Massive Sur is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in California, and it is stuffed with superb beaches and hiking trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood bushes galore, so if you wish to stand up near the tallest bushes on the earth, then Massive Sur is a must-visit spot. Massive Sur is filled with nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent outside.
We’ve established you must undoubtedly go to Massive Sur, however what about going tenting in Massive Sur? What do you should know, and the place must you keep? Whether or not you like glamping, staying in an RV, or hike-in tenting, Massive Sur State Park has loads of choices. This Massive Sur tenting information will cowl all the very best campgrounds, together with some further important particulars. Prepared? Let’s get began.
Greatest Tenting in Massive Sur
Massive Sur has many inns and locations to remain from luxurious inns to boutique lodging, however it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the very best Massive Sur campground to swimsuit each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is without doubt one of the most stunning campgrounds in Massive Sur and we extremely advocate staying right here. We beloved exploring the Massive Sur coast from Ventana because it gave quick access to lots of the prime sights. The campground is located on 40 acres of redwood grove and is definitely accessible off of the Cabrillo Freeway. And the primary draw? Ventana Campground has incredible glamping facilities. If you happen to fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are among the finest locations to remain in Massive Sur. The lodging is safari-style and a romantic strategy to spend an evening underneath the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, scorching showers, picnic tables, a hearth ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and reward retailers. Friends have quick access to Massive Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale amenities, akin to swimming swimming pools, health studios, and eating venues. You may additionally like: The Complete Guide to Visiting Redwood National Park
Massive Sur Campgrounds: Hike-In Campsites
If you would like a tent-only campground, hike-in campsites are an important possibility. These websites additionally supply tent tenting that’s accessible after only a quick stroll, not like backcountry tenting which requires lengthy hikes to achieve every web site. Hike-in campsites are a improbable compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and sometimes gorgeous views of the Massive Sur Coast. This part is devoted completely to hike-in tenting alternatives. We’ll cowl the highest three hike-in campsites, excellent for tenting in and round Massive Sur State Park.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is definitely a area relatively than a campsite. It’s situated 12 miles south of Massive Sur State Park. The park is famend for its coastal surroundings, with granite cliffs and dramatic ocean views, and forests of redwood bushes that develop all the way in which to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is actually a sight to behold and a very good base from which to discover the coast.
The park options two hike-in environmental campsites on the west aspect of Freeway 1. Saddle Rock and South Gardens Environmental Campgrounds are only a quick stroll from the Cabrillo Freeway. Don’t fear about being marathon-fit, however be ready to hold all the pieces you carry, as there isn’t a automobile entry to both web site.
The campsites characteristic fireplace rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You will have to carry your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or retailers beforehand. Talking of outlets, as a result of there are restricted native retailers, it’s best to plan a purchasing journey earlier than coming into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? Briefly, the improbable surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you may spot migrating grey whales, hike gorgeous trails like Ewoldsen Path, and take a look at waterfalls like Mcway Falls (extra on that later). You’ll have a central location to discover the very best of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Massive Sur presents. Learn: The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary
3. Vicente Flat Camp
Vincente Flat Camp is a bit more remoted and situated on the junction of the Stone Ridge and Vincente Flat Trails. It’s roughly 5 miles from Vicente Trailhead, so enable round two hours to achieve the campground and pack accordingly because you’ll have to hold all of your gear. The campground is ready in an atmospheric forest canyon. It’s only a brief stroll from the panoramas of the Californian shoreline.
You’ll discover a freshwater stream (pack a water filter) and a hearth pit on the campground. Nonetheless, don’t count on every other vital amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is good for individuals who need to ‘tough it’ somewhat, and it’s a enjoyable spot to check your wilderness limits.
So, why keep in Vicente Flat Camp? The journey. If you would like the fun of a barely longer hike-in expertise, the campground is an thrilling place to remain and among the finest walk-in campsites. You received’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. However it’s the excellent campground to channel your interior Bear Grylls.
3. Andrew Molera Path Camp
Andrew Molera State Park is a way more undeveloped state park situated simply north of Massive Sur State Park. It’s well-known for its distant and various mountain climbing and seaside entry. If you would like a base simply outdoors of Massive Sur, Andrew Molera Path Camp is a improbable alternative. Campers simply park within the car parking zone after which hike round 0.25 miles to achieve the campground. It’s a handy hike-in campground and never as strenuous as reaching Vincente Flat.
