Massive Sur is among the finest locations to go to in California, and it is filled with wonderful beaches and hiking trails. You’ll additionally discover redwood timber galore, so if you wish to rise up near the tallest timber on the planet, then Massive Sur is a must-visit spot. Massive Sur is full of nature and is a perfect vacation spot for a vacation spent open air.
We’ve established it’s best to positively go to Massive Sur, however what about going tenting in Massive Sur? What do you’ll want to 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 a number of choices. This Massive Sur tenting information will cowl all the perfect campgrounds, together with some additional important particulars. Prepared? Let’s get began.
Greatest Tenting in Massive Sur
Massive Sur has many resorts and locations to remain from luxurious resorts to boutique lodging, however it additionally has loads of campgrounds to select from. We breakdown the perfect Massive Sur campground to go well with each want.
1. Ventana Campground
Ventana Campground is among 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 easy accessibility to lots of the high 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. In the event you fancy a glamping expertise, Ventana’s tent cabins are probably the greatest locations to remain in Massive Sur. The lodging is safari-style and a romantic solution to spend an evening underneath the redwoods. See opinions on TripAdvisor
Ventana Campground has many facilities, together with two bathhouses, sizzling showers, picnic tables, a hearth ring, and proximity (strolling distance) to cafes, eating places, and present outlets. Friends have easy accessibility to Massive Sur and its neighborhood. Ventana Campground additionally has some extra upscale amenities, resembling 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 choice. 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 incredible compromise.
Hike-in campsites have so many advantages. You’ll be extra secluded, have extra wildlife sightings, and sometimes beautiful 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, good 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 timber that develop all the way in which to the cliff edges. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is really 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 facet 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 convey, as there is no such thing as a automobile entry to both web site.
The campsites characteristic hearth rings, a picnic desk, and restrooms. You will have to convey your personal water and firewood; cease by at a water station or outlets beforehand. Talking of retailers, as a result of there are restricted native outlets, it’s best to plan a purchasing journey earlier than getting into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
So, why keep right here? Briefly, the incredible surroundings and placement. From Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s campgrounds, you possibly can spot migrating grey whales, hike beautiful 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 perfect of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and be shut sufficient to expertise all that Massive Sur provides. 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 permit round two hours to achieve the campground and pack accordingly because you’ll have to hold all of your gear. The campground is about in an atmospheric forest canyon. It is just 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. Nevertheless, don’t anticipate another important amenities. Vicente Flat Camp is good for many who need to ‘tough it’ a bit of, 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 probably the greatest walk-in campsites. You gained’t discover restrooms or perhaps a picnic desk or dump station. However it’s the good 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 exterior of Massive Sur, Andrew Molera Path Camp is a incredible selection. Campers simply park within the 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 hearth pits, a meals storage locker, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. You’ll must do with out a bathe, however the campground’s facilities are helpful for a couple of nights. The campground has simply 22 commonplace tent websites and two hike-and-bike websites (24 tent websites in whole), so ensure to e book prematurely.
Andrew Molera Path Camp is incredible if you wish to keep off the crushed monitor and expertise a less-developed a part of the area. On the identical time, the campground additionally provides among the finest amenities – a win-win should you ask us. You’ll be able to 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 need a spot with tent and RV websites. RV tenting is a well-liked solution to discover the US wilderness, and Massive Sur has many incredible areas the place you possibly can pull up for the night time. RV and tent tenting each have their advantages.
In fact, it’s your decision extra luxurious than a primary tent or RV tenting. In that case, maintain your eyes peeled for the glamping campgrounds on this part. A few of these glamping websites even include a sizzling tub or two.
This part will cowl the perfect 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 among the finest on this checklist. It’s situated throughout the boundaries of Massive Sur State Park – splendid if you would like a central location. South Camp is a large, spacious campground with over 100 tent websites. It’s simply accessed off Pfeiffer Massive Sur Street and has loads of facilities. But, it’s also massively well-liked with wildlife, and even deer wander onto the positioning. It doesn’t get a lot better for RV and tent tenting.
