Big Sur Camping & RV Guide: What You Actually Need to Know

Big Sur is one of the most photographed stretches of coastline on the planet. Thousand-foot cliffs drop into the Pacific, ancient redwoods crowd the canyons, and the light at sunset turns the whole coast into something that barely looks real. Every RV traveler eventually puts it on the list.

Here is the part most travel blogs skip: Big Sur was not designed for RVs. Highway 1 narrows to single lanes in places. Several campgrounds cap you at 24 feet. There are no full-hookup state park campgrounds anywhere on this coast. Cell service is functionally nonexistent through most of the corridor. And pricing — both for campsites and for groceries at the handful of stores — reflects the fact that you’re camping in one of the most sought-after landscapes in North America.

None of that means you should skip it. It means you should plan properly. This guide covers every campground that will actually take an RV, the highway sections that will test your nerves, and the nearby alternatives that give you Big Sur access without the tight-road anxiety. We wrote it for people who want the honest logistics, not the Instagram version.

For more options along the California coast, see our best RV parks in California guide or browse all California camping destinations.

The RV Size Problem on Highway 1#

Highway 1 through Big Sur is a two-lane road carved into steep coastal mountains. In the best stretches, lanes are about 10 feet wide with no shoulder. In the worst stretches — particularly between Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the southern approach near Lucia — the road narrows further, with blind curves that hug cliff edges hundreds of feet above the ocean.

Length Limits That Matter#

Most of the corridor is technically open to any legal vehicle length, but Caltrans has posted advisory signs for good reason. Here is what you need to internalize:

• Under 24 feet: You will be fine almost everywhere. This includes most Class B and Class C motorhomes, truck campers, and small travel trailers. You can navigate every campground listed in this guide.
• 24–32 feet: You can drive the full corridor with care, but some campgrounds will not fit you. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is your best bet. Kirk Creek works for rigs at the lower end of this range. Drive slowly, use pullouts, and accept that you will hold up traffic.
• 32–40 feet: This is where things get genuinely difficult. The road itself is passable, but several turns — particularly in the southern section near Esalen — will require you to swing wide into the oncoming lane. Some campgrounds will turn you away. Budget extra time and consider arriving midweek when traffic is lighter.
• Over 40 feet: Do not drive Highway 1 through Big Sur with a rig this size. Seriously. The road was not built for it, other drivers will be frustrated, and your stress level will be extreme. Use one of the basecamp alternatives we list below and drive into Big Sur in a tow vehicle or rental car.

The Sections to Respect#

The tightest driving is between Ragged Point (south end) and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This stretch includes the steepest grades, the sharpest switchbacks, and the narrowest shoulders. If you are approaching from the south via San Simeon, the first 15 miles will test you.

The section between Carmel and Pfeiffer Big Sur is comparatively easier — wider lanes, gentler curves, more pullouts. If you are entering from Monterey or Carmel, you will reach the main campgrounds without dealing with the worst of the road.

Rig size tip: If your rig is borderline, enter from the north (Carmel side). You reach Pfeiffer Big Sur and Fernwood without ever touching the narrow southern section. Drive the southern stretch in your tow vehicle.

Pullouts are scattered along the highway, but they fill up fast during summer. When a faster vehicle stacks up behind you, use the next pullout. It is not optional — California law requires you to pull over when five or more vehicles are behind you.

In-Park Campgrounds#

These are the campgrounds located within the Big Sur corridor itself, run by either California State Parks or the US Forest Service. They are the most scenic options, but they require trade-offs: no hookups, limited space, and reservations that fill up months in advance.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park#

Pfeiffer is the largest and most established campground in Big Sur. It sits about a mile inland from the coast in a canyon thick with coast redwoods and big-leaf maples. The Big Sur River runs through the park, and in summer the swimming holes are the main event for families.

For RVers, Pfeiffer is the primary option because it has the largest sites and the most straightforward highway access. The entrance is well-signed, the camp roads are paved, and the park staff are experienced at directing larger rigs to compatible sites. That said, “large” here is relative. This is not a KOA with 60-foot pull-throughs. Most sites are back-in, the roads are narrow, and trees limit your maneuvering room.

