Best Camping and Hiking Spots in Big Sur California

If you are planning a camping  and hiking trip out West, there are very few destinations as stunning as Big Sur in northern California.

Located along Scenic Highway One, about 150 miles south of San Francisco, Big Sur is one of Northern California’s most popular destinations for hiking, camping and a variety of other outdoor activities.  Whether you choose to hike the many trails located in Big Sur’s back country, dance amongst the great Red Woods or attempt to reach the cool fog-covered beaches, you have a great many options to choose from.

When it comes to packing for your trip, what are the essentials and what can you leave behind?  Where you plan to camp in Big Sur will make the difference.  Streamside camping is available in the Big Sur Valley, while ocean view and bluff camping is available in the southern end of Big Sur.

Here’s a guide outlining the basics that you will need for your trip, from sleeping bag and air mattress, to the right tent and backpack.

Backpacks & Tents:

While some campgrounds around Big Sur offer cabins, most do not. The type of backpack you bring depends on how long you intend to stay. A general rule of thumb is to at least bring a daypack to carry around your water, trail snacks, sun block and other trail necessities. If you plan to spend the entire day on the trail, you’ll need a bigger backpack. The more you have in your backpack, the more support you’re going to need. Having a backpack with a waist support strap is a good idea, taking some of the weight off your back and shoulders. It’s also essential that you have a little bit of space between the backpack and your back. This will eliminate discomfort when walking along the trails.

Before embarking on a Big Sur camping trip, you need to make sure first that there is availability at the camp ground you want to use. While some of the camp grounds do accept reservations, most of them are in fact first come, first serve, and have a maximum number of allowed campers. When it comes to choosing the right tent, its best that you choose a tent that will be roomy enough to be comfortable in, light enough to be portable, and a cinch to assemble.

Because of Big Sur’s very diverse topography, it’s impossible to generalize the weather, but Big Sur typically enjoys a mild climate year-round. Expect a sunny, dry summer and fall, and a cool, wet winter, with coastal temperatures ranging from the 50s at night to the 70s by day from June through October, and in the 40s to 60s from November through May. Make sure your tent is appropriate for whatever season you expect to be traveling in, and that it is water proof.

Sleeping Bags:

While the type of sleeping bag you choose should also be dependent on the season you are traveling, a versatile 3-season tent might be your best bet. Lightweight, yet comfortable, these tents are good all year round. Purchasing some sort of a sleeping pad or air mattress is a wise idea. While the terrain at any given campground should be a bit more even, you never know what to expect. You don’t want to wake up one morning for a hike with horrible back pain. A little extra layer of comfort under your sleeping bag is a smart move.

Clothes:

Whatever season you are traveling in, bringing both warm and lightweight clothes is an absolute must! Located so near to the Coast, Big Sur dips into the 50s in the summer and fall and the 40s during the winter and spring, so you need to be prepared. It’s a good idea to dress in layers for sleeping and for early morning hikes. Bringing shorts and swim trunks is also a smart idea, should you decide to wade in the rivers and ocean. A hat is also a must to protect you from the sun, and a good, sturdy pair of hiking boot are essential. Bring a rain jacket or poncho as well, especially if traveling in the winter and spring, as that is the park’s rainy season.

Favorite Big Sur Campgrounds:

While the natural beauty is all around you wherever you go in Big Sur, here are some of the best in terms of surrounding activities and natural wonders.

• Pfieffer Big Sur State Park: With 204 campsites, Pfeiffer offers a picturesque 1,006 acres of redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows plus an abundance of wildlife. Nearby hiking trails and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur Valley make Pfieffer Big Sur State Park a must see destination. The park closes in the Fall and reopens in the Spring.
• Andrew Molera State Park: With 24 first come, first served campsites, this site is a third of a mile from where you park your car. Located in a beautiful meadow, the Andrew Molera State Park contains 4,800 beautiful acres, with the Big Sur River running right through the park. Miles of trails wind through the meadows, beaches and hilltops of this topographically diverse park.
• Ventana Campground: This gorgeous campground is set in a 40-acre redwood grove and features 80 private, secluded campsites located right on the canyon floor. Each site includes a picnic table and adjustable fire ring with drinking water available nearby.

Thanks go to Jamie Sward for sharing this terrific article with Wicked Good Travel Tips!

Tags: California, camping, hiking

Category: Adventure Vacation Ideas, Family Vacation Ideas, Featured, Scenic Drives