Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Big Sur by RV
1 h 1 min from MRYCamping score 8/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- MRY
- Airport drive
- 1 h 1 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–4 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- Standard cars are ideal for Highway 1; large RVs face length restrictions on specific curves and limited parking at viewpoints.
Book in this order
Your route
MRY
Monterey Regional Airport
Big Sur
About 1 h 1 min · 33 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
Standard cars are ideal for Highway 1; large RVs face length restrictions on specific curves and limited parking at viewpoints.
parking
Legal Pullouts
Parking is strictly enforced; use only gravel turnouts that allow your vehicle to be fully clear of the white line. Pfeiffer Beach parking often fills by 10 AM on weekends.
signal
Connectivity Limits
Expect no cellular service between Carmel and San Simeon. Download all reservation confirmations and navigation data for offline use before departing Monterey.
fuel
Strategic Refueling
Fuel prices in Big Sur Village are significantly higher than in Monterey or Carmel. Fill your tank before entering the coastal corridor to ensure coverage for return trips.
Campground reservations
Highway 1 Access and State Park Reservations
Overnight stays in Big Sur require booking months in advance through the official state portal or private lodging sites. Day-use at Pfeiffer Beach is managed via a separate fee system and parking is not guaranteed. Always check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures, as landslides frequently disrupt through-traffic.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MRY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at MRY
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MRY
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MRY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at MRY
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MRY3 · Where to park the rig near Big Sur
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Big Sur on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availability
Campsites near Big Sur on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Big Sur?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
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Your route
Day 1 · Redwoods and Iconic Vistas
Bixby Creek Bridge → Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Day 2 · Coastal Bluffs and Falls
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park → Pfeiffer Beach
Day 3 · Northern Headlands
Andrew Molera State Park → Point Sur State Historic Park
Viator
Tours & experiences near Big Sur
Explore guided activities around Big Sur. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Big Sur
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Big Sur?
Yes, Big Sur is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Big Sur?
The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), about 1 h 1 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Big Sur need reservations?
Overnight stays in Big Sur require booking months in advance through the official state portal or private lodging sites. Day-use at Pfeiffer Beach is managed via a separate fee system and parking is not guaranteed. Always check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures, as landslides frequently disrupt through-traffic.
More Big Sur guides
Big Sur: full trip plan Fly into MRY: flights, car & first night No reservation? Entry rules & backup plans Airport road trip: California Icons Loop from San Francisco Airport road trip: Pacific Coast Highway & Wine Loop from Los Angeles Road trip: California Central Coast Loop Big Sur: Best time to visit Big Sur: Things to do Big Sur: Itinerary Big Sur: Glamping