Outbound Collective logo

The Best Camping in Big Sur

Looking for the best camping in Big Sur? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Big Sur. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top camping spots in and near Big Sur

  • Big Sur, California

    Camp at Ventana Campground, Big Sur

    4.6
    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...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    5.0
    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...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

    4.2
    18.96 mi / 7339 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Pine Ridge, North Coast Ridge Loop

    2.0
    33.45 mi / 11388 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Bluff Trail Loop

    8.2 mi / 1601 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Explore the Big Sur River Gorge

    4.5
    1 mi
    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...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Camp at Andrew Molera State Park

    4.5
    1 mi
    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 ...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Hike Coast Ridge Road to Terrace Creek Trail

    8 mi / 1889 ft gain
    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!
    Read more
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Pat Springs via Skinners Ridge

    3.5
    13.18 mi / 3645 ft gain
    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 ...
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Timber Top and Boranda Trail

    5.67 mi / 2690 ft gain
    Timber Top and Boranda Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Big Sur, California.
    Read more
  • Greenfield, California

    Jack's Cabin

    11.13 mi / 3130 ft gain
    Jack's Cabin is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.
    Read more
  • Greenfield, California

    Adventure at Arroyo Seco

    4.6
    This off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone, and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 7+ mile adventure up...
    Read more
  • Greenfield, California

    Junipero Serra Peak

    11.15 mi / 3691 ft gain
    Junipero Serra Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Greenfield, California.
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Goat Camp via Twitchwell Flat Use Trail

    5.0
    9.2 mi / 3852 ft gain
    To find this trailhead, head down Highway 1 towards Limekiln State Park Campground. Between Lucia and Limekiln, there should be a shoulder off the side of the road to park overnight. Cross the street to the trailhead of Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. Bear in mind that there is abundant poison oak alo...
    Read more
  • Sand City, California

    Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo

    130 mi / 9000 ft gain
    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....
    Read more
  • Big Sur, California

    Camping at Limekiln State Park

    4.3
    This campsite is split into two sections and is located directly below a bridge along Route 1 the Pacific Coast Highway. Be cautious turning into the park as the incline and turn are quite serious.Below the bridge are campsites located both along the tree line and tiered up along the hill. Under ...
    Read more