Best Camping Along Highway 1
Few places in California offer a camping experience quite like Big Sur. Imagine waking up beneath towering redwoods, enjoying breakfast beside the Big Sur River, or watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from a campsite perched high above the coastline.
Stretching roughly 90 miles along California’s scenic Highway 1, Big Sur is home to some of the most memorable campgrounds on the West Coast. From secluded forest retreats to spectacular oceanfront campsites, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re pitching a tent for the first time, traveling in a camper van, or planning a family camping adventure.
But camping in Big Sur takes a little planning. Campgrounds are spread out along a winding coastal highway, reservations can fill up months in advance, and facilities vary considerably between locations.
This guide explores the best campgrounds in Big Sur, from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon, helping you find the perfect place to camp, understand what amenities to expect, and plan an unforgettable Highway 1 getaway.
Best Big Sur Campgrounds at a Glance
Not sure where to camp? Here are some of the best options along Highway 1.
| Campground | Best For | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Molera Trail Camp | Walk-in tent camping | Coastal meadows |
| Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park | First-time campers | Redwood forest and river |
| Big Sur Campground & Cabins | Families | Redwood forest and river |
| Riverside Campground & Cabins | Relaxed riverside camping | Redwood forest |
| Fernwood Campground | Hiking and convenience | Redwood forest |
| Limekiln State Park | Forest and coastal scenery | Creek, redwoods, and beach |
| Kirk Creek Campground | Ocean views | Coastal bluff |
| Plaskett Creek Campground | Beach access and families | Coastal woodland |
| San Simeon Creek Campground | Southern coastal road trips | Near the coast |
| Washburn Campground | Simple, rustic camping | Open coastal hillside |
Campground operations and availability can change because of wildfires, storms, or road conditions. Always verify current access before traveling.
Best Campgrounds in Big Sur: North to South
1. Andrew Molera Trail Camp — Best for Walk-In Camping
Located about 20 miles south of Carmel, Andrew Molera State Park offers a different kind of camping experience from Big Sur’s traditional drive-up campgrounds.
Its Trail Camp is a short walk from the parking area, with campsites set in an open meadow near the Big Sur River. This makes it an appealing choice for tent campers who prefer a peaceful, natural setting without committing to a long backpacking trip.
The park is also known for its coastal trails, river crossings, and access to a scenic undeveloped beach.
Why camp here?
- Short walk-in camping experience
- Easy access to meadows and coastal scenery
- Excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching
- A quieter, more rustic atmosphere than larger campgrounds
Best for: Tent campers, hikers, couples, and travelers comfortable carrying their gear a short distance.
Good to know: Andrew Molera is a seasonal campground, and operations may be affected by weather or wildfire closures. Confirm the campground is accepting reservations before planning your stay.
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park — Best Overall Campground
If you’re camping in Big Sur for the first time, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the best places to start.
Located in the heart of Big Sur, the park is known for its towering coastal redwoods, peaceful forest setting, and the Big Sur River winding through the valley.
The campground offers a classic California camping experience, with shaded campsites surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery.
Unlike more primitive coastal campgrounds, Pfeiffer Big Sur provides useful facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, and showers.
Its central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and popular Highway 1 attractions.
Why camp here?
- Beautiful campsites beneath towering redwoods
- Easy access to the Big Sur River
- Restrooms and showers
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Convenient location for exploring central Big Sur
Best for: First-time visitors, families, tent campers, and travelers who want a comfortable base for exploring Big Sur.
Good to know: Despite its name, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park does not provide direct beach access. Pfeiffer Beach is a separate destination reached by another road.
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
3. Big Sur Campground & Cabins — Best for Families
For families traveling with children, Big Sur Campground & Cabins offers a comfortable camping experience along the Big Sur River.
Located among towering redwoods, this privately operated campground combines the natural beauty of Big Sur with family-friendly activities and convenient facilities.
The river is one of the property’s biggest attractions, providing opportunities to relax beside the water and enjoy seasonal recreation.
Campers can choose from traditional tent sites, RV accommodations, and cabins, making it a practical option for families traveling with different accommodation preferences.
Why camp here?
- Shaded campsites among redwoods
- Beautiful riverside setting
- Family-oriented recreation
- Tent and RV camping options
- Restrooms, showers, and other campground facilities
Best for: Families, beginners, and visitors who appreciate additional campground amenities.
Good to know: This is a private campground rather than a state park. Site types, policies, and amenities vary, so review the options carefully when booking.
