Big Sur Campgrounds: The Complete Guide for Van Lifers
Everything you need to know about camping in Big Sur: best campgrounds, booking tips, free spots, and what to expect.
Camping in Big Sur
Big Sur is arguably the most stunning stretch of coastline in the United States, and camping here is the best way to experience it. But it requires planning — campgrounds fill up months in advance during summer, and there are strict rules about where you can and can't park overnight.
Top Campgrounds
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ($35/night): The largest campground with 170 sites nestled in a redwood forest along the Big Sur River. Hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. Reserve 6 months ahead on recreation.gov.
Kirk Creek ($35/night): Blufftop camping with ocean views — the most scenic campground in Big Sur. 33 sites, no hookups, pit toilets only. Book the moment reservations open.
Limekiln State Park ($35/night): Small, intimate campground with a waterfall trail and historic lime kilns. Only 24 sites. Some have ocean views.
Plaskett Creek ($35/night): More open than other campgrounds, with 42 sites near Sand Dollar Beach. Good for larger vans and RVs.
Free/Dispersed Camping
The Los Padres National Forest offers free dispersed camping on forest roads. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (off Highway 1) has several pull-offs. Arrive early — these fill up by midday in summer. Follow Leave No Trace principles strictly.
Van-Specific Tips
Highway 1 has strict overnight parking enforcement — don't try to stealth camp in pullouts. Most campground sites can fit vans up to 24 feet. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent, so download offline maps. Fog is common in summer mornings. Bring firewood — collecting is prohibited.