Large Sur is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with wonderful seashores and mountaineering trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to stand up near the tallest timber on the earth, then Large Sur is a must-visit spot. Large Sur is full of nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent open air.
We’ve established you need to positively go to Large Sur, however what about going tenting in Large Sur? What do it is advisable know, and the place do you have to keep? Whether or not you like glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Large Sur State Park has a whole lot of choices. This Large Sur tenting information will cowl all one of the best campgrounds, together with some additional important particulars. Prepared? Let’s get began.
Finest Tenting in Large Sur
Large Sur has many inns and locations to remain from luxurious inns to boutique lodging, nevertheless it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown one of the best Large Sur campground to swimsuit each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is without doubt one of the most lovely campgrounds in Large Sur and we extremely advocate staying right here. We cherished exploring the Large Sur coast from Ventana because it gave quick access to lots of the high sights. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is definitely accessible off of the Cabrillo Freeway. And the principle draw? Ventana Campground has unbelievable glamping services. In the event you 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 strategy to spend an evening underneath the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, scorching showers, picnic tables, a hearth ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and present retailers. Friends have quick access to Large Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale services, similar 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’d like a tent-only campground, hike-in campsites are an excellent choice. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to succeed in every web site. Hike-in campsites are a improbable 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 totally to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, excellent 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 situated 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 timber 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 all the things you convey, as there isn’t a automotive entry to both web site.
The campsites characteristic hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You’ll need to convey your personal 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 buying journey earlier than coming into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? Briefly, the improbable 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 one of the best of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Large Sur presents. Learn: The Final California Highway Journey Itinerary
3. Vicente Flat Camp
Vincente Flat Camp is a bit more remoted and situated 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 about in an atmospheric forest canyon. It’s only a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a hearth pit on the campground. Nonetheless, don’t count on every other vital services. Vicente Flat Camp is right for many who wish to ‘tough it’ a bit of, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.
So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you’d like the fun 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 excellent campground to channel your internal Bear Grylls.
3. Andrew Molera Path Camp
Andrew Molera State Park is a way more undeveloped state park situated simply north of Large Sur State Park. It’s well-known for its distant and numerous mountaineering and seashore entry. If you’d like a base simply outdoors of Large Sur, Andrew Molera Path Camp is a improbable alternative. Campers simply park within the car 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 and not using a bathe, however the campground’s facilities are helpful for a couple of nights. The campground has simply 22 customary tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so make sure that to ebook upfront.
Andrew Molera Path Camp is improbable 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 presents a number of the finest services – a win-win when you ask us. You possibly can discover close by sights like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the street. The selection is yours.
Large Sur Campgrounds: Automotive Tenting and Glamping
Not so eager on hike-in campsites? Maybe you need a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked strategy to discover the US wilderness, and Large Sur has many improbable areas 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 primary tent or RV tenting. In that case, preserve your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. A few of these glamping websites even include a scorching tub or two.
This part will cowl one of the best Large Sur campgrounds for RV tenting and glamping. Let’s dive straight in. You may additionally like: High 10 Finest Locations to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park South Camp
This Large Sur campground is without doubt one of the finest on this listing. It’s situated throughout the boundaries of Large Sur State Park – very best if you’d like a central location. South Camp is an enormous, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It’s simply accessed off Pfeiffer Large Sur Highway and has loads of facilities. But, it is usually vastly standard with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. It doesn’t get a lot better for RV and tent tenting.
You possibly can eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso constructed from 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 most suitable choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of services and facilities for a simple tenting expertise. Learn: 24 Of The Finest Seashores in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is without doubt 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 may be straightforward, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Highway. The observe is a bit of 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 all the things 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, in case you are planning a street journey, it’s properly value basing your self at Prewitt Ridge for an evening.
6. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV, and Campground
Saddle Mountain Ranch blends all the things 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 situated within the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra opinions on TripAdvisor
Saddle Mountain Ranch has unbelievable services, together with a big outside 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 improbable luxurious base and is conveniently situated close to Large Sur. Learn extra: Issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
7. Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is without doubt one of the finest Large Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite presents RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Highway. Arroyo Seco is situated inland, and entry is a bit of restricted. Be ready to drive practically two hours since it’s a must 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 will probably be value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right 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 situated 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 while you aren’t exploring Large Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a improbable 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 situated 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 listing if you’d like a campground for RV tenting with ocean views.
Kirk Creek Campground has a mixture of tent and RV tenting spots. The campground has a hearth ring, vault bogs, BBQ services, and firewood on the market. There’s no consuming water or showers, so preserve that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for many 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 without doubt one of the finest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It’s situated simply south of Large Sur, off the Cabrillo Freeway. The campground presents rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You possibly can ‘glamp’ in type with lovely picket cabins that includes snug queen-sized beds and elective non-public decks. In any other case, park your RV and quiet down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, scorching showers, and laundry services. As its identify suggests, you even have entry to the river. You possibly can make the most of the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Proper on the riverside, you even have unequalled seasonal fishing to take pleasure in.
