Big Sur Campground & Cabins

Kseniia Z

We’ve been camping with our family for many years and have stayed at campgrounds all over California. We’ve always had wonderful experiences, which makes writing this review especially disappointing. Big Sur Campground itself is absolutely beautiful. The scenery is breathtaking, the river is amazing, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Unfortunately, our entire experience was ruined by the way we were treated by the manager, Desiree Gomez (I hope I have the correct spelling of her name, as that’s what I understood when she introduced herself). We came to celebrate my husband’s birthday and, after a long drive, didn’t even check in until around 8:00 PM, so we barely had any time to enjoy the campground that evening. The next morning, our kids finally had a chance to go down to the river with their float tubes and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. When we were informed that checkout time was approaching, we immediately started packing. My husband completely cleared our campsite, loaded all of our belongings into the car, and moved the vehicle out of the site. The only thing left was that our children were still in the river. Instead of giving our family just a few minutes to finish up, the children were very abruptly told to get out of the river immediately, right in the middle of the water, return their float tubes, and leave the property. We were also told that we were not allowed to use the showers or even let our daughter rinse the sand off her feet before getting in the car. The manager stood by our vehicle, watching everything we did, and even said that our daughter was not allowed to wash her feet. We completely understand that campgrounds have rules, and we always respect them. However, there is a huge difference between enforcing rules and treating guests with kindness and respect. We weren’t asking to stay for hours longer we simply needed a few minutes so our family, especially our children, could finish up without being rushed or humiliated. In our opinion, Desiree Gomez’s behavior was unnecessarily harsh, unfriendly, and far from the level of hospitality you would expect at such a beautiful place. It’s truly unfortunate that one employee was able to ruin what should have been a wonderful birthday trip. We genuinely loved the campground itself, but after this experience, we have no desire to return. Sadly, after hearing what happened, several of our friends have already decided to cancel their plans to camp here. We sincerely hope the owners take this feedback seriously. This campground is too beautiful to have guests leave remembering how they were treated instead of how special the place is.

Adelina Isagulyan

Absolutely loved our stay here. The ambiance was perfect —sunlight peaking through the redwoods, hanging out along the river, watching adventurous kids jumping from rocks and cliffs into the swimming hole, stargazing the beautiful night sky and falling asleep to the sound of the river flowing down the stream every night. It was a lovely dreamy little escape. This place is the perfect mix of romantic and family-friendly. Our 4-year-old had the best time at the basketball courts (especially the lower hoop for younger kids) and the adorable European-style playground tucked into the redwoods. The amenities really set this place apart. They offer complimentary coffee, tea, hot cocoa, hot water, and unlimited ice every day, plus free tubes to check out for the river, a bundle of firewood to get your campfire started, and two cute souvenir mugs with the campground logo. So many thoughtful little touches that made our stay even better. We made so many core memories here and can't wait to come back. There are a lot of iconic restaurants nearby to explore and check out if you don’t feel like cooking/bbq a meal. Also, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is just a few minutes. Highly recommend checking it out!

Sebastian Styrnol

First up: the site is great, the kids loved tubing on the river. The staff was all very friendly and forthcoming. But I think the price of the campsites is pretty high for what you get. The picnic bench at our site was pretty run down and dirty. The shower was leaky and also not very clean. For one night you had to purchase a mandatory 30$ service package containing two coffee cups and a bundle of firewood. Internet is only available at the small shop and cost yet another 20$. Given the fact that the camping site cost 200$, this IMHO is out of scale.

janlex diane carpio

What a trip! Although we only stayed overnight, it was still worth it. I think it’s worth the price. There were free amenities that I was not expecting to have. I love seeing some creatures as well (blue jays, skunk) on the site so keep that in mind! Although some spaces were quite small, and some of them didn’t have any electrical outposts or even water faucets. Additionally it was great to see recycling and trash collection so clean. However, i did see folks having a difficult time dumping dirty water. Nonetheless, it was easy to check in and out. No problem with the service. I’d go again if I could!

Monyca Salomon

Honestly, the potential this place has is ridiculous! For family who camps with kids access to a playground is such a neat idea. The staff that helps you check in really lacked customer service experience gave you information and rushed you away. But the people who are in charge of upkeeping the campgrounds and making coffee in the mornings were divine ❤️ We stayed in campsite 011. Perfect right in front of the playground ,direct access to the river ,shady but that meant everybody was cutting through our campground. Understandably I mean you gotta get around somehow, but there is very, very heavy foot traffic as it was one of a few entrances down to the river. The spaces are so tight and somehow advertised for more than 3 people, you kinda feel like YOU are in the way of the access to the river even at your own campsite. Considering the price per night is so expensive things should feel otherwise. It does come with a couple cool perks like ice the entire time you’re there one bundle of firewood, and two mugs for coffee and hot chocolate. The entire weekend we spent over $400 for two nights, two extra bundles of firewood. No one talks about the huge skunk problem. The critter somehow seem friendly and un afraid of you. I understand you’re in the forest. There will be lots of critters. However, The etiquette of camping and taking care of the land there is nonexistent. We are avid campers. We know the importance of not disturbing the land too much. Every campsite is provided their own water spigot, which is great, but when we asked where to dispose of gray water. We were advised to just dump it wherever. Felt very concerning And explains the invitation to many animals rummaging through the campsites. Most campsites will advise you of how to dispose of grey water with food particles and provide bear boxes. No one seem to care. Such a shame because the place is so beautiful and really the potential is out of this world. I understand it’s a private property with a different approach but hopefully those things will be taken into account