A hike on the Ventana Double Cone Trail is a great opportunity to gain one of the best views in all of Big Sur. The easiest start is from Bottcher’s Gap. In the peak of the summer in years past, the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road was absolutely loaded with cars and people. Don’t be afraid to walk a bit into the bush in search of the best tent sites. If you do intend to camp off a forest service road (which I will cover in a minute), ALWAYS be smart about where and how you go to the toilet (with no toilets). Plus, they’re light which is perfect for hiking and camping in Big Sur’s backcountry! They are just too big, and turning around on these roads is impossible (mostly). So, if you park and walk into the bush more than 300 feet, in theory, this is allowed. California is the most populated state in the US. For more ideas on the essentials for outdoor adventures, check out our jumbo-sized roundup of the best gear to take backpacking. If you wait to the last minute to book a Big Sur state park campground, I can pretty much guarantee you won’t get a spot. To start packing for your camping trip to Big Sur, you can by browsing our Camping Packing Master Checklist. Big Sur has many great destinations, but Sykes Hot Springs is definitely near the top of the list for anyone who has been there. Artists, hippies, surfers, hikers, beach bums, burnouts, and every shade of tourist ventures to this land… that land is called Big Sur. Always use caution when crossing streams, and simply don’t risk it if you are in doubt. Every awesome place has its downsides though. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. The Plaskett Ridge Road located in southern Big Sur is great for those with a 4×4 vehicle. Stay toasty warm on the road. It starts and ends at the popular Pine Ridge Trail trailhead in Big Sur, CA and offers a challenging but rewarding backpacking experience. The campsites at Julia Pfeiffer book out faster than a $2 rodeo in rural America. In fact, most if not all lay-bys, turn-offs, and small nooks found just off Highway 1 are off-limits for tent, car, and RV camping. Climb the highest peak in Big Sur — in fact, the tallest … The trail itself is an undulating footpath (10 miles one way) that takes you away from the coast and into the rugged interior of the mountains. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . Warm temperatures are really felt in the interior when you move away from the coast. Open 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. 831-667-2315. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. This is suggested 4-day backpacking loop for those looking to spend a few days in the Ventana Wilderness section of Los Padres National Forest. Backpacking Big Sur isn’t exactly difficult but it isn’t all that straightforward either. To see Big Sur through the best local guides, contact Ventana’s reception desk to reserve a hike with Big Sur Guides and Hiking. Andrew Molera is my favorite coastal Big Sur state park campground. This amazing trail, which starts at a Highway 1 pullout just 3.6 miles north of Ragged Point (or 45 miles south of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance). Big Sur Guides and Hiking. Springtime is a beautiful period to experience Big Sur. We have come to the final act of my guide to Big Sur camping…. Most hotel rooms are at least $100/night at an absolute minimum. Keep that in mind when choosing a place to camp. Don’t drive through the gate, even if it is open! However, the sad truth is that Big Sur has changed quite dramatically over the years. Artists, hippies, surfers, hikers, beach bums, burnouts, and every shade of tourist ventures to this land… that land is called Big Sur. Whether you need to purify the water from a hostel sink in Kathmandu or a stream trickle in the Andes, the Geopress has got you covered. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. Parking is also available for $10.00 per calendar day Pine Ridge Trailhead Parking Lot. After parking my truck at the visitors center and hiking 10 miles to the Sykes Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness, I found myself pitching my tent next to the Big Sur River with nobody in sight. They aren’t super large, about 8 feet in diameter. McWay Falls. Limekiln is a small forested state park two miles south of Lucia. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. Outside of the obvious essentials (a tent, sleeping bag, and food), it’s these variables that are going to govern your packing. Legends relate that at one time the unique notch at the mountain’s top was roofed over by a rock bridge. You might turn up on a Tuesday in late February only to find masses of people at every turn. Unfortunately, the last two years have been hard on the Ventana Wilderness, Big Sur’s key attraction for backpackers. As one local put it to me: “Big Sur is blown out. Sweeping views of the Big Sur valley. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2s0KJ64Instagram: @lane.one.runShoes: http://bit.ly/2NtJfKXLightweight Stove: https://amzn.to/2OvAgJr This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hiking up the final switchbacks, the expansive views over the Ventana Wilderness and the dramatic Pacific coastline are literally dizzying. The water temperature seems to consistently be at or near 100° F. This place is the essence of what makes Big Sur camping so magical. Close, EPIC Big Sur Camping Guide • Best Places and Hikes in 2021. The park contains four lime kilns from an 1887–1890 lime-calcining operation. The obvious major drawback? The trailhead is located at the Big Sur Station. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is yet another totally magical Big Sur camping destination. Keep in mind that accommodation in the Big Sur area is EXPENSIVE. Extreme heat, impassable trails, and unrelenting topography conspire to make summer backpacking difficult for even the most experienced explorer. The Pacific Coast Highway 1 runs along the Big Sur coast, sandwiched between by the dramatic Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. 3. This is the most detailed guide to hiking and backpacking in Big Sur. BIG SUR STATION: Located at 47555 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920.Big Sur Station is the information center for the Big Sur area. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to hit the road (or the trail) in search of your perfect Big Sur camping spot. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. McWay Waterfall Trail. Since camping on Highway 1 is illegal (and camping on certain Forest Service roads is too), state park campgrounds offer up a stress-free alternative to free guerrilla camping. Since there are only 24 campsites available on any given day, be sure to get there early (very early in some cases) to ensure you snag a campsite. With so many people visiting Big Sur each year, the associated abuses involved with high numbers of people have made it quite difficult to find free camping spots along Highway 1. Any time of the year you could find people camping along this road. Even of those who do, fewer still do so with the intention to camp overnight. The hike begins at the Ventana Wilderness ranger station parking lot. The fact is, there are lots of places to park and pitch your backpacking tent, and the higher you go up the road, the better the views are of the sea. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. In order to get the maximum level of enjoyment, I highly recommend that you visit Big Sur in the shoulder season (which is pretty much anytime that isn’t the peak of summer). In recent years, I have spend a lot of time exploring Big Sur’s beaches, mountains, canyons, and rivers hunting for the best Big Sur camping spots. Give some thought to this and how you’d like your Big Sur camping adventure served. Big Sur is blessed with four beautiful state parks, and each has something special on offer. In some places, you can get away with car or van camping in Big Sur, but it is never a 100% guarantee that police or national park service officers won’t come knocking on your car window in the middle of the night. "I recommend driving … Despite the tourist hordes, Big Sur is still one of my favorite sections of the coast I have explored – anywhere on earth. Please note: Wilderness travel in the Big Sur backcountry during the summer months can be extremely dangerous and even life threatening. The hike itself is only 5 miles (one way) and should take no more than three hours to complete. Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Do not take the pristine landscapes in Big Sur for granted. It is possible to treat it as a day hike, but it is recommended to take some time for the hike, as there are rolling green hills, several waterfalls, and wildflowers throughout the trail, none of which should be missed. The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! 66 reviews. Our guide, Everett, took us on a spectacular hike up Tan Bark Trail. The best camping option is probably Lone Pine Camp, though you can wild camp in many other places should you choose to. Amazon.com: backpacking big sur. Try Prime EN Hello, Sign in Account & Lists Sign in Account & Lists Orders Try Prime Cart. One night backpacking trip to Big Sur, California. Once you know your style, check out some of our other excellent gear posts! Urinate at least 70 steps from water sources. THE BEST WEEKEND BIG SUR BACKPACKING TRIP. Try to get a campsite along the Big Sur River in the far back reaches of the campground. Chris is also a founding member of, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. The campsites are located in beautiful places, often with stunning views of the Pacific ocean, forest, or mountains. It is roughly 9-10 miles to the Skyes campground, and limited climbing after the first 2 hours (which can be steep at times, and tiring in the direct sun). DO NOT bushwhack through the vegetation unless you are 100% sure there is no Poison Oak. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. Start from sea level and summit the highest coastal mountain in the contiguous 48 states. The view of the coastline from the outdoor deck is … Pfeiffer Falls and the Valley View Overlook are probably the most popular hikes in area and the one that any ranger or frequent visitor would suggest. The falls are, however, very seasonal. Best Hikes in Big Sur. This wild stretch of coastline is not the Big Sur of the 1960s anymore (which of course is true everywhere)! To arrive, take Highway 1 south from Carmel for roughly 20 miles. There are few places in the world where you can stroll through untamed redwood forests, tackle burly mountains, and stare longingly at the great Pacific Ocean all in one place (and often from the comfort of your car). Here is what the Forest Service said in their statement: “A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.”. Big Sur Trailmap provides accurate trail and camp locations based on local knowledge (GPS'd), plus locally-known "use trails", seasonal water sources, waterfalls, and other features in Big Sur state parks and wilderness areas. You’ll need to hike for couple hundred meters to reach the campsites, so be prepared to make the short trek (> 7 minutes). If you like to surf, there are a few decent breaks accessed within Andrew Molera. Don’t let your used toilet paper blow hither and thither in the wind. Below, I cover the best free spots for camping in Big Sur that can be accessed by car…. The hike to its summit is the most dramatic by far in the Big Sur area. With over 80 day hikes, there’s a hike for everyone. Water sources can be far and few between. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with red light (which insects can’t see). Do your part to help keep Big Sur’s camping places awesome for the next group of travelers. The only catch? A picnic option is offered on all hikes. Big Sur Hiking Trails Pfeiffer Falls & Valley View Overlook. Hikes in Big Sur reveal lush forests, towering bluffs and rare wilderness. Home » North America » USA » EPIC Big Sur Camping Guide • Best Places and Hikes in 2021. That is if you don’t hit any traffic. Here are some of my favorite hotels in Big Sur: There you have it, friends. Plus current wilderness and state park trail conditions. Pretty much as soon as you know you are coming to Big Sur, check the Julia Pfeiffer reservation website and book whatever is available within your time frame. A group of my friends met up for Rob's birthday for a scenic backpacking trip on the California Coast. I’m not sure exactly how many spots there are; possibly, nobody knows. If you want to get a hotel room, be prepared to fork over some cash. Note: For more adventure inspiration in California and the rest of America, check out our post on the most amazing hikes in the USA. This route, however, is one of the best road trips in California. 10 reviews Hiking “I reached out to Lesli from Big Sur guides, shared my ideas and she was simply amazing.” See all Big Sur Guides and Hiking reviews Big Sur River Gorge. #4 - Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail [CLOSED]. Remember to: But most of all, be good to Big Sur; be a responsible traveler. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash. Primarily a Ventana Wilderness Trail, the first 2.5 miles skirt above and around Pfeiffer Big Sur's campground and River Gorge. Get out there and experience it for yourself. After the Big Sur mudslides in 2017 that forced road closures further south on Highway 1, camping was made illegal along Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. The truth is Big Sur can be super busy any time of the year. On the Central California coast, a magical, sparsely populated land of waterfalls, rugged mountains, redwood trees, stunning beaches, and blazing sunsets has been attracting people of all walks for decades. If you do choose to make a fire, never leave your fire unattended. Limekiln campground contains 24 sites which must be reserved ahead of time. There are some pieces of gear that are absolutely essential to staying comfortable, safe, and happy in the backcountry whilst experiencing camping in Big Sur for yourself. Go early in order to snag the best spots. Skip to main content. Please check the USDA site for current trail conditions before visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/alerts-notices. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! There are plenty of awesome day hikes, secluded beaches, and jaw-dropping views (especially at sunset). There are a numerous amount of waterfalls to see throughout the Santa Lucia Creek Gorge. Kirk Creek is certainly one of the best places to camp in Big Sur. I will post an update when the campground opens, but as of now, it isn’t possible to camp here. Here are some of the biggest threats to your safety that immediately come to mind: Posion oak… rattlesnakes… ticks… Staying safe in America’s nature can be a lot more than most people bargain for. #3 - Pico Blanco via Coast Road and Little Sur Trail. For what is arguably the finest weekend of backpacking along the entire California coast, plan to spend 3 days on the 23-mile Pine Ridge Trail, which meanders through groves of 300-foot redwood trees and fern-lined canyons. Though in the fall, winter, and spring, the flows can be epic. A stay here has the potential to be peaceful, but with the number of campsites, you should have realistic expectations of the campground vibe/noise/human traffic. There are no hidden gems anymore.” Whilst I do not 100% agree with that sentiment, in many ways it is true. The campground here is massive (174 sites) and can be quite the circus at any time of year. The hot springs is about 8 feet across and a couple of feet deep--about the size for 4 adults, and it stays around 100 degrees depending on rain. AR bottles are tough, lightweight and maintain the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter whether you’re camping at a Big Sur campground or in the backcountry. Hike through coastal oak forest. Cost: $25/night; $10 extra for firewood. The weather is mild with a potential for fewer people to be around, and the grey whales are migrating to the Arctic from March-April! Certainly, in the winter there tend to be fewer people on the roads. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. You might have found yourself driving the road for 20-30 minutes before finding an available place to stop. The ridgeline trail begins along the north flank of Cone Peak and follows a craggy ridge with sweeping views of the coast and mountains. Because the hike is rather short, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hike in with plenty of water on-hand too. Start at the Cone Peak Trailhead and pick up on this trail at the base of the cone peak summit trail. Before we talk about all the best places to camp in Big Sur, let’s answer the burning question…. Locals in Big Sur have had to endure a lot of shit from tourists (literally, in some cases). Poison Oak is everywhere. Jeffrey Schaffer's Hiking the Big Sur Country: The Ventana Wilderness ($15.95, Wilderness Press, 800-443-7227) is an excellent resource. None of the sites have electricity, but you don’t need that anyway, right? There is a water spring at the camp that should be flowing any time of year, however, packing a filtered water bottle for hiking is always a recommendation, even in highly-developed nations. This is … Big Sur, CA is one of the prettiest locations along the California coast. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. Check out our EPIC review of the best down jackets for backpackers in 2021! #10 - Cone Peak Loop via Highway 1 [CLOSED], Pico Blanco via Coast Road and Little Sur Trail, Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail [CLOSED], Salmon Creek Trail, Cruickshank Trail, and Buckeye Trail Loop [CLOSED]. In the past, some folks even parked here semi-permanently, though I think law enforcement has put an end to long-term camping here. For more than 40 years, Big Sur Guides has been leading hikes in Big Sur. Creek crossings found on the hike can be difficult if the water flow happens to be particularly fierce. Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! The hike back down was far easier and more relaxing. Most likely there will be other people camping up there as well. Making a Big Sur camping trip or two is without a doubt the best way to take it all in. “Find out how YOU can support the site. This trail offers the opportunity to take a dip in the Big Sur river. Every time I have gone to Big Sur in the off-season – I have visited at all times of the year) – there has never been a consistent pattern of when it’s busy and when it’s not. June 2020 – Note: The Trail campground at Andrew Molera is closed and has been for some time. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This ultimate guide to camping Big Sur is the result of my experiences getting to know this beautiful and wild stretch of coast. Once it opens though, it is a hike not to be missed! The drive up the road isn’t super long, though it can be very steep in some places. Big Sur, by contrast, has a fraction of the permanent residents occupying other parts of the California coast. Why you should go: Perhaps the most iconic viewpoint in all of Big Sur, this … Around holidays too, Highway 1 is totally nuts chockablock with holidayers driving the classic West Coast route. 