Large Sur Tenting – 15 Campgrounds in Large Sur for Your Subsequent Journey

Large Sur is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in California, and it is stuffed with superb seashores and mountain climbing trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood bushes galore, so if you wish to stand up near the tallest bushes on the earth, then Large Sur is a must-visit spot. Large Sur is filled with nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent open air.

We’ve established you need to undoubtedly go to Large Sur, however what about going tenting in Large Sur? What do you have to know, and the place must you keep? Whether or not you’re keen on glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Large Sur State Park has quite a lot of choices. This Large Sur tenting information will cowl all the very best campgrounds, together with some further important particulars. Prepared? Let’s get began.

Greatest Tenting in Large Sur

Large Sur has many accommodations and locations to remain from luxurious accommodations to boutique lodging, but it surely additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the very best Large Sur campground to go well with each want.

1. Ventana Campground

Ventana Campground is likely one of the most stunning campgrounds in Large Sur and we extremely suggest staying right here. We liked exploring the Large Sur coast from Ventana because it gave easy accessibility to most of the high 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 unbelievable glamping services. If you happen to fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are among the finest locations to remain in Large Sur. The lodging is safari-style and a romantic method to spend an evening below the redwoods. See evaluations on TripAdvisor

Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, sizzling showers, picnic tables, a fireplace ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward retailers. Visitors have easy accessibility to Large Sur and its group. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale services, akin to swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You may additionally like: The Full Information to Visiting Redwood Nationwide Park

Large Sur Campgrounds: Hike-In Campsites

If you would like a tent-only campground, hike-in campsites are an ideal choice. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, in contrast to backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to succeed in 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 infrequently beautiful views of the Large Sur Coast. This part is devoted completely to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, good for tenting in and round Large 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 Large Sur State Park. The park is famend for its coastal surroundings, with granite cliffs and dramatic ocean views, and forests of redwood bushes that develop all the way in which to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is really 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 part you convey, as there is no such thing as a automobile entry to both web site.

The campsites function hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You will have to convey your individual water and firewood; cease by at a water station or retailers beforehand. Talking of outlets, as a result of there are restricted native retailers, it’s best to plan a procuring journey earlier than getting into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

So, why keep right here? Briefly, the unbelievable surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you may spot migrating grey whales, hike beautiful 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 very best of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Large 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 enable round two hours to succeed in 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. Nevertheless, don’t count on some other vital services. Vicente Flat Camp is good for individuals who wish to ‘tough it’ somewhat, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.

So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you would like the joys of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and among the finest walk-in campsites. You received’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 Large Sur State Park. It’s well-known for its distant and numerous mountain climbing and seashore entry. If you would like a base simply outdoors of Large Sur, Andrew Molera Path Camp is a unbelievable alternative. Campers simply park within the parking zone after which hike round 0.25 miles to succeed in 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 should do with no bathe, however the campground’s facilities are useful for a couple of nights. The campground has simply 22 commonplace tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so make certain to e book upfront.

Andrew Molera Path Camp is unbelievable if you wish to keep off the crushed observe and expertise a less-developed a part of the area. On the similar time, the campground additionally affords among the greatest services – a win-win for those who ask us. You possibly can discover close by points of interest like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the highway. The selection is yours.

Large Sur Campgrounds: Automobile Tenting and Glamping

Not so eager on hike-in campsites? Maybe you desire a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked method to discover the US wilderness, and Large Sur has many unbelievable places the place you may pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.

In fact, it’s your decision extra luxurious than a fundamental tent or RV tenting. In that case, hold your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. A few of these glamping websites even include a sizzling tub or two.

This part will cowl the very best Large Sur campgrounds for RV tenting and glamping. Let’s dive straight in. You may additionally like: High 10 Greatest Locations to Camp in California

4. Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park South Camp

This Large Sur campground is likely one of the greatest on this checklist. It’s positioned inside the boundaries of Large Sur State Park – excellent if you need a central location. South Camp is a large, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It’s simply accessed off Pfeiffer Large Sur Highway and has loads of facilities. But, it’s also massively well-liked with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the location. It doesn’t get significantly better for RV and tent tenting.

