Asked by: Terrie Terporten
travel hotels and motels

How do I book Big Sur Campground?

22
Alternate camping on the coast, Santa Cruz to Big Sur
Reservations fill up six months in advance, even in the winter. Online reservations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at ReserveCalifornia. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275.


Keeping this in view, how much does it cost to camp in Big Sur?

CAMPING FEE: $35-50/night at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Beside above, can you camp for free in Big Sur? Free Camping in Big Sur Several national parks allow visitors to camp for free along the forest service roads, provided you follow basic guidelines. In Big Sur, Los Padres National Forest stretches through the entire region and has countless great spots where you can pitch a tent.

can you car camp Big Sur?

Pfieffer Big Sur State Park Camping The campground here is massive (174 sites) and can be quite the circus at any time of year. Also, there is no ocean/beach access from within the park. Try to get a campsite along the river in the far back reaches of the campground. Campsites for 1 car and tent costs $35/night.

Where can I park my RV in Big Sur?

Big Sur RV Camping

  • Big Sur Campground & Cabins. Big Sur, CA1 Review.
  • Riverside Campground & Cabins. Big Sur, CA1 Review.
  • Fernwood Resort. Big Sur, CA2 Reviews.
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Big Sur, CA5 Reviews.
  • Bottchers Gap Campground. Big Sur, CA1 Review.
  • China Camp Campground.
  • White Oaks Campground.
  • Saddle Mountain Ranch.

Related Question Answers

Izamar Schoff

Professional

Does Pfeiffer Beach have purple sand?

Pfeiffer State Beach is famously known as the purple sand beach in Big Sur California.

Gordiano Pelkofer

Professional

Is there bears in Big Sur?

No, there are no bears in Big Sur, but you will probably see raccoons, squirrels, deer, Stellar Jays and perhaps the occasional fox, bobcat, coyote, or wild turkey.

Judita Kreuz

Professional

What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

Best Times to Visit Big Sur. The best time to visit Big Sur is from September to November. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Big Sur's peak season runs long, from April to October.

Henrikas Buecher

Explainer

Where can you camp on Highway 1?

Camping your way up California's Highway 1
  • San Elijo State Beach — San Diego.
  • Crystal Cove Campground — Orange County.
  • Point Mugu Beach Park — Malibu.
  • Refugio State Beach and El Capitan State Beach — Santa Barbara.
  • Los Padres National Forest — Big Sur.
  • Manresa State Beach, Santa Cruz.
  • Half Moon Bay State Park, Half Moon Bay.

Yerson Gencheva

Explainer

Can you swim at Pfeiffer Beach?

Most people play on the sand at Pfeiffer Beach. Photographers can also spend hours capturing the ocean, rocks, and waves. The purple sand is especially fun for making a sand castle. You can also swim, but there's no lifeguard on duty.

Kiowa Capaz

Explainer

What is Big Sur known for?

Big Sur. Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery.

Embarka Santo

Pundit

When can you see whales in Big Sur?

The Blue Whale appears in along the Big Sur from June through to October and the Humpback can be seen in Monterey Bay area from April to early December. Monterey Bay is probably the best spot for boat whale watching to get an even closer view of these beautiful whale species.

Hadi Thiepold

Pundit

When should I visit Big Sur?

When to Go to Big Sur
The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.)

Harri Jarraipen

Pundit

Is camping on the beach legal?

Camping directly on the beach is not permitted in most places, but there are a few that allow it. In other areas, you want to find a camping spot near the beach, so you can be close enough to enjoy your favourite beach activities.

Yraya Freville

Pundit

How do you get a walk up camping?

You generally have to put your gear in a pack and hike in. It could be a walk of a few hundred feet or a few miles. Walk-up campsite means the camground doesn't accept reservations for the campsite. You need to go there the day you plan to camp to claim the site.

Lizabeth Leupolt

Pundit

Can you park overnight on Highway 1?

Re: Overnight parking along Hwy 1? No. Sorry. It's illegal.

Suzann Istrate

Teacher

How can I camp for free in California?

Best Free Camping in Northern California
  1. Rocky Point West. Situated at an elevation of 5,100 feet, northeastern California's Eagle Lake is home to several campgrounds, plus undeveloped camping on both its east and west shores.
  2. No Mans Trailhead.
  3. Pinnacle Rock.
  4. Mariners Point Shoreline Campground.
  5. Lacks Creek.
  6. Modoc National Forest.
  7. Cherry Lake.
  8. Mud Lake Trailhead.

Lyudmila Plankert

Teacher

Is Big Sur safe?

Big Sur is generally pretty safe. I can't recall any incidents there. Most people go in groups and keep to themselves, I've found. Early March is not the high season but it will also not be empty.

Luisa Poeschkens

Teacher

What is there to do in Big Sur with dogs?

Dog Friendly Activities in Big Sur, CA
  • Pfeiffer Beach. Big Sur. Pfeiffer Beach.
  • Sand Dollar Beach. Big Sur. Sand Dollar Beach.
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Big Sur. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
  • The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe. Big Sur. The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe.
  • Andrew Molera State Park. Big Sur.
  • Carmel Beach. Carmel.
  • Carmel Plaza. Carmel.
  • Garland Ranch Regional Park. Carmel.

Safae Sivasubramanian

Teacher

What should I pack for Big Sur?

Clothing
  • One pair shorts/leggings for hiking during the day.
  • One pair warm long pants for hanging around camp at night.
  • Two tanks/short-sleeved shirts (one to hike in, one for sleeping)
  • One lightweight long-sleeved shirt for warmth in the evening.
  • Fleece or down jacket for warmth.

Yannis Allwood

Reviewer

Is it illegal to camp on the beach in California?

Camping is usually not allowed on beaches, however there are MANY state camprounds that are usually only a couple hundred yards from the beach. They cost about $10-15 per night, have bathrooms, fire pits, etc. Also, most beaches do allow fires, just not camping.

Jhoanna Witthaus

Reviewer

What is near Big Sur?

Best Things To Do in Big Sur
  • #1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. #1 in Big Sur.
  • #2. Andrew Molera State Park. #2 in Big Sur.
  • #3. Pfeiffer Beach. #3 in Big Sur.
  • #4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. #4 in Big Sur.
  • #5. Garrapata State Park. free.
  • #6. Sand Dollar Beach. #6 in Big Sur.
  • #7. Limekiln State Park. #7 in Big Sur.

Elwood Echezarreta

Reviewer

What should I wear to Big Sur?

Hat- Beanie or Ball Cap/ Boots for exploring (I like to put my Hunter boots to good use)/ Running shoes for activities/ T shirt/ Jeans / Coat/ Knit Sweater/ Backpack & crossbody bag/ Scarf (for misty mornings)/ Sweatshirt / Shorts/ Dress (for dinner)/ Swimsuit– Especially if you are staying at Post Ranch Inn.

Verena Agadzhanyan

Reviewer

What is the fine for camping without a permit?

Camping without a valid permit can incur penalties up to $500.00 and up to 30 days in prison.