Large Sur is among the finest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with wonderful seashores and mountain climbing trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to stand up near the tallest timber on this planet, then Large Sur is a must-visit spot. Large Sur is full of nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent outdoor.
We’ve established you need to positively go to Large Sur, however what about going tenting in Large Sur? What do it’s essential know, and the place must you keep? Whether or not you like glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Large Sur State Park has a variety of choices. This Large Sur tenting information will cowl all one of the best campgrounds, together with some further important particulars. Prepared? Let’s get began.
Finest Tenting in Large Sur
Large Sur has many lodges and locations to remain from luxurious lodges to boutique lodging, however it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown one of the best Large Sur campground to go well with each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is among the most stunning campgrounds in Large Sur and we extremely suggest staying right here. We beloved exploring the Large Sur coast from Ventana because it gave easy accessibility to lots of the prime points of interest. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is definitely accessible off of the Cabrillo Freeway. And the primary draw? Ventana Campground has unbelievable glamping services. In case you fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are the most effective locations to remain in Large Sur. The lodging is safari-style and a romantic technique to spend an evening below the redwoods. See evaluations 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 outlets. Friends have easy accessibility to Large Sur and its group. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale services, reminiscent of swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You might also like: The Full Information to Visiting Redwood Nationwide Park
Large Sur Campgrounds: Hike-In Campsites
If you need a tent-only campground, hike-in campsites are an excellent possibility. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a brief stroll, in contrast to 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 sometimes 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 timber that develop all the best way 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 brief stroll from the Cabrillo Freeway. Don’t fear about being marathon-fit, however be ready to hold every thing you convey, as there is no such thing as a automotive entry to both web site.
The campsites function hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You will have to convey your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or outlets beforehand. Talking of outlets, as a result of there are restricted native outlets, it’s best to plan a buying journey earlier than getting into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? In brief, the improbable surroundings and site. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you possibly can 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 gives. Learn: The Final California Street 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 permit 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’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. Nevertheless, don’t count on every other important services. Vicente Flat Camp is good for individuals 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 need the fun of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and the most effective walk-in campsites. You gained’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. However it’s the good campground to channel your interior 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 various mountain climbing and seaside entry. If you need a base simply exterior of Large Sur, Andrew Molera Path Camp is a improbable selection. 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 with no bathe, however the campground’s facilities are helpful for just a few nights. The campground has simply 22 normal tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so ensure that to guide prematurely.
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 gives a number of the finest services – a win-win for those who ask us. You may discover close by points of interest 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 desire a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked technique to discover the US wilderness, and Large Sur has many improbable areas the place you possibly can pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
In fact, you might have considered trying extra luxurious than a primary tent or RV tenting. In that case, maintain 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 might also like: High 10 Finest Locations to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park South Camp
This Large Sur campground is among the finest on this listing. It’s positioned inside the boundaries of Large Sur State Park – very best in order for you a central location. South Camp is an enormous, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It’s simply accessed off Pfeiffer Large Sur Street and has loads of facilities. But, it’s also massively fashionable with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. It doesn’t get significantly better for RV and tent tenting.
You may eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso created from the campground’s water provide. South Camp is Large Sur tenting made simple – 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 Finest Seashores in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is among the most beautiful campsites round Large Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking the most effective 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 simple, and also you simply drive to the positioning on Prewitt Street. The observe is a bit of tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Simply take your time although, and also you’ll be high-quality. When it comes to facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so convey every thing 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 (permit round an hour and twenty minutes because of windy roads). Nonetheless, if you’re planning a street journey, it’s nicely value basing your self at Prewitt Ridge for an evening.
6. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV, and Campground
Saddle Mountain Ranch blends every thing collectively – RV and tent tenting and glamping. It’s simply accessed off Carmel Valley Street and is only a forty-minute drive north of Large Sur. If you wish to keep close by Large Sur, Saddle Mountain Ranch is superbly 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 improbable 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 among the finest Large Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite gives RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Street. Arroyo Seco is positioned inland, and entry is a bit of restricted. Be ready to drive almost two hours since it’s a must to drive all the best way across the park to re-enter the east. It’s a particular spot although, and the serenity of Arroyo Seco can be value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the nice outdoor.