This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Large Sur. You aren’t removed from the neighborhood ambiance, retailers, and hospitality venues. Nonetheless, 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 situated an hour south of Large Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort presents a number of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. Friends even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The services embody an out of doors swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-site eating places. Every yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you’ll benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones presents. Treebones is finest for many who need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise accessible. See extra on TripAdvisor
12. Limekiln Campground
Limekiln State Park is a 45-minute drive south of Large Sur and can also be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s primary lodging choice and presents tent and RV websites. Limekiln Campground is definitely reached off the Cabrillo Freeway and has a big parking space.
Facility-wise, the campground has restrooms and showers. It’s primary however snug, and you might be inside driving distance of outlets for emergency provides. In the case of close by sights, your choices are even higher. You possibly can take one of many mountaineering trails to Limekiln Falls or Outdated Limekiln Ruins, virtually immediately from the campground. There’s even seashore entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It’s glorious if you wish to be close to a seashore, have nice mountaineering trails, and never be too removed from Large Sur. Take a look at: 15 Finest 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 very best for many 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 also be supplied (when you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a hearth ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has all the things you can want for a brief keep, and it’s the excellent base to wander, bike, or trip 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 contains a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-style ‘tent cabins’, and ‘journey cabins’. If you’d like a glamping expertise, we’d advocate the journey cabins, basically upgrades from customary canvas tent cabins. These choices characteristic 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 contains a common retailer and espresso cafe. These are excellent on-site choices for a leisurely morning reasonably than having to go into Large Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with an excellent location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a phenomenal 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 hearth ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a superb alternative for these wanting nice services, numerous house, and lodging close to Sand Greenback Seashore. It is filled with open inexperienced house and proper subsequent to the ocean. Examine charges on TripAdvisor
Large Sur FAQs
Now that we’ve coated one of the best locations for tenting in Large Sur State Park, we’ve got some important particulars for you. In the event you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it will probably really feel a bit of daunting to organize. And apart from, even in case you are a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific data is at all times important.
This part is all the things it is advisable find out 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, in case you are tent tenting, you’ll want a water-resistant three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-related emergency gear attainable (suppose additional 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, while you discover a phenomenal view in Large Sur you need to have the ability to sit outdoors comfortably to take pleasure in it.
Don’t overlook your tenting range and cooking tools both. In fact, relying on which campground you select, you received’t want some tools – so examine your campground services forward of time. 25 Of The Most Helpful Tenting Ideas and Hacks
Equipment-wise, you want a powerful pair of mountaineering 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 can even turn out to be useful.
Most significantly, bear in mind your tenting reservations and any needed passes. It’s important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and convey a paper model in case your cellphone dies.
What there may be to do in Large Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unbelievable campground and a few mountaineering 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 dimension. These are one of the best issues to do in Large Sur – excellent additions to your tenting itinerary. Learn our full information: The Final Large Sur Highway Journey Itinerary and The Finest Viewpoints
New Camaldoli Hermitage
The New Camaldoli Hermitage is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastery perched on a mountainous vantage level overlooking the ocean. In the event you take pleasure in non secular sights, visiting the monastery is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Large Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Path
Pfeiffer Falls Path is one of the best quick hike to see redwood timber up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is good and flat – making it a simple hike, appropriate for every type of walkers. The biggest redwood is named 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 formidable architectural attraction and makes for a placing {photograph}. We predict one of the best view is from Fort Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to resolve.
Drive the Large Sur Coast on Freeway 101
The Large Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Freeway 101 is without doubt one of the hottest US street journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic Nationwide Park in Washington. In the event you fancy a street 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 for the reason that park is finest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automotive.
Swim at The Gorge
The Large Sur River is filled with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Large Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is thought for its crystal-clear waters and calm water circumstances. Be warned, the water might be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit when you go to in winter.
Go to Sand Greenback Seashore
Sand Greenback Seashore is without doubt one of the largest seashores in Large Sur. It will get its identify 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. Other than the very fact you could find shells, Sand Greenback Seashore is magnificently lovely. 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 without doubt one of the most fun issues to do within the space. Carry your personal bike, manage bike leases, or ebook 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 strategy to admire the outside. We advocate occurring a path trip to expertise Large Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Seashore Equestrian Heart is a well-liked choice and presents a particular picnic and seashore trip.
Go to Level Sur State Historic Park
Level Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island related to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It’s dwelling to Level Sur Lighthouse, which was inbuilt 1889 and remained useful till 1974. You possibly can go to the historic constructing, taking particular moonlight excursions in case you are fortunate.
Go to McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a 24-meter waterfall situated in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waterfall is without doubt one of the most dramatic pure sights 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’re feeling good and ready after studying this Large Sur tenting information. Large Sur State Park is a phenomenal place to camp; it’s stuffed with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days will probably be crammed with mountaineering, redwood and ocean surroundings, and plenty of enjoyable outside actions. You’re going to have a improbable time.
Received a couple of extra questions? Take a look at our article on the last word tenting ideas. You could possibly even plan an enormous California street journey – there are many glorious tenting spots in California.
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