You’ll be able to 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 most suitable choice for anybody wanting a central location contained in the park and loads of amenities and facilities for a simple tenting expertise. Learn: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
5. Prewitt Ridge Campground
Prewitt Ridge is among the most beautiful campsites round Massive Sur. Set excessive upon a ridge, you’ll fall asleep and get up overlooking probably the greatest views within the park. Prewitt Ridge has unbelievable 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 positioning on Prewitt Street. The monitor is a bit of tough in sections, so a 4WD is advisable. Simply take your time although, and also you’ll be superb. When it comes to facilities, be ready to tough it. Prewitt Ridge has no restrooms, showers, water, or dump station, so convey 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 (permit round an hour and twenty minutes as a result of windy roads). Nonetheless, in case you are planning a road trip, it’s nicely value 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 Street 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 unbelievable 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 incredible 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 among the finest Massive Sur campgrounds. Described as ‘semi rustic’, the campsite provides RV and tent tenting and is definitely accessed off Arroyo Seco Street. Arroyo Seco is situated inland, and entry is a bit of 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 value it. The campground is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains – the right recipe for an escape to the nice open air.
Every campsite within the campground has its personal hearth ring, grill, and picnic desk. The campground additionally has accessible flush bogs, consuming 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’ll be able to fish, swim, hike, and even go horseback using while you aren’t exploring Massive Sur.
Arroyo Seco is a incredible place to remain in inland Massive Sur State Park. You don’t must 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 must be on the high of your checklist if you would like 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 bogs, BBQ amenities, and firewood on the market. There’s no consuming water or showers, so maintain that in thoughts when packing. The campground is finest for many who need to be close to a seaside and surrounded by nature – it’s not unusual to identify mountain lions and deer simply exterior the campground. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
10. Riverside Campground and Cabins
Riverside Campground and Cabins is among the finest spots for RV tenting and glamping. It’s situated simply south of Massive Sur, off the Cabrillo Freeway. The campground provides rooms, cabins, and RV websites with electrical energy and water hookups. You’ll be able to ‘glamp’ in model with stunning wood cabins that includes comfy queen-sized beds and elective non-public decks. In any other case, park your RV and calm down amongst all of the campground facilities.
Riverside Campground and Cabins has hearth pits, picnic tables, restrooms, sizzling showers, and laundry amenities. As its title suggests, you even have entry to the river. You’ll be able to reap the benefits of the campground’s tube leases to drift down the river – appreciating the surroundings as you go. Proper on the riverside, you even have unequalled 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 environment, outlets, and hospitality venues. Nevertheless, Riverside Campground and Cabins nonetheless have a secluded, peaceable really feel. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor
11. Treebones Resort
Fancy a extremely 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 provides a number of oceanfront yurts, the place you camp in luxurious with beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. Friends even obtain a complimentary breakfast and yoga.
The amenities embody 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’ll benefit from the vary of resort actions that Treebones provides. Treebones is finest for many 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 be located alongside the Californian coast. Limekiln Campground is the park’s most important lodging choice and provides 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 primary however comfy, and you might be inside driving distance of retailers for emergency provides. On the subject of close by sights, your choices are even higher. You’ll be able to 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 splendid for many who need to expertise RV tenting on a extra mountainous facet of the area.
Ponderosa Campground is handed by the Nacimiento River, offering swimming and freshwater alternatives. Consuming water can be offered (should you don’t have a filter), plus a dump station, vault bogs, and a hearth ring at every web site. Ponderosa Campground has all the pieces you can want for a brief keep, and it’s the good 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 encompasses 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 commonplace canvas tent cabins. These choices characteristic electrical energy, a heat mattress, recent linens, and heating – bliss.
Every cabin comes with its personal hearth ring and picnic desk. Fernwood Campground and Resort additionally encompasses a normal retailer and espresso cafe. These are good on-site choices for a leisurely morning relatively than having to go into Massive Sur. Fernwood is a handy glamping choice with an excellent location.
15. Plaskett Creek Campground
Plaskett Creek Campground is a gorgeous RV tenting choice 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 superb selection for these wanting nice amenities, a number of area, and lodging close to Sand Greenback Seaside. It is filled with open inexperienced area and proper subsequent to the ocean. Test charges on TripAdvisor
Massive Sur FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the perfect locations for tenting in Massive Sur State Park, we now have some important particulars for you. In the event you haven’t been tenting earlier than, it might probably really feel a bit of daunting to arrange. And apart from, even in case you are a pro-camper, a little bit of destination-specific info is all the time important.
This part is all the pieces you’ll want to learn about tenting in Massive Sur State Park.
What to pack for a Massive Sur tenting journey?
You’ll be able to 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 additional poles and a tent restore equipment). You’ll additionally need a couple of luxuries like fold-up camping chairs, solar lanterns, and a camp table. In spite of everything, while you discover a gorgeous view in Massive Sur you need to have the ability to sit exterior comfortably to get pleasure from it.
Don’t overlook your tenting range and cooking tools both. In fact, relying on which campground you select, you gained’t want some tools – so test your campground amenities forward of time. 25 Of The Most Useful Camping Tips and Hacks
Equipment-wise, you want a powerful pair of mountain climbing boots (plus a primary support equipment with moleskin for blisters), fast dry layers, a raincoat, and a hat. A filter water bottle, flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray can even come in useful.
Most significantly, keep in mind your tenting reservations and any obligatory passes. It’s critical 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 unbelievable campground and a few mountain climbing trails, what else is there to do in Massive Sur? The reply to this can be a lot. Don’t be fooled by the state park’s comparatively small dimension. These are the perfect issues to do in Massive Sur – good 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. In the event you get pleasure from non secular sights, visiting the monastery is among the finest issues to do in Massive Sur.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Path
Pfeiffer Falls Path is the perfect quick hike to see redwood timber up shut. The route is lower than two miles return and is sweet and flat – making it a simple hike, appropriate for all sorts of walkers. The biggest redwood is known as the Colonial Tree. Hold 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 hanging {photograph}. We predict the perfect view is from Citadel 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 among the hottest US highway journeys and runs round 1,500 miles from San Diego to the Olympic National Park in Washington. In the event you fancy a highway journey whereas visiting Massive Sur, you possibly can drive the stretch of the coastal freeway from San Francisco to Massive Sur. That is nicely mixed with touring to Massive Sur anyway for the reason that park is finest accessed by flying into San Francisco and renting a automobile.
Swim at The Gorge
The Massive Sur River is filled with swimming spots, however none are as well-known because the Massive Sur River Gorge. The Gorge is understood for its crystal-clear waters and calm water situations. Be warned, the water may be freezing, so you may want a wetsuit should you go to in winter.
Go to Sand Greenback Seaside
Sand Greenback Seaside is among the largest seashores in Massive Sur. It will get its title 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. Other than the very fact yow will discover shells, Sand Greenback Seaside is magnificently stunning. A Sand Greenback Seaside day must be on everybody’s itinerary.
Go mountain biking
For journey sports activities lovers, mountain biking in Massive Sur is among the most enjoyable issues to do within the space. Carry 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 beautiful views and recent adrenaline.
Go horseback using
Going horseback using is an thrilling solution to respect the outside. We advocate happening a path trip to expertise Massive Sur and its surrounding areas. Pebble Seaside Equestrian Heart is a well-liked choice and provides a particular picnic and seaside trip.
Go to Level Sur State Historic Park
Level Sur State Historic Park is a tiny would-be-island linked to the mainland by a skinny sandbar. It’s residence to Level Sur Lighthouse, which was in-built 1889 and remained purposeful till 1974. You’ll be able to 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 among 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 a gorgeous place to camp; it’s filled with pure magnificence and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and native flora. Your days shall be crammed with mountain climbing, redwood and ocean surroundings, and many enjoyable outside actions. You will have a incredible time.
Acquired a couple 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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