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    Ventana Campground

    3.5 (216 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    Campsite #42
    Lyn H.

    Really nice campsite, especially for families and first-time campers. Our biggest thing was how close we were to the neighboring campsite, which I wanna say was like only 10 feet away. Other than that, the bathrooms are really nice by camping standards with flushing toilets and showers (bring cash). The campground is gated too, and takes you down into forest. It's also located by a creek which you can hear, but in a good way. I think if there wasn't a group of us, the $80/night wouldn't have been worth it but with Big Sur getting more and more popular, if you aren't able to clutch a campsite in the parks it's a good option. Also locationally convenient which was very nice, like 20 mins to the bridge, 5 mins to Big Sur State Park, etc. No cell reception if you have T-Mobile, but what's new

    Muoi H.

    Our second glamping experience and we aure enjoyed it ! The glamping site are spreaded out far enough so you can ensure privacy with accessible bathroom even a bathhouse! Our glampking site was gorgeous within the redwoods and a small rubbing stream just love the stream water flowing and it's not too loud! Heated mattress , hot running water and lattern you can use! On down side was the bathhouse water stream for the shower toke awhile to get warm and so slow Otherwise for the price in big sur so worth a visit

    Camping essentials
    Serena W.

    Camped here on our way through exploring Big Sur. I felt the campsites are fairly close together for the cost. There are secluded sites available; they are all walk in. Though we would have to bring a smaller tent because they looked a lot smaller than others when we checked them out. We were at campsite 45 which was kind of centrally located so lots of people around on all sides and cars driving by through all day. Looking back, we should have gone with the secluded spot for the ambiance of being in nature. We were right down the hill from the bathrooms so that was a plus. The bathrooms were cleaned once a day and they were kept very clean. I appreciated the coin operated showers but hot water wasn't always guaranteed to arrive or stay on during your five minutes and we had some issues with tokens. We did have a headless rat fall out of a tree while we were eating breakfast. You can't rate nature poorly but geez I was worried one may land on the table next! It also appeared to get dark early due to the tree cover. Not a negative, just a note. The location in proximity to nearby hikes, businesses, and the Tesla charging station at the fancy place up the hill was great. The staff working at Ventana was very nice and helpful with knowledge of good eateries and whatnot in the area. There was phone service which was uncommon in the area! I would definitely return and stay here again to do some more hiking and exploring of the area but we will more carefully choose our location so we can relax.

    Christopher C.

    This was our first experience at Ventana Campground in their glamping tents and it lived up to the expectations. We found a last minute booking and were able to get one night and unfortunately we were too slow to extend another night when a slot opened up. However, our experience that night lived up to expectations. Ventana is divided up between the resort up on the hill and the campgrounds down in the valley. The campground is then divided up between tent sites and glamping sites...which are further back in the campgrounds. Prior to Covid and prior to Ventana becoming an all-inclusive resort, glamping customers had access to the resort facilities, but post Covid they separated the two distinctive areas and limited access to just resort guests. That aside, the glamping sites are impressive. Each tent comes with a queen size bed with resort quality linens, down comforter and heater blanket with individual controls for each guest. The nightstands have outlets, a clock and lamp. Each tent is equipped with both a space heater and a fan. Outside on the deck, there are two adirondack chairs along with a sink that has both hot and cold water, along with a gas fire pit. In front of the tent is a traditional wood fire pit along with a picnic table. The glamping section of the campgrounds also have access to a bath house, which you can only access with your keycard. If you check in after hours, your keycard will be located at your site, otherwise you can check in at the airstream trailer which also has coffee and snacks. The bath house has showers that are equipped with the same amenities as the resort so that's a nice bonus. We got in after the airstream closed so went straight to the tent. It is hard to see where your spaces are, including where to park but once you got that settled, it's a pretty seamless experience. Overall, the glamping experience was fantastic. It met the high expectations that everyone has for this resort and I would definitely go again if the opportunity arises.

    I was told no car camping. But woke up to this!
    Lisa L.

