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    Riverside Campground & Cabins

    3.9 (207 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    Sara C.

    Stunning campsite in Big Sur on the Big Sur river. Cabins were quaint and well equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, heater inside, etc. , All you need for a cozy glamping weekend. Loved the campsite amenities including the camp store, swimming hole, and basketball courts. Bathrooms were probably as good as they could be but not much hot water in the shared bathrooms. Overall a wonderful experience which I highly recommend.

    View front river bank to our site.
    Sharon R.

    We visited this campground 21 years ago and came back the week after Christmas. We were able to get a site directly on the water in front of the camp store. So peaceful, beautiful and serene! The new owners are super friendly and helpful and available whenever we needed them. We were in our 19' Sprinter van camper and we parked across our camp site so our awning went out towards the water and fire pit. Owner offered us a free amp converter (we were going to purchase one), but she allowed us to use theirs while we stayed. They will freshly brew complimentary coffee upon request! Showers/toilets were clean and worked great! We will be back the next time we're in No. Cal!!

    View from Site #6
    Heather M.

    We love this place. We have a 16' trailer, and our friends brought their 29' trailer. We were upgraded to sites right on the river, which was lovely. It's small and homey. No sewer hookups, but there are showers and bathrooms that are just fine (shower is coin operated, 3 minutes for 25 cents). It's the staff that really make this place awesome. Pam is a hoot and makes you feel like you're family. We got the vibe that this is a place you come back to and are welcomed as friends, and we really hope to do that. It's a refreshing change from the big RV resorts with lots of concrete. Don't worry about the bridge situation- if the river is splashing over it to where it's dangerous, staff wouldn't book your stay.

    Pretty little camp crumb predators lol
    Judy L.

    Drove by here twice in the last few years , waiting for an opportunity to book a stay as they book up fast. We would have taken an RV spot, a cabin or anything available because of how great we thought it would be BUT looks are deceiving. When one tent availability opened up for a site, didn't matter where at this point, we booked a night and thank goodness we didn't go for 2 or 3 nights. At check in, as some stated, the female camp host made that initial experience odd. The way she spoke to my husband seemed very dismissive but before this became unpleasant after a 5 hour drive, I decided to speak with the host and she was pleasant so maybe she just had an off moment. Done and time to drive to our site. An immediately, weed was in the air and we "lucked" out by being able to get a strong whiff of it every hour or so. Yes, it's legal in CA but not really the "fresh air" we were chasing. It was busier than what we are used to. Having the freedom of boondocking or finding campgrounds with plenty of space apart is what we are used to. These spots, however , were close to one another (as most campgrounds are) but it became a bit loud when different sites played music, were drinking and it felt more of a block party of which we could all see and hear everyone so we decided to get our very "old" feeling selves to bed early. Made breakfast and couldnt help but over hear an angry husband arguing with his wife and threatening to slap a B cause he don't care where he's at, while the wife argued back that she would slap him harder and don't give a....OMG this was just NOT my idea of a nature getaway at all. Lol We were so happy to leave the very next morning and thankful we never booked a longer stay here as we had initially imagined would be a "dream". If you're planning a group trip, a stream where the kids can play (shallow river more of a stream) and a place that has more smoke from weed than fire pits, then by all means. ..come here during summer haha! This may be the spot you're looking for. To be fair, every freaking dog we saw was on their best behavior (even the ones who were off leash and unsupervised) and because I enjoyed seeing dogs is why I gave this place 3 stars instead of one. I can only account for one night/day stay here so I can't knock it down because I'm sure some travelers had a better experience. Too bad, we're Definitely not one of them. Good luck and happy Camping !

    River views from the south
    Evangelene G.

    This is our second time here and we used all of the amenities in our cabin. On this visit: - We stayed in Cabin 11 (pet friendly, but we didn't bring our dog) - Private bathroom with a small shower (the shower head is a little high) - Kitchenette with an induction stove - Small dorm fridge - Sink - Dishes, utensils, coffee maker, tea kettle available - Ask the office for free coffee (Note: The coffee packs make 4 cups of coffee) - Parking in front of the cabin. - Gas grill, patio furniture on deck - Queen sized bed, but if you lay down and look up, there's a small glass ledge so you can see the trees. We lucked out and saw the Persid Meteor showers. Because our cabin is next to the ADA cabin, you have to zig zag your way up to the cabin. The cabin is adjacent to the porta potties, restrooms, laundry and close proximity to the general store. The campground is along the river (bonus). There's access to both campsites next to Riverside - Big Sur Campground and Cabins and Ripplewood. We've walked through both sites. There's a trail along the river that will take you to Ripplewood Resort. There are some narrow spots, but it's the quickest way to get to either Road House Big Sur or Ripplewood Cafe. The woman who checked us in had a bit of an attitude, but both guys that were in the office were very helpful.

    Jessica C.

    The location could not be more perfect. It was so close to so many parks :) the staff was so helpful and gave wonderful directions/recommendations. We did the cabin and the price was fair for the accommodation.

    Walking up the river

    I stayed here for only one night, but I wish it was many more. I can't speak for the campsites because I stayed in a cabin. The cabin was fantastic, I loved the feel of it. The ceiling with the adorable fan was my favorite feature. All of the staff were very friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. As a Monterey native, I think this was the best campground I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing in Big Sur. It's pretty small, but quaint and peaceful which is exactly what I needed. I was able to bring my two dogs, which is mostly what this adventure was for. Cabin #1 has its own deck with a gate so they were contained when needed. My senior dog isn't able to walk much, but she was so happy napping on the deck for her last adventure with me. My other dog had a blast in the river for his first time. Thank you Riverside Campground & staff for making this possible with my pets and helping me make my last memories with my furry best friend. I really don't have any complaints. If I had to pick something out, I'd say I wish there was a little more space around the river to relax. I know this is mother natures doing, so it's not a deal breaker for me. I made the mistake of not bringing a chair. Learn from my mistake! Overall, everything was great and I can't wait to return soon!

    Nice quiet spot. Went to Big Sur without a reservation and found this site. Excellent customer service, coin operated hot showers, little general store with all the basics and Wi-Fi for texting! Helpful when you have young adults at home lol clean restrooms and sites.

    Kathleen S.

    I loved my time at Riverside Campground. Pam, Ernest and others there were very helpful and friendly, making me feel like a welcomed guest and friend. The bathrooms are clean and well-stocked. The camp spaces have shade and light and enough space. There is a camp store if one needs things. The river is lovely and peaceful and since everyone rushes off for their hikes or site-seeing it is quiet and almost private during the day. It is a place to just be and enjoy. Yoga at the river's edge is glorious. I stayed on my way up the coast and then on my way down the coast as well because I liked it so much. Thank you!

    Amazing breakfast on the Big Sur River @ Riverside Campground.
    Robert W.

    What an amazing getaway spot! We loaded up the Jeep in preparation for whatever the weekend brought us, and Riverside Campgrounds didn't disappoint. Super easy to find, simple check in with friendly staff and a store on-site for extra wine and firewood was clearly quite a few notches above what we'd had in mind when we left home. Blown away by the campsite (#14)... Fell asleep and woke up to a riffling river that was feet away from our tent. Clean picnic tables, campsite and fire pits were just perfect, as were the potable water spigots scattered about every 2 sites. Super flat tent areas were part of the package no matter what site you get, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Did I mention we slept right next to the Big Sur River? Wow. One thing I'd really like to commend the owners and staff on was the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. Thank you! And they are free, unlike another well known campground. Lastly, the prices at the store were beyond reasonable. We grabbed a good bottle of wine for $15.99. Try doing that at any other store, inn or campground in Big Sur. Firewood about $10 for an all night bag. Please be aware that they start quiet hour at 10pm. That's when everything starts winding down. We didn't have any issues with other campers being rude, noisy, etc. Riverside was just an excellent place and we'll be back as soon as we can.

    Fire pit

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    Beautiful area and close to all the hikes we wanted to do! The sound of the creek made it magical and a peaceful sleep was long over do.

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    Ask the Community - Riverside Campground & Cabins

    Does this campground really only book 7-10 days beforehand? I called and they were already all booked for the days I need, which is more than 10 days away?

    Everything in Big Sur sells out fast.

    What is check out tume?

    11am

    Is this a good place to bring bicycles?

    not per say. For kids? no- area is minimal where to safely bike. For long range biking- maybe, ...but the roads are not safe for biking. Narrow and blind turns and most your traffic is tourists or locals who possible drive faster. You may annoy more… 

    Do the cabins have bathrooms?

    no. but they do have 2 main bathroom that they maintain well. I think only 1 or 2 cabins have a bathroom inside.

    What time can you check in?

    3 pm

    Is there a size restriction on RV's I have a 30 foot trailer is Riverside open to this?

    I believe so, see some bigger class c in the patk

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    Review Highlights - Riverside Campground & Cabins

    Pam, Ernest and others there were very helpful and friendly, making me feel like a welcomed guest and friend.

    Mentioned in 32 reviews

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    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    4.4(407 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Great campground with the Big Sur river running right through it. Loved the quick hike up to the…read morewaterfall through the redwoods. Lots of great shady sites and some really nice sites right on the river. Showers were nice and reasonably priced. If you are feeling lazy and don't want to cook, you can check out the restaurant/ coffee shop, also a nice little gift shop. There is also a store at the back of the campground that has ice , snacks , firewood and a small laundry facility which was super convenient !! Great woodsy campground with great amenities!!

    BEST SPOT TO SEE RED WOODS. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a sprawling, 1,000-acre sanctuary…read morecentered around the pristine Big Sur River. Often nicknamed "mini Yosemite," it trades direct beach access for dramatic inland scenery, boasting spectacular valleys, forested peaks, and dense groves of ancient coast redwoods. Ancient Redwood Groves: The park is famous for its majestic coast redwoods, with some trees measuring over 1,000 years old. Accessible walkways, like the Redwood Deck, allow visitors to stand among these towering giants. Diverse Hiking Trails: Trails cater to all skill levels, ranging from the flat and easy Nature Trail loop to the challenging, steep ascent up the Buzzards Roost Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. On-Site Lodging and Camping: Unlike many rugged coastal stops, this park features developed accommodations, including a large campground alongside the river and the historic Big Sur Lodge, which provides comfortable cabins and a restaurant. The redwoods you see growing in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (as well as nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), the tallest living species of tree on Earth. The groves found throughout the park are particularly special because they mark the southernmost boundary of where the coast redwood species naturally thrives in significant numbers. Because they are located at the southern edge of their natural geographic range, the climate here is slightly drier and warmer than the dense, misty rainforests of Northern California. While they generally do not reach the record-shattering heights of their northern cousins in Humboldt or Redwood National Park, they are incredibly impressive, with many individual trees in the park towering well over 200 feet tall and thriving for upwards of 800 to 1,000 years. They rely heavily on the marine fog flowing through the Big Sur River gorge to stay hydrated during the dry summer months

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    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

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    Big Sur Campground and Cabins - Single bed, other room had 2 beds

    Big Sur Campground and Cabins

    3.4(338 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    We really enjoyed our stay here and honestly didn't want to leave! We even asked about staying an…read moreextra night, but they were fully booked. Thankfully, the kind lady at the office remembered us, and when someone checked out early, she saved the spot for us--we were super grateful for that kind gesture. The campground is clean, and the cabins were spotless, which I really appreciated. One of the highlights for me was the location right on the river, and for my daughter, it was the playground--she had an absolute blast! It is a bit pricey for a campground, but considering the cleanliness, location, and family-friendly vibe, it was worth it for us. I'm already looking forward to coming back and making more great memories here.

    recently stayed at Big Sur Campground and Cabins and was very disappointed with the value for the…read moreprice. I paid approximately $576 for each campsite and I got two campsites, and I expected a much better experience for that cost. The campground was extremely overcrowded. The campsites were so small and tightly packed together that it felt like one campsite had been divided into two just to fit more guests and increase revenue. There was very little privacy, and the overcrowding took away from the natural beauty of Big Sur. Instead of feeling peaceful, the campground felt congested and, at times, looked unkempt because there were simply too many people in such a limited space. Another major concern was the cleanliness of the restrooms. Throughout our stay, the bathrooms frequently had toilet paper on the floors and were not maintained to the standard I would expect, especially considering the premium price of the campground. The amenities also did not meet expectations. The campground advertises complimentary firewood and ice, which sounds like a great benefit. However, guests are limited to one bundle of firewood and one bag of ice per day. While this may be enough for some campers, the advertising makes it seem more generous than it actually is. Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in California, and I was excited to stay here. Unfortunately, the overcrowding, lack of cleanliness, and high price made the experience feel like poor value. I don't mind paying premium prices for a premium experience, but this campground did not deliver one. Sadly, I don't think I would choose to stay here again, and I hope management will consider reducing overcrowding, improving restroom maintenance, and being more transparent about what is included with the campsite.

    Photos
    Big Sur Campground and Cabins - Kitchen and dining area

    Kitchen and dining area

    Big Sur Campground and Cabins - Daily coffee is a must for camping

    Daily coffee is a must for camping

    Big Sur Campground and Cabins - Bathroom, water pressure on the shower is strong, water gets warm

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    Bathroom, water pressure on the shower is strong, water gets warm

    Kirk Creek Campground

    Kirk Creek Campground

    4.3(193 reviews)
    25.7 mi

    Site 29! Had a great stay here. Stayed April 7th and 8th. First day and night were clear and we…read morewere able to see so many stars at night. As far as the campsite it self, i was a little scared that it would be too sloped, but it wasnt bad at all. We used a tent and set it up on the left side and kept the table/bench in the middle. We still had awesome views of the water. Everything was so green it looked like it was a filtered photograph. You could see the vault bathroom from our site but we couldn't smell it. The smell was very prominent though around the area where the host was staying. Bring a bucket, diapers (to soak up the pee), and thick plastic bags if you dont want to use their vault bathrooms. We didnt encounter any raccoons personally, but did see their prints all over our cooler (locked) and table in the mornings. We saw a groundhog and it spent an hour digging up a hole. Firewood was $15 a bundle. we have verizon for our cell service and had no signal at all. It actually went out about 20 miles before arriving to the campground. We were able to use the satellite option on our phones to send out a couple of text messages. Wish we lived closer cause the drive from Orange County was long. Enjoy the photos

    Kirk Creek Campground offers one of the most breathtaking coastal views you'll find anywhere in…read moreCalifornia. Waking up right on the cliffs above the ocean is incredible and truly makes the trip worth it. There's no cell service, though newer iPhones with satellite messaging can still send and receive texts if needed. Just be prepared: the campground is very rustic. There's no water, no power, and only basic latrines. At $45 per night, it feels a bit steep considering the lack of amenities, but that's the Recreation.gov rate- and the scenery does soften the sting. If you're driving in, know that Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is not recommended for large vehicles, trailers, or anything that struggles with braking downhill. For larger rigs, Highway 1 is definitely the safer and better option. The surrounding area is amazing, with tons of hikes, beaches, and spots to explore. You can even find local jade along the beaches and in riverbeds, which is a fun bonus. The campground hosts are enthusiastic, friendly, and genuinely helpful- one of the highlights of staying here. The only major downside is the raccoon situation. They go absolutely wild at night- climbing on tables, chairs, coolers, even cars and trailers. They will try to open anything they can, so make sure everything is secured or locked up. It would be great to see the park system address this, because they're definitely a persistent (and bold) nuisance. Overall, Kirk Creek is stunning, quiet, and unforgettable- as long as you're ready for a rustic experience and some energetic nighttime visitors.

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    Kirk Creek Campground - Bubbles site 29

    Bubbles site 29

    Kirk Creek Campground - Fam photo from site 29

    Fam photo from site 29

    Kirk Creek Campground - Site 29 views

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    Site 29 views

    Pfeiffer Beach - Outhouses

    Pfeiffer Beach

    4.5(344 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    The most famous beach with purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is located in BIg Sur, requiring a 2 mile…read moredrive down a one-lane road to reach. It also costs $15 to park here. Our family thought it was worth it. Pfeiffer Beach was our eighth and longest stop during our southbound journey on the Cabrillo highway through Big Sur. Access is through Sycamore Canyon Road (one lane) which is extremely easy to miss from the highway. It is a one lane road but has many areas where one can turn off to let oncoming cars pass, though I can imagine when it gets busy how much more difficult it would become. We had left Carmel early in the morning, so it was about 07:48 when we reached the bottom. As we drove down, my wife noticed a lone, empty chair about halfway down. Later we realized that that is where a ranger would sit to tell cars to go back up, once the limited parking lot near the beach got full. The car entrance had yet to be manned, so we paid per vehicle fee via cash in an envelope deposited in a fee drop box. The tear off stub is then displayed on your dash. Later when we were leaving, there were employees manning the area, accepting payment, with credit cards being accepted. The parking is administered by a private company so our America the Beautiful National Park pass did not work here. We were the 2nd car in the lot. There are angled handicap spots, motorcycle parking, and bathrooms (outhouse style) in the parking area. There is definitely more beach space than there are parking spots, so if you are able to get to the beach, one can easily find a secluded spot. Though as the no refund sign warned, there is high winds and blowing sand on the beach so not the best place for a warm, sunny beach day. There are streaks of purple sand along the beach (learned that the purple is caused by garnet powder that washes down from surrounding areas). It made the white sand look like it had dirt spots. I did have time to walk to both ends of the beach, and discovered that at the north end, there are pockets of sand further away from the ocean where the garnet sand is a lot more prevalent. The beach is named after the pioneer, Michael Pfeiffer. Many other places in the area (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park) are named after his descendants. The beach is for day use only, and is open from sunrise to sunset. What's interesting about this is how many reviews are on Yelp for this beach, even though there was no cell service when we went. It clearly shows a lot of Yelpers are coming to this beach, and taking the effort to write about it once they get back to an area that has internet. But there are no reviews for any of the vista points in the surrounding areas. Maybe they aren't being approved by Yelp to be searchable?

    super windy (our hat flew off!).. and curiously purple patterned sand. This beach is a must see in…read morethe Big Sur exploration. Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most famous and visually striking beaches in Big Sur, known for its dramatic rock formations and unique landscape. Here is a summary of what makes it special: Key Highlights The Purple Sand: The beach is globally famous for patches of violet and deep purple sand. This unusual coloring comes from manganese garnet washed down from the surrounding hillsides after it rains. Keyhole Rock: This massive, iconic rock formation sits just off the shore. It features a natural archway carved out by the ocean. During sunset, the evening light beams directly through the "keyhole," creating a spectacular glow that attracts photographers from all over. Rugged Scenery: Surrounded by towering cliffs and sea stacks, the beach offers a raw, wild, and incredibly photogenic slice of the California coast. What to Know Before You Go The Road Down: The beach is located down Sycamore Canyon Road, which is a narrow, winding, one-lane road with sharp turns. It is not recommended for RVs or large trailers. Hidden Entrance: The turnoff from Highway 1 is unmarked and easy to miss--it is located just south of the Big Sur Ranger Station. Parking & Fees: There is a standard vehicle day-use fee. Because it is highly popular and the parking lot is quite small, it can fill up quickly on weekends and nice days. If the lot is full, staff will turn vehicles away at the highway, so arriving early or late in the afternoon is ideal. Conditions: It is notoriously windy, so packing a jacket is wise. The water features incredibly strong rip currents and hidden rocks, making it great for beachcombing and photography, but unsafe for swimming.

    Photos
    Pfeiffer Beach - Velella velella

    Velella velella

    Pfeiffer Beach
    Pfeiffer Beach

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    Limekiln State Park

    Limekiln State Park

    4.4(143 reviews)
    23.9 mi

    I fell I love with this beach many years ago. The drive here is INCREDIBLE! I literally have dreams…read moreabout driving under the bridge! You go under to get to this secluded beach off of Hwy 1. I had no idea that you could choose between 3 different campsites until I decided I HAD to be under the moonlight at the beach on 2.22.22 at 2:22 pm. And the views are BREATH TAKING from the beach campsite. They were also freezing, windy, and WET in February! And all of the trails were closed when we visited due to the fire, but it was like a little slice of Heaven to disconnect and spend 2 nights off the grid with great folks. The rangers who serve this place are BEYOND friendly, and they do an awesome job of keeping the bathrooms clean. I believe they were cleaned 3 times a day. And the campsites were so self contained, you really had no idea there were up to 29 sites there. Camping on the beach meant you heard the crash of waves all night long. It was so very peaceful! And while the view looked almost warm, there was NOTHING warm about being there in February. But if you had a camper, and the right gear, the rain and wind would be worth it just to burn that image eternally into your mind! I hope I can snag this location during the warmer months. I'm just in love with everything about LimeKiln.

    This review is for the Limekiln campground. We camped at…read moresite #17. The Redwood campground (sites #17-#29) is basically a big dirt parking lot divided into tiny "campsites." There's a creek running behind the big dirt parking lot and lots of big trees on the perimeter of the big dirt parking lot. But there's no trees or plants in the tiny "campsites." So forget hanging a hammock or having any sense of privacy. We could barely fit a 6-person tent in site #17. The creek was pretty. The bathrooms were decent and have flush toilets. Our campsite was, at most, a 2-minute walk to the ocean, which was pretty cool.

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    Limekiln State Park
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    Limekiln State Park - Flocks of birds and otters hang out just offshore

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    Flocks of birds and otters hang out just offshore

    Sykes Hot Springs - Hot Spring

    Sykes Hot Springs

    5.0(1 review)
    0.3 mi

    At the end of Summer, my friend suggested a backpacking trip to Skyes Hot Springs - 20 miles out…read moreand back with 5380 ft elevation gain. (more challenging than Bright Angel Trail to bottom of Grand Canyon) Arrived at Big Sur Station at 9am. Paid $20 overnight parking fees, used toilet, snapped group photo then began hiking at 9:30. Half hour lunch break at 11:45 Terrace Creek Camp, and finally arrived to Skyes Camp by 3pm. In route to camp, we crossed 7 creeks each way. I was a bit anxious of slipping cuz I had less confidence than I used to. I think it would have been easier and more fun if I had power thr them with momentum. No mosquitoes sightings in mid Nov. Lots of poison oaks along the trail but not overgrown; I wore shorts with no problem, just clouds of dust from our own stompings. Our friend impaled a bunch of splinters from a burr plant. I visited many of our camp neighbors in search of a tweezer; fortunately, the last of the spikes expelled itself in the hot spring waters. Hiking downriver in search of the hot springs was not easy. When located at 5pm, the large tub was occupied, we tested all of the other 3 smaller tubs then settled in at the one on the river level, it was a tight squeeze for 4 people but we sardined to fit. Our inlet source was a water fall from the tub above which some of us used as a shower over our heads. It was a relaxing time with beautiful surroundings and good company. The water was lukewarm with lots of earthy debris, so it does not compare to the numerous fancy Onsens I have visited in Japan. But things are more valuable when it is earned by hard work - the miles, inclines, sun, sweat, dust, creek crossings, obstacles, and heavy pack; great feelings of accomplishment, and endorphins too. It was wise of us to leave the springs at 6pm since sunsets at 6:30. Due to the heavy forest, we were not able to sight the supermoon nor the comet in the night sky. Sleeping with the ripple sounds of the Big Sur River close by was soothing. Our return trip started at 9:30 and ended at the parking lot by 1pm, 4.5 hours was very fast pace. We were eager to celebrate our trip with a lunch in a sit down restaurant, Big Sur Roadhouse. Another great adventure with friends. Treasure memories.

    Photos
    Sykes Hot Springs - Creek crossing

    Creek crossing

    Sykes Hot Springs - Camp

    Camp

    Sykes Hot Springs - Big Sur River

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    Big Sur River

    Riverside Campground & Cabins - campgrounds - Updated July 2026

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