The Best Camping in Pacific Grove

Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing....

Backpacking to Pat Springs is a way to see Big Sur and the San Lucia mountains from a perspective that few get to experience. The Ventana Wilderness is rugged and remote, yet Pat Springs is one of the most beautiful campgrounds around that will allow you to take in this amazing terrain.  To get ...

Campsites here come with a fire ring and picnic table, as well as bathroom and shower access. These sites are particularly recommended for families and large groups. Make a reservation here.

All 64 tent campsites here are walk-in, making them further in from the road, and more roomy. Each site comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker. There is access to bathrooms and showers, as well. You can make a reservation here. 

Andrew Molera is about 27 miles south of Carmel and one of the first State Parks you'll hit heading down the coast. There will be signs for the Park as you approach and the main parking lot is only a couple hundred yards from Hwy 1. There are a number of hiking trails and activities to do around ...

The Bluff Trail Loop is a relatively tough hike, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts. There is very little shade on the trail until you are about 2/3 of the way up. When you are about a mile from the top, you will reach a redwood forest. You will pass by two beautiful beaches. Keep you...

This campground is a gem when it comes to Big Sur camping, book here. Each site includes a parking spot, a campfire ring with grill, a picnic table, and plenty of space for 1-2 tents. There are multiple immaculate restroom facilities with showers, clean trash enclosures (emptied and sanitized dai...

This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos.  The S.S. Palo Alto,...

Epicenter to Five Finger Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California.

Sand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Aptos, California.

The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. Each of the 189 tent and RV sites is located within the redwood groves, oak woodlands, grassy meadows and they even have riverside camping.Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, access to dr...

The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...

If you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy does of elevation, beautiful primitive camping amon...

If you are in the Big Sur area during the summer, exploring the Big Sur River Gorge is a must! The gorge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and your closest parking will be day use parking lot 3. The trailhead to the gorge can be found at the northeast end of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park C...

This winding path takes you high above the ocean and some wooded areas provide shade along the way. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is open year-round but can be a bit muddy after heavy rains.  Turn off of Cabrillo Highway onto Coast Ridge Road, park, and head up!

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! On sunny days, view...