    This review is for the Campground... Be prepared to have a CC for incidentals. Bring bills for showers or they will charge your CC. No quarters. Bring firewood also. They sell small bundle $14. If you have a chance to come in advance and scope out the site. I highly suggest! Some sites are hella small. Some sites have a pathway to another site. Some are hike in sites that go up. But something's I just don't understand. They were very adamant about only 1 car per campsite. Even though our campsite had 2 spots for our 1 campsite. We were going to follow the rules but the campsite next to us got there and they started to park their cars everywhere. We were told per website you can only have 2 tents per site. Another site had 6 tents. Also, only 5 people per site but people had 25 people deep. Tent campers could not use Glamping bathhouse. But we had no choice because "somebody" clogged the toilets & used all the TP to clog the toilets. Nobody made rounds to check on bathrooms. Sunday morning, we went to toss our garbage and they only had small cans. So, everybody started to pile their garbage around the outside. We had a great site. But for This being a HYATT property it was poorly run. Not to say I will be back. But maybe during the week when it's not so busy.

    Site 29. There's a steep hill on the right to get to your parking. The site is uneven and so small
    Vincent T.

    Had site 29. It was so small, the firepit was right next to the table. The ground wasn't even. The parking was on a steep hill and it was hard to bring your equipments. Ventana campground has been bought by Hyatt and made more campsites. It is way too expensive to camp here and it is too cramped. The parking spots were small and the campsites were small. Some sites were seriously right next to each other and you can hear your neighbor farting. It has skunks all over the place. The showers were $2 for 5min. We're never coming back here. The redwoods were nice but literally this campground is not worth going to. The map is not even accurate because it's just so small. Do yourself a favor and book elsewhere.

    Campsite 62 at night

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Ventana Campground

    Do you get a decent reception for zoom calls?

    No...no wifi at campsites

    Can we access a standard electrical outlet to inflate our Aero air mattress?

    I have a tent that gets set up on the bed of our truck. Are we able to use this at this campsite?

    If I read the website correctly it says no RTT which sucks because I have one too.

    Are there Showers?

    Yes

    Do the sites have electricity or water?

    Tent campsites have no electricity. But what water just a way from the campsite.

    Does anyone know if bikes are allowed?

    I believe they are allowed in the campgrounds, but not an ideal place to ride.

    Is the max occupancy number strict? I noticed every campsite has a max occupancy of 5 and I wanted to make a reservation for 6?

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    Review Highlights - Ventana Campground

    He then proceeded to break the door and break the hand sanitizer off the wall and throw its across the campsite.

    Mentioned in 68 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    4.4(412 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    One of California's bigger and more popular state parks, rightfully so. Not as touristy as Yosemite…read morebut this is on a bigger scale than most other Cali State Parks. I ventured here once before in my early 20s back in my school boy days and felt it was time to see it again with decades worth of a wiser perspective. And I was rewarded in spades. This park is about 30 miles or so south of Carmel on Highway 1, which in my opinion is one of the most glorious stretch of road to drive. Even though it is only 30 miles or so, it still takes almost an hour to travel from Carmel. The road winds around through many curves and undulations so you simply cannot drive freeway speeds here, nor should you want to. Enjoy the views, roll down the window and take in that coastal air, play your favorite tunes and just soak in the moment. Once at the park there are campsites, as well as cabins and even a full service lodge for those that don't want to rough it at all. You are now in mountainous terrain so lots of trees, a big creek and lots of hiking trails. I did a 3 day camp stay and loved it. They keep the park clean, maintain the restrooms and patrol the grounds frequently. Even though they have almost 200 campsites available, they spread it out nice so not everyone is in the same area. I could sometimes hear my neighbors but they were never in my direct view. That is a big plus for me when rating camp sites. People can also just get a day pass and enjoy the trails and creek without having to stay. My camping pass also got me to see a couple other California State Parks nearby on the same trip, so well worth the price of admission. Very lively with animal life which are unfortunately very used to humans. Squirrels and blue jays will not be shy to investigate what they can scavenge so do not leave any food unattended. Upon setting up camp I had a ziplock bag of trail mix on the picnic bench along with the rest of my gear. While I was setting up the tent with me somewhat close by, a stellar jay swooped in and pecked at the bag. It didn't take it but ripped a good hole in the bag. So just a big fyi to keep your food on guard/lock. The big creek runs through many of the sites. Some parts are mellow whilst other parts the water rushes pretty good. I was about 50 yards from the creek so I couldn't see it but I could hear it rolling through the valley. It was very relaxing to hear the cool water rolling downstream, whether at night or waking up at sunrise. And a myriad of birds will contribute with their morning songs, which makes for the best alarm clock. TRUST A little too big for my preference but still beautiful enough that I can revisit every other year. And just outside the park are the California coastline with Highway 1 carving through it. Some of the most breathtaking views Cali has to offer. Pfeiffer thanks for the reacquaintance and the confirmation that you are still indeed one of California's top gems.

    Great Stop in Big Sur -- Beautiful Trails, Swimming Spots, & Scenic Views!…read moreThe drive along CA-1 to get here is reason enough to visit--absolutely stunning coastal views the entire way! Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park itself has a lot to offer. There are tons of trails to explore, though keep in mind that there isn't a whole lot of signage. The good news is that if you start from a central area, most paths naturally end up bringing you around in a loop at some point, so it's pretty easy to find your way back. A few takeaways from our visit: Water & Swimming: There are plenty of great spots along the rocks to dip in and swim, which is perfect on a warm day. Accommodations: Great setup whether you like roughing it or prefer comfort. Plenty of campsite options, plus the Lodge if you'd rather stay in a room. Pfeiffer Falls Trail: Honestly, this hike was pretty underwhelming. The falls were down to just a trickle when we went, but at least it was a decent walk to log some good steps! Overall, it's a lovely park with plenty to do. Just keep your expectations low for the waterfall if it hasn't rained recently, and enjoy the river, trees, and incredible coastal drive!

    Photos
    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

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Family Camping September 12-14, 2025  THE JOY LUCK CLUB

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    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025 THE JOY LUCK CLUB

    Riverside Campground & Cabins - RV Camp site #33 view facing the entrance

    Riverside Campground & Cabins

    3.9(209 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    We had a peaceful stay and really appreciated being surrounded by nature. Our cabin was spacious…read moreand could comfortably fit 4 to 5 people. We could see the river from our window and hear the water at night, which was soothing. When I booked online, I specifically chose the cabin with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and fireplace. The bathroom was nice and clean, but I was a little disappointed that there was only a mini fridge. I was expecting at least a microwave and coffee maker. The bedding looked clean, but it felt a little dated and didn't smell as fresh as I would have expected. Overall, we loved the peaceful surroundings, the river, and relaxing by the fireplace in the evenings. With a few small updates and clearer amenity details, it would be an even better stay.

    My family and I have been camping here or next door at Big Sur Campground and Cabins for about 30…read moreyears and are very disappointed by the corporate purchase of both facilities. For some big firm in New York to purchase property in a place they clearly don't research enough to care about (especially now that the area is on fire), it certainly shows. They no longer pay to have staff at night to enforce campers violating quiet hours; if you have noisy neighbors you have tell them to pipe down all on your own which is putting campers at risk if the noisy people in question are drunk or combative. The staff is so clearly overworked and underpaid. And if enjoy tent camping at Big Sur Campground and Cabins, take advantage before they do away with 60-70% of tent sites in lieu of luxury cabins that a working young family surely cannot afford.

    Photos
    Riverside Campground & Cabins - Site #6 plus my dorky husband and cute dog

    Site #6 plus my dorky husband and cute dog

    Riverside Campground & Cabins - Fire pits have bbq grates

    Fire pits have bbq grates

    Riverside Campground & Cabins - View from cabin 2 fire pit area

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    View from cabin 2 fire pit area

    Pfeiffer Beach - Outhouses

    Pfeiffer Beach

    4.5(344 reviews)
    3.0 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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    Big Sur Campground and Cabins - Single bed, other room had 2 beds

    Big Sur Campground and Cabins

    3.4(338 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    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.

