Huge Sur is likely one of the finest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with superb seashores and mountain climbing trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest timber on this planet, then Huge Sur is a must-visit spot. Huge Sur is filled with nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent outside.
We’ve established you need to undoubtedly go to Huge Sur, however what about going tenting in Huge Sur? What do it’s worthwhile to know, and the place do you have to keep? Whether or not you’re keen on glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Huge Sur State Park has quite a lot of choices. This Huge Sur tenting information will cowl all the most effective campgrounds, together with some additional important particulars. Prepared? Let’s get began.
Finest Tenting in Huge Sur
Huge Sur has many inns and locations to remain from luxurious inns to boutique lodging, nevertheless it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the most effective Huge Sur campground to swimsuit each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is likely one of the most lovely campgrounds in Huge Sur and we extremely suggest staying right here. We cherished exploring the Huge Sur coast from Ventana because it gave quick access to most of the prime points of interest. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is well accessible off of the Cabrillo Freeway. And the principle draw? Ventana Campground has unimaginable glamping services. For those who fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are among the best locations to remain in Huge Sur. The lodging is safari-style and a romantic option to spend an evening beneath the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, scorching showers, picnic tables, a fireplace ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and present outlets. Company have quick access to Huge Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale services, equivalent to swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You might also like: The Full Information to Visiting Redwood Nationwide Park
Huge Sur Campgrounds: Hike-In Campsites
If you need a tent-only campground, hike-in campsites are an excellent choice. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to achieve every web site. Hike-in campsites are a unbelievable compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and sometimes gorgeous views of the Huge Sur Coast. This part is devoted fully to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, good for tenting in and round Huge Sur State Park.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is definitely a area reasonably than a campsite. It’s positioned 12 miles south of Huge Sur State Park. The park is famend for its coastal surroundings, with granite cliffs and dramatic ocean views, and forests of redwood timber that develop all the way in which to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is actually a sight to behold and a very good base from which to discover the coast.
The park options two hike-in environmental campsites on the west aspect of Freeway 1. Saddle Rock and South Gardens Environmental Campgrounds are only a quick stroll from the Cabrillo Freeway. Don’t fear about being marathon-fit, however be ready to hold every little thing you carry, as there is no such thing as a automobile entry to both web site.
The campsites characteristic hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You’ll need to carry your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or outlets beforehand. Talking of retailers, as a result of there are restricted native outlets, it’s best to plan a purchasing journey earlier than coming into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In brief, the unbelievable surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you’ll be able to spot migrating grey whales, hike gorgeous trails like Ewoldsen Path, and take a look at waterfalls like Mcway Falls (extra on that later). You’ll have a central location to discover the most effective of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Huge Sur affords. Learn: The Final California Highway Journey Itinerary
3. Vicente Flat Camp
Vincente Flat Camp is a bit more remoted and positioned on the junction of the Stone Ridge and Vincente Flat Trails. It’s roughly 5 miles from Vicente Trailhead, so permit round two hours to achieve the campground and pack accordingly because you’ll have to hold all of your gear. The campground is ready in an atmospheric forest canyon. It is just a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a fireplace pit on the campground. Nonetheless, don’t anticipate another important services. Vicente Flat Camp is right for individuals who need to ‘tough it’ a little bit, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.
So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you need the fun of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and among the best walk-in campsites. You gained’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. However it’s the good campground to channel your inside Bear Grylls.
3. Andrew Molera Path Camp
Andrew Molera State Park is a way more undeveloped state park positioned simply north of Huge Sur State Park. It’s well-known for its distant and numerous mountain climbing and seaside entry. If you need a base simply exterior of Huge Sur, Andrew Molera Path Camp is a unbelievable selection. Campers simply park within the car parking zone after which hike round 0.25 miles to achieve the campground. It’s a handy hike-in campground and never as strenuous as reaching Vincente Flat.
The camp has hearth pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll must do with no bathe, however the campground’s facilities are useful for just a few nights. The campground has simply 22 normal tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so be sure to ebook upfront.