Website: Big Sur Campground & Cabins
4. Riverside Campground & Cabins — Best for a Peaceful Riverside Escape
Tucked beneath redwood trees along the Big Sur River, Riverside Campground & Cabins offers a relaxing escape just off Highway 1.
The property features a natural woodland setting where visitors can unwind after exploring Big Sur’s beaches, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Its smaller, nature-focused atmosphere appeals to travelers who enjoy traditional camping but still want access to convenient facilities.
The river is a highlight, especially during warmer months when conditions are suitable for relaxing beside the water.
Why camp here?
- Scenic campsites beneath redwoods
- Direct access to the Big Sur River
- Restrooms and showers
- Tent and RV accommodations
- Convenient central Big Sur location
Best for: Couples, small families, and nature lovers.
Good to know: Camping areas may be close to one another, so check the campground layout if privacy is important.
Website: Riverside Campground & Cabins
5. Fernwood Campground — Best for Hiking and Convenience
Fernwood Campground combines a beautiful forest setting with practical amenities, making it an excellent base for a Big Sur adventure.
Located along Highway 1 near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Fernwood offers tent camping, RV sites, and other accommodations surrounded by redwoods.
One of the property’s biggest advantages is its proximity to hiking trails and its on-site restaurant, tavern, and general store.
After a day exploring the coast, campers can return to their campsite without needing to drive far for a meal or essential supplies.
Why camp here?
- Forested campsites beside the Big Sur River
- Access to nearby hiking trails
- On-site dining and general store
- Tent and RV camping options
- Convenient location in central Big Sur
Best for: Hikers, couples, road-trippers, and campers who enjoy having services nearby.
Good to know: Fernwood is a popular private campground with a variety of site types. Review the campground map and vehicle requirements before booking.
Website: Fernwood Resort
6. Limekiln State Park — Best for Redwoods and Coastal Scenery
Few campgrounds capture the natural diversity of Big Sur quite like Limekiln State Park.
Located in southern Big Sur, Limekiln offers a beautiful combination of coastal scenery, redwood forest, and a creek flowing toward the Pacific Ocean.
The campground is relatively small, creating a more intimate camping experience than some of the larger parks farther north.
Depending on the campsite, visitors may find themselves surrounded by towering trees or close to the rugged coastline.
Limekiln is also known for its historic lime kilns and forest trails, although trail access can change because of landslides, wildfire damage, and restoration work.
Why camp here?
- Unique combination of forest and coastal scenery
- Small campground atmosphere
- Creekside surroundings
- Convenient access to Highway 1
- Beautiful natural setting
Best for: Tent campers, nature photographers, couples, and travelers seeking a quieter campground.
Good to know: Limekiln has experienced several closures in recent years. Always confirm current campground operations, trail access, and Highway 1 conditions before booking.
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
7. Kirk Creek Campground — Best Ocean-View
If your dream camping experience includes panoramic Pacific Ocean views, Kirk Creek Campground deserves a place near the top of your list.
Perched on a bluff roughly 100 feet above the ocean, this spectacular campground offers some of the most dramatic campsite scenery along California’s coastline.
Unlike the redwood campgrounds farther north, Kirk Creek features open grassy campsites overlooking the Pacific.
The sunsets alone make this campground memorable. As evening approaches, the coastal cliffs glow in the fading sunlight while waves crash along the shoreline below.
Kirk Creek is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a more primitive camping experience.
Why camp here?
- Spectacular Pacific Ocean views
- Dramatic coastal bluff setting
- Unforgettable sunsets
- Tent and RV camping
- Excellent opportunities for coastal photography
Best for: Couples, photographers, experienced campers, and travelers who prioritize scenery.
Good to know: Kirk Creek does not offer RV hookups or drinking water. Bring enough water for your entire stay and prepare for exposed coastal conditions, including wind.
Reservations: Recreation.gov — Kirk Creek
8. Plaskett Creek Campground — Best for Beach Access
Located near Sand Dollar Beach in southern Big Sur, Plaskett Creek Campground is an excellent choice for travelers who want to spend time exploring the coastline.
The campground sits just inland from Highway 1, surrounded by a mix of Monterey pines, cypress trees, and grassy open spaces.
Its biggest attraction is its proximity to Sand Dollar Beach, one of Big Sur’s largest sandy beaches.
Visitors can spend the day exploring the shoreline, watching surfers, enjoying coastal walks, or relaxing beside the ocean before returning to camp.
Plaskett Creek also offers group campsites, making it appealing for families and friends traveling together.
Why camp here?
