10 Best Big Sur RV Camping Spots

Big Sur is one of the best places for RV road trip destinations in the country and the entire world. This dramatic and rugged stretch of California’s central coast has a blend of amazing adventures that will keep you busy for days. You’ll love the historic bridges, cliff-side eateries, golden sunsets, gorgeous ocean, redwood forests, alluring mountains, and fairytale towns while exploring its scenic driving routes. However, to enjoy everything the area has to offer, you’ll need to be up on the best Big Sur camping spots.

Whether you want a campground with a laid-back vibe or something more vibrant, there’s something for every type of camper. Below are the 10 best RV campgrounds in Big Sur.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Location: Highway 1 / Big Sur, State Park, CA 93920
Google Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.3k reviews
RV Sites: 189
Rates: $35 to $50 daily

This is the largest campground in the region, with 189 tent and RV sites. Most spots are situated on or near the Big Sur River. While there are no hookups, sites have amenities like a fire pit and a picnic table. Plus, the campground provides fresh water, hot showers, toilets, and one cabin rental.

It’s also one of the few California State Parks with a dump station. For activities, you can hike along the banks of the Big Sur River, explore a 60-foot waterfall, and marvel at the redwoods, conifers, and oaks. There are also epic wildlife sightings. Further, you’ll find coastal canyon hiking trails and a cliff waterfall at the nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. About one mile south of the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Campground, you’ll find Pfeiffer Beach.

Fernwood Campground and Resort

Location: 47200 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 940 reviews
RV Sites: 66
Rates: $85 to $135 daily

If you’re looking for a private-owned campground in Big Sur, look no further than Fernwood Campground and Resort. This place accommodates all types of campers thanks to its diverse accommodation options, from RV sites, forest cabins, and canvas tents to motels.

The 66 RV spots accommodate rigs with a maximum length of 30’, and each has a picnic table and fire ring. Campers have access to hot showers, laundry, and a gift shop. There are electric and water hookups and a dump station.

Riverside Campground and Cabins

Location: 47020 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Google Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 244 reviews
RV Sites: 12
Rates: $110 to $120 daily

Riverside is a rustic Big Sur campground along the Big Sur River. The campground has 12 RV Sites that can accommodate rigs up to 34′. Expect 20 Amp power and water hookups, as well as fire pits and picnic tables in each site. There’s a camp store, firewood, restrooms, and laundry.

Note there’s a pet fee if your furry friend is accompanying you, plus there are no sewer hookups or a dump station. Walk around the area to take in the stunning scenery, especially the majestic redwoods. Beach access and hiking trails are just 10 minutes away. You can also enjoy swimming, fishing and inner-tubing down the river.

Plaskett Creek Campground

Location: 69345 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Google Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars from 272 reviews
RV Sites: 44
Rates: $40 to $50 daily

Nestled in Los Padres National Forest, Plaskett Creek is one of the top campgrounds on the Big Sur coast. It has over 40 sites for rigs under 30 feet, and some offer views of the ocean. There are no hookups, but you’ll find fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, and potable water.

For some fun, you can head to Sand Dollar Beach or the Willet hiking trail, which are just a stroll away. You’ll also have access to multiple outdoor and water activities in the surrounding hills and forests.

Marina Dunes RV Park

Location: 3330 Dunes Dr, Marina, CA 93933
Google Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars from 647 reviews
RV Sites: 65
Rates: $100 to $180 daily

Monterey Bay RV Park is definitely one of the best Big Sur campgrounds. It lies near the ocean, close to many of the area’s top attractions. There are around 65 gravel sites that are big-rig friendly. Expect full hookups, showers, flush toilets, a rec hall, a hot tub, a playground, volleyball, yard games, picnic areas, propane, and a general store.

Campers will have beachfront access to Monterey Bay, and you can go on leisure walks at Marina Dunes Preserve, which is next door. More adventures are to be found at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pacific Grove seaside town, the famous Pebble Beach scenic motorway, and the wineries of the Carmel Valley.

Kirk Creek Campground

Location: 64955 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Google Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 371 reviews
RV Sites: 40
Rates: $40 to $50 daily

Perched on an open bluff overlooking the Pacific, Kirk Creek Campground is a seaside paradise. It features 40 open and grassy sites, 2 of which you can occupy on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, you can only visit with an RV that’s less than 30 feet long.