The camp has fireplace pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll need to do with out a bathe, however the campground’s facilities are useful for a number of nights. The campground has simply 22 customary tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in complete), so ensure that to e book upfront.
Andrew Molera Path Camp is improbable if you wish to keep off the overwhelmed monitor and expertise a less-developed a part of the area. On the similar time, the campground additionally presents a number of the finest amenities – a win-win when you ask us. You may discover close by sights like Highbridge Falls and Cooper Cabin or drive simply ten minutes down the highway. The selection is yours.
Massive Sur Campgrounds: Automobile Tenting and Glamping
Not so eager on hike-in campsites? Maybe you desire a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked strategy to discover the US wilderness, and Massive Sur has many improbable places the place you may pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
In fact, you might have considered trying extra luxurious than a fundamental tent or RV tenting. In that case, preserve your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. A few of these glamping websites even include a scorching tub or two.
This part will cowl the very best Massive Sur campgrounds for RV tenting and glamping. Let’s dive straight in. You may additionally like: Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California
4. Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park South Camp
This Massive Sur campground is without doubt one of the finest on this record. It’s situated throughout the boundaries of Massive Sur State Park – ideally suited in order for you a central location. South Camp is a large, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It’s simply accessed off Pfeiffer Massive Sur Highway and has loads of facilities. But, additionally it is massively standard with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the location. It doesn’t get a lot better for RV and tent tenting.
You may eat breakfast at a picnic desk after your morning bathe, unwinding with a morning espresso comprised of the campground’s water provide. South Camp is Massive Sur tenting made simple – what’s to not love? Massive Sur State Park South Camp is the best choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of amenities and facilities for a straightforward tenting expertise. Learn: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is without doubt one of the most gorgeous campsites round Massive Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking among the finest views within the park. Prewitt Ridge has unimaginable views of Los Padres Nationwide Forest and the Pacific Ocean. For ocean-view tent campsites and RV tenting, look no additional.
Getting there’s simple, and also you simply drive to the location on Prewitt Highway. The monitor is somewhat tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Simply take your time although, and also you’ll be effective. When it comes to facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so carry all the pieces you want.
One of the best half about Prewitt Ridge Campground is, by far, the views. It’s a little farther from the middle of Massive Sur (enable round an hour and twenty minutes resulting from windy roads). Nonetheless, in case you are planning a road trip, it’s properly price basing your self at Prewitt Ridge for an evening.
6. Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV, and Campground
Saddle Mountain Ranch blends all the pieces collectively – RV and tent tenting and glamping. It’s simply accessed off Carmel Valley Highway and is only a forty-minute drive north of Massive Sur. If you wish to keep close by Massive Sur, Saddle Mountain Ranch is superbly situated within the serene Carmel Valley. You’ll spend your downtime amongst Monterey pines and redwoods. See availability and extra opinions on TripAdvisor
Saddle Mountain Ranch has unimaginable amenities, together with a big outside swimming pool. It additionally has heated showers, restrooms, wi-fi, and a playground. Whether or not you need glamping or RV tenting, it’s a improbable luxurious base and is conveniently situated close to Massive Sur. Learn extra: Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
7. Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco is without doubt one of the finest Massive Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite presents RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Highway. Arroyo Seco is situated inland, and entry is somewhat restricted. Be ready to drive practically two hours since it’s important to drive all the way in which across the park to re-enter the east. It’s a particular spot although, and the serenity of Arroyo Seco shall be price it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the nice outside.
Every campsite within the campground has its personal fireplace ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bathrooms, ingesting water, and showers. Arroyo Seco has hike and seaside entry. It’s situated proper subsequent to Arroyo Seco Trailhead and The Lakes Seaside (a small seaside space on the shores of a freshwater lake). You may fish, swim, hike, and even go horseback driving if you aren’t exploring Massive Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a improbable place to remain in inland Massive Sur State Park. You don’t need to miss out on water-side tenting since The Lakes are proper subsequent to the campground.
8. Kirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground is round a fifty-minute drive from Massive Sur. It’s situated off Cabrillo Freeway, simply south of Lucia. Kirk Creek Campground is a surprising spot with ocean views and direct seaside entry. Kirk Creek Campground ought to be on the prime of your record in order for you a campground for RV tenting with ocean views.