- Convenient access to Sand Dollar Beach
- Shaded and grassy campsites
- Tent and RV camping options
- Group camping opportunities
- Beautiful southern Big Sur scenery
Best for: Families, beach lovers, groups, and travelers exploring southern Big Sur.
Good to know: Plaskett Creek does not offer RV hookups or public showers. Water and restroom services can be restricted, so check campground notices and bring sufficient drinking water.
Reservations: Recreation.gov — Plaskett Creek
9. San Simeon Creek Campground — Best for Southern Big Sur Road Trips
Near the southern end of the Big Sur coastal drive, San Simeon Creek Campground provides a convenient camping destination close to Cambria and San Simeon.
Part of Hearst San Simeon State Park, this campground offers tent and RV camping near the coast, with access to nearby beaches and scenic walking trails.
Its location makes it particularly appealing for travelers approaching from Southern California, Paso Robles, or San Luis Obispo.
The surrounding area offers plenty to explore, including Hearst Castle, the Piedras Blancas elephant seal viewing area, and Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
Why camp here?
- Convenient location near San Simeon and Cambria
- Tent and RV camping
- Restrooms and showers
- Nearby beaches and coastal trails
- Easy access to Hearst Castle and other attractions
Best for: Families, first-time campers, and road-trippers exploring the southern Central Coast.
Good to know: RV electrical hookups are not available. The campground offers more developed facilities than nearby Washburn Campground.
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
10. Washburn Campground — Best for Rustic Camping Near San Simeon
For campers who prefer a simple experience, Washburn Campground offers a quieter alternative to the nearby San Simeon Creek Campground.
Located on a plateau about a mile inland from the beach, Washburn features open surroundings with views toward the Santa Lucia Mountains and Pacific Ocean.
The campground offers basic facilities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and chemical toilets.
Because it provides fewer amenities than the main San Simeon Creek Campground, Washburn is a good option for self-sufficient campers who appreciate a more primitive setting.
Why camp here?
- Open coastal hillside scenery
- Rustic campground atmosphere
- Convenient access to southern coastal attractions
- Basic facilities for tent and RV camping
- Nearby trails and coastal viewpoints
Best for: Experienced campers, budget-conscious road-trippers, and visitors who prefer a less developed campground.
Good to know: Washburn does not have RV hookups, and showers are located at the nearby San Simeon Creek Campground.
Reservations: ReserveCalifornia
Where Should You Camp in Big Sur?
The best campground depends on the experience you’re looking for.
Best Campgrounds for Ocean Views
Kirk Creek is the standout choice for dramatic coastal scenery. Plaskett Creek is another excellent option, particularly if you want easy access to Sand Dollar Beach.
Best Campgrounds Among the Redwoods
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Fernwood, and Big Sur Campground & Cabins provide the classic Big Sur experience of sleeping beneath towering redwood trees.
Best Campgrounds for Families
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Big Sur Campground & Cabins offer a good combination of natural beauty, convenient facilities, and family-friendly activities.
Best Campgrounds for RV Camping
Big Sur Campground & Cabins and Fernwood offer private campground amenities and RV options. San Simeon Creek, Plaskett Creek, and Kirk Creek also accommodate certain RVs, but do not provide full hookups. Always confirm your vehicle’s permitted length.
Best Campgrounds for a Scenic Road Trip
For travelers driving the entire Big Sur coastline, consider spending one night among the redwoods in central Big Sur and another night overlooking the ocean in southern Big Sur.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Kirk Creek make a particularly memorable combination.
Best Time to Go
Camping in Big Sur is possible during much of the year, although weather conditions vary considerably by season.
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Green hillsides, wildflowers, cool evenings, occasional rain |
| Summer (June–August) | Popular camping season, cool coastal mornings, fog, busy campgrounds |
| Fall (September–November) | Often pleasant weather, potential for clearer coastal views, cooler nights |
| Winter (December–February) | Fewer visitors, rain, colder nights, and increased storm-related road risks |
Is Summer the Best Time to Camp?
Summer is popular with families and vacationers, but the coast can remain cool and foggy even when inland California experiences high temperatures.
Campgrounds also tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays.
Is Fall a Good Time for Camping?
September and October are especially appealing for visitors seeking pleasant coastal weather and potentially fewer crowds than midsummer.
However, warm and dry conditions can increase wildfire risk, making it important to monitor local restrictions.
For a detailed seasonal breakdown, explore our guide to the Best Time to Visit Big Sur.
