Big Sur Camping: Complete Guide to Coastal Campsites
Comprehensive guide to camping Big Sur's most coveted campsites with ocean views and redwood forests. Includes reservation strategies, best times to visit, fog management, must-see hikes, and insider tips.
Big Sur: The Challenge
Let’s be honest: getting a campsite in Big Sur is not easy. The combination of limited sites, stunning scenery, and proximity to major cities means competition is fierce. People book 6 months ahead. Weekends fill in minutes.
But it’s possible. And it’s worth it.
The Campgrounds
Big Sur campgrounds range from developed sites with showers to primitive walk-in spots on the ocean. Here’s the complete breakdown:
State Park Campgrounds
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Sites: 189 | Type: Developed | Reservable: Yes
The big one. Showers, flush toilets, some sites along the Big Sur River. Can feel crowded when full, but the amenities are nice.
Best sites: River sites (61-80), redwood sites (105-142) Reservations: 6 months ahead at ReserveCalifornia.com Tips: Sites vary wildly—some are incredible, some are basically parking spots. Research specific site numbers before booking.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Environmental Campsites Sites: 2 | Type: Primitive walk-in | Reservable: Yes
Only two sites, accessed by a short hike. Ocean views. This is the Big Sur camping experience.
Book: Exactly 6 months ahead at 8am. Set an alarm.
Andrew Molera State Park - Walk-In Sites: 24 | Type: Primitive walk-in | Reservable: No (first-come)
A quarter-mile walk to the campground. No vehicular access keeps it quieter. Beach access nearby.
Tips:
- Arrive Thursday for weekend camping
- No reservations = stressful but possible
Limekiln State Park Sites: 33 | Type: Developed | Reservable: Yes
South of the main Big Sur stretch. Historic lime kilns, redwoods, and beach access.
Best for: Those who struck out at Pfeiffer but still want Big Sur vibes.
Forest Service Campgrounds
Kirk Creek Campground Sites: 33 | Type: Developed | Reservable: Yes
Ocean-view bluffs. This is iconic Big Sur. Sites are right on the cliff edge with Pacific views.
What to expect:
- Wind. Lots of wind.
- Vault toilets, no showers
- Book 6 months ahead
- Worth every hassle
Plaskett Creek Campground Sites: 44 | Type: Developed | Reservable: Yes
Across Highway 1 from the beach (Sand Dollar Beach). In the trees, so less wind but no ocean views from your site.
Best for: Beach access, slightly easier to book than Kirk Creek
Nacimiento Campground Sites: 8 | Type: Primitive | Reservable: No
On Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, which climbs inland from Highway 1. Peaceful, remote, and often available when coastal sites are full.
Private Campgrounds
Fernwood Resort Sites: 60+ | Type: Various (tent, RV, cabins)
More reliable availability than state parks. On the Big Sur River with a bar/restaurant on site.
Big Sur Campground & Cabins Sites: 81 | Type: Various
Family-friendly, on the river, with amenities. Not as rugged, but available.
Treebones Resort Not camping, but “glamping” in yurts on ocean-view property. For when you want the views without the tent.
Reservation Strategy
The 6-Month Rule
Most reservable campgrounds open exactly 6 months before the date. For popular sites (Kirk Creek, Julia Pfeiffer), you need to be online at 8am PT when reservations open.
Tips for Success:
- Create your ReserveCalifornia/Recreation.gov account ahead of time
- Have payment info saved
- Know your site preferences
- Be online 5 minutes early
- Have backup dates ready
First-Come Options
- Andrew Molera (always first-come)
- Some sites at Pfeiffer
- Nacimiento (always first-come)
Arrive before 10am on Friday for weekend camping.
Best Time to Visit
September-October
The “secret season.” Fog burns off earlier, crowds thin after Labor Day, and the weather is often better than summer.
May-June
Before school’s out, so fewer families. Can be foggy.
July-August
Peak season. Expect crowds, fog in the morning, and competition for everything.
Winter
Storms bring drama and waterfalls, but Highway 1 closures are common. Check road conditions before traveling.
The Fog Factor
Big Sur summer fog is legendary. The coast can be socked in while it’s 90°F inland.
How to handle it:
- Bring layers, even in August
- Plan afternoon activities (fog burns off by noon-ish)
- Consider an inland hike when the coast is fogged
Don’t Miss
McWay Falls
The postcard image of Big Sur—an 80-foot waterfall dropping directly onto a beach. Easy walk from Julia Pfeiffer Burns parking.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple sand beach with dramatic rock formations. The road (Sycamore Canyon) is unmarked and easy to miss.
Ewoldsen Trail
The best day hike in Big Sur. Climbs through redwoods to canyon and ocean views.
Bixby Bridge
The iconic bridge 13 miles south of Carmel. Photo op, but no parking—pull off at vista points.
The Bottom Line
Big Sur camping requires effort. You have to plan 6 months ahead, compete for sites, and sometimes accept backup options. But waking up on a bluff above the Pacific, watching the fog roll in, drinking coffee while whales pass below—it’s worth every hassle.
Make it happen.
Where the mountains meet the sea.