    I'm only not giving this place 4 stars because of the rude staff we encountered when checking in…read moreand asking questions. The curly haired girl with glasses at the check-in area seemed just frustrated and annoyed by us as we pulled in and tried to get out of the way of others checking in. I guess they tried to tell us to wait but it was busy and I didn't hear and wanted to make sure I wasn't blocking others, so I pulled in and parked a bit. I was immediately turned off by the rudeness and didn't feel welcome as she yelled at me and told me she was trying to get me to stop. She told me to go to my site and get set up and come back and was just incredibly cranky and mean about it. Also, it would have been nice to be warned about the MANY skunks that come out at sunset and run around the campground looking for food. We are in nature after all, but even state parks warn you of current wildlife! They were so tame that I don't think they even sprayed but it def was concerning with two dogs in tow. Otherwise, the campsites are gorgeous and it's very peaceful. The free ice, one bundle of firewood, and mugs were incredibly generous and the river swimming areas are unmatched! Bathrooms were small and crowded but mostly clean and nice they had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the women's! But, expect a long line in the morning and for bed for the sinks with the next bathroom quite a ways away. I'd definitely stay here again but suggest the staff try to be a little less cranky and more welcoming! Big Sur is magical and the energy of the workers should match that.

    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

    McWay Falls - Tunnel that takes you underneath the highway to McWay Falls

    McWay Falls

    4.6(192 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    McWay Falls is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks along the Big Sur coast, famous…read morefor its ethereal, postcard-perfect scenery. Located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, it is one of the few waterfalls in California that empties directly into the ocean. Unique Tide Falls: The stunning 80-foot waterfall flows year-round from McWay Creek, dropping over a jagged granite cliff directly onto the pristine sands of a picturesque, turquoise cove, or into the waves at high tide. Effortless Viewpoint Trail: The falls are reached via an exceptionally short and accessible 0.5-mile round-trip trail, making it a quick and highly rewarding stop right off Highway 1. This trail was unfortunately closed during my visit, but we could still see the falls

    Located within the Julia Pfeffer Burns State Park, the McWays Falls (named after an early settler…read moreof Big Sur) Vista Point was the fourteenth (09:53) and furthest south stop of our southbound scenic car tour through Big Sur. The trail down to get a close up view of the falls continues to be closed (there is no estimated reopen date). However there is a vista point off the highway that you can walk to (need to hop over a railing) from a safer parking spot, that provides a clear aerial view of the waterfall (one of the few in the world that dumps directly into the ocean...learned that those are called a tidefalls [another one in California is Alamere Falls near SF]).

    Photos
    McWay Falls - Parking is $10 at the trailhead across the highway

    Parking is $10 at the trailhead across the highway

    McWay Falls
    McWay Falls

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    Sykes Hot Springs - Hot Spring

    Sykes Hot Springs

    5.0(1 review)
    3.1 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

    Fernwood Resort - Tent and Tesal

    Fernwood Resort

    3.7(361 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$

    My husband and I started coming here over 10 years ago before we had kids and have kept it a summer…read moretradition. It's a magical spot and you never have to leave given the river play and market/ restaurant at the top. We have our favorite campsites and know to book out a year in advance at midnight. Although I wish they would change the booking time as I hate staying up that late. My only complaints and the reason I deducted stars is the bathrooms. They get cleaned everyday so that's not the problem but they really REALLY need to add more toilets. Especially if you stay on the "RV" side there is only 2 stalls in the women and 1 for men. It's absolutely bonkers they can charge SO much a night and not provide more bathrooms. Also, I wish the staff would remind people when they check in to please DRIVE SLOW. We were in spot # 18 with our 2 kids ( one being a toddler) and I cannot tell you how dangerous and fast people drive. And they kick up lots of dust. I also wish the staff would drive around at 10pm to ensure all the music is off and voices are down as some campsites can be very loud very late. It just shows this place cares little about your comfort and all about your money. Most state parks will Have rangers drive around to ensure noise is down.

    Fernwood is definitely a hidden gem up in Big Sur! Finding a campground where the bathrooms and…read moreshowers are actually clean is a massive win, and having that river right next to the site sounds incredibly peaceful. It's great that they have options for everyone, whether people are pitching a tent or staying in a cabin. The only negative we ran into was the skunks. They would come out at night looking for food. But other than that it was a fun experience!

    Photos
    Fernwood Resort - Big Sur River

    Big Sur River

    Fernwood Resort - Fernwood Resort in Big Sur

    Fernwood Resort in Big Sur

    Fernwood Resort - Our annual tradition.

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    Our annual tradition.

    Ventana Campground - campgrounds - Updated August 2026

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