The best campgrounds in Big Sur with swimming

97% (1133 reviews)

Looking for a camping experience that combines the great outdoors with a refreshing swim? Look no further than Hipcamp, the ultimate resource for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 84 options in Big Sur, California, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite for your swimming adventure. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin, a cozy tent, or a spacious RV, Hipcamp has the accommodation style to suit your needs. Explore top campsites like Star Route (134 reviews), The Hill Fort - Camelot (110 reviews), and SMR Carmel Camping (83 reviews), all highly rated by fellow campers. And with popular amenities like cooking equipment, trash disposal, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and try popular activities like paddling, biking, and wildlife watching. With an average price per night of $199 and options as low as $36, camping in Big Sur has never been more affordable. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp.

Popular camping styles for Big Sur

Top-rated campgrounds

97% (1133 reviews)

Looking for a camping experience that combines the great outdoors with a refreshing swim? Look no further than Hipcamp, the ultimate resource for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 84 options in Big Sur, California, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite for your swimming adventure. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin, a cozy tent, or a spacious RV, Hipcamp has the accommodation style to suit your needs. Explore top campsites like Star Route (134 reviews), The Hill Fort - Camelot (110 reviews), and SMR Carmel Camping (83 reviews), all highly rated by fellow campers. And with popular amenities like cooking equipment, trash disposal, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and try popular activities like paddling, biking, and wildlife watching. With an average price per night of $199 and options as low as $36, camping in Big Sur has never been more affordable. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp.

Popular camping styles for Big Sur

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Saddle Mountain Carmel

91%

(555)

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Carmel, CA

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, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. We charge $15 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!

2. Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

100%

(17)

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Royal Oaks, CA

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 and possesses vortex energy! Expect a warm greeting upon arrival. To find us, an unmarked road, listed on maps as "Country Lane" (we call it Vega Vortex Rd). Parking is close to our Vega Vortex sign and a short walk to your tent. Filtered potable water, electricity, shower/toilet with an "on demand" hot/cold water are available. Instructions for use are available and should you need assistance - we are here for you! Experience 2 campsites, BYOT (bring your own tent or rent one from us) or an onsite Bell tent. The Bell tent contains carpeted padded flooring, camp lights, shelving, 2 cots with bedding, plus a memory foam camping mattress! The BYOT site's measurement is 10' x 10' . Both sites have shaded areas, and picnic tables. A shower and a compost toilet are available. Enjoy a designated smoking/vaping spot, multiple benches, and 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. 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. For enhanced protection we ask that a waiver be signed. Security cameras are on site. While respecting your privacy, we can be seen improving the property. The terrain is hilly and staying on paths limits poison oak exposure. 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 or salve, or a bottle of infused olive oil, curated from the Vega Vortex!

3. Elkhorn Ranch

96%

(339)

6 sites · RVs, Tents · 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. 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!

4. Grey Oaks 2

98%

(62)

3 sites · Tents · Aromas, CA

This is great option for those who like to bring all their own gear to camp, and don’t need or want all the extras. Our new Primitive Adventures campsites are located on an established 5-star property. It’s a peaceful, secluded and private country estate. The 20 acre property starts out flat and then gentle to moderate sloped hillside with coastal live oak trees, eucalyptus trees, pine trees, meadows and many interesting landscape features nestled between the vast farmlands of North Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. We are 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The weather is usually mild here and we have cool evenings. We do get days that are in the 90s sometimes in the summer and early fall, but we also have lots of shade with all the trees. There is wildlife like deer, turkeys and owls and so much more. We have horses and a donkey, separate from the campsites, so no flies or smell from them. We provide one hot water shower and there are 3 outhouse style toilets on the grounds. 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. You may forage for plentiful eucalyptus and oak firewood for free, or pre-cut pine is available for purchase. Most of our weekends are fully booked at our Rustic Campsites already, so here is another chance to have yourself a weekend camping trip at our new Primitive Adventures campsites. We hope to see you soon! :)

5. Nearby Getaway - Dogs Welcome!

96%

(188)

