In order to get the maximum level of enjoyment, I highly recommend that you visit Big Sur in the shoulder season (which is pretty much anytime that isn’t the peak of summer). Water The point being, both the locals and the police have had enough of the disrespectful campers shitting everywhere and leaving behind piles of rubbish. The hike itself is only 5 miles (one way) and should take no more than three hours to complete. Learn what Leave No Trace Principles are and use them! Neighboring one of Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests’ many open meadows, Los Burros Campground sits comely alongside such a meadow. The campsites are located in beautiful places, often with stunning views of the Pacific ocean, forest, or mountains. If you come in season (end of summer), you can pick wild blackberries to your heart’s content. The detailed day-by-day Route 66 itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route) and sightseeing highlights along the 2,400 mile route. Thanks for your support. Of course, not having to make reservations has its benefits and its pitfalls. Pretty much as soon as you know you are coming to Big Sur, check the Julia Pfeiffer reservation website and book whatever is available within your time frame. The trailhead is located at Los Burros Campground. In the summer, you must leave early if you want to get your pick of campsites once you arrive at Sykes Hot Springs. She was an avid reader, enjoying romance and mystery stories; she enjoyed old western shows and movies, country music and loved her Merle Haggard. Take the gravel road north from McNary (Forest Road 224) through the White Mountain Apache Reservation about 7 miles to the signed turnoff to Los Burros; turn right and proceed about 1/4 mile to the campground. *Note: Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail is closed until further notice (fire damage). Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is yet another totally magical Big Sur camping destination. The best camping option is probably Lone Pine Camp, though you can wild camp in many other places should you choose to. They can be crowded as hell and of course, you need to pay. Urinate at least 70 steps from water sources. You might show up in the summer and not see a single drop of water flowing. 5. The campsites are magical, though for $30/night I have a hard time justifying camping at Julia Pfefier at all. Limekiln campground contains 24 sites which must be reserved ahead of time. Huge, legendary traffic jams occur nearly on a daily basis from June-August. This wild stretch of coastline is not the Big Sur of the 1960s anymore (which of course is true everywhere)! Any time of the year you could find people camping along this road. June 2020 – Note: The Trail campground at Andrew Molera is closed and has been for some time. In the peak of the summer in years past, the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road was absolutely loaded with cars and people. Note: The Forest Service order says you can’t camp within 300 feet of the road. From McNary, 23S02 (Plaskett Ridge Road) 36 CFR 261.54(e). In McNary, turn left on FR 224, following signs to Vernon. No person other than yourself.=Niemand außer Ihnen. 6. Brief Description of Terrain, Elevation, and Vegetation Our Route 66 planning guide will help you plan your American road trip adventure including, when to go, how many days you need, … 20S05.3 (Central Coast (Cone Peak) Road) Forest Road No. The walk: The summit of North Africa’s highest peak is a relatively simple hike up from the Neltner Refuge. The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. 20 Most Popular Road Trip Routes in the US 20 Photos. Drive the road to its end, about 8-9 miles where it stops at Bottcher’s Gap. Camping is NOT allowed on the valley floor from Ashford Mill in the south to 2 miles north of Stovepipe Wells, on the Eureka Dunes or in Greenwater Canyon. Give some thought to this and how you’d like your Big Sur camping adventure served. In Big Sur, Los Padres National Forest stretches through the entire region and has countless great spots where you can pitch a tent. In my opinion, the best Big Sur campgrounds involves a trek or hike. In recent years, I have spend a lot of time exploring Big Sur’s beaches, mountains, canyons, and rivers hunting for the best Big Sur camping spots. I will post an update when the campground opens, but as of now, it isn’t possible to camp here. The Plaskett Ridge Road located in southern Big Sur is great for those with a 4×4 vehicle. “Find out how YOU can support the site. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! It’s highly recommended to make use of flameless products like battery-powered candles to avoid human-caused wildfires. None of the sites have electricity, but you don’t need that anyway, right? 