The campground loops vary considerably. The sites along the river (particularly the 100-numbered sites) tend to be the most spacious and desirable — they book first. The upper loops are tighter and more exposed but still workable for rigs under 30 feet. Ask the ranger at check-in if you have concerns about a specific site assignment.

There is a dump station in the park, a small camp store, and a restaurant at the Big Sur Lodge within walking distance. The lodge also has a gift shop and laundry, which is helpful for extended stays.

• Hookups: None — dry camping only
• Sites: 189 sites total, mix of tent and RV
• Max RV length: 32 feet (some sites accommodate 27 feet max — verify when booking)
• Cost: $35–50/night depending on season and site type
• Cell signal: Minimal to none — Verizon occasionally picks up a bar near the lodge
• Season: Year-round, though some loops close in winter
• Reservation: ReserveCalifornia.com — opens on a rolling 6-month window
• Dump station: Yes, located near the campground entrance
• Showers: Yes (coin-operated)

Reservation tip: Summer weekends at Pfeiffer sell out within minutes of the booking window opening. Set a phone alarm for exactly 8:00 AM Pacific, six months before your target date. Weekdays are dramatically easier to book.

Kirk Creek Campground#

Kirk Creek is the campground that shows up in every “most beautiful campgrounds in America” list, and it earns the spot. The sites sit on a bluff 100 feet above the Pacific, with unobstructed ocean views from almost every spot. At sunset, there is nothing between you and the horizon except sea otters and kelp beds.

The trade-off is access and size. Kirk Creek is located on the southern stretch of Highway 1, about 30 miles south of Pfeiffer — meaning you have to drive through the tighter section of the road to get here. The campground itself is compact. Sites are close together, the access road is narrow, and there are no paved pads. You are parking on packed dirt on a coastal bluff.

For RVs, the realistic maximum is about 25 feet, and even that will feel tight. A few sites along the outer edge of the bluff can handle up to 30 feet, but you need to know which ones (sites 1–5 on the ocean side are your best bet). There is no dump station, no water hookups, and no showers. Vault toilets only.

Kirk Creek is managed by the US Forest Service through a concessionaire (currently Recreation.gov). It has historically operated on a first-come, first-served basis during parts of the off-season, but reservations are now required for most of the year. Check the current policy before you drive down.

• Hookups: None
• Sites: 33 sites
• Max RV length: 25 feet recommended (a few sites fit up to 30 feet)
• Cost: $35/night
• Cell signal: None — no carrier works here reliably
• Season: Year-round, weather permitting
• Reservation: Recreation.gov
• Dump station: No
• Showers: No — vault toilets only
• Generator policy: Generally not permitted; check current rules

Reality check: Kirk Creek is spectacular, but if you need hookups, reliable cell service, or hot showers, this is not the campground for you. It is tent-camping-with-a-view territory. Bring a self-contained rig and enough water for your stay.

Plaskett Creek Campground#

Plaskett Creek sits just south of Kirk Creek, also on the southern stretch of Highway 1. It is managed by the same USFS concessionaire and shares the no-hookups, no-frills approach. What it offers over Kirk Creek is slightly larger sites and more tree cover — Plaskett is set back from the bluffs in a grove of Monterey pines rather than perched on the cliff edge.

The campground has a group site area that occasionally accommodates larger rigs when the group sites are not reserved, but do not count on this. The standard sites work for RVs up to about 30 feet, with a few that stretch to 35 feet. The camp road is gravel and makes a simple loop, which is easier to navigate than Kirk Creek’s tighter layout.

Sand Dollar Beach, one of the best beaches along the Big Sur coast, is a short walk from Plaskett Creek. The jade hunting is real — people find small pieces of nephrite jade along the shore, particularly after winter storms.

• Hookups: None
• Sites: 44 sites (including group area)
• Max RV length: 35 feet in select sites
• Cost: $35/night
• Cell signal: None
• Season: Year-round, weather permitting
• Reservation: Recreation.gov
• Dump station: No
• Showers: No — vault toilets only
• Nearby: Sand Dollar Beach trailhead (0.5 miles)

Private Parks#

Private campgrounds in Big Sur offer something the public parks do not: hookups. They also charge more, tend to be tighter, and book up just as fast during peak season. But if you need electricity for your AC or want to keep your refrigerator running without a generator, these are your options within the corridor.