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · San Juan Bautista, CA

Known to many in the Bay Area as the "Nearby Getaway," Mi Querida is a quick and easy drive from the SF Bay Area. Come to relax in peace and quiet, pleasant outdoor. A short drive away but far from troubles you've left behind! Relax and rejuvenate. The weather is always temperate, sometimes the evening marine layer lavishly blankets the rolling hills like cotton. Evening campfires are cozy and relaxing. Easy access to Highway 101 for "Nearby Getaways" or convenient stops along your travels. Nearby attractions include whale watching, Elkhorn Slough Safaris, fishing, Monterey Zoo, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and miles of beaches, redwoods, miles of bike trails from the new Coastline Trail to Fort Ord and Niscene Marks Redwoods, wine tasting and more. Host is a well-experienced event and tour planner. Simply ask for recommendations. Come to your "Nearby Getaway" at Mi Querida - an easy drive from the SF Bay Area - for great sky views, and pleasant country walks, or step back in time to the Mission-era town of San Juan Bautista without commercialism! Well, we do have a gas station, a market, the active mission, of course, a step back in history, a few quaint restaurants, craft beer and local wines in our "one-horse" historical town. For the ultimate Nearby Getaway book the entire property and bring along your own selected guest list of friends or family. We invite private groups to exclusive use of the property for Getaways, family & friends picnics, celebrations, reunions, even weddings. Day use or overnite facilities. Groups of 1-100. NEWS FLASH: Skip the long stopover at urban EV charging stations. Charge your EV overnite! Special rates for stopover charging! Easy off and on to Highway 101, 129. 156 and on your way! Learn more about this land: This is a large flat site with rolling hills, lovely rural views, rolling oak studded pastureland, open views, lovely sunsets and beautiful mornings. Very quiet, private, peaceful and serene. Afternoon breezes while red tailed hawks ride the thermals, and woodpeckers work on their treasure hoarde. Spot the breeding pair of Bald Eagles who swoop down almost low enough to touch! Wildlife abounds. Easy access from Highway 101, yet private and secluded. Historic San Juan Bautista Mission and town nearby. Monterey/Carmel 30 minutes. Santa Cruz/Beaches 20 minutes. Hollister, Salinas, or Gilroy 20 minutes. Site will accommodate RV, Sprintervan, or trailer 50/30/20 amp service. Tents welcome too! Water. Ranch "outhouse" with flushable composting style toilet, running hot & cold water, shower and electricity. Bunkhouse rustic accommodations available. Contact Host for details. Tent and Car Top Tent sites also available. Contact Host for details. Beautiful peaceful historic San Juan Bautista. Quaint historic mission town nearby with restaurants. Hiking trails nearby Horseback riding woods & beach. Equine Facilities available. 20 min to beach or redwoods. Beautiful rural area. Weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life; event camp; event site. Family groups and events always welcome! Call for more information. NOTE: This property is located in a very private country area. It is approximately 8 minutes from the small historic town of San Juan Bautista. We meet our first time guests at the Park & Ride as a welcome courtesy so you can easily follow us in and around the potholes on our rural roads! Let us know if we can assist you with any special interests or attractions in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast Area. As your hosts, our goal is that you will rest easy, enjoy the relaxation, peace and harmony for your "getaway."

6. Grey Oaks

99%

(462)

8 sites · RVs, Tents · Aromas, CA

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, ice chests on request, 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. 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. Eucalyptus, oak, and/or pine firewood is provided free for you during your stay with us. 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.

7. Smith Ranch

100%

(113)

3 sites · RVs, Tents · Bradley, CA

Settled by Thomas James Lynch in the mid to late 1800's, the Lynch Ranch originally ran sheep along Tierra Redonda Mountain. It transitioned into a cattle ranch in the early 1900's when Archie Smith married into the Lynch family. The Smith family continues to raise cattle on the ranch and enjoys all that the Smith Ranch has to offer. Learn more about this land:Spend a night on a working cattle ranch with history dating back to the late 1800's. Once the original Lynch Ranch, the Smith Ranch offers a primative, dry camp with easy access down a dirt road and plenty of privacy. Tucked back in the Oak trees, you'll have views of Tierra Redonda mountain and the Coast range. (Cow camp is just over the hill from Hearst Castle but takes an hour and a half to drive to the coast and San Simeon.) The ranch also offers some of the best star gazing this side of the Sierras!

