Free Camping in Big Sur
Several national parks allow visitors to camp for free along the forest service roads, provided you follow basic guidelines
. Before you head out, check out some available service roads based on where you want to go. Once you arrive all that's left to do is pitch a tent.
Can you camp in Big Sur without a reservation?
I've noted
which Big Sur campgrounds have a few first-come first-served campsites if you're bold enough to chance it without a reservation
(though don't plan on them being empty if you pull up on a Friday night).
Where can I camp my car at Big Sur for free?
The Los Padres National Forest is home to Big Sur and there are lots of places on the side of the road that you are allowed to camp for free. Big Sur campgrounds can fill up months in advance, so car camping on
public BLM land (Bureau of Land Management)
is a great back-up or last-minute trick.
Where can I park overnight in Big Sur?
- CAMPING FEES: $35/ night for a standard campsite at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
- $50/ night for a premium campsite at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
- $30/night for an environmenal campsite at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Can I sleep in my car in Big Sur?
Hwy 1 through Big Sur is a remote area, so the highway patrol can only monitor the road so much – its not like they can just pass by various sections on their way to somewhere else. So,
yes, it is possible to sleep in your car
and not get caught. If you are caught, at the very least you will be told to move along.
How do you camp in Big Sur?
Alternate camping on the coast, Santa Cruz to Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur is an extremely popular campground. Reservations fill up six months in advance, even in the winter.
Online reservations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at ReserveCalifornia
. You may also call toll free 1-800-444-7275.
Is it safe to camp in Big Sur?
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 official word from the Forest Service was that
the camping along the road is forbidden until August 19th, 2020
.
Can you camp in Big Sur in December?
Camping is
most definitely doable in December
in the Big Sur area, with that sleeping bag.
Is Big Sur open now?
Highway 1 is fully open
to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.
Are there bears in Big Sur?
Bears are not common in Big Sur
so this sighting was quite… More. We regularly provide still-born calves to help newly released condors get established and to reduce lead exposure to older birds from feeding on “wild” carcasses that were shot with lead ammunition.
Is Sykes Hot Springs closed?
Note: Good news!
The entirety of the Pine Ridge Trail is open effective April 13, 2021
. The Pine Ridge Trail is once again open to the public after being closed for five years due to the human-caused 2016 Soberanes Fire and damage inflicted by the winter storms of 2017.
What is the best time to go to Big Sur?
The most popular time to visit Big Sur is
between April to October
, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.
When can you camp in Big Sur?
We usually visit in either
spring or fall
as we like to avoid the summer crowds. Visiting during this time of year can mean gorgeous sunsets, uncrowded hikes, mild weather during the day and slightly lower temperatures at night. However, Big Sur is a great place to camp year round.
Can you camp in Big Sur in February?
Best time of year to go camping in Big Sur? In my opinion as a California local, the best time to go camping in Big Sur is in the spring,
between February and April
! (Yes: spring starts in Februrary here.
Can you sleep in your car along the Pacific Coast highway?
As mentioned,
you can't sleep along the highway in your car without risk of being rustled by a ranger or a California Highway Patrolman and told to move on
. You really need to stay somewhere with facilities, water, etc.
Can you sleep at Vista Point?
Access from and directly at road 101. This is a formal rest area where
sleeping is allowed and legal for up to 8 hours
.
Is Big Sur in a national forest?
Los Padres National Forest spans five counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern. In Monterey County,
Los Padres National Forest extends through Big Sur
and out toward the Salinas Valley.
Can you sleep Highway 1?
The short, the practical answer to this is “no”,
you cannot sleep on the side of the road in California
.
Is Big Sur worth the drive?
Driving the scenic coastal route of California's Highway 1 through Big Sur is
an epic road trip that is a must
! The coastline of Big Sur might be one of the most dramatic and magnificent drives because it literally hugs the cliffs offering the most insane views.
Are dogs allowed at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground?
Dogs are not allowed on State Park trails but are
allowed in the picnic or day use areas, some campgrounds
and on paved roads throughout the park. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times and may not be left unattended.
Does Big Sur campground have WIFI?
Free Wi-Fi
. (831) 667-1112 Follow the link on the left for camping reservations. Has two hike-in environmental campsites. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges.
How far is Monterey from Big Sur?
How long is the drive from Big Sur to Monterey? The direct drive from Big Sur to Monterey is
28.0 mi (45 km)
, and should have a drive time of 45 mins in normal traffic.
Do I need a permit to backpack in Big Sur?
The two main backpacking areas in Big Sur, the Ventana Wilderness and Silver Peak Wilderness, do not require permits to visit
. However, you will need a California Fire Permit to operate any kind of stove, including Jetboils and other backpacking stoves that use pressurized fuel.
Is Big Sur crowded?
At certain times of the year, Big Sur can become overwhelmingly crowded
. These times include many major U.S. holidays – New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Does Big Sur get cold?
Keep in mind that
Big Sur's winter temperatures deviate from the norm, with the highs hanging in the 60s and the lows staying in the 40s
. The regular rainstorms are a drawback, but these storms make way for clear skies that the summer fog doesn't allow — perfect for stargazing.
How many days do you need in Big Sur?
If you are staying in the area, we recommend spending at least
2-3 days
in the area. There are so many beautiful hikes, beaches, and nearby towns that will make it easy to fill those three days. One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.
What is Big Sur like in January?
The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Big Sur in January is 2.9°C (37.22°F). The amount of rain in January is normal with an average of 61mm (2.4in). It rains on average a total of 8 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 17.3°C (63.14°F).
