Campgrounds

The Big Sur coastline region, of the California coast, has large acreage parcels that are privately owned as well as government owned.  U. S. Forest Service (USFS) oversees large wilderness preserves and California State Parks operates campgrounds in the area.  Campgrounds fill-up quickly on summer weekends and holidays. Some can be reserved ahead of your arrival, but many are first come ~ first served.

IMPORTANT:  The U. S. Forest Service land is mainly the Ventana Wilderness and is not open to "dispersed camping".  All campers must camp within the designated campgrounds along the Big Sur Coastal region.

ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK Where the Big Sur River meets the sea. Excellent bird-watching and hiking. Trail Camp has twenty-four walk-in campsites (1/3 mile) in open meadow setting. On 4,800 acres with hiking, surfing and picnic tables. 831-667-2315

BIG SUR CAMPGROUND & CABINS Eighty-one shady campsites on the Big Sur River for tents and RV's of up to 34 ft. in length. There is an eight-ton weight limit on the bridge that crosses the river into the campground. Showers, laundry, store, playground and basketball court. 831-667-2322

BOTTCHER'S GAP Forest Service campground with twelve tent sites. Eight miles inland on Palo Colorado Road at 2,100 feet among the oaks and madrones. Excellent views of the Ventana double cones. Access to Skinner Ridge trailhead. No RV's. Bottled water available. 805-434-1996

FERNWOOD This pleasant establishment has sixty campsites for tents and RV's. Water and electric hookups--no sewer hookups, no dump. Some sites on river. Restaurant, tavern, art gallery, showers. 831-667-2422

KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND Popular camping spot on open bluff overlooking the ocean. Thirty-four sites. Hike & Bike Camp. Two trails to the beach and the Kirk Creek Trailead. 805-434-1996, www.parksman.com

LIMEKILN CREEK STATE PARK CAMPGROUND Camp right on the beach or in the lovely redwood canyon on your choice of thirty-three idyllic campsites. Hot showers, hiking trails to waterfalls and historic lime kiln. Adjoins the National Forest. 831-667-2403

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK This 1006-acre park is a universe unto itself with redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores and cottonwoods to shade your tent. Establish your family here for the weekend and you won't have to leave unless you want to. Hiking, swimming, picnic tables, 218 sites, some along the Big Sur River. Very popular in summer. 800-444-7275, www.parks.ca.gov

PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND Peaceful setting of lush lawns beneath Monterey Pines and Monterey Cypress trees. South of Big Sur, near Pacific Valley School--site of Jade Festival in October. Forty-four sites, including group areas. Walk the Sand Dollar Beach trail to one of the area's best beaches. RV's okay. 877-4446777, 805-434-1996, www.parksman.com

NACIMIENTO CAMPGROUND Stunning coastline views abound on Nacimiento Ferguson Road. Eleven miles inland from Highway One on this narrow but well-maintained paved road is this small campground with eight units alongside a trout stream. No drinking water. 805-434-1996, www.parksman.com

PONDEROSA CAMPGROUND Twenty-three units among the Ponderosa Pine, Madrone and Sycamore trees in a high valley with the Nacimiento River running through it. Thirteen miles east of Highway One on Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. 877-4446777, 805-434-1996, www.parksman.com

VENTANA CAMPGROUND In a verdant canyon setting amid the redwoods, this lovely campground has all the facilities for camper happiness, including proximity to the fine dining and shopping of the Ventana Inn. 831-667-2712, www.ventanacampground.com