How to Reserve a Campsite in Big Sur
Big Sur is one of California’s most popular camping destinations, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
California State Park Campgrounds
Campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur, Limekiln, Andrew Molera, and Hearst San Simeon State Parks use ReserveCalifornia.
State park reservations can generally be made up to six months in advance.
Book at: https://www.reservecalifornia.com/
U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds
Kirk Creek and Plaskett Creek are located in Los Padres National Forest and use Recreation.gov for campsite reservations.
Book at: https://www.recreation.gov/
Private Campgrounds
Properties such as Fernwood, Riverside Campground & Cabins, and Big Sur Campground & Cabins generally accept reservations through their own websites.
Booking tip: If your preferred campground is full, try adjusting your dates, checking weekdays, or searching farther north or south along Highway 1.
Important Tips for Camping Along Highway 1
Check Highway 1 Road Conditions
Highway 1 is one of California’s most scenic roads, but landslides, storms, wildfires, and road construction can affect travel.
A campsite may be accessible from one direction even when a section of the highway is closed farther along your planned route.
Before leaving, check Caltrans QuickMap for current road conditions.
Arrive Before Dark
Highway 1 features narrow lanes, sharp curves, and limited lighting. Arriving during daylight makes it easier to locate your campsite and set up safely.
Bring Extra Water and Food
Some campgrounds do not provide drinking water, and grocery stores are limited throughout Big Sur.
Pack enough food and water for your stay, especially when camping in remote southern areas.
Prepare for Changing Weather
Even during summer, temperatures can drop considerably at night. Bring warm layers, a rain jacket, and suitable sleeping equipment.
Oceanfront campsites can also experience strong winds.
Follow Fire Restrictions
Wildfires are a serious concern in Big Sur. Campfires may be prohibited during periods of elevated fire danger, even at designated campgrounds.
Always check current restrictions and never gather firewood from protected parklands.
Respect Wildlife
Store food securely, dispose of trash properly, and never feed wildlife.
Raccoons and other animals are common around established camping areas.
Don’t Assume Roadside Camping Is Allowed
Parking overnight or setting up camp along Highway 1 is not automatically permitted.
Camping is restricted in many roadside areas, turnouts, beaches, and public lands. Use designated campgrounds or verify that a specific site legally permits overnight camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best campground in Big Sur?
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is an excellent all-around choice, especially for first-time campers and families. For spectacular ocean views, Kirk Creek Campground is difficult to beat.
Can you camp on the beach in Big Sur?
Camping directly on Big Sur’s beaches is generally prohibited outside specifically designated camping areas. Some campgrounds, including Limekiln, have historically offered campsites close to the shoreline, while others provide ocean views from nearby bluffs.
Do you need reservations to camp in Big Sur?
Reservations are strongly recommended and are required at many established campgrounds. During summer and holiday weekends, popular sites can fill up months in advance.
Are there free campsites in Big Sur?
Free camping opportunities are very limited, and overnight camping is prohibited in many roadside areas. Some dispersed camping opportunities on surrounding National Forest land may be restricted or closed, so verify current U.S. Forest Service regulations before traveling.
Can you camp in an RV in Big Sur?
Yes. Several campgrounds accommodate RVs, including Pfeiffer Big Sur, Fernwood, Kirk Creek, Plaskett Creek, and San Simeon Creek. However, hookups are limited, and vehicle size restrictions vary by campsite.
Are dogs allowed at Big Sur campgrounds?
Many established campgrounds allow dogs, but restrictions vary. California State Parks generally limits dogs to campgrounds, roads, and certain designated trails. Confirm each property’s pet policy before arriving.
How many days should you spend camping in Big Sur?
Two or three nights is ideal for most visitors. This allows time to enjoy the campground, explore scenic viewpoints, visit nearby beaches, and experience a few hiking trails without rushing.
Can you camp in Big Sur year-round?
Some campgrounds operate year-round, while others have seasonal schedules or close temporarily because of weather, road damage, or wildfires. Always verify the campground’s current status before booking.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re sleeping beneath towering redwoods, relaxing beside the Big Sur River, or watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Big Sur.
For a classic redwood camping experience, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is hard to beat. Families will appreciate Big Sur Campground & Cabins, while campers searching for unforgettable ocean views should consider Kirk Creek.
Those exploring the southern coastline will find excellent opportunities at Plaskett Creek and Hearst San Simeon State Park.
No matter where you choose to stay, take your time exploring Highway 1, respect the natural environment, and plan ahead for changing road and weather conditions.
Pack your camping gear, follow the winding coastline, and discover why camping in Big Sur is one of California’s great outdoor adventures.