When I was researching my trip to Big Sur, I wanted to see if I could car camp to save money. The only problem was there was mixed information out there. So, I did some research and found some spots.
Although camping on the side of the road is not legal, you can either reserve a campground or take part in dispersed camping on land owned by the U.S. Service Forest. In terms of cost, most campgrounds and forests require paying a fee, with the exception of a few dispersed campgrounds in the Los Padres National Forest.
Keep reading for more details and prices of places to car camp in Big Sur.
Where Can You Car Camp in Big Sur?
Big Sur offers dispersed car camping, as well as car camping on established campgrounds. Dispersed car camping refers to camping outside of a designated campground.
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Los Padres National Forest | No | Free |
| Prewitt Ridge Campground | No. First-come, first serve. | Free |
| Plaskett Ridge Road | No | Free |
| Los Burros Road (Will Creek Road) | No | Free |
| Monterey Ranger District | No | Free |
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground | Yes | $35 to $50/night |
| Ventana Campground | Yes | Cost varies |
| Andrew Molera State Park | Strongly Encouraged | $30/night |
5 Dispersed Camping Spots in Big Sur (Free)
Dispersed car camping is essentially camping without a reservation or payment, and on land where there is no established campground. It is often referred to as stealth camping or boondocking because it can be done in a hidden and less environmentally impactful way if done properly.
You can choose from any of the above areas in the table. These locations are in the Los Padres National Forest and allow campers to pay no fee.
Here are more details about the dispersed camping options in Big Sur:
1. Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest is a part of the U.S. Forest Service. In National Forests, you can take part in dispersed camping anywhere that is outside of a campground.
All national forests offer land that is free to be explored and camped on with limited rules and regulations compared to National Parks. Without an established campground, you can expect a lack of common amenities like a bathroom, showers, fire rings, and even phone service.
To take part in disperse camping on national forest land, research the rules to follow beforehand. Most forests have forest roads that can be trickier to find without a map and may require an off-road or high-clearance vehicle to access.
2. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Prewitt Ridge is a campground along the Big Sur coast, over 3,000 feet above sea level, making this campground one of the most amazing views in Big Sur.
Prewitt Ridge is a first come first serve dispersed camping, with no reservations or payment needed. To get there, campers take the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and take the side road Coast Ridge Trail which finally ends up on Prewitt Ridge Road.
Just a heads up, Prewitt Ridge Campground is occasionally closed. I’d recommend having a backup campsite.
3. Plaskett Ridge Road
Plaskett Ridge Road is a windy, dirt road up mountains that eventually reaches ocean views. Campers can drive to any spot and make camp. This dispersed camping area is also in the Los Padres National Forest and requires no reservation or payment.
4. Los Burros Road (Willow Creek Road)
Tucked away in the Los Padres National Forest, Los Burros Road is an off-road drive, with several dispersed “campsites” located right off the sides of the road.
Meaning, you can just pull to the side of this forestry road and set up camp.
Like Prewitt Ridge Campground, this road has views above the Big Sur coastline. Los Burros Road is not only known for dispersed camping but is home to many different hiking trails. This road also has a view of San Martin Rock.
Here’s a video by Free Campsites:
5. Monterey Ranger District
Although this site is about an hour east of Big Sur, the U.S. Forest Service recommends this spot for dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest on their website.
Monterey Ranger District offers camping, day hiking, backpacking, beaches, ocean swimming, surfing, fishing, hunting, scenic driving on Highway 1, wildflower displays in the spring and early summer, and nature viewing.
You can find more information about Monterey Ranger District here.
3 Campgrounds in Big Sur
Here are some campgrounds that allow car camping in Big Sur:
1. Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is one of the most popular state parks in Big Sur, known for its ocean views, redwoods, and hikes. They have multiple different campgrounds, allowing car campers.
2. Ventana Campground
Located in a redwood grove, Ventana Campground is a high-class campsite that offers drive-in campsites.
3. Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera is one of the most popular parks in Big Sur, just north of Pfieffer. The campsite is spread out on a meadow and allows one vehicle per site.
Keep in mind that most areas don’t allow beach camping. For example, on our recent Big Sur trip, we drove past Andrew Molera State Park and saw a sign saying $1,000 fine for beach camping. When in doubt, be sure not to camp on the west side of the freeway.
Can You Camp Along Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)?
Unfortunately, you cannot camp on the side of Highway 1. Camping or parking your car overnight is illegal. Prosecutors will receive a fine of up to $1,000. While this fine seems a bit high, I confirmed it when I was driving through Andrew Molera in August 2022.
Although, there are campsites along Highway 1, they typically require payment and a reservation. Here are a few:
- Kirk Creek Campground
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins
- Riverside Campground & Cabins
Recommended: Which Parks Can You Sleep in Your Car (& Costs)?
What to Wear to Big Sur
Year-round, Big Sur normally stays between 40ºF to 80ºF.
When I went in August, I found myself wearing shorts and a t-shirt, with a sweater over it the whole time.
The nights in Big Sur do get much colder, and I would recommend wearing pants and a heavier jacket (especially if you are traveling there in the winter season). The pants also help fend off mosquitos and ticks. Maybe even a scarf and beanie.
Recommended: Does Big Sur Get Foggy (& When)?
Top 3 Things To Do in Big Sur (1-Day Itinerary)
I asked a few locals from Central and Southern California what their top spots in Big Sur were and they said these are a must-see.
1. Nepenthe
Nepenthe is a restaurant with an array of different food options. This restaurant is right off Highway One, among the Santa Lucia Mountains, and is known for its phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coast.
When we visited Big Sur, we really wanted to make it a priority to stop there but there were road closures around it.
2. Tanbark and Tin House Trail
The Tanbark Trail is a trail off of Highway One. If you are looking to see redwoods while visiting, I recommend going here. The trail begins with a beautiful creek, and redwood trees, and ends with views of the ocean. This trail made me feel like I was in a fairy tale.
When we were in Big Sur, we did the Tanbark Trail, but we ran out of time and didn’t make it to the Tin House at the summit. We passed some locals on the way down and they said we were missing out big time! Note, it’s a tougher hike than it seems, so allow lots of time and bring lots of water!
Here’s the link to the trail on All Trails if you’d like to check it out!
When we were in Big Sur, we did the Tanbark Trail, but we ran out of time and didn’t make it to the Tin House at the summit. We passed some locals on the way down and they said we were missing out big time!
3. McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a stop in Big Sur no one can miss. It is a beautiful waterfall on the beach. I went to this waterfall on the coast last time I went to Big Sur and it was one of the best parts of the trip! I included one of our photos above.
Recommended: Can You Go Down McWay Falls in Big Sur? (I Checked)
For my next trip to Big Sur, we’re planning on going to Los Burros Road (Willow Creek Road).
Before camping and traveling in Big Sur, call the Monterey Ranger District for details on road closures and other information 831-242-0619
For insight into how we converted our SUV into a camper, give our video below a watch!