Camp In Big Sur - Without The Crowds
Big Sur has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. Pristine coastlines and lush green forests attract travelers from around the world.
Van life and social media have made Big Sur one of the most popular camping destination in the United States. If you are anything like me, I tend to want to avoid the crowds at all cost. That doesn’t always have to mean you won’t see all that there is to explore either. This is a guide to experiencing Big Sur away from the crowds, and taking the road less traveled.
Getting Here
Located on section of Highway One, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Traveling from either the South or the North. you will be enjoying stunning coast lines with waves crashing into the cliffs along the sand. This highway is two lanes, so drive slow and allow others to pass if you plan to make stops for photos along the way.
Camping
There is a lot of camping options in Big, Sur, and it can be difficult to get a campsite. Campsites get booked minutes after the online reservation service opens. Look into finding campsites in areas that are less popular.
My suggestion is the walk in campsite at the Andrew Molera State Park, known as Trail Camp
Andrew Morela State Park
Trail Camp is inside the Andrew Molera StatePark, with the entrance located off HWY 1. Once in the park you will check in with the Ranger and get your parking pass. Keep this pass with you as it is also your entry into Julia Pfiefer State Park.
From the parking lot the campsite is a easy ¼ mile walk along a open and well maintained path to the camp. Having to walk your things to camp makes this a less popular option, and more likely to find availability.
The campsite is basic. A large grass field with designated camping spots, with each spot having a picnic table, a fire ring and bear box.
Beach Access: The Big Sur River goes right through the campsite. After the winter months the river can become full. Swimming can provide some much needed heat relief and a nice place to hangout along the river. You can also hike along the trial that leads right from camp with where the river ends at the ocean. If you are brave enough, walk into the river in about waist high water straight to the beach. It’s not likely you will be alone on this beach but it is a less visited place in Big Sur.
Hiking: Andrew Molera State Park has many other trails that lead you to great views of the pacific ocean. We enjoyed walking the entire length of the beach, which stretched for a mile or so each way.
Go to Julia Pfiefer Burns State Park
This is the most popular place to hike and explore in Big Sur. Getting a campsite here is all but impossible given its popularity. So i recommended you plan for this to be a day trip. Your camping pass for Andrew Molera SP gives you free entry to Julia Pfiefer SP.
Spend the day hiking the many trails, swimming in the river and enjoying yourself away from the crowds near the campsites.
The Road Less Traveled By
Take drive on the Old Coast Road
The original road through Big Sur before the addition of the Bixby Bridge. This was also a historical trail and path of native Americas and early settlers in the area.
The road takes you through lush forest and dense riparian corridors. As you travel down into the valley and back up again, you will get views the Pacific Ocean, and the Bixby Bridge.
Note: The road is open to the public but all the land is private, so be respectful and stay on the road and in your car.
Take the road less traveled by and that will make all the difference....