Big Sur
A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Ideal for first-timers
Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Romantic partners
Vibe · Moderate and fun
Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Ventana Campground
Drive · 3 hours from SF
Ideal dates · April to October
Pets · Welcome at camp, but not on most trails
Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of land that hugs California's Central Coast. Its breathtaking beauty and foggy wonders has drawn famous writers like Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac for good reason. Dotted with a number of state parks, beaches, and hiking trails, Big Sur is an idyllic camping destination. Watch dramatic sunsets, meditate to rhythmic waves, and taste the ocean air. Reconnect with yourself and loved ones in this glittering gem next to the Pacific Ocean.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Website
Andrew Molera State Park Website
Main image credit: Jeremy Bishop
Each campsite comes with a:
Tucked into a 40-acre redwood canyon, Ventana Campground is for campers who want a touch of lux. Sleep beneath the stars while having access to bath houses, showers ($2 for every 5 minutes), and a general store on site that sells firewood and ice. This private, tent-only campground has glamping tents and campsites, but both can sell out fast, especially during the summer. Two pets are allowed at each campsite, but doggos aren't allowed on most trails in Big Sur.
Check-in: 4 PM · Check-out: 11 AM
View Ventana Campground Map
Nightly Fee: $80
John Pfeiffer sold 700 acres of his family's land to CA in 1933. The state named Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and more, after him.
Esselen and Rumsien people were the first inhabitants in Big Sur about 8,000 years ago.
The Spanish used to call the area "el país grande del sur," the big country of the south. Thanks to English settlers, it became Big Sur in 1915.
This small play tent will keep your kids busy and your main sleeping tent clean.
Essential Items
Shelters
Bugs be gone with this rechargeable and refillable mosquito repeller.
Essential Items
Self-care
A fun camping cot for siblings to share and sleep in overnight.
Sleep
Sleep
We can confirm that these camp tables withstand hot bevvies and rock collections.
Shared Gear
Bezzi's Picks
This spacious loveseat is designed for cuddling with loved and furry ones at camp.
Essential Items
A fancy stove for campers who want compact, portability, and performance all in one.
Kitchen
A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.
Kitchen
It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.
Shared Gear
Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.
Essential Items
Sleep
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.