Andrew Molera Path Camp is unbelievable if you wish to keep off the crushed monitor and expertise a less-developed a part of the area. On the identical time, the campground additionally affords a few of the finest services – a win-win should you ask us. You’ll be able to discover close by points of interest like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the street. The selection is yours.
Huge Sur Campgrounds: Automotive Tenting and Glamping
Not so eager on hike-in campsites? Maybe you need a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked option to discover the US wilderness, and Huge Sur has many unbelievable areas the place you’ll be able to pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
In fact, you might have considered trying extra luxurious than a primary tent or RV tenting. In that case, preserve your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. A few of these glamping websites even include a scorching tub or two.
This part will cowl the most effective Huge Sur campgrounds for RV tenting and glamping. Let’s dive straight in. You might also like: Prime 10 Finest Locations to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park South Camp
This Huge Sur campground is likely one of the finest on this listing. It’s positioned inside the boundaries of Huge Sur State Park – perfect if you would like a central location. South Camp is an enormous, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It’s simply accessed off Pfeiffer Huge Sur Highway and has loads of facilities. But, additionally it is vastly in style with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. It doesn’t get significantly better for RV and tent tenting.
You’ll be able to eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso comprised of the campground’s water provide. South Camp is Huge Sur tenting made straightforward – what’s to not love? Huge Sur State Park South Camp is the best choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of services and facilities for a simple tenting expertise. Learn: 24 Of The Finest Seashores in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is likely one of the most gorgeous campsites round Huge Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking among the best views within the park. Prewitt Ridge has unimaginable views of Los Padres Nationwide Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.
Getting there may be straightforward, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Highway. The monitor is a little bit tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Simply take your time although, and also you’ll be positive. By way of facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so carry every little thing you want.
The most effective half about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It’s a little farther from the middle of Huge Sur (permit round an hour and twenty minutes resulting from windy roads). Nonetheless, if you’re planning a street journey, it’s properly price basing your self at Prewitt Ridge for an evening.
6. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV, and Campground
Saddle Mountain Ranch blends every little thing collectively – RV and tent tenting and glamping. It’s simply accessed off Carmel Valley Highway and is only a forty-minute drive north of Huge Sur. If you wish to keep close by Huge Sur, Saddle Mountain Ranch is superbly positioned within the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra opinions on TripAdvisor
Saddle Mountain Ranch has unimaginable services, together with a big out of doors swimming pool. It additionally has heated showers, restrooms, wi-fi, and a playground. Whether or not you need glamping or RV tenting, it’s a unbelievable luxurious base and is conveniently positioned close to Huge Sur. Learn extra: Issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
7. Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is likely one of the finest Huge Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite affords RV and tent tenting and is well accessed off Arroyo Seco Highway. Arroyo Seco is positioned inland, and entry is a little bit restricted. Be ready to drive almost two hours since it’s a must to drive all the way in which across the park to re-enter the east. It’s a particular spot although, and the serenity of Arroyo Seco shall be price it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the proper recipe for an escape to the nice outside.
Every campsite within the campground has its personal hearth ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bogs, consuming water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seaside entry. It’s positioned proper subsequent to Arroyo Seco Trailhead and The Lakes Seashore (a small seaside space on the shores of a freshwater lake). You’ll be able to fish, swim, hike, and even go horseback using once you aren’t exploring Huge Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a unbelievable place to remain in inland Huge Sur State Park. You don’t must miss out on water-side tenting since The Lakes are proper subsequent to the campground.
8. Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground is round a fifty-minute drive from Huge Sur. It’s positioned off Cabrillo Freeway, simply south of Lucia. Kirk Creek Campground is a surprising spot with ocean views and direct seaside entry. Kirk Creek Campground ought to be on the prime of your listing if you would like a campground for RV tenting with ocean views.
