Location: Big Sur Campgrounds
Top Hotels in Big Sur Campgrounds
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6 Campgrounds in Big Sur: Best hotel deals for 2023
Jagged cliffs pummeled by surf line the Pacific Coast Highway along Big Sur, creating some of California's most memorable ocean vistas between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller found inspiration in its fog-banked canyons and meadows. Gray whales migrate past twice a year, and elephant seals bask on the sandy shores. Luxury hotels, restaurants and art galleries cluster in a six-mile strip, giving way to redwood-filled state parks on either side.
Things to do in Big Sur
1. Ventana Campground
Overall Ratings
4 based on 354 reviews
Ventana Campground, located approximately 65 miles north of San Simeon and 30 miles south of Carmel, is an amazing 40 acre redwood canyon. All sites follow the existing contour of the canyon and Post Creek without disturbing its natural beauty. We have three modern bath houses and each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring with water faucets a short walk away. Campers can access scenic and convenient trails to The Restaurant at Ventana and the Ventana Wilderness. We are centrally located near general stores, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, delis, taverns, and the post office in the Big Sur community.
Great Experience, Magical woods
Reviewed By Takrupp2We spent 3 nights at the Glamping platform tents at Ventana. Overall, the tents were cozy. The two fire places were well used. The redwoods are beautiful, truly magical. The location is central, between all of the best sites in Big Sur. We traveled with two kids (2 and 6) and they loved it.
2. Kirk Creek Campground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Rhonda M
Reviewed By rhondamR6998XJWe stayed at the PP site and Just wanted to Thank Dara and David .They took such good care of us . We had a very enjoyable stay with our family. Always checking on us to make sure we were stocked with firewood. Our site was kept clean the whole time. Our garbage was always emptied and taken out . They went above and beyond to make us all feel comfortable. Our site was Beautiful . But the hospitality will definitely bring us back . Oh and Thank You so much for wishing us a Happy Anniversary . Looking forward to seeing you again .
3. Plaskett Creek Campground
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Peaceful, easy feeling.
Reviewed By Buster BSpacious campsites, clean restrooms and showers. Dog friendly. We had a great campsite right next to the creek. Lots of hiking trails, Hot showers. Nice restaurant and canteen. No electric hookups. You probably need reservations now.
4. Limekiln SP
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Beautiful Short Trails on Site
Reviewed By fullmoonslayWe stayed here for the first night of our road trip down the central coast. This was our favorite stop of the trip. It gave us the Big Sur feeling we were expecting, with forests, beach, and beautiful sights. What we loved: * The sound of the creek while sleeping! So relaxing and soothing. * The sound of crashing waves at all times. I couldn't get enough of it. * Sunsets from the beach or your campsite if you happen to book one of those few sites. We were at a campsite near the beach access, but couldn't see the beach directly from our campsite. Most of the campers walk to the beach to enjoy their dinner while watching the sunset. * You can take short nature walks on-site which are beautiful and fun. They are short enough that older children and older adults will be entertained, but not overwhelmed. There are some stream crossings, which could be difficult to navigate if you don't have good balance. * We stayed here during a heavy rain and it was cozy to stay bundled up in the tent watching the rain fall. * Toilets flush and showers are hot. The other campsites we visited had cleaner facilities, but it wasn't so bad I couldn't use them. There also weren't any lights in these facilities. We just brought our lantern with us. * Limekiln feels so removed from everything. There really isn't anything nearby. It really helps when you just want to get away from it all and reorient. You're steps from the beach and steps from redwood groves. What to consider: * The campsites near the beach are under Highway 1. It's not highly traveled at night so we weren't bothered by it. It was a bit of an eyesore, but with the sound of the creek and the waves it wasn't a nuisance. * Our campsite #7 wasn't huge, but we were able to park our SUV and pitch our tent. * The beach is very rocky. There is a picnic table out there if you choose to use it. * Some of the more popular hiking trails in Big Sur have still not yet been restored. Plan your trip so that you're aware of these closures. We were able to do a lot of the shorter hikes throughout our road trip and the same day we checked into Limekiln, we did an 8-mile hike with beach views at Andrew Molera State Park. * Firewood is available for sale while the office is open. We definitely plan to return, probably for 2-3 nights next time. We had a great experience and it's awesome that it's so close to the Bay Area.
5. Big Sur Campground & Cabins
Overall Ratings
3 based on 15 reviews
Located among majestic Coastal Redwood trees along the pristine Big Sur River, Big Sur Campground and Cabins offers camping and lodging with an emphasis on family. Enjoy tent and RV camping on the forest floor as you watch the kids inner tube by in the cool water. Or pamper your family in one of several styles of cabins, from rustic tent cabins to fully equipped cabins with kitchens and fireplaces.
Over $200 / night for tent site???
Reviewed By M7952BOkarenaMy family, and I mean just about my entire family ....(My husband and four kids, My sister and her husband and three kids, My brother and his two kids, My best friend and her kid, and at times, two more families) have been reserving sites at the same time here for at least the last ten years. I knew it was in the process of being sold but hearing how much it has gone up in price, Im now calling everyone in my group to let them know. We schedule 5 fun days for camping every June and look forward to this annual trip. This was one family fun camping trip we could all afford. Last year we paid around 65 per night, the highest was 89 per night. We will not be coming if we have to pay over $200 per night for a small camp site!!! Thank you for informing me. So sad to say but we all may not be coming back either.
6. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Overall Ratings
4 based on 169 reviews
Best campground I've been to!
Reviewed By mariajiannuzziMy husband and I love camping. This campground was so lovely and peaceful. We were right next to the Big Sur River which was really nice. We did tent camping. I normally need white noise to sleep but the sound of the river (which was not very deep at the time we stayed) provided the most calming bubbling noise that we didn't need anything else to lull us to sleep. They have nice bathrooms and a general store with just about all the extra necessities you might have forgotten to bring it might just want extra of (snacks, drinks, water, beer, wine, etc). The location is ideal and very close to nice hiking and the best food! Highly recommend this place!