8. Camp Carmel Valley - Glamping

98%

(176)

38 sites · Lodging · Carmel Valley, CA

The Camp was started in 1925 by Mrs. Douglas as a girls camp to teach young girls the beautiful wonders of the outdoors including horseback riding, swimming, archery, and camping. She felt that boys had plenty of opportunity to explore Mother Nature but at the time, girls had no such camp to attend. This 115 acre, beautiful, rolling hills ranch has been a camp ever since and now offers camping for the young and old, girls and boys, families and singles…. You name it… a camp for everyone. Located on 115 acres historic boys and girls summer camp complete with pool, tennis, and hiking in Carmel Valley, CA. Re-connect to nature and nostalgia! There is plenty to do at the Camp as well as surrounding areas. 2.5 miles from Carmel Village known for its many wine tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. 14.5 miles inland from Carmel by-the-sea and Carmel Beach. Perfect locations for day excursion to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Individual Glamping sessions are available on select dates. Breakfast included in the stay. Length of stay may be required. We highly recommend you stay for more than one day as it is difficult to take part in all activities when at the camp for only one day. Imagine! your own private off the grid cabin where you can enjoy tent camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. Numerous activities for you to take advantage of or simple step outside your cabin and wonder on our 115 acres and connect to nature. Welcome to The Camp. CABINS Solstice and Sunrise cabins recently re-built cabins have one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) and are located near a shared communal bathhouses. Sunset village cabins have access to a bathhouse with designated full baths with private shower and bathroom for each cabin. Each cabin has power and one queen bed and two twin beds (max 4 ppl) Like tent camping without the hassle of having to set up a tent. You bring your sleeping bag, bedding and towels. Or we can provide you with a bedding/towel pack for an extra cost. POWER All cabins and bathhouses have power Wi-Fi Free wi-fi in central camp not at cabins. FOOD and DRINK 2024 Glamping Includes breakfast. Lunch and Dinner optional at an additional cost. ACTIVITIES Self guided activities include: Pool, pool deck, basketball half court, tennis courts, yard games, hiking trails and many areas to connect to nature. Guided activities: Hosted campfire nightly, Yoga, Archery and Tie Dye sessions available on Saturday. (holiday weekends additional sessions available) FIRE No individual fires. We do offer hosted campfires nightly. DOG Two dogs are welcome per cabin $50 per dog. MUSIC No speakers, amplification or radios. Acoustic instruments are allowed. RESERVATIONS Glamping weekends may require multiple night stays. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We will send you an email prior to arrival with additional information. Please note Hipcamp site assignments do not correspond to the actual cabin you will be assigned. Our Camp cabin names and assignments are a little different. If you are reserving multiple cabins please let us know so we can try and assign you near each other. Parking is a short walk away from the Cabins. The Camp is private property and for registered guests only. Gate is closed 9PM-7PM. Campers are free to come and go as these please between 7AM-PM, but all Campers must be back onsite before 9PM. WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping Bag or bedding or rent linen pack Towels and Toiletries Flashlight Water Bottle

Stories from the community

F

Francesca

4 days ago

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

We loved staying at Vega Vortex! Thaddeus and Mona were so sweet, giving us a tour of the property upon arrival. The tent was spacious. The beds kept us very comfy and warm at night. The bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. The property is beautiful!

S

Shari

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Elkhorn Ranch

This was my second time camping on Norris and Roberta’s land. They are both so welcoming, and I just love all their goats and sheep and chickens…and the new baby llama! My campsite was very private, making it easy for me to walk my dogs. This is my go-to HipCamp when I am in the area.

Pei

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

My friend and I stayed at the Bell Tent for one night. The site was so clean, cozy and inviting. Thaddeus and Mona were awesome hosts. They were warm and communicative and you could tell that they put a lot of thoughts and love into the camp site to make it as homey as possible. Highly recommend!

M

Molly

3 weeks ago

20 ft Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

Zaks land was great! Our spot was spacious and quiet.

Site B shown with a small tent and chair set up.

A

Alexa

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks 2

We loved tent camping here! We enjoyed the privacy of Site B, as well as the clean outhouses and hot water shower. The hosts are communicative and friendly, and keep to themselves unless you request assistance. One thing to note is that site B is on an incline. The picnic area is relatively level and the tent spot is nice and flat, though still a bit slanted. Building a campfire was easy with wood and fire starters purchased from the host and delivered straight to the campsite. Spend the extra couple of dollars for the colorful fire packs! Overall, this was a great stay in a convenient location (easy driving distance from Monterey and Santa Cruz). Would definitely return!

P

Patrick

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

This place was so much fun. Great people to hang out with and the animals are so friendly.

A

Alex

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Thaddeus and Mona were great hosts and amazing folks. The garden and beautifully terraced hillside are expertly done and the amenities are top-tier— One of the best camping shower experiences ever. Woke up feeling refreshed and at ease. Thank you Mona and Thaddeus!