Kirk Creek Campground has a mixture of tent and RV tenting spots. The campground has a fireplace ring, vault bogs, BBQ services, and firewood on the market. There’s no consuming water or showers, so preserve that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for individuals who need to be close to a seaside and surrounded by nature – it’s not unusual to identify mountain lions and deer simply exterior the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
10. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Riverside Campground and Cabins is likely one of the finest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It’s positioned simply south of Huge Sur, off the Cabrillo Freeway. The campground affords rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You’ll be able to ‘glamp’ in model with lovely wood cabins that includes snug queen-sized beds and optionally available personal decks. In any other case, park your RV and cool down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, scorching showers, and laundry services. As its title suggests, you even have entry to the river. You’ll be able to benefit from the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Proper on the riverside, you even have unequalled seasonal fishing to take pleasure in.
This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Huge Sur. You aren’t removed from the neighborhood environment, outlets, and hospitality venues. Nonetheless, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
11. Treebones Resort
Fancy a very upscale and strange glamping expertise? Treebones Resort is the place to remain. Treebones Resort is positioned an hour south of Huge Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort affords a number of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with gorgeous views over the Pacific Ocean. Company even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The services embody an out of doors swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-site eating places. Every yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you may benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones affords. Treebones is finest for individuals who need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise out there. See extra on TripAdvisor
12. Limekiln Campground
Limekiln State Park is a 45-minute drive south of Huge Sur and can also be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s major lodging choice and affords tent and RV websites. Limekiln Campground is well reached off the Cabrillo Freeway and has a big parking space.
Facility-wise, the campground has restrooms and showers. It’s primary however snug, and you’re inside driving distance of retailers for emergency provides. With regards to close by points of interest, your choices are even higher. You’ll be able to take one of many mountain climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Outdated Limekiln Ruins, virtually instantly from the campground. There’s even seaside entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It’s wonderful if you wish to be close to a seaside, have nice mountain climbing trails, and never be too removed from Huge Sur. Try: 15 Finest Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Open air
13. Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground is located proper in the midst of the Los Padres Nationwide Forest amongst the mountains of Huge Sur. It’s round an hour and twenty-minute drive from the middle of Huge Sur. It’s perfect for individuals who need to expertise RV tenting on a extra mountainous aspect of the area.
Ponderosa Campground is handed by the Nacimiento River, offering swimming and freshwater alternatives. Consuming water can also be supplied (should you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a fireplace ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has every little thing you could possibly want for a brief keep, and it’s the good base to wander, bike, or experience across the dramatic surrounding panorama.
14. Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground and Resort is the last word glamping keep in Huge Sur. Located within the coronary heart of Huge Sur Valley, you’re only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Huge Sur. Fernwood incorporates a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-style ‘tent cabins’, and ‘journey cabins’. If you need a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, primarily upgrades from normal canvas tent cabins. These choices characteristic electrical energy, a heat mattress, contemporary linens, and heating – bliss.
Every cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally incorporates a normal retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-site choices for a leisurely morning reasonably than having to go into Huge Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with a perfect location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a lovely RV tenting choice and is only a quick stroll from Sand Greenback Seashore, the biggest seaside in Huge Sur. It’s only a fifty-minute drive from Huge Sur and simply accessed off the Cabrillo Freeway.
The campground is likened by many to a park, and it’s a spacious, family-friendly place to remain in Huge Sur. The campground has RV and tent websites, plus restrooms, picnic tables, and a fireplace ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a superb selection for these wanting nice services, plenty of area, and lodging close to Sand Greenback Seashore. It is filled with open inexperienced area and proper subsequent to the ocean. Examine charges on TripAdvisor
Huge Sur FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the most effective locations for tenting in Huge Sur State Park, we’ve some important particulars for you. For those who haven’t been tenting earlier than, it could possibly really feel a little bit daunting to arrange. And in addition to, even if you’re a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific data is at all times important.
This part is every little thing it’s worthwhile to learn about tenting in Huge Sur State Park.
What to pack for a Huge Sur tenting journey?
You’ll be able to view our final tenting guidelines right here, however we’ll present a fast transient on what to pack for a Huge Sur tenting journey.
First, if you’re tent tenting, you’ll want a waterproof three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-related emergency gear attainable (assume additional poles and a tent restore equipment). You’ll additionally need just a few luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. In spite of everything, once you discover a lovely view in Huge Sur you need to have the ability to sit exterior comfortably to take pleasure in it.
Don’t overlook your tenting range and cooking gear both. In fact, relying on which campground you select, you gained’t want some gear – so verify your campground services forward of time. 25 Of The Most Helpful Tenting Suggestions and Hacks
Equipment-wise, you want a robust pair of mountain climbing boots (plus a primary support equipment with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray will even turn out to be useful.
Most significantly, keep in mind your tenting reservations and any mandatory passes. It is important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and convey a paper model in case your telephone dies.
What there may be to do in Huge Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unimaginable campground and a few mountain climbing trails, what else is there to do in Huge Sur? The reply to this can be a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small measurement. These are the most effective issues to do in Huge Sur – good additions to your tenting itinerary. Learn our full information: The Final Huge Sur Highway Journey Itinerary and The Finest Viewpoints
New Camaldoli Hermitage
The New Camaldoli Hermitage is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastery perched on a mountainous vantage level overlooking the ocean. For those who take pleasure in non secular points of interest, visiting the monastery is likely one of the finest issues to do in Huge Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Path
Pfeiffer Falls Path is the most effective quick hike to see redwood timber up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is good and flat – making it a simple hike, appropriate for all sorts of walkers. The most important redwood known as the Colonial Tree. Hold your eyes peeled for it.
See Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge is an iconic spot alongside Freeway 101, and the dramatic canyon crossing stands 85 meters tall. Bixby Bridge is a powerful architectural attraction and makes for a putting {photograph}. We expect the most effective view is from Citadel Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to resolve.
Drive the Huge Sur Coast on Freeway 101
The Huge Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Freeway 101 is likely one of the hottest US street journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic Nationwide Park in Washington. For those who fancy a street journey whereas visiting Huge Sur, you’ll be able to drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Huge Sur. That is properly mixed with touring to Huge Sur anyway because the park is finest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automobile.
Swim at The Gorge
The Huge Sur River is filled with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Huge Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is understood for its crystal-clear waters and calm water circumstances. Be warned, the water might be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit should you go to in winter.
Go to Sand Greenback Seashore
Sand Greenback Seashore is likely one of the largest seashores in Huge Sur. It will get its title from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a novel shell- their endoskeleton. The shell is left behind when the urchin dies, and many individuals acquire them as souvenirs. Aside from the very fact you’ll find shells, Sand Greenback Seashore is magnificently lovely. A Sand Greenback Seashore day ought to be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Huge Sur is likely one of the most fun issues to do within the space. Deliver your personal bike, arrange bike leases, or ebook an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of gorgeous views and contemporary adrenaline.
Go horseback using
Going horseback using is an thrilling option to recognize the outside. We suggest occurring a path experience to expertise Huge Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Seashore Equestrian Middle is a well-liked choice and affords a particular picnic and seaside experience.
Go to Level Sur State Historic Park
Level Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island linked to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It’s house to Level Sur Lighthouse, which was in-built 1889 and remained practical till 1974. You’ll be able to go to the historic constructing, taking particular moonlight excursions if you’re fortunate.
Go to McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a 24-meter waterfall positioned in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waterfall is likely one of the most dramatic pure points of interest close to Huge Sur State Park. Throughout excessive tide, the water falls straight into the ocean. You simply take a brief, mile-long return hike alongside the cliffs to a scenic viewpoint to achieve the waterfall.
To Conclude
Hopefully, you’re feeling good and ready after studying this Huge Sur tenting information. Huge Sur State Park is a lovely place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days shall be full of mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable out of doors actions. You’re going to have a unbelievable time.
Received just a few extra questions? Try our article on the last word tenting ideas. You would even plan an enormous California street journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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