Monterey County

Camping in Big Sur

Big Sur Camping Adventures

Big Sur offers a diverse range of camping options along the rugged California coast and within the Los Padres National Forest. This collection includes developed sites like Plaskett Creek, which provides direct access to Sand Dollar Beach, alongside numerous backcountry camps within the Ventana Wilderness. These remote locations, such as Little Pines and Redwood Camp, offer access to coastal ridges, redwood groves, and high-altitude pine forests via the Pine Ridge and Carmel River trail systems.

Big Sur Camping Adventures — Map

A

Three Peaks Camp

Remote backcountry site in the southern Ventana Wilderness, offering high-elevation views of the Pacific coastline and surrounding mountain ridges.

B

Trail Camp

Hike-in backcountry site located along the wilderness trail networks of the Santa Lucia Range.

C

Plaskett Creek Group Campground

Large-capacity sites located across Highway 1 from Sand Dollar Beach, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for organized groups.

D

Plaskett Creek Campground

Developed US Forest Service campground with 44 sites, flush toilets, and sinks. Located within walking distance of Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove.

E

Fox Camp

Backcountry site situated along the Carmel River Trail within the Ventana Wilderness.

F

Little Pines Camp

High-altitude backcountry site on the Pine Ridge Trail, featuring views of the Big Sur River drainage.

G

Lower Piney Camp

Secluded backcountry site located in the Piney Creek area of the Ventana Wilderness.

H

Upper Piney Camp

Remote backcountry camp located in the upper reaches of the Piney Creek drainage.

I

Jerky Camp

Wilderness site located near the intersection of the Piney Creek and Church Creek trails.

J

Miguel Campground

Primitive campground located in the Los Padres National Forest, accessible via the South Coast Ridge Road.

K

Chalk Peak Camp

High-elevation primitive site near the summit of Chalk Peak, offering expansive views of the Big Sur coastline.

L

ABC Camp Rustic Campsite

Basic, remote campsite located along the South Coast Ridge area of the national forest.

M

Free Camping. Sunset - Sunrise

Dispersed roadside camping area subject to local Forest Service regulations and seasonal fire restrictions.

N

Redwood Camp

Backcountry site set within a redwood grove along the Pine Ridge Trail near the Big Sur River.

O

Highlands Camp

Primitive backcountry site located on a high ridge with views of the surrounding wilderness area.

P

Carrizo Springs Rustic Campsite

Rustic backcountry site located near a seasonal spring in the Ventana Wilderness.

Q

Lottie Potrero

High-elevation meadow site located in the southern Ventana Wilderness near the headwaters of the San Antonio River.

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