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 Alder Creek Camp is located at the junction of the Buckeye Trail and the Alder Creek Campground Road, the camp is located on the border of the Silver Peak Wilderness, You can access the camp via the South Coast Ridge Road or the Buckeye Trail. Plus, they’re light which is perfect for hiking and camping in Big Sur’s backcountry! There are plenty of awesome day hikes, secluded beaches, and jaw-dropping views (especially at sunset). The K-5th grade campus is located at 1518 W. Lantana Road, Lantana, FL 33462. Most of all, have the time of your life and experience as many Big Sur camping spots as possible! Big Sur is a hell of a dreamy place – certainly one of  the most magical places in the USA to visit – and there are a lot of cool camping opportunities to be found here. by Scott Schwartz. Make a left at Palo Colorado Rd and drive through a remote cluster of houses dotted among some massive redwoods adorning the canyon. I know of 3 roads in this area that have some excellent campsites (but I’m sure there are others): Los Burros Road; Plaskett Ridge Road If you’re moving at a steady pace, the hike should take you no more than 4-5 hours (with frequent stops to enjoy the waterfalls). Almost without exception, if it is free Big Sur campsites you seek, then you are going to have to get off Highway 1. Here are some of the biggest threats to your safety that immediately come to mind: Posion oak… rattlesnakes… ticks… Staying safe in America’s nature can be a lot more than most people bargain for. Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? They aren’t super large, about 8 feet in diameter. Campsites for 1 car and tent costs $35/night. If you do intend to camp off a forest service road (which I will cover in a minute), ALWAYS be smart about where and how you go to the toilet (with no toilets). Despite the tourist hordes, Big Sur is still one of my favorite sections of the coast I have explored – anywhere on earth. Warm temperatures are really felt in the interior when you move away from the coast. There is no shortcut to get into and out of Big Sur by car. 8. There are a numerous amount of waterfalls to see throughout the Santa Lucia Creek Gorge. In winter, the higher elevations are cold enough that snow and ice conditions may require special safety equipment. Outside of the obvious essentials (a tent, sleeping bag, and food), it’s these variables that are going to govern your packing. Other low impact areas include desert pavement and dry, gravelly washes. Maps Hidden behind the veil of undeniable beauty are the dangers involved with camping around Big Sur, and really just visiting Big Sur in general. Check out the information on this page to learn where camping is allowed, what regulations apply, and how to obtain a free permit. Certainly 99.9% of people drive to Big Sur. The official word from the Forest Service was that the camping along the road is forbidden until August 19th, 2020. Andrew Molera State Park is the only state park campground that is first come/first served, meaning you can’t reserve a place. Trampling of vegetation, fragile soil crusts, and animal burrows should be avoided. Remember to: But most of all, be good to Big Sur; be a responsible traveler. No opportunity offered itself.=Es bot sich keine Gelegenheit. Cooking areas should be located away from sleeping areas. Big Sur enjoys a mild, temperate coastal climate throughout the year. On the Central California coast, a magical, sparsely populated land of waterfalls, rugged mountains, redwood trees, stunning beaches, and blazing sunsets has been attracting people of all walks for decades. Bummer. Shoutout from Will – The OG Broke Backpacker: Have fun on your backpacking adventure, but please do get insurance – take it from someone who has racked up tens of thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. If you wait to the last minute to book a Big Sur state park campground, I can pretty much guarantee you won’t get a spot. Here are some of my favorite hotels in Big Sur: There you have it, friends. Bad weather got you down or just feeling generally burnt out? Certainly, in the winter there tend to be fewer people on the roads. Backcountry campsites must be more than 100 yards from any water source to protect these fragile areas for wildlife use. With zero facilities on offer, it is not a surprise that campers here have made a mess of things. Limekiln is a small forested state park two miles south of Lucia. No fear!=Keine Bange! 7. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. Are you…. From Lakeside, take State Highway 260 to McNary on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Join me as I break down the best time of year to go camping in Big Sur, the best free campsites, top paid campsites, the best car camping spots, and maybe even a glamping spot or two. More information. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. From San Diego to Los Angeles, the historic highway is now known as Interstate 5. All the same, this is Big Sur we are talking about. Tip: Try to get a campsite with a fire ring and picnic table! Within the Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, there are at least 55 designated trail camps and countless others that are unofficial or undiscovered campsites. To prevent pollution of water or spread of disease, you must dispose of solid waste properly. Camping is one thing, but hitting the road is another. Possible, though we highly recommend a guide. Cost: $25/night; $10 extra for firewood. Cone Peak via Vincente Flat Trail. Aktuelle Stellenangebote & Jobs in Mannheim, Heidelberg und Umgebung. There are no hidden gems anymore.” Whilst I do not 100% agree with that sentiment, in many ways it is true. 3. The park contains four lime kilns from an 1887–1890 lime-calcining operation. Cottonwood Canyon Road (first 8 miles only), Racetrack Road (from Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry Camp), Big Pine Road (22 miles inside of Death Valley National Park). Once you know your style, check out some of our other excellent gear posts! A Route 66 road trip is a 2,400 mile driving adventure along what is probably the most famous road in the world. DIFFICULT 21.7 mi. Every time I have gone to Big Sur in the off-season – I have visited at all times of the year) – there has never been a consistent pattern of when it’s busy and when it’s not. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with red light (which insects can’t see). Fun fact: A lime kiln is a kiln used for the calcination of limestone (calcium carbonate) to produce the form of lime called quicklime (calcium oxide). Note: Be aware that there is TONS of poison oak in the area. However, the southernmost section of the forest is where you’ll find the best campsites. Every awesome place has its downsides though. We do not suggest low elevation hiking in Death Valley National Park between May and October. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash. Downtown Lakeside; Scott’s Reservoir, north of Lakeside; Los Burros, northeast of McNary near Lake Mountain; Fool Hollow State Park, north of Show Low. Learn about the region before you go We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. A hike on the Ventana Double Cone Trail is a great opportunity to gain one of the best views in all of Big Sur. Andrew Molera is my favorite coastal Big Sur state park campground. Chris Lininger is a writer, photographer, and guide from California. You might turn up on a Tuesday in late February only to find masses of people at every turn. DIFFICULT 11.0 mi. Backpacking MODERATE 3.6 mi. Plus, you can be certain that no police or ranger will hassle (or fine) you for camping. Trampling of vegetation, fragile soil crusts, aquatic habitats and animal burrows should be avoided. Camping is allowed on Forest Service administered lands throughout unit (except closed Habitat Areas). If you do camp I think it best to depart the campsite at first light. The North Coast Trail hike to Cook Spring Camp is less committing than Sykes. Located a few miles south of the tiny town of Lucia, the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road is a windy, steep road dotted with a variety of small “campsites”. There are a series of excellent hiking trails, brilliant ocean views, and wildlife viewing opportunities. If you do choose to make a fire, never leave your fire unattended. DIFFICULT 24.9 mi. Lion Den Camp Loop via Salmon Creek Trail. Hazards The Ventana Wilderness does experience drought and the last thing you want is for the spring to be dry when you arrive. Chris is also a founding member of, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Big Sur is blessed with four beautiful state parks, and each has something special on offer. Trail Spring Camp Loop via Vincente Flat Trail. However, the sad truth is that Big Sur has changed quite dramatically over the years. The desert is as fragile as any other natural area. I’m not sure exactly how many spots there are; possibly, nobody knows. Since there are only 24 campsites available on any given day, be sure to get there early (very early in some cases) to ensure you snag a campsite. Try to get a campsite along the Big Sur River in the far back reaches of the campground. There is no cell phone signal in the area. Like all place in Big Sur, the secret is out when it comes to Los Burros. This might be unnecessary, but you never know. The only access is via the Pacific Coast Highway (known from here on as Highway 1). Drive approximately 8 miles until road signs direct you to turn right into Los Burros Campground. 