Big Sur Camping Guide

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Back to Big SurBig Sur Camping Guide

Big Sur is one of California's most spectacular camping destinations. One of the most glorious settings is Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park, on Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel (tel. 831/667-2315). The 810-acre state park has 218 secluded sites amid hundreds of acres of redwoods. Hiking trails, streams, and the river are steps from your sleeping bag, and the most modern amenities are the 25¢ showers (for 3 min.), and water faucets between sites. Each spot has a picnic table and fire pit but no RV hookups or electricity. Riverfront sites are most coveted, but others promise more seclusion among the shaded hillsides. Campfire programs and nature walks are also offered. At the entrance are a store, gift shop, restaurant, and cafe. Fees are $14 for regular sites, $26 for group sites; call tel. 800/444-7275 or log on to www.reserveamerica.com for reservations. Senior discounts are available, and leashed dogs are permitted ($1 per night extra).

The entrance to the Ventana Campground, on Highway 1, 28 miles south of Carmel and 4 1/4 miles south of the River Inn (tel. 831/667-2712; www.ventanawildernesscampground.com), is adjacent to the Ventana Resort entrance, but the comparison stops there. This is pure rusticity. The 80 campsites, on 40 acres of a redwood canyon, are spaced well apart on a hillside and shaded by towering trees. Each has a picnic table and fire ring but no electricity, RV hookups, or river access. Three conveniently located bathhouses have hot showers (25¢ fee). Reserve a space with a credit card (MasterCard or Visa) for 1 night's deposit. Or mail a deposit check, the dates you'd like to stay, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope at least 2 weeks in advance (earlier during peak months). Rates are $28 for a site for two with one vehicle; $35 per night weekends. An additional person is $5 extra, and it'll cost you $5 to bring Fido. Rates include the entrance fee for your car. Open April through October.

Big Sur Campground and Cabins is on Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel (half mile south of the River Inn; tel. 831/667-2322; www.bigsurcalifornia.org/camping.html). The sites are cramped, so the feel is more like a camping village than an intimate retreat. However, it's very well maintained and perfect for families, who love the playground, river swimming, and inner-tube rentals. Each campsite has its own wood-burning fire pit, picnic table, and freshwater faucet within 25 feet of the pitching area. There are also RV water and electric hookups. Facilities include bathhouses with hot showers, laundry facilities, an aged volleyball/basketball court, and a grocery store. There are 81 tent sites (30 RV-ready with electricity and water hookup), plus 13 cabins (all with shower). The all-wood cabins are adorable, with stylish country furnishings, wood-burning ovens, patios, and full kitchens. Rates are $27 for a tent site for two or an RV hookup (plus $4 extra for electricity and water), $57 for a tent cabin (bed, but no heat or plumbing) for two, or $105 to $221 for a cabin for two. Rates include the entrance for your car. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Pets cost $4 for campsites and $12 for tent cabins; pets are not allowed in the other cabins. It's open year-round.