Kirk Creek Campground has a mixture of tent and RV tenting spots. The campground has a hearth ring, vault bathrooms, BBQ amenities, and firewood on the market. There’s no ingesting water or showers, so preserve that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for individuals who need to be close to a seaside and surrounded by nature – it’s not unusual to identify mountain lions and deer simply outdoors the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
10. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Riverside Campground and Cabins is without doubt one of the finest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It’s situated simply south of Massive Sur, off the Cabrillo Freeway. The campground presents rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You may ‘glamp’ in type with stunning picket cabins that includes comfy queen-sized beds and non-compulsory non-public decks. In any other case, park your RV and calm down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has fireplace pits, picnic tables, restrooms, scorching showers, and laundry amenities. As its identify suggests, you even have entry to the river. You may make the most of the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Proper on the riverside, you even have unmatched seasonal fishing to get pleasure from.
This campground is nice if you wish to be near the river and the middle of Massive Sur. You aren’t removed from the neighborhood ambiance, retailers, and hospitality venues. Nonetheless, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
11. Treebones Resort
Fancy a very upscale and strange glamping expertise? Treebones Resort is the place to remain. Treebones Resort is situated an hour south of Massive Sur, close to the hamlet of Gorda. The resort presents a choice of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with gorgeous views over the Pacific Ocean. Friends even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The amenities embrace an outside swimming pool with additional ocean views and a number of on-site eating places. Every yurt comes with complimentary wi-fi, and you may benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones presents. Treebones is finest for individuals who need the comfiest, most luxurious tenting expertise accessible. See extra on TripAdvisor
12. Limekiln Campground
Limekiln State Park is a 45-minute drive south of Massive Sur and can also be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s important lodging possibility and presents tent and RV websites. Limekiln Campground is definitely reached off the Cabrillo Freeway and has a big parking space.
Facility-wise, the campground has restrooms and showers. It’s fundamental however comfy, and you might be inside driving distance of outlets for emergency provides. With regards to close by sights, your choices are even higher. You may take one of many mountain climbing trails to Limekiln Falls or Outdated Limekiln Ruins, virtually immediately from the campground. There’s even seaside entry.
Limekiln Campground is a spectacular place to remain. It’s glorious if you wish to be close to a seaside, have nice mountain climbing trails, and never be too removed from Massive Sur. Try: 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
13. Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground is located proper in the course of the Los Padres Nationwide Forest amongst the mountains of Massive Sur. It’s round an hour and twenty-minute drive from the middle of Massive Sur. It’s ideally suited for individuals who need to expertise RV tenting on a extra mountainous aspect of the area.
Ponderosa Campground is handed by the Nacimiento River, offering swimming and freshwater alternatives. Consuming water can also be offered (when you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bathrooms, and a hearth ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has all the pieces you would want for a brief keep, and it’s the excellent base to wander, bike, or trip across the dramatic surrounding panorama.
14. Fernwood Campground and Resort
Fernwood Campground and Resort is the final word glamping keep in Massive Sur. Located within the coronary heart of Massive Sur Valley, you might be only a twenty-minute stroll or two-minute drive into the middle of Massive Sur. Fernwood includes a combination of cabins and canvas, safari-style ‘tent cabins’, and ‘journey cabins’. If you would like a glamping expertise, we’d advocate the journey cabins, basically upgrades from customary canvas tent cabins. These choices characteristic electrical energy, a heat mattress, recent linens, and heating – bliss.
Every cabin comes with its personal fireplace ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally includes a normal retailer and espresso cafe. These are excellent on-site choices for a leisurely morning relatively than having to go into Massive Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping possibility with a great location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is an attractive RV tenting possibility and is only a quick stroll from Sand Greenback Seaside, the most important seaside in Massive Sur. It’s only a fifty-minute drive from Massive Sur and simply accessed off the Cabrillo Freeway.
The campground is likened by many to a park, and it’s a spacious, family-friendly place to remain in Massive Sur. The campground has RV and tent websites, plus restrooms, picnic tables, and a hearth ring in every particular person campsite. Plaskett Creek Campground is a wonderful alternative for these wanting nice amenities, numerous area, and lodging close to Sand Greenback Seaside. It is stuffed with open inexperienced area and proper subsequent to the ocean. Verify charges on TripAdvisor
Massive Sur FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the very best locations for tenting in Massive Sur State Park, we now have some important particulars for you. If you happen to haven’t been tenting earlier than, it could actually really feel somewhat daunting to arrange. And moreover, even in case you are a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific data is all the time important.
This part is all the pieces you should learn about tenting in Massive Sur State Park.
What to pack for a Massive Sur tenting journey?
You may view our final camping checklist here, however we’ll present a fast temporary on what to pack for a Massive Sur tenting journey.
First, in case you are tent tenting, you’ll want a waterproof three-season tent, floor sheet, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and all of the tent-related emergency gear potential (assume further poles and a tent restore equipment). You’ll additionally need a number of luxuries like fold-up camping chairs, solar lanterns, and a camp table. In spite of everything, if you discover an attractive view in Massive Sur you need to have the ability to sit outdoors comfortably to get pleasure from it.
Don’t neglect your tenting range and cooking gear both. In fact, relying on which campground you select, you received’t want some gear – so examine your campground amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Equipment-wise, you want a robust pair of mountain climbing boots (plus a primary help equipment with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray may even turn out to be useful.
Most significantly, bear in mind your tenting reservations and any needed passes. It is important to analysis what paperwork you want forward of time and produce a paper model in case your telephone dies.
What there’s to do in Massive Sur
So, when you’ve chosen an unimaginable campground and a few mountain climbing trails, what else is there to do in Massive Sur? The reply to it is a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small measurement. These are the very best issues to do in Massive Sur – excellent additions to your tenting itinerary. Learn our full information: The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
New Camaldoli Hermitage
The New Camaldoli Hermitage is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastery perched on a mountainous vantage level overlooking the ocean. If you happen to get pleasure from spiritual sights, visiting the monastery is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Massive Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Path
Pfeiffer Falls Path is the very best quick hike to see redwood bushes up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is sweet and flat – making it a straightforward hike, appropriate for every type of walkers. The biggest redwood is named the Colonial Tree. Preserve your eyes peeled for it.
See Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge is an iconic spot alongside Freeway 101, and the dramatic canyon crossing stands 85 meters tall. Bixby Bridge is a formidable architectural attraction and makes for a placing {photograph}. We predict the very best view is from Fort Rock Viewpoint, however we’ll allow you to determine.
Drive the Massive Sur Coast on Freeway 101
The Massive Sur coast is gorgeous. That’s no secret. Freeway 101 is without doubt one of the hottest US highway journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic National Park in Washington. If you happen to fancy a highway journey whereas visiting Massive Sur, you may drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Massive Sur. That is properly mixed with touring to Massive Sur anyway because the park is finest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automobile.
Swim at The Gorge
The Massive Sur River is stuffed with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Massive Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is thought for its crystal-clear waters and calm water situations. Be warned, the water could be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit when you go to in winter.
Go to Sand Greenback Seaside
Sand Greenback Seaside is without doubt one of the largest seashores in Massive Sur. It will get its identify from sand {dollars} – tiny sea urchins with a novel shell- their endoskeleton. The shell is left behind when the urchin dies, and many individuals acquire them as souvenirs. Aside from the actual fact you will discover shells, Sand Greenback Seaside is magnificently stunning. A Sand Greenback Seaside day ought to be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Massive Sur is without doubt one of the most fun issues to do within the space. Convey your personal bike, manage bike leases, or e book an organized mountain biking tour. You’ll be tackling difficult trails – egged on by the continual promise of gorgeous views and recent adrenaline.
Go horseback driving
Going horseback driving is an thrilling strategy to admire the outside. We advocate happening a path trip to expertise Massive Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Seaside Equestrian Heart is a well-liked possibility and presents a particular picnic and seaside trip.
Go to Level Sur State Historic Park
Level Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island related to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It’s house to Level Sur Lighthouse, which was in-built 1889 and remained useful till 1974. You may go to the historic constructing, taking particular moonlight excursions in case you are fortunate.
Go to McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a 24-meter waterfall situated in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The waterfall is without doubt one of the most dramatic pure sights close to Massive Sur State Park. Throughout excessive tide, the water falls straight into the ocean. You simply take a brief, mile-long return hike alongside the cliffs to a scenic viewpoint to achieve the waterfall.
To Conclude
Hopefully, you are feeling good and ready after studying this Massive Sur tenting information. Massive Sur State Park is an attractive place to camp; it’s stuffed with pure magnificence and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days shall be full of mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and plenty of enjoyable outside actions. You’ll have a improbable time.
Bought a number of extra questions? Try our article on the final word camping tips. You possibly can even plan a large California road trip – there are many glorious camping spots in California.
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