22 Really Cool Things to do in South Dakota (Besides Mount Rushmore) 22 … I have seen insane traffic pile-ups, congestion, and masses of humanity just outside some of the popular state parks. It is a great opportunity to explore the park's rugged Wilderness. Don’t let your used toilet paper blow hither and thither in the wind. 888 access road to Snowblind campground View from Forest Rt. Kirk Creek is certainly one of the best places to camp in Big Sur. There are numerous forest service roads running through or adjacent national forest land owned by the government that offer the best free camping spots in Big Sur. Backcountry campsites must be more than 100 yards from any water source to protect these fragile areas for wildlife use. Best Fall Foliage in the US 20 Photos. Water sources can be far and few between. Sanitation and rubbish issues are a big problem on the Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. Overnight camping options include staying at the Arroyo Seco campground or the primitive Last Chance Falls campground. Upon checking the availability schedule, I found both campsites are fully booked for the next six months. Obviously, the summer is crazy busy up and down the coast. There is a water spring at the camp that should be flowing any time of year, however, packing a filtered water bottle for hiking is always a recommendation, even in highly-developed nations. The hike begins at the Ventana Wilderness ranger station parking lot. That is if you don’t hit any traffic. Don’t drive through the gate, even if it is open! Instead, choose areas on rock, sand or gravel. DO NOT bushwhack through the vegetation unless you are 100% sure there is no Poison Oak. For every AR bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an initiative to reduce plastic in our oceans! With so many people visiting Big Sur each year, the associated abuses involved with high numbers of people have made it quite difficult to find free camping spots along Highway 1. Big Sur camping doesn’t get any better than this! I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. Topographic maps are available online, at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or by phone from the Death Valley Natural History Association (760) 786-2146. The campground is pack it in, pack it out and is the former site of the Los Burros Ranger Station, which was built about 1909. Here is what the Forest Service said in their statement: “A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.”. Don’t be afraid to walk a bit into the bush in search of the best tent sites. For more ideas on the essentials for outdoor adventures, check out our jumbo-sized roundup of the best gear to take backpacking. In the past, some folks even parked here semi-permanently, though I think law enforcement has put an end to long-term camping here. One mile from all standing mining structures. The hot spring pools sit perched above the river. Dig a "cat-hole" with a small trowel 4-6 inches deep and at least 200 yards from any water source or campsite. Below are some of my favorite backcountry Big Sur camping spots…. Sites are large and widely scattered and located next to a large meadow. As is the case with most places, far fewer people set out on foot to explore a place. The only catch? I hope you found the information in this guide helpful! This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The truth is Big Sur can be super busy any time of the year. Camp only in previously disturbed areas and park your vehicle immediately adjacent to the roadway to minimize impact. Avoid walking in the water if possible. Having a pleasant camping and trekking experience begins and ends with having the right gear. What you’re going to want to take is going to very much depend on your style. I really hope I don’t have to explain the necessity of a headlamp for camping in Big Sur. Since most hiking in Death Valley National Park is cross-country, it's important to hike on areas where your footsteps will have the least impact. There are only two goddamn campsites! The park features the beauty of the redwoods, rugged coast, and cultural history of the limekilns. Independent? Disperse large groups to reduce impacts. The water temperature seems to consistently be at or near 100° F. This place is the essence of what makes Big Sur camping so magical. To start packing for your camping trip to Big Sur, you can by browsing our Camping Packing Master Checklist. The best places for Plaskett Ridge Road camping is found towards the top of the hill where it flattens out and opens up to grassy meadows and hillsides. Big Sur is not and cannot be densely populated due to the rugged nature and isolation of its topography. ‹ › × × Walk on durable surfaces This route, however, is one of the best road trips in California. Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine Life – Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. 