RV & camping guide
Big Sur by RV
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 sourceWhere to park the rig near Big Sur
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
Partner link · RoverPass
RV parks near Big Sur on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check on RoverPass
Partner link · Campspot
Campsites near Big Sur on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check on CampspotTraveling by RV near Big Sur?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. Minialife readers get 20% off the first year.
Partner link · Harvest Hosts
Rent a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Partner link · Motorhome Republic
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
Wake up wherever the view is best — no check-in desk, no curfew.
Check on Motorhome Republic
Partner link · Motorhome Republic
Sprinter Adventure Van
Small enough to park at the trailhead, comfy enough to sleep in.
Check on Motorhome RepublicQuick 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.