Sites were easy to access with out fifth wheel. Bathrooms were kept very clean. Dump station on site made it must that more enjoyable. We will definitely go here again. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
We love this campground! The spots are big and shady and the staff is great. They rent tubes to flow down the river for only $ 1/ hr. They have a playground and basketball court for the kids. We will certainly stay here again next time we're in Big Sur. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
This was a very popular place just about every possible site was taken. The cabins were full as well. The bridge construction was a bit noisy. The location was wonderful. The sites were really close together you really got to know your neighbor. The staff was very nice. My kids enjoyed the playground as well as the basketball court. Probably won't go back since it was a bit tight for us but for the location and all the great beaches it was worth our one trip. The bathrooms were constantly being cleaned. We camped here in a Tent.
We had a nice spot on the river and with electric/water hookup. There were a lot of larger groups in tents which made it feel quite busy and a bit noisier. It is a long way on foot to get to walking trails. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The park was clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We stayed in space 91 after requesting a change from space 93. 93 was overlooking the river and not a good spot if you have small children. Their bridge is currently being rebuilt so there is a lot of construction material like large steel beams right at the entrance but once you get into the park you don't see them. Nice little walk up store to get very basic essentials. They have a great park for the kids and a basketball court. The restrooms and showers were sparkling clean. It is a little expensive and you have to drive to do any hiking or get to the beach. With warmer weather you could have fun at the river right there. We would stay there again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Review Rating
[ 7 / 10 ]
December 2008
$40
Pretty much as the others have said - friendly place, nice location staff were helpful. Downside is that there are no hikes out of the site - you need to drive to see anything which is a shame (when toad less). The lack of Wi-Fi is a mistake we use it to check out what we want to see in the local area and where we are heading next. The summer wild fires missed here but have caused a few problems in the State Park just south. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This was our second time in this park. We arrived on a Wednesday afternoon in our 36' Diesel Pusher. While interior roads are narrow we were easily able to navigate to space 99 and back in. Much to our surprise the park now offers 50amp electrical, which it did not last time (2005). This is a beautifully maintained secluded park. Park was virtually empty due to mid week arrival, and off season, but we love it that way! We will stay here again! We camped here in a Motorhome.
We tried to get into Pfeiffer State Park first, but our trailer did not fit. So, we moved on and found this campground. It's not bad, but it's rather primitive. I have to agree with the other reviewers, paying nearly $60.00 and not having full hook-ups is too much. We had no phone reception down there either. The playground was nice! And we used the restrooms, but not the showers and they were pretty clean. I don't think we'd stay here again. But at least they had space available. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
This is a really pretty park deep in a valley of redwoods. The river is gorgeous and you have free access to it to sit by it's side or float in an inner tube, swim (if it happens to be a time of year when it is deep enough) or whatever you want. I will warn you that the roads you have to navigate through the park to get to some of the sites are insanely tight. We have a 25' trailer and we barely made it through. You see a lot of folks struggling with this. Other that that, they have on site laundry, nice, clean restrooms and the staff is really helpful and friendly too. I would recommend it as a great place to stay in Big Sur. There are no trails within this park but you are close to other parks that have extensive hiking and great views of the coast. There is no internet or cell access in this park so if that matters to you it is a drawback. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Nice park but no full hook ups and as tight as the park seemed we didn't try and dump before we left. We had a nice back in spot on the river. The sites are set amongst huge redwoods that make the place seem smaller than it is. Highway noise from Hwy 1 can be heard all day but it quiets down in the evening. I felt it was a little pricey but the scenery was nice. No Wi-Fi or cell coverage so if you want a get away from it all experience you'll get it there. Coming up from the south on Hwy 1 is a bit of a pain but if you're coming from the north the drive isn't bad at all. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
You can't get closer to a redwoods camping experience in a motorhome if you want electricity and water. As indicated there is no cable TV, no WiFi and no sewer hookups. Many of your neighbors will be in tents, some in some pretty nifty looking cabins. The park is gorgeous but can feel a bit cramped when it's full mainly because of so many trees and big rigs. The campsites themselves are reasonably spacious. Minor groceries, decent restaurants and souvenir shops are within walking distance. Kids seem to love this place. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a beautiful park, but very crowded I suspect in the summer months. There were no spots available when we camped over a Fri/Sat night stay. It was quite crowded. The facilities are great. We have a 3 and 5 year old who just loved the playground, one of the best if you have small children. The .50 ice cream was a hit on Fri/Sat nights, too. We had what they called their best spot, #99, and while it was nice, I don't think I would have liked any of the others. We backed to the river which was really down (nice with small kids) and had a small grass area behind us which was nice. I thought $58 was pricey for partial hookups, too. One of the most expensive parks we've stayed in, but the location and forest feel is one of a kind. Lots of foreigners visiting which was interesting when chit chatting with people. Many foreigners make it one of their stops along the California coast on their way to SF. Overall nice park, but having visited once, probably wouldn't go back. Not an easy drive either! We camped here in a Motorhome.
Don't be deceived by their website, this place is basically a parking lot in the woods. It's shady and nice, but if you rent a cabin you will have a Cruise America RV right at your campfire. No privacy anywhere. Also, one end of the campground has a playground and the other end has a basketball court...if you want quiet then forget it. Friendly staff, super clean restrooms and redwood shade, but that's it for the price. Next time I'll stay at the state park up the road. We camped here in a Motorhome.
My husband and I stayed here on they to see my Daughter in Carmel. It was beautiful. We will stay here again, and recommend this place. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
The good: Sites are surrounded by shady, cool redwoods. The area is quiet -- even though the highway is nearby, the river drowns out any noise. (Plus the highway gets little use at night.) Great location for nearby recreational activities -- hiking, mountain biking, etc. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The not so good: electric and water hookups are kind of far from your rig, but the office has extension cords and hoses if you need them. Some sites are not level, so bring your blocks. The bathrooms are OK but the door is locked open, which makes it cold and drafty. There are no paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms. Some sites can get muddy. Roadways are tight. Lots of kids at playground -- they can be noisy at times. (If you have kids, the playground is a big plus). Make sure you know exactly where this place is -- the turn into the campground comes up suddenly if you are traveling north on Highway 1, and the sign is not easy to see. But overall, a beautiful setting. We will be back. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
If you are a nature lover, this is the place. This RV park is located on the valley where hundreds of red woods are with river running. I recommend this place than other state park in Big Sur area. This place much more like State Park. We were there when it was raining and it was so beautiful. I wished we could stay there longer. However, the shower was not a great experience. The shower room wasn't heated. Very cold specially when it is raining out.Staffs are very very friendly as well. Still I would definitely go back there and next time I will stay longer. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Yes, its tough for a large vehicle to maneuver in, but its an absolutely beautiful setting amongst big redwoods. Very friendly staff, quiet hours enforced. River access, basketball and playground in the campground. State parks for great hikes are nearby. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a very tight fit for big rigs even though the reservation staff says it is not an issue. Getting through the entry gate with a 40' motorhome takes great care and requires observers. There is no Internet service here whatsoever either via WiFi or cellular service. The park is crowded yet well managed. Our space was next to a huge, propane tank with our fire ring far too close to the tank. The staff is very friendly and the facilities are clean. Unfortunately, I think the fees are very overpriced for the experience. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Due to access over a bridge this campground not recommended for big rigs. Our site had a full hookup and concrete pad, but most of the other full hookup sites (around 5 or 6) were dirt. Very scenic with tall redwoods throughout the park. Recent rains the week before made some park roads muddy. Friendly and informative staff. Read the park map carefully to access the sani dump. We camped here in a Motorhome.
If the river was not so beautiful, we would probably give it a 1 or 2. The owners were friendly and accommodating, the playground for kids was huge and our boys had fun. The sites were incredibly small, on top of each other, and you had to share a 30 amp with your neighbor. The dump station was near our site, so we heard a lot of extra noise. The redwood trees were beautiful, but there was no place to hike unless you drove a ways, and we didn't tow a car, so we were out of luck. We were only there one night, so it wasn't the worst, but we would probably not go back. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Had a site directly on the river, very pretty place. Had to share the 30AMP, but there was no one next to us so it didn't matter. Nice playground, and they rent tubes to float down the river in. They seem to generate their own electricity, so there is a noisy generator on. Dump station is conveniently located. Staff is very accommodating, they even have a supply of small things that you might forget (e.g. can opener) that you can borrow at no charge. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Second time there, we'll go again. Campground is deep in a canyon - direct sunlight drops off early in the afternoon. The site we had this time (11) was confusing. An older, larger site was split in two. Site 10 has to drive through site 11! There is only one 30-amp circuit for 10 and 11 to share. However, the site has an excellent view of the river, and our son spent happy hours at the nearby playground. Saw a couple 34-footers in the camp, but that is really pushing it. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a nice clean campground. The staff is nice. The restrooms and showers are clean. The sites are dirt and being spring ours was muddy. Lucky for us the mud wasn't in the way. Some may get themselves stuck. There is a nice playground for the kids. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
We had a campsite that was on the Big Sur River. The campground is very pretty and the people working there were friendly. Each campsite has a fire pit. There is a really nice playground if you happen to have smaller children. There is also a nice restaurant within walking distance. The campground is on Highway 1 which is very windy as it follows the coast. It makes up for this by being exceptionally pretty. Overall we had a great time and we would like to go back sometime. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Spent one night there over Thanksgiving weekend, 2004 on way back from Bodega Bay. Very nice and friendly staff. Walking distance to the Big Sur River Inn Restaurant. Would stay there again. Right on the Big Sur River, and surrounded by forest....lots of shade. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Glad we didn't miss this one. What a great location. Was worth the drive. There are a lot of great walking trails and vista views of the ocean. Local shops are close by. Will return! We camped here in a Motorhome.
The above rate is for three adults and two kids. The campground is nice but a little close to HWY1. If you get the river-front sites (there are 3 RV sites that's right by the entrance bridge), you will hear the highway noise but it's not too bad since Hwy1 is a small two-lane highway anyway. No ocean access but the little river is crystal clear and fun for wading around (kinda cold even in late Sept.). A good base to operate from and visit other places in Big Sur. It is one of the few places in Big Sur with a dumping station and electrical/water hookups. Excellent clean free showers and bathrooms. Plenty of hot water. Will visit again. Most important: There is a nice playground. Keep the kids busy for hours. No individual sewer hookups anywhere but there is a dumping station. We camped here in a camper.
This is not a park for a 5th wheel. The entrance from the highway was such that we hit the 5th wheel,a 25 footer,with the bed of our pickup. The road in was rough and one lane with a blind corner. The "j-turn" at the bottom of the road would have been almost impossible if there had been anyone camped in the two sites next to it. I feel the person who took our reservation was very remiss in not forewarning us that the entrance was a problem for 5th wheels. The area we were camped in had no grass--just dirt. Thankfully we didn't have any rain. One set of restrooms was shut down and the porta potties provided were totally disgusting, dumpsters were overflowing, and electric and water services were placed in such a way that it was a challenge to get everything hooked up. The only redeeming feature was the setting. We would not stay here again. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This campground has a beautiful setting, driving down into it is like going into a national forest. The river was freezing cold, but the water was clean and sparkly. Very nice people running it, and a great restaurant and bar at the entrance. Nice live music and food on weekends. We camped here in a Tent.
We really enjoyed this campground. It is as close as you can get to a state/national park campground with hookups. The sites are a little tight to back into with a MH and the road down the hill is a bit of a challenge to navigate but it really is beautiful. Every site is in the redwoods. Sites 2 and 3 are ideal for a MH and there is a creek that bubbles over rocks directly behind you with your fire ring over looking it. Loved it and highly recommend it. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Review Rating
[ 6 / 10 ]
July 2006
$45
Do not take a big rig!! They will allow a maximum trailer length of 36' but the J turn at the bottom of the steep downward road is very difficult for anything over 25 or 30 feet. We would have probably done damage to the rear of our trailer if we didn't have rollers attached. We were the camp entertainment for the evening getting our 36' fifth wheel into our space. It has nice wooded sites with huge redwood trees and a river behind. The bathrooms were primitive and didn't look clean. Also, there was no sewer hookup. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Beautiful location on the river. Very quiet. Went with a group of 2 tents and 2 campers. I had to share electric with my friend, even when the brochure showed the site having it's own electric. Getting down the driveway