Fernwood Resort#

Fernwood is the most well-known private campground in Big Sur, located directly on Highway 1 about a mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It is part campground, part resort, part bar — the on-site tavern is one of the few places in Big Sur to get a burger and a beer without a fine-dining price tag.

The campground area offers a handful of RV sites with electric hookups (30 amp), which makes Fernwood unique in the Big Sur corridor. Water is available at the sites, but there is no sewer hookup — you will still need to use a dump station. The sites are tight. Fernwood was not designed for modern RVs, and the layout reflects its origins as a tent campground that added RV sites over time. Backing in can be an adventure, particularly on busy weekends when cars and pedestrians are everywhere.

That said, the location is excellent. You are within walking distance of the Big Sur River, the General Store is across the highway, and Pfeiffer Beach — the one with the purple sand and the keyhole rock arch — is a short drive down Sycamore Canyon Road.

• Hookups: Electric (30 amp) and water — no sewer
• Sites: Approximately 25 RV sites
• Max RV length: 32 feet (tight maneuvering)
• Cost: $75–120/night depending on season and site type
• Cell signal: Minimal — same dead zone as the rest of the corridor
• Season: Year-round
• Reservation: fernwoodbigsur.com — book directly, phone reservations recommended
• Extras: On-site restaurant/tavern, camp store, live music on weekends

Big Sur Campground & Cabins#

This privately owned campground sits along the Big Sur River about a mile north of Pfeiffer State Park. The river access is the main draw — in summer, the swimming holes here are some of the best in the corridor, and the setting under the redwoods is genuinely beautiful.

The RV sites have water and electric hookups (20/30 amp), and the campground has a dump station. Sites are modest in size but better organized than Fernwood. The campground caters to a mix of tent campers, RVers, and cabin renters, and the vibe tends toward families and couples rather than party crowds.

The maximum RV length is officially 32 feet, but the practical limit depends on your specific site. Some of the riverside sites are accessed via a narrow bridge that feels tighter than it is. Call ahead and be specific about your rig dimensions — the staff will steer you to the right site.

There is a playground, a basketball court, and an inner tube rental operation in summer. The camp store is small but covers basics.

• Hookups: Electric (20/30 amp) and water — dump station on-site
• Sites: Approximately 30 RV sites among 81 total sites
• Max RV length: 32 feet (call ahead for site assignment)
• Cost: $75–110/night
• Cell signal: Minimal
• Season: Year-round
• Reservation: bigsurcamp.com — book online or by phone
• Extras: River swimming, playground, inner tube rentals, camp store

Riverside Campground & Cabins#

Riverside is the third private campground in the central Big Sur cluster, located between Fernwood and Pfeiffer State Park along the Big Sur River. It is the smallest and quietest of the three private options, which is either a selling point or a limitation depending on what you want.

The campground has a limited number of RV sites with water and electric hookups. Sites are shaded by redwoods and set along the riverbank. The atmosphere is peaceful — no tavern, no live music, no crowds. It is the closest thing to a private park experience that still feels like actual camping.

RV length is limited to about 28 feet due to the narrow internal roads and tight turning radii. This is not the place for a big Class A. Truck campers and small trailers do well here.

• Hookups: Electric and water — no sewer, no dump station
• Sites: Approximately 12 RV sites among 35 total sites
• Max RV length: 28 feet
• Cost: $70–100/night
• Cell signal: Minimal
• Season: Typically April–November (call to confirm)
• Reservation: Phone only — call well in advance for summer weekends

Nearby Alternatives for Big Rigs#

If your rig is over 35 feet — or if you simply want full hookups, reliable cell service, and grocery stores within driving distance — the smart play is to basecamp outside the Big Sur corridor and drive in for day trips. Highway 1 is a spectacular day drive even if you are not camping on the cliffs.

Morro Bay (South Approach)#

Morro Bay is about 60 miles south of the Big Sur corridor and has the best selection of full-hookup RV parks on this stretch of coast. Morro Dunes RV Park offers 170 sites with full hookups and pull-throughs that handle rigs of any length. Morro Bay State Park has a campground with sites up to 35 feet. The town has grocery stores, fuel, restaurants, and strong cell service — everything Big Sur lacks.