Every campsite within the campground has its personal hearth ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bathrooms, consuming water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seaside entry. It’s positioned proper subsequent to Arroyo Seco Trailhead and The Lakes Seashore (a small seaside space on the shores of a freshwater lake). You may fish, swim, hike, and even go horseback driving whenever 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 positioned off Cabrillo Freeway, simply south of Lucia. Kirk Creek Campground is a shocking spot with ocean views and direct seaside entry. Kirk Creek Campground needs to be on the prime of your listing in order for you 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 bathrooms, BBQ services, and firewood on the market. There’s no consuming water or showers, so maintain that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for individuals who wish to be close to a seaside and surrounded by nature – it’s not unusual to identify mountain lions and deer simply exterior the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
10. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Riverside Campground and Cabins is among the finest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It’s positioned simply south of Large Sur, off the Cabrillo Freeway. The campground gives rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You may ‘glamp’ in model with stunning wood cabins that includes comfy queen-sized beds and non-obligatory 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, scorching showers, and laundry services. As its identify suggests, you even have entry to the river. You may 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 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, outlets, 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 weird 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 gives a collection 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 outside 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 gives. Treebones is finest for individuals who need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise out there. 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 important lodging possibility and gives 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 comfy, and you might be inside driving distance of outlets for emergency provides. Relating to close by points of interest, your choices are even higher. You may take one of many mountain climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Outdated Limekiln Ruins, nearly instantly from the campground. There’s even seaside entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It’s wonderful if you wish to be close to a seaside, have nice mountain climbing trails, and never be too removed from Large Sur. Try: 15 Finest Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Open air
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 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 also be supplied (for those who don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bathrooms, and a hearth ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has every thing you may want for a brief keep, and it’s the good base to wander, bike, or journey 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 encompasses a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-style ‘tent cabins’, and ‘journey cabins’. If you need a glamping expertise, we’d suggest the journey cabins, basically upgrades from normal canvas tent cabins. These choices function electrical energy, a heat mattress, contemporary linens, and heating – bliss.
Every cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally encompasses a common retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-site choices for a leisurely morning reasonably than having to go into Large Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping possibility with a really perfect location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a lovely RV tenting possibility and is only a brief stroll from Sand Greenback Seashore, the biggest seaside 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 wonderful selection for these wanting nice services, a number of area, and lodging close to Sand Greenback Seashore. It is filled with open inexperienced area and proper subsequent to the ocean. Verify 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 some important particulars for you. In case you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it will possibly really feel a bit of daunting to arrange. And moreover, even if you’re a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific data is at all times important.
This part is every thing it’s essential learn about tenting in Large Sur State Park.
What to pack for a Large Sur tenting journey?
You may view our final tenting guidelines right here, however we’ll present a fast temporary 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 attainable (suppose further poles and a tent restore package). You’ll additionally need just a few luxuries like fold-up tenting chairs, photo voltaic lanterns, and a camp desk. In spite of everything, whenever you discover a lovely view in Large Sur you need to have the ability to sit exterior 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 gained’t want some gear – so examine your campground services forward of time. 25 Of The Most Helpful Tenting Ideas and Hacks
Package-wise, you want a powerful pair of mountain climbing boots (plus a primary support package 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 obligatory passes. It is 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 mountain climbing trails, what else is there to do in Large Sur? The reply to it is a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small measurement. These are one of the best issues to do in Large Sur – good additions to your tenting itinerary. Learn our full information: The Final Large Sur Street 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 case you get pleasure from spiritual points of interest, visiting the monastery is among the finest issues to do in Large Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Path
Pfeiffer Falls Path is one of the best brief hike to see redwood timber up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is sweet and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for all sorts of walkers. The biggest redwood known as the Colonial Tree. Maintain 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 hanging {photograph}. We expect one of the best view is from Citadel 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 among the hottest US street journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic Nationwide Park in Washington. In case you fancy a street journey whereas visiting Large Sur, you possibly can drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Large Sur. That is nicely mixed with touring to Large Sur anyway because the 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 understood for its crystal-clear waters and calm water circumstances. Be warned, the water could be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit for those who go to in winter.
Go to Sand Greenback Seashore
Sand Greenback Seashore is among 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 acquire them as souvenirs. Aside from the actual fact yow will discover shells, Sand Greenback Seashore is magnificently stunning. A Sand Greenback Seashore day needs to be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Large Sur is among the most fun issues to do within the space. Convey your personal bike, arrange bike leases, or guide an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of beautiful views and contemporary adrenaline.
Go horseback driving
Going horseback driving is an thrilling technique to recognize the outside. We suggest happening a path journey to expertise Large Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Seashore Equestrian Heart is a well-liked possibility and gives a particular picnic and seaside journey.
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 in-built 1889 and remained purposeful till 1974. You may 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 among 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’re feeling good and ready after studying this Large Sur tenting information. Large Sur State Park is a lovely place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days can be full of mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable out of doors actions. You’re going to have a improbable time.
Obtained just a few extra questions? Try our article on the last word tenting suggestions. You could possibly even plan an enormous California street journey – there are many wonderful tenting spots in California.
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