Big Sur Camping Guide: Cliffs, Redwoods & Ocean

Why Big Sur?

There’s a reason Big Sur appears on every “must-visit” list. The 90-mile stretch of California coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific creates scenery so dramatic it almost feels fake. Fog rolling through redwood groves, waves crashing against jagged rocks, and sunsets that paint the sky in impossible colors.

Camping here means waking up to the sound of the ocean or surrounded by trees older than your great-great-grandparents. It’s California at its most wild and beautiful.

But Big Sur camping requires planning. Sites book months in advance, and showing up without a reservation usually means driving away disappointed.

Best Campgrounds

Big Sur has a mix of state park and private campgrounds. Each offers something different.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (164 sites)

This is the classic Big Sur camping experience. Nestled in a redwood canyon along the Big Sur River, it’s the largest and most popular campground.

Redwood forest setting
River access for swimming
Showers and flush toilets
Camp store nearby
Reservations essential (book 6 months out)

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (2 walk-in sites)

Tiny and incredibly hard to get, but the payoff is huge. Environmental campsites overlooking the ocean.

Ocean views from your tent
Walk-in only (0.3 mile)
Vault toilets, no water
Lottery-level difficulty to book

Kirk Creek Campground (33 sites)

Our pick for dramatic ocean views. Perched on bluffs 100 feet above the Pacific, every site has a view.

Blufftop ocean views
Vault toilets, no water
Less tree cover (bring sun protection)
First-come first-served fills fast on weekends

Limekiln State Park (29 sites)

The hidden gem. Combines beach access with redwood groves and historic lime kilns to explore.

Beach and forest in one spot
Waterfall hike from camp
Showers available
Smaller, more intimate feel

Plaskett Creek Campground (44 sites)

Larger sites, good for groups. Across Highway 1 from Sand Dollar Beach.

Meadow setting near ocean
Flush toilets, water available
Easy beach access
Reservable through Recreation.gov

Reservation Tips

Big Sur campgrounds are notoriously competitive. Here’s how we approach it:

For state parks: Reservations open 6 months in advance at exactly 8:00 AM Pacific. Set a reminder, have your dates ready, and be clicking at 7:59.

For federal campgrounds (Kirk Creek, Plaskett Creek): Book through Recreation.gov. Same deal—6 months out, book immediately.

Backup plan: Private campgrounds like Fernwood Resort and Riverside Campground often have availability when state parks are full. They cost more but beat not camping at all.

Midweek magic: If your schedule is flexible, Tuesday through Thursday trips are dramatically easier to book than weekends.

Cancellation hunting: Check for cancellations starting 2-3 weeks before your desired dates. People’s plans change.

What to Pack

Big Sur’s coastal climate is unique. Prepare for:

Essentials

Layers, layers, layers — Morning fog can be 50°F, afternoon sun 75°F
Rain gear — Even in summer, fog drip is real
Firewood — Buy before you arrive (no collecting in parks)
Water containers — Some campgrounds have none
Warm sleeping bag — 40°F rating even in summer

Nice to Have

Binoculars for whale watching (December-April)
Camera for those sunset shots
Hammock for afternoon relaxation
Camp chair that won’t sink in soft ground
Bear canister if backpacking

Leave Behind

Expectations of phone service (it’s spotty at best)
Fireworks or loud speakers (respect the wilderness)
Drones (prohibited in state parks)

Must-See Spots

You didn’t drive to Big Sur just to sit at camp. Get out and explore.

McWay Falls

The postcard shot of Big Sur. An 80-foot waterfall dropping onto a pristine beach. Easy 0.3-mile walk from the parking lot at Julia Pfeiffer Burns.

Pfeiffer Beach

Purple sand, dramatic rock formations, and a keyhole arch. Take the unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road turnoff (locals know it as the hardest-to-find beach in California).

Bixby Bridge

The iconic concrete arch bridge. Stop for photos but be careful—traffic moves fast on Highway 1.

Ewoldsen Trail

A 4.5-mile loop through redwoods and up to ocean views. Starts at Julia Pfeiffer Burns. The best day hike in the area.

Point Sur Lighthouse

Guided tours only, but worth it for the history and views. Check schedules in advance.

Best Time to Visit

September - October (Our Pick)

Warmest, driest weather. Fog typically lifts earlier. Crowds thin after summer. Book early anyway.

May - June

“May Gray” and “June Gloom” bring fog, but also wildflowers and green hills. Quieter than peak summer.

December - April

Whale watching season. Wettest months mean waterfall flow but also potential road closures. Check conditions before driving.

July - August

Peak season. Maximum crowds, maximum fog, maximum difficulty getting reservations. If this is your only option, book 6 months out to the day.

Practical Tips

Highway 1 closures: This road closes for landslides, especially in winter. Always check Caltrans before driving.

Gas up: Fill your tank in Carmel or Cambria. Big Sur gas stations are scarce and expensive.

Groceries: The Big Sur Deli and general stores have basics, but prices reflect the remote location. Stock up before you arrive.

Wildlife: Black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes exist here. Store food properly, make noise on trails, and watch where you step.

Fire restrictions: Campfire rules change seasonally. Check current conditions—fire bans are common in dry months.

Cell service: Essentially nonexistent in most of Big Sur. Tell someone your plans and embrace the digital detox.

The Bottom Line

Big Sur camping is worth every bit of planning it requires. Waking up to fog filtering through redwoods, watching the sunset from a blufftop campsite, falling asleep to the sound of waves—these are the experiences that stick with you.

Start checking reservation calendars 6 months before your target dates. Be flexible with campground choices. And once you’re there, put the phone away and soak it all in.

This stretch of coast has been inspiring travelers for generations. Your turn.

Get out there. The cliffs are calling.