23S01 (Los Burros (Willow Creek) Road) Forest Road No. The easiest start is from Bottcher’s Gap. Our favourite travel backpack is the Aer Travel Pack 2. If there is an established trail, stay on it. The Plaskett Ridge Road is far more rugged than the Nacimiento-Ferguson road, thus it does not see the same amount of traffic. Los Burros/Willow Creek Road. If you want to get a hotel room, be prepared to fork over some cash. Do your part to help keep Big Sur’s camping places awesome for the next group of travelers. 20 Relaxing Fall Getaways 20 Photos. The southern part of the forest has some of the best camping in Big Sur, but some of the roads we most recommend are Los Burros Road, Plaskett Ridge Road, and Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. Locals in Big Sur have had to endure a lot of shit from tourists (literally, in some cases). Prewitt Ridge Trail. Before we talk about all the best places to camp in Big Sur, let’s answer the burning question…. 4. With oceanfront views and plenty of hiking trails nearby, Kirk Creek is a Big Sur camping favorite of mine, and one of the best spots if you want to camp on a Big Sur cliffside. Because the hike is rather short, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hike in with plenty of water on-hand too. 2.Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. Walking in canyons with flowing water can have damaging effects on riparian habitats. In the summer, the state park campgrounds are booked out every night, often months in advance. Los Burros Road is another classic free Big Sur camping area that offers great views and peaceful camping. Though in the fall, winter, and spring, the flows can be epic. The real draw is the redwood forest and 100-foot waterfall called Limekiln Falls. Springtime is a beautiful period to experience Big Sur. The landscapes are dreamy as hell and will leave you very much “wowed” by the day’s end. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to hit the road (or the trail) in search of your perfect Big Sur camping spot. Generally camping should be avoided in mining districts for personal and resource safety. Most hotel rooms are at least $100/night at an absolute minimum. Always filter water from sources, most springs are used by burros, horses and bighorn sheep heavily. ALWAYS clean up your burn-out pile and make sure there are no leaves, grass, wood or other dried out materials left behind. Burro Schmidt's Tunnel Miner's Shortcut to Nowhere. Camp at your own risk. No ceremony!=Keine Komplimente! Although the road is rough, a two-wheel drive vehicle can make it--I drive my minivan up it all the time, and we've had a multitude of Prius' make the trip! During hot spring, summer and fall months, one gallon of water or more per person per day is needed. Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! When you familiarize yourself with a certain area, you will know what equipment you need for a safe trip and to leave the area as pristine as you found it. William T. Cruikshank, one of the first miners in the region of Los Burros (the name given to the area around Manchester), hit the trail out of the rugged enclave, heading for San Francisco. No offence!=Nichts für ungut! California is the most populated state in the US. The campground here is massive (174 sites) and can be quite the circus at any time of year. We’re drawing to the end of the Big Sur camping guide now but before we do, I’m throwing some delicious travel tips at you. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. Death Valley National Park has few maintained trails and no established campsites in the wilderness. Even of those who do, fewer still do so with the intention to camp overnight. In fact, most if not all lay-bys, turn-offs, and small nooks found just off Highway 1 are off-limits for tent, car, and RV camping. Heat and very low humidity create extreme dehydration potential during summer. Get out there and experience it for yourself. Directions: Eight miles from Highway 1 on Willow Creek Road … Camping is NOT allowed on the following Day Use Only dirt roads: Camping is NOT allowed at the following historic mining areas: If in doubt whether an area is open to camping please check at the nearest Ranger Station or the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Camping is NOT allowed on the valley floor from Ashford Mill in the south to 2 miles north of Stovepipe Wells, on the Eureka Dunes or in Greenwater Canyon. No kidding!=Im Ernst! After parking my truck at the visitors center and hiking 10 miles to the Sykes Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness, I found myself pitching my tent next to the Big Sur River with nobody in sight. In that case, perhaps you better consider some insurance before you go hunting backcountry places to camp in Big Sur. He is an advocate for off-beat responsible travel and the preservation of the world's wild places and spaces. Nepenthe is a restaurant in Big Sur, California, built by Bill and Madelaine "Lolly" Fassett and first opened in 1949.It was built around a cabin first constructed in 1925. Looking for financial freedom? The weather is mild with a potential for fewer people to be around, and the grey whales are migrating to the Arctic from March-April! Most likely there will be other people camping up there as well. Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Below, I cover the best free spots for camping in Big Sur that can be accessed by car…. For much of its path between the big cities, Route 20 is a quiet, two-lane road. Don’t let that put you off! Los Padres National Forest is a United States national forest in southern and central California.Administered by the United States Forest Service, Los Padres includes most of the mountainous land along the California coast from Ventura to Monterey, extending inland.Elevations range from sea level to 8,847 feet (2,697 m). The terrain and road are best suited for tents, vans/campers, and SMALL trailers/RVs (to pull a trailer up the hill you will need plenty of power or 4x4). Like all place in Big Sur, the secret is out when it comes to Los Burros. Whether you need to purify the water from a hostel sink in Kathmandu or a stream trickle in the Andes, the Geopress has got you covered. Los Burros Campground is a small remote campground located on the eastern edge of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near an meadow surrounded by Aspen trees.Los Burros Campground is home to a former Forest Service Ranger Station with an old barn and a corral that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Detailed maps are necessary for many hikes in Death Valley National Park. In some places, you can get away with car or van camping in Big Sur, but it is never a 100% guarantee that police or national park service officers won’t come knocking on your car window in the middle of the night. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. The 70-mile+ of coastline that makes up the Big Sur region runs between Carmel Highlands in the north and San Simeon in the south. Experiencing the beauty of Big Sur is truly epic. Note: For more adventure inspiration in California and the rest of America, check out our post on the most amazing hikes in the USA. Once it opens though, it is a hike not to be missed! This ultimate guide to camping Big Sur is the result of my experiences getting to know this beautiful and wild stretch of coast. You’ll need to hike for couple hundred meters to reach the campsites, so be prepared to make the short trek (> 7 minutes). The Los Burros ravine and the Diego Hernández cliffs in Costa Adeje are protected areas and camping or staying there is not permitted… 2021/02/16 18:03:08 Drive approximately 8 miles until road signs direct you to turn right into Los Burros … So, if you park and walk into the bush more than 300 feet, in theory, this is allowed. Artists, hippies, surfers, hikers, beach bums, burnouts, and every shade of tourist ventures to this land… that land is called Big Sur. Headtorch: I would never travel without a headtorch. Campground has the "circle your wagons around the fire" feel. Route 20 passes through several big cities (Boston, Cleveland, Chicago) and a bunch of small towns through 12 states. Making a Big Sur camping trip or two is without a doubt the best way to take it all in. This epic Big Sur camping guide will show you the best places to camp in Big Sur. The Splendid Table is public radio's culinary culture and lifestyle program that celebrates food and its ability to touch the lives and feed the souls of everyone. This pot-holed track follows a backcountry route into the Big Sur interior. I hope this track opens soon! No camping!=Zelten verboten! The ridgeline trail begins along the north flank of Cone Peak and follows a craggy ridge with sweeping views of the coast and mountains. All rights reserved. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfieffer State Park) offers up all of the best aspects of Big Sur. Once a former ranger’s station, this historically significant campground appeals to both the history buff and outdoorsmen (or women) alike; Los Burros Campground is also free of charge. From Santa Clara to San Francisco, the road is called State Highway 82. There are PLENTY of awesome hammock spots in Big Sur and along its beaches. Forest Road No. Likewise, the opposite could be true. This hike leads to Cook Spring Camp, a rather primitive backcountry camp under a stand of sugar cone pine trees. For most paid campsites, booking your campsite in advance is 100% necessary. 3. From within these state parks, one can experience the quintessential Big Sur Coast, epic day hikes, redwoods, waterfalls, and, of course, some of the best Big Sur campgrounds imaginable. Big Sur Camping: Finding the Magic of Big Sur, Best Big Sur Camping Areas for Trekking and Hiking, Best Hotels in Big Sur: Alternatives to Camping.