5. Andrew Molera State Park is the only state park campground that is first come/first served, meaning you can’t reserve a place. Chris Lininger is a writer, photographer, and guide from California. In total, Kirk Creek has 35 paid campsites, costing $35/night. One of the most common (and beloved) Big Sur activities is hiking. On a sunny day, few things in life are better than sitting between two pine trees overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfieffer State Park) offers up all of the best aspects of Big Sur. I have seen insane traffic pile-ups, congestion, and masses of humanity just outside some of the popular state parks. The weather at Goat Camp was perfect and we all slept without a tent under the stars. I hope this track opens soon! Pssssst! 2.4 miles 550 feet Andrew Molera State Park. This might be unnecessary, but you never know. There are several ways to hike Cone Peak, and the descriptions can be a … There is an endless amount of awesome Big Sur backcountry camping to uncover, and you’ll be reward with some of the best hiking in California state. Thanks for your support. It also became one of the most popular, but for good reason. With zero facilities on offer, it is not a surprise that campers here have made a mess of things. Learn what Leave No Trace Principles are and use them! Located a few miles south of the tiny town of Lucia, the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road is a windy, steep road dotted with a variety of small “campsites”. The official word from the Forest Service was that the camping along the road is forbidden until August 19th, 2020. There are PLENTY of awesome hammock spots in Big Sur and along its beaches. Last Chance Falls is a truly magical waterfall—arguably one of the best backcountry waterfalls in all of Big Sur. Some hikes are tougher, some will go through forests, and others to beaches, guaranteeing everyone can find a hike they love. There are numerous forest service roads running through or adjacent national forest land owned by the government that offer the best free camping spots in Big Sur. The park features the beauty of the redwoods, rugged coast, and cultural history of the limekilns. Trails vary depending on weather conditions and participants’ skill levels. Note: Users have reported that due to wildfire damage, portions of this trail are not being maintained and may not be accessible for all users. Make a left at Palo Colorado Rd and drive through a remote cluster of houses dotted among some massive redwoods adorning the canyon. Big Sur is a bucket list destination for anyone who loves the outdoors, and winter is the perfect time to plan a trip. Almost without exception, if it is free Big Sur campsites you seek, then you are going to have to get off Highway 1. This city offers a lifestyle for anyone. If you do somehow manage a reservation, hopefully, you will get to see some whales, dolphins, or other amazing sea creatures! Some of the trails at Andrew Molera have mountain bike access. This hike leads to Cook Spring Camp, a rather primitive backcountry camp under a stand of sugar cone pine trees. When one first pictures the Big Sur iconic coastline, it's often images … That said, compared to some of the other campsites on my list, Los Burros can be less populated with campers…and it is a fucking gorgeous spot! After returning to your car, consider checking out … River Loop Trail: 4 mile loop. Free camping in Big Sur is a contentious issue. #3 of 22 Outdoor Activities in Big Sur. Campsites for 1 car and tent costs $35/night. The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. Salmon Creek Trail One of the most popular short hikes for locals, Salmon Creek Falls is just a quarter-mile round-trip hike from Highway 1. Whether you are looking for a luxurious hotel overlooking the ocean or you are ready to head out on your next backpacking adventure, then Big Sur is the spot for you. There are only two goddamn campsites! With an abundance of hiking trails, state parks, gorgeous landscapes and spectacular viewpoints, hoofing it uphill is truly worth it in Big Sur! On October 31, 2018 the seasonal footbridge crossing the Big Sur River was removed for the season. As of 5/2020 the road to this route has essentially fallen off the mountain, with no repair in sight for the foreseeable future. On every adventure, there are five things I never go traveling without: 1. In fact, I would keep RV’s off of all of the free Big Sur camping spots I cover. Whether you’re free camping in Big Sur or at a paid campground, you’re going to want to keep this info in mind. 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