From Morro Bay, you can drive into Big Sur for a day trip in your tow vehicle. The drive north on Highway 1 is part of the experience — Hearst Castle, the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas, and the Ragged Point overlook are all en route.

• Morro Dunes RV Park: Full hookups, pull-throughs, 30/50 amp — $55–85/night
• Morro Bay State Park: No hookups, 35-foot max — $35–45/night

San Simeon#

San Simeon State Park is about 40 miles south of the Big Sur corridor and offers two campground areas. The San Simeon Creek campground has larger sites that accommodate rigs up to 35 feet. No hookups, but the sites are flat and the access road is easy. Hearst Castle is a short drive, and the coastal scenery here — while not as dramatic as Big Sur — is still excellent.

• San Simeon Creek Campground: No hookups, 35-foot max — $35/night via ReserveCalifornia.com

Carmel and Monterey (North Approach)#

Coming from the north, the Monterey Peninsula offers several options for larger rigs. Laguna Seca Recreation Area has RV camping with hookups and handles rigs up to 40 feet. Saddle Mountain RV Park in Carmel Valley has full hookups and pull-throughs. The Monterey area gives you strong cell service, full amenities, and a beautiful drive south into Big Sur whenever you want it.

Approaching Big Sur from the north also means you only drive the easier, wider section of Highway 1 to reach the main campground cluster around Pfeiffer.

• Laguna Seca Recreation Area: Full hookups, up to 40 feet — $40–65/night
• Saddle Mountain RV Park: Full hookups, pull-throughs — $60–90/night

Big Sur Campground Comparison#

Campground	Max RV	Hookups	Showers	Cost/Night	Cell Signal	Reservations
Pfeiffer Big Sur SP	32 ft	None	Yes	$35–50	Minimal	ReserveCalifornia
Kirk Creek	25 ft	None	No	$35	None	Recreation.gov
Plaskett Creek	35 ft	None	No	$35	None	Recreation.gov
Fernwood Resort	32 ft	Electric/Water	Yes	$75–120	Minimal	fernwoodbigsur.com
Big Sur CG & Cabins	32 ft	Electric/Water	Yes	$75–110	Minimal	bigsurcamp.com
Riverside CG	28 ft	Electric/Water	Yes	$70–100	Minimal	Phone only
Morro Dunes (basecamp)	No limit	Full	Yes	$55–85	Strong	morrodunes.com
San Simeon Creek (basecamp)	35 ft	None	Yes	$35	Moderate	ReserveCalifornia
Laguna Seca (basecamp)	40 ft	Full	Yes	$40–65	Strong	co.monterey.ca.us

Planning Your Big Sur Camping Trip#

Best Season#

Big Sur’s peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and it earns every bit of its reputation during these months — warm days, fog-free mornings (mostly), and the river swimming holes at full flow. It is also when every campground is fully booked, Highway 1 traffic is heaviest, and pricing is at its peak.

The shoulder seasons — April through May and September through October — are the sweet spot for RV camping. Weather is often excellent. Crowds thin out dramatically. Campground availability improves from “impossible” to “plan a month ahead.” The wildflowers peak in April and May. The fall light is extraordinary.

Winter (November through March) brings rain, the possibility of Highway 1 closures from landslides, and reduced campground availability. Some private parks close entirely. Pfeiffer Big Sur stays open year-round, but winter camping here means cold nights, wet weather, and the genuine risk of being stuck if the highway closes behind you. That said, winter Big Sur is hauntingly beautiful and almost empty. If your rig is self-contained and you are comfortable with the risks, it is a different world.

Seasonal tip: September and October are the warmest months on the Big Sur coast — fog season ends, the sun comes out, and most tourists have gone home. This is the insider window.

Reservation Strategy#

Reservations at Big Sur campgrounds require genuine planning. Here is the system:

• State Parks (Pfeiffer Big Sur): Book on ReserveCalifornia.com. Reservations open on a rolling window, typically six months in advance. For summer weekends, be online at exactly 8:00 AM Pacific on the first available booking day. These sites sell out in minutes, not hours.
• USFS (Kirk Creek, Plaskett Creek): Book on Recreation.gov. These also use a rolling window, typically six months out. Competition is slightly less intense than the state parks, but summer weekends are still difficult.
• Private parks: Book directly with each campground. Fernwood and Big Sur Campground & Cabins both have online booking. Riverside is phone-only. For summer weekends, book three to four months ahead minimum.

Cancellations do happen. Check back regularly in the week before your target dates — people cancel, weather changes plans, and sites open up. Midweek arrivals (Tuesday through Thursday) are significantly easier to book at every campground.

Highway 1 Driving Tips for RVs#

Driving Highway 1 in an RV requires a different mindset than driving it in a car. Plan for these realities:

• Speed: Expect to average 25–35 mph through the corridor. Some curves are posted at 15 mph, and in an RV, those posted speeds are not conservative.
• Time: The 70 miles between Carmel and San Simeon takes about 3 hours in a car. In an RV, budget 4–5 hours with stops. More if you actually want to enjoy the views.
• Pullouts: Use them. California Vehicle Code requires pulling over when five or more vehicles are behind you. This is not just courtesy — it is law, and CHP does enforce it on Highway 1.
• Fuel: Fill up before you enter the corridor. There is one gas station in the Big Sur corridor (at the Chevron near Fernwood), and it charges a significant premium — often $2–3 more per gallon than stations in Carmel or Cambria.
• Brake management: The grades on Highway 1 are not extreme by mountain standards, but they are sustained. Downshift on descents. If you smell your brakes, you have already waited too long.

Supplies and Provisions#

Big Sur has a handful of small stores — the Big Sur Deli, the General Store near Pfeiffer, and the store at Fernwood — but selection is limited and prices reflect the remoteness. Stock up on groceries and supplies in either Monterey/Carmel (north) or Cambria/Morro Bay (south) before entering the corridor.

Water is available at Pfeiffer Big Sur and the private campgrounds, but not at Kirk Creek or Plaskett Creek. If you are heading to a USFS campground, fill your fresh water tank before you arrive.

Propane refills are not available within the Big Sur corridor. Plan accordingly.

Cell Signal and Connectivity#

Be prepared to be offline. There is no reliable cell service through most of the Big Sur corridor. Verizon has the best coverage, occasionally picking up a bar or two near the Big Sur Lodge and the Post Ranch area, but do not count on it for anything critical. AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers are effectively dead zones through the entire stretch.

If you need to make calls or check email, drive to the northern end of the corridor near Andrew Molera State Park, where reception improves slightly, or drive out to Carmel or Cambria for full service.

Plan your route, download offline maps, and tell someone your itinerary before you enter Big Sur. This is not a connectivity-optional suggestion — it is a safety one.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Can I drive a 40-foot Class A through Big Sur?#

Technically, there are no legal length restrictions. Practically, it is a bad idea. The road is narrow, the curves are sharp, and most campgrounds will not accommodate you. Use a basecamp in Morro Bay or Monterey and drive in with a smaller vehicle.

Are there any campgrounds with full hookups in Big Sur?#

No campground in the Big Sur corridor offers full hookups (electric, water, and sewer). The private parks — Fernwood, Big Sur Campground & Cabins, and Riverside — offer electric and water, but no sewer connections. Dump stations are available at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Big Sur Campground & Cabins.

How far in advance should I book?#

For summer weekends: six months. For summer weekdays: two to three months. For shoulder season: one month is usually sufficient. For winter: often available with a week or two of notice. Check our California RV parks guide for more booking tips across the state.

Is Big Sur worth it for RV camping?#

Yes, if your rig fits and your expectations are calibrated. Big Sur is not a convenient, amenity-rich RV destination. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in North America, and camping here — even without hookups, even without cell service — is an experience most RVers remember as a highlight. Just plan for it properly and bring a rig that fits the roads.

What if Highway 1 is closed?#

Highway 1 experiences periodic closures, particularly in winter and spring, due to landslides and storm damage. Check the Caltrans road conditions page before any trip. If the road is closed, there is no alternate route through Big Sur. Plan for the possibility and have a backup destination ready.

For more California campground options, see our complete California RV parks and camping guide or explore all California destinations.