You possibly can 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 Large Sur tenting made straightforward – what’s to not love? Large 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 straightforward tenting expertise. Learn: 24 Of The Greatest Seashores in California

5. Prewitt Ridge Campground

Prewitt Ridge is likely one of the most beautiful campsites round Large Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking among the finest views within the park. Prewitt Ridge has unbelievable views of Los Padres Nationwide Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.

Getting there’s straightforward, and also you simply drive to the location on Prewitt Highway. The observe is somewhat tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Simply take your time although, and also you’ll be superb. When it comes to facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so convey every part you want.

The perfect half about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It’s a little farther from the middle of Large Sur (enable round an hour and twenty minutes because of windy roads). Nonetheless, if you’re planning a highway 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 part collectively – RV and tent tenting and glamping. It’s simply accessed off Carmel Valley Highway and is only a forty-minute drive north of Large Sur. If you wish to keep close by Large Sur, Saddle Mountain Ranch is fantastically positioned within the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra evaluations on TripAdvisor

Saddle Mountain Ranch has unbelievable 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 Large Sur. Learn extra: Issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, California

7. Arroyo Seco

Arroyo Seco is likely one of the greatest Large 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 somewhat restricted. Be ready to drive practically two hours since it’s important 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 open air.

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 seashore entry. It’s positioned proper subsequent to Arroyo Seco Trailhead and The Lakes Seashore (a small seashore space on the shores of a freshwater lake). You possibly can fish, swim, hike, and even go horseback using if you aren’t exploring Large Sur.

Arroyo Seco is a unbelievable place to remain in inland Large Sur State Park. You don’t should 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 Large Sur. It’s positioned off Cabrillo Freeway, simply south of Lucia. Kirk Creek Campground is a shocking spot with ocean views and direct seashore entry. Kirk Creek Campground ought to be on the high of your checklist if you need 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 hold that in thoughts when packing. The campground is greatest for individuals who wish to be close to a seashore and surrounded by nature – it’s not unusual to identify mountain lions and deer simply outdoors the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor

10. Riverside Campground and Cabins

Riverside Campground and Cabins is likely one of the greatest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It’s positioned simply south of Large Sur, off the Cabrillo Freeway. The campground affords rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You possibly can ‘glamp’ in type with stunning picket cabins that includes snug queen-sized beds and optionally available non-public decks. In any other case, park your RV and calm down amongst all of the campground facilities.

Riverside Campground and Cabins has hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, sizzling showers, and laundry services. As its title suggests, you even have entry to the river. You possibly can reap the benefits of the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Proper on the riverside, you even have unmatched seasonal fishing to get pleasure from.

This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Large Sur. You aren’t removed from the group environment, retailers, and hospitality venues. Nevertheless, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor

11. Treebones Resort

Fancy a extremely upscale and strange glamping expertise? Treebones Resort is the place to remain. Treebones Resort is positioned an hour south of Large Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort affords a number of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. Visitors even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.

The services embrace an outside 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 greatest for individuals who need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise obtainable. See extra on TripAdvisor

12. Limekiln Campground

Limekiln State Park is a 45-minute drive south of Large Sur and can be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s primary 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 fundamental however snug, and you might be inside driving distance of outlets for emergency provides. On the subject of close by points of interest, your choices are even higher. You possibly can take one of many mountain climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Outdated Limekiln Ruins, virtually straight from the campground. There’s even seashore entry.

Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It’s wonderful if you wish to be close to a seashore, have nice mountain climbing trails, and never be too removed from Large Sur. Take a look at: 15 Greatest Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoor

13. Ponderosa Campground

Ponderosa Campground is located proper in the course of the Los Padres Nationwide Forest amongst the mountains of Large Sur. It’s round an hour and twenty-minute drive from the middle of Large Sur. It’s excellent for individuals who wish 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. Ingesting water can be supplied (for those who don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a fireplace ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has every part you might 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 Large Sur. Located within the coronary heart of Large Sur Valley, you might be only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Large Sur. Fernwood includes a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-style ‘tent cabins’, and ‘journey cabins’. If you would like a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, primarily upgrades from commonplace canvas tent cabins. These choices function electrical energy, a heat mattress, recent linens, and heating – bliss.

