Big Sur Camping

Visit Monterey County, travel scenic Highway 1 south along the northern California coastline, and you will happily discover the Big Sur area where you'll find Redwood forests, rocky coastline, sandy beaches, mountains, canyons, gurgling streams, meadows and oak trees . . .

What could be more intrinsic to our souls than to yearn to camp in all that natural beauty? Well, lucky for us, there are many opportunities for camping in Big Sur!

Special Note: Because of the fires the Big Sur area experienced during the summers of 2008 & 2009, some camping areas may be closed. Check my Update Page for info on which places are temporarily closed - but keep in mind that many Big Sur campgrounds are still open!

And don't worry - although we did have some devastating fires in many areas of Northern California in the last couple of years, nature recovers quickly here. You may see evidence of the damage done, but more likely you'll see the rejuvenation we're enjoying already! Here's the latest.

Big Sur campgrounds are as varied along the California coast as their surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful!

You'll find campgrounds in the State Parks, and also private campgrounds. You can camp alongside a stream, or atop an ocean bluff overlooking the Pacific, in a meadow, or amid the redwoods. You can hike-in and camp the backcountry.

There's tent & RV camping - cabins, and tent cabins, and A-frames - you can even camp in a yurt!

There are 14 major campground areas in Big Sur, and they can be sorted in several different ways. I've tried, here, to group them in ways that will make it easy for you to find what you're looking for.

And most of these campgrounds offer tent camping as well as RV camping. (BTW, if you're looking for useful information about RVing, check out Everything About RVing.)

Okay . . . pick a campground group that appeals to you and discover the Big Sur campground of your choice!

Big Sur Forest Service Campgrounds
These Forest Service campgrounds don't always have all the facilities you might want, but there are lots of reasons to consider them.

Big Sur Private Campgrounds
Looking for private campgrounds in Big Sur, especially if they offer a little extra luxury?

Big Sur State Parks Campgrounds
This page will provide you with information about the State Park camping options in Big Sur.

Big Sur Oceanview Campgrounds
Have you always wanted to camp where there's a view of the ocean?

Big Sur Backcountry Camping
There are approximately 237 miles of hiking trails in the Santa Lucia Mountains. That equates to LOTS of opportunity for backcountry primitive camping!

Big Sur Streamside Campgrounds
Or maybe you'd prefer a campsite near a stream or river!

2009 Updates for Camping in Big Sur

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BIG SUR CAMPING