S

Sebastian

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nearby Getaway - Dogs Welcome!

It was my puppy’s first time camping and this was the perfect spot. squirrels for her to chase, large fenced area for her to run around safely, a horse and donkey that she was obsessed with, comes with the perfect amenities for camping such a wonderful spot will be back soon

B

Beth

September 2025

13 ft Class C

With kids

2 nights at Elkhorn Ranch

Norris and Roberta were so welcoming and awesome. Our 6yr old LOVED all the animals and it was an easy trip into Moss Landing and Monterey!

View of RV/Tent Site #2. We have the picnic table and are adding it this week along with a fire pit/ring with cooking grate. You can choose how you want to park your RV or place your tent. It’s a pretty big space!

S

Seth

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

The location was peaceful and surrounded by beautiful trees.

J

Justin

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Norris and Roberta were the friendliest host. Our family had such a wonderful time at their site, exploring the farm. They welcomed us as if we were old friends and gave took our kids around to hang out with their animals, pick fresh fruits, and run around the property. Our kids loved their dogs too! Norris and Roberta took extra effort to make sure we were comfortable, which we greatly appreciated. The campsite we used was shaded and peaceful with plenty of space for a 6 person tent. Folding tables were available too. The communal fire-pit was nice with some mood string lighting around the area, and Norris/Roberta spent extra time making sure our kids were having fun. So grateful to them for opening up their home and hosting us!

K

Kristen

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Loved this place!! Will definitely be back :) the hosts were so friendly and welcoming too

C

Crystal

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Elkhorn Ranch HIP Camp is absolutely a hidden gem for families especially if kids are wild about animals. My children came home with stories about goats, lamas, sheep, cows, dogs, cats, and even the friendly farm dogs who take their sheep-protecting duties seriously (but only bark at night because those coyotes are out there somewhere, plotting a sheep heist!). During the day, those dogs were like gentle, furry tour guides, happy to let my kids snuggle and play. The children hit the jackpot when the owner's grandkids showed up. They roamed from hay to sunflower patch, chasing each other in farm freedom. The owner, a super helpful and kind Jamaican gentleman, even made us feel like part of the family. You can zip over to Moss Landing for some beach fun, and the apple farms in Watsonville or Salinas are just up the road, so picking fresh apples was the icing on our farm-fresh cake. We also took the Ottertunity to kayak in Elkhorn Slough to see the sea otters. Our only “complaint” (if you can call it one) was a little nighttime puppy concert. The dogs only bark when the sheep need guarding, and it felt reassuring, like farm security on furry paws. I was annoyed at first because I was tired. Then he stopped and I was mostly reassured that there were not coyotes around us. We’ll be back for more s’mores, sunflower selfies, and sheep serenades.

a

april

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Very nice host. Calm environment and fun for the kids.

c

cara

September 2025

2 nights at Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

The bell tent was beautiful, Thaddeus and Mona were very generous and left little goodies for us when we arrived. Their property is beautiful, the garden leaves the whole place smelling amazing and the wind-chimes everywhere provide a relaxing ambiance. The property is smaller and closer to the main road than we were expecting. We were initially expecting a more secluded space, but Thaddeus and Mona were incredibly kind and left us to ourselves to enjoy the property they have clearly put much thought and effort into. Our added breakfast was delicious with vegetables and herbs from their garden, thank you both for our stay!

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Lovely land and great amenities. Welcoming and helpful hosts :) and a beautiful thank you gift handed to us when we arrived!

A

Amy

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Grey Oaks

I highly recommend Grey Oaks! The animals are so cute and friendly! We had a great time and plan to come back soon!!

Naomi

September 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elkhorn Ranch

Very welcoming hosts and spacious camping area. Has everything you need clean outhouse, warm water to wash dishes, and communal fire pit. The animals were friendly and fun to have around. Thanks Norris and Roberta!

J

Jennifer

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

What a perfect property for me to experience camping by myself. I am an avid camper but have always gone with others. I wanted to feel empowered by trying one night of camping on my own during a road trip. Mona and Thaddeus made me feel comfortable right away. My 4-person tent fit perfectly on the BYOT level pad and the composting toilet and shower system were very clean and in excellent condition. I hope to come back again with my family!

J

Jacob

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Vega Vortex-Gaia Health Retreat

Loved what Thaddeus and Mona have done with their land. They’re amazing hosts and I highly recommend staying at their place.