exactly as described and the kitchens had a good assortment of pots and pans. Showers have hot water and filtered water was available. The property is nearby to many amazing beaches and viewpoints. Would recommend.
See more
Grant
September 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved camping on Gene’s land! It was tucked off the highway and felt very secluded, but still have many hikes and beaches easily accessible.
See more
Z
Zheng
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had an amazing long weekend at Gene’s campsite as a family of four. Even though it was our first Hipcamp stay, it’s honestly the best campsite we’ve ever been to.
Belinda greeted us warmly and gave a helpful tour of the facilities. We stayed at a spacious site near the creek, which easily fit our tent and tarp. Sitting under the tarp with an ocean view, listening to the creek, sipping tea, and watching the kids play—it was the perfect escape.
Our kids loved exploring: playing by the creek, swinging on the hammock, trying out the hula hoop, and even using the activity room with a piano and guitar. There’s also a beautiful trail to the beach, where we spent a fun morning before coming back to enjoy hot showers—a true luxury outdoors!
Evenings were magical with campfires, roasted marshmallows, and a sky full of stars. This place is a hidden gem in Big Sur and we’ll definitely be back.
See more
D
Diana
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved this camp site. It was exactly what I needed fresh air and no WiFi. Disconnecting from the world and just smelling the fresh ocean breeze. Loved this campsite and will definitely book again.
See more
E
Edgar
August 2025
Tent
We stayed in the Lotus Tent and really enjoyed the natural beauty of the property. The amenities were simple but functional. The warm water shower and kitchen were especially appreciated. The location is hard to beat: a peaceful creek runs through the plot, the beach is just a short walk away, and the night skies are absolutely stunning. It’s also very close to Limekiln, which makes for a great day trip. The resident dogs and cats were friendly and added to the charm of the place.
Gene’s directions were very accurate and helpful. I would note that the Nacimiento-Fergusson road can be quite challenging, especially after dark. The hosts weren’t the most welcoming compared to other stays we’ve had, but overall it was a memorable and unique experience.
See more
Brit
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This place was incredible! We spent two nights here with our kids age 6.5 & 4, and on the way home we were already looking at our calendar to see when we could come back. The grounds are beautiful, the vibe is very eccentric & the accommodations were perfect. The kitchen had everything you needed and the shower/tub was a nice addition! Our kids loved the bath and the visit from a couple frogs in the bath house. But the kids especially loved the camp hosts kids, they were all fast friends! Super fun bunch. And the camp kitty, Nacho, was so sweet! Loved the everything. The views were 100%!
See more
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Other options in and near Big Sur
The best camping in Big Sur guide
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.