Best Camping in Big Sur
Looking for the best camping in Big Sur? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Big Sur. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the incredible Outbound community.
Camp at Ventana Campground, Big Sur
This campground is a gem when it comes to Big Sur camping, book here. Each site includes a parking spot, a campfire ring with grill, a picnic table, and plenty of space for 1-2 tents. There are multiple immaculate restroom facilities with showers,...
Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The campground at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers a spectacular variety of natural settings to enjoy. Each of the 189 tent and RV sites is located within the redwood groves, oak woodlands, grassy meadows and they even have riverside camping.Eac...
Backpack the Pine Ridge in Big Sur, North Coast Ridge Loop
If you are looking to do some backpacking in the Big Sur area, you've come to the right place. This post shares a suggested 4-day backpacking loop in the Ventana Wilderness that will offer a bit of everything - challenging hiking with a healthy d...
50 miles
3000 ft gain
Backpack to the Ventana Wilderness' Sykes Hot Springs
The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving.The trail is ...
20 miles
5600 ft gain
Hike the Bluff Trail Loop
The Bluff Trail Loop is a relatively tough hike, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts. There is very little shade on the trail until you are about 2/3 of the way up. When you are about a mile from the top, you will reach a redwood forest...
8.2 miles
1601 ft gain
Explore the Big Sur River Gorge
If you are in the Big Sur area during the summer, exploring the Big Sur River Gorge is a must! The gorge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and your closest parking will be day use parking lot 3. The trailhead to the gorge can be found at ...
1 miles
Camp at Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera is about 27 miles south of Carmel and one of the first State Parks you'll hit heading down the coast. There will be signs for the Park as you approach and the main parking lot is only a couple hundred yards from Hwy 1. There are a nu...
1 miles
Hike Coast Ridge Road to Terrace Creek Trail
This winding path takes you high above the ocean and some wooded areas provide shade along the way. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is open year-round but can be a bit muddy after heavy rains.
Turn off of Cabri...
8 miles
1889 ft gain
Backpack to Pat Springs
Backpacking to Pat Springs is a way to see Big Sur and the San Lucia mountains from a perspective that few get to experience. The Ventana Wilderness is rugged and remote, yet Pat Springs is one of the most beautiful campgrounds around that will al...
7.5 miles
1400 ft gain
Adventure at Arroyo Seco
This off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone, and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold ...
Backpack to Goat Camp in Big Sur
To find this trailhead, head down Highway 1 towards Limekiln State Park Campground. Between Lucia and Limekiln, there should be a shoulder off the side of the road to park overnight. Cross the street to the trailhead of Twitchwell Flat Use Trail. ...
22 miles
2400 ft gain
Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo
Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be a...
130 miles
9000 ft gain
