Stargazing and Sea Stars: Camping at Big Sur Cam...
Planning a Big Sur family camping trip can feel overwhelming, but the memories you’ll make are worth it. Our family, the Johnsons, recently spent a late July week at Big Sur Campground in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (36.2484° N, 121.7665° W), and it was an unforgettable experience. From the dark skies perfect for astrophotography Big Sur to the amazing Pfeiffer Beach tide pooling, and even navigating the California fire restrictions camping, we packed it all in. This review will give you an insider’s look at our adventure, perfect for planning your own trip with teens.
Ease of Finding Big Sur Campground
The drive to Big Sur Campground is part of the adventure! Highway 1 is famous for its hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocky coastline. Be prepared for slow driving and allow plenty of time. Cell service is extremely limited in Big Sur, so download offline maps of the area before you go. We used Google Maps and downloaded the Big Sur region. It saved us more than once! Trust us, having offline navigation is essential when camping Big Sur teens.
Setting Up Camp: A Little Uneven
We arrived at our campsite and quickly realized the terrain wasn't perfectly level. Setting up our tent took a little extra effort. The tent pads are compacted dirt, but some are slightly sloped. We used some strategically placed rocks we found nearby to level the tent platform. While not ideal, it worked! Make sure to bring a small shovel and be prepared to adjust your setup.
Camp Rules: Fire Safety First
During our July visit, California fire restrictions camping were in full effect due to the drought. Campfires were strictly prohibited. We used a propane stove for cooking all our meals, which worked out well. Before you go, make sure to purchase a California Campfire Permit online, even if you don't plan on having a fire. It's free and required for operating a propane stove. We learned this the hard way, but thankfully, a park ranger was helpful and directed us to the online permit site.
Bathroom Basics: Clean and Functional
The bathrooms at Big Sur Campground were surprisingly clean. They were cleaned daily and well-maintained. They feature water-saving features like low-flow toilets, which is great considering the drought conditions. Bring your own hand sanitizer, as it's not always readily available.
Showering Situation: Conserving Water
Showers are available at Big Sur Campground, but be prepared for a quick rinse. Due to the drought, showers were limited to 5 minutes. Water conservation is a priority, which we appreciated. The showers were coin-operated, so bring quarters.
Activities: Stars, Sea, and Waterfalls
Astrophotography Under Dark Skies
Our 16-year-old son is really into astrophotography, and Big Sur Campground did not disappoint! The campground has a Bortle scale rating of 4, which means it has relatively dark skies.
He used the SkyView Lite and PhotoPills apps to locate celestial objects. He was able to photograph the Milky Way in stunning detail, along with constellations like Orion and Ursa Major. He said the dark skies made it one of his best astrophotography Big Sur experiences ever. The alt text for this photo is “Milky Way captured by the Johnson’s son while camping at Big Sur Campground, demonstrating the possibilities for stargazing Big Sur camping.”
Tide Pooling Adventures at Pfeiffer Beach
Our 10-year-old daughter loves tide pooling, so we spent an afternoon exploring Pfeiffer Beach. It's a short drive from the campground. The tide pools were teeming with life! We found sea anemones, starfish, and hermit crabs.
Her best find was a beautiful purple starfish, which she was absolutely thrilled to see. Remember to be respectful of the delicate ecosystem and avoid touching or removing anything from the tide pools. This photo showcases the daughter’s excitement over discovering a colorful starfish at Pfeiffer Beach, highlighting the fun of Pfeiffer Beach tide pooling for kids.
Hiking to McWay Falls
We took an easy hike to McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The trail is relatively short and flat, making it perfect for all ages.
The views of the waterfall cascading into the ocean are absolutely stunning. It's a must-see and offers fantastic photo opportunities. The McWay Falls photo illustrates the scenic beauty of the Big Sur coastline and the ease of access for families, emphasizing Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park family activities.
Amenities: Local Wines and Campfire Cooking (Sort Of)
The camp store at Big Sur Campground has a surprisingly good selection of local wines.
Dad purchased a bottle of Hahn Pinot Noir, which paired perfectly with our campfire-cooked salmon (cooked on the propane stove, of course!). We also enjoyed making s'mores over the propane stove in the evenings.
Even without a real campfire, we were able to create a fun and festive atmosphere. The Dad's wine purchase in the campsite photo emphasizes the relaxing aspect of Big Sur family camping, even with California fire restrictions camping. The s'mores photo demonstrates family bonding while camping with teens in Big Sur.
Final Thoughts on Big Sur Campground
Overall, our family had an amazing experience at Big Sur Campground. Despite the minor inconveniences of uneven tent pads and fire restrictions, the stunning natural beauty, dark night skies, and abundance of activities made it a trip to remember. It’s a fantastic destination for Big Sur camping with teens. We highly recommend it for families looking for adventure and unforgettable memories.
What to Pack for Big Sur Camping With Teens
- Tent
- Sleeping bags and pads
- Propane stove and fuel
- Cooking supplies
- Flashlights or headlamps
- Warm clothing (it can get chilly at night)
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and hats
- Offline maps
- California Campfire Permit (if using a propane stove)
- Tide pooling shoes
- Astrophotography equipment
Have you camped in Big Sur? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! And be sure to check out other articles on vistalocation.com about California coast road trips for more inspiration.