Every cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally includes a common retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-site choices for a leisurely morning reasonably than having to move into Large Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with an excellent location.

15. Plaskett Creek Campground

Plaskett Creek Campground is a ravishing RV tenting choice and is only a quick stroll from Sand Greenback Seashore, the biggest seashore in Large Sur. It’s only a fifty-minute drive from Large 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 Large 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 wonderful alternative for these wanting nice services, numerous area, and lodging close to Sand Greenback Seashore. It is stuffed with open inexperienced area and proper subsequent to the ocean. Verify charges on TripAdvisor

Large Sur FAQs

Now that we’ve coated the very best locations for tenting in Large Sur State Park, now we have some important particulars for you. If you happen to haven’t been tenting earlier than, it will possibly really feel somewhat daunting to arrange. And moreover, even if you’re a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific info is all the time important.

This part is every part you have to learn about tenting in Large Sur State Park.

What to pack for a Large Sur tenting journey?

You possibly can view our final tenting guidelines right here, however we’ll present a fast transient on what to pack for a Large 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 doable (assume further poles and a tent restore equipment). You’ll additionally need a couple of luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. In spite of everything, if you discover a ravishing view in Large Sur you need to have the ability to sit outdoors comfortably to get pleasure from it.

Don’t neglect your tenting range and cooking gear both. In fact, relying on which campground you select, you received’t want some gear – so test your campground services forward of time. 25 Of The Most Helpful Tenting Suggestions and Hacks

Package-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 may even come in useful.

Most significantly, bear in mind your tenting reservations and any needed passes. It is important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and produce a paper model in case your cellphone dies.

What there’s to do in Large Sur

So, when you’ve chosen an unbelievable campground and a few mountain climbing trails, what else is there to do in Large Sur? The reply to this can be a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small measurement. These are the very best issues to do in Large Sur – good additions to your tenting itinerary. Learn our full information: The Final Large Sur Highway Journey Itinerary and The Greatest Viewpoints

New Camaldoli Hermitage

The New Camaldoli Hermitage is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastery perched on a mountainous vantage level overlooking the ocean. If you happen to get pleasure from spiritual points of interest, visiting the monastery is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Large Sur.

Hike Pfeiffer Falls Path

Pfeiffer Falls Path is the very best quick hike to see redwood bushes up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is good and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for all sorts of walkers. The biggest redwood is 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 placing {photograph}. We predict the very best view is from Citadel Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to determine.

Drive the Large Sur Coast on Freeway 101

The Large Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Freeway 101 is likely one of the hottest US highway journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic Nationwide Park in Washington. If you happen to fancy a highway journey whereas visiting Large Sur, you may drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Large Sur. That is properly mixed with touring to Large Sur anyway because the park is greatest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automobile.

Swim at The Gorge

The Large Sur River is stuffed with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Large Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is understood for its crystal-clear waters and calm water situations. Be warned, the water will be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit for those who go to in winter.

Go to Sand Greenback Seashore

Sand Greenback Seashore is likely one of the largest seashores in Large 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 gather them as souvenirs. Aside from the actual fact yow will discover shells, Sand Greenback Seashore is magnificently stunning. A Sand Greenback Seashore day ought to be on everybody’s itinerary.

Go mountain biking

For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Large Sur is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do within the space. Deliver your individual bike, arrange bike leases, or e book an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of beautiful views and recent adrenaline.

Go horseback using

Going horseback using is an thrilling method to recognize the outside. We suggest happening a path experience to expertise Large Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Seashore Equestrian Middle is a well-liked choice and affords a particular picnic and seashore 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 residence to Level Sur Lighthouse, which was in-built 1889 and remained useful till 1974. You possibly can 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 Large 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 succeed in the waterfall.

To Conclude

Hopefully, you are feeling good and ready after studying this Large Sur tenting information. Large Sur State Park is a ravishing place to camp; it’s stuffed with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days shall be full of mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and plenty of enjoyable out of doors actions. You’ll have a unbelievable time.

Obtained a couple of extra questions? Take a look at our article on the last word tenting suggestions. You can even plan a large California highway journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.

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