This dry camping area has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. For active RVers, this retreat is close to a number of hiking trails that will lead you into the Los Padres National Forest. Whales migrate along this coast, so you may sight a pod.

Big Sur Campground & Cabins

Location: 47000 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Google Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 537 reviews
RV Sites: 93
Rates: $100 to $200 daily

Another great place to park your camper is Big Sur Campground & Cabins. It’s set amidst commanding coastal redwood trees along the pristine Big Sur River. This getaway has around 93 sites that welcome trailers and motorhomes up to 40 feet in length.

Sites have water and electric hookups, and waste tanks can be emptied at a central dump station. You can also enjoy tent camping on the forest floor or book a rustic cabin. To entertain your family, there’s a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, river tubing rentals, swimming opportunities, and wellness activities.

San Simeon Creek Campground

Location: 500 San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd, Cambria, CA 93428
Google Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 583 reviews
RV Sites: 134
Rates: $40 to $50 daily

San Simeon Creek Campground rests quietly in Hearst San Simeon State Park, and has 134 spots for RVs and tents, as well as 2 hikers and bikers sites. The maximum RV length is 35 feet, and all sites have a fire ring and picnic table. There are no hookups, but you’ll find water spigots throughout the campground, along with showers and flush toilets.

This hideaway is pet-friendly, but you’ll need to keep Fido on a leash. You’ll love the state park’s rocky shore, unobstructed ocean views, trails with scenic overlooks, and diverse wildlife, including an elephant seal colony. You can also fish, surf, beach comb, and watch birds and whales.

Carmel By the River RV Park

Location: 27680 Schulte Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Google Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars from 286 reviews
RV Sites: 35
Rates: $100 to $170 daily

Carmel By The River RV Park is a small family-owned and operated retreat that has been welcoming RVers for over 40 years. It’s set in a lush area of the Carmel Valley and has everything you need to have a memorable stay. Expect level RV sites with crushed granite pads, full utilities, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, a fire pit, high-speed WiFi, and cable TV.

They also have premium spots equipped with a private patio, an outdoor lounge area, a propane grill, and a backyard with a gazebo. More amenities include clean bathhouses, a general store, a dog park, a public patio, a business lounge, RV rentals, and a rec room outfitted with a lounge area, billiards, air hockey, and ping pong tables. For local activities, practice your swing at Pebble Beach, catch a race at Laguna Seca, or bask in the sun at the gorgeous Carmel Beach.

Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground

Location: 500 San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd, Cambria, CA 93428
Google Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars from 327 reviews
RV Sites: 16
Rates: $100 to $150 daily

Resting on 89 acres of forest, Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV and Campground is an exciting retreat for those looking to escape the chaos of modern life. It is up on a hillside overlooking the Carmel Valley. For recreation, you’ll have a sparkling heated pool, a playground, horseshoes, badminton, ping pong, hiking trails, plus the ocean is just 15 minutes away.

RV park amenities include modern restrooms, free hot showers, and a communal propane fire pit in a gazebo. Accommodation options range from RV sites with full hookups, cable, and WiFi to luxury tents, cabins, and bunkhouses. Your motorhome or trailer needs to be under 30 feet in length to fit in the sites. Also, wood-burning fires aren’t permitted, but charcoal briquettes and propane cooktops are allowed. This retreat is pet-friendly, so don’t leave your furry sidekick behind.

A Few Words on Big Sur

Big Sur is located around 5.5 hours north of Los Angeles and 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. The Pacific Coast Highway is the main road that weaves through the region, and a good part of it clings to the edge of the area’s cliffs that drop to the crashing blue waves of the Pacific Ocean. State parks and beaches are the region’s main attractions. The Big Sur area experiences 300 days of sunshine a year, and its peak season runs long, from April to October.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Big Sur.

Which Campsite Is Best at Pfeiffer Big Sur?

Pfeiffer Big Sur has both standard sites and premium riverfront sites. The best campsite will be the one that’s located in your preferred area.

Does Big Sur Have First-Come First-Serve Camping?

If you plan to camp at Big Sur, it’s highly recommended to book your reservations well in advance of your trip.

Book Your Big Sur Campground Early

The Big Sur region is a camping mecca that entices millions of visitors every year. This means campgrounds are always in high demand, whether they are located on public or private land. Stay ahead of the curve by booking your spot about 7 months in advance.

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Cynthia Measom

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Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.