Camping at Big Sur! Our first trip is coming up

Camping at Big Sur

Camping at Big Sur has been on my bucket list for awhile. And since we’ve never traveled here, I’ve decided to play it safe and stay at known campground. Being centrally located to major points of interest, Pfieffer Big Sur Campground is an ideal spot to setup camp.

What’s the best time to visit Big Sur?

That was one of my biggest questions going into planning this trip. Based off my research any of the summer months are great, although it will be crowded. We chose to book our trip in the middle of the week hoping to avoid most of the people — also these were the only days available!

Summer vacation for most kids starts around mid-June, but luckily our son’s school gets out at the very end of May. So we’ll be heading out there a bit earlier than typical summer break and hopefully have some trails to ourselves!

The days should warm and the nights a little chilly. I’ll for sure bring our camping tent heater for warming things up before bedtime and in the morning.

Things to see in Big Sur?

We have a family of four and a dog, so we have to plan accordingly. Places to visit on our Big Sur list is Pfieffer Falls, Sand Dollar Beach, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and a few other spots. Camping in Big Sur should already provide enough beauty for us to enjoy on its own. Everything else is just a bonus!

We’d like to relax and explore without the constraints of time. Luckily the campground we’re staying at is in the heart of Pfeiffer State Park so there will be plenty to see without going too far.

If you have any ideas we’d love to hear them in the comments section.

Dogs in Big Sur?

Our dog will be tagging along with us on this camping trip. She’s a 70lb. german shepard and loves the outdoors. According to the official park rules, dogs are allowed in the campground and a few areas including the beach:

“At Andrew Molera SP, dogs are allowed on leash in the developed areas, which include the main parking lot and roadways to the adjacent historical buildings area Molera Ranch House, Ornithology Lab, and Molera Trail Rides complex.  At Pfeiffer Big Sur SP (four miles south on Highway 1), dogs are allowed on leash in the developed campground and day use areas.  Dogs are also allowed on United States Forest Service (USFS) property, including Pfeiffer Beach.  In partnership with USFS, visitors accessing the USFS Ventana Wilderness via the Pine Ridge Trailhead at Big Sur Station may cross state park property with their dog on leash.  Always inquire locally about specific regulations and changes.”

Link

Sounds like there is plenty to do with our K9 in Big Sur, it’s just a matter of knowing ahead of time where we can and can’t take her.

Now we just have to figure out how to keep our dog from getting car sick! Shoshone loves getting into the car because it means eventual fun, but the ride there is miserable. We’ve tried a few things, but we’ll probably head to the vet before the trip and ask their best opinion.

Wish us luck on this trip and let us know if you have any recommendations for camping in Big Sur!

Cover Photo by Austin Prock on Unsplash

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