These Big Sur Campgrounds Are Magical (And Some Of Them Are Free)

Big Sur camping is some of the most beautiful camping in the USA. Oceanfront views and redwood trees create the perfect “California-camping-vibes.”

From Carmel to San Simeon, this region hosts over 30 campgrounds. Many of them cost a pretty penny. However, today we’re giving your wallet a little relief.

We’re sharing seven free or cheap campsites in the Big Sur region of California (that you’ll still love).

Along with amenity & price info, each site will be rated with a Big Sur Campground Vibes score. This score is based on location, price, and previous camper reviews.

Let’s dive in and get camping!

Willow Creek Road

The views are breathtaking. This site sits atop a hillside with a view looking down onto the Pacific Ocean. The campsite is part of the Los Padres National Forest – this means you can camp here for up to 14 days.

If you love peaceful forest camping, not being bothered by RVs or lots of traffic, you’ll love this spot.

It’s important to note that the road is 7 miles and relatively steep. If there’s been a recent rainfall, road conditions will worsen quickly.

Price: FREE (We even have a list of the 7 Best Free Campsites in California)

Ideal for: Tent, car & van campers. This road may require 4 wheel drive – so if you’re in a car, a Subaru is your best bet. No amenities at the campsite.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 9.2/10 Prime location & great price

Nacimiento Road

The gravel road offers a lot of pull-offs for camping and it has great access to the Big Sur coast. Some spots have established fire rings, too!

If you love to be disconnected from the internet – this camping spot is for you. All reports we’ve seen show that no campers have had cellular internet at Nacinento Road.

Price: FREE

Ideal for: Vans, Cars, Tents & Small RVs.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 6.3/10 Views good, but not spectacular. Price great.

Plaskett Creek Campground

Why You’ll Love It: The views are the best you can find! This campground also has easy access to Sand Dollar Beach and the Willet Hiking Trail.

Whether you’re a planner of not, this site is good for you. 85% of the campground offers reservations and 15% is first come first serve.

We’ve heard reports that cell signal is available on AT&T if you have a cell booster.

Price: $35

Ideal for: Tents, Vans & RVs. Water spigot, toilet & picnic tables on-site.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 10/10 Even though it costs $35, this site gives you great scenery and great access to activities.

Ponderosa Campground

Unlike the previous sites, located closer to the Pacific, Ponderosa Campground is tucked inland, situated along a mountain stream under the coverage of beautiful trees.

Due to its location, this campsite is among the most peaceful in the Big Sur Region. Most trailers can’t access it and the lack of internet keeps the crowds away.

The 21 campsites rarely fill up unless it’s a holiday weekend.

Price: $25

Ideal for: Tents. The campground provides drinking water, a toilet and picnic tables.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 8.3/10 Rustic forest vibes and a good nightly rate!

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

This site delivers awesome amenities and access to Big Sur. Showers, food service, and a camp store are among the many benefits you’ll receive at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

They also offer many educational activities like an interpretive center, wildlife viewing, guided tours, and historical exhibits.

Price: $35 and up.

Ideal for: Tents, vans & RV camping. This large State Park offers more amenities than any of the previously mentioned campgrounds. There are up-charges for site location; for example, along the Big Sur River.

If you’re taking a family trip to Big Sur, Pfeiffer State Park is a great option.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 7.7/10 Family-friendly & affordable

Arroyo Seco Campground

This is another gem nestled in the Ventana Wilderness of Big Sur. The remote location makes it super relaxing and quiet. The trade-off in no cell connectivity.

It does offer flush toilets & showers on site. There’s a river running through the grounds – great for a quick dip. It probably isn’t ideal for our folding kayak, but it might be worth a try.

Arroyo Seco has 80% of its sites in the reservation system and 20% are first come first serve.

Price: $25 and up

Ideal for: Tents, vans & RVs. The sites range from primitive to modern. Be aware, however: there is no electrical or dump stations on site.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 6.8/10 You’ll either love or hate how remote this site is. We think remote is great!

Limekiln State Park

Oceanview camping sites! Not every site has an ocean view, but if you can score one, it’ll be the best $35 you’ve spent in a while!  In addition to the scenery, Limekiln State Park offers multiple hiking trails – some that lead to the falls and others that lead to the Pacific Ocean.

Like most California State Parks, the facility has educational opportunities available for anybody interested in the history and wildlife.

Price: $35 and up

Ideal for: Tents, vans, and small RVs. The maximum length trailer is 15 feet, maximum length RV is 24 feet.

This is a family-friendly park – perfect for a long weekend camping trip.

Big Sur Campgrounds Vibes: 9.7/10 Well established campground & a price that’s pretty good!

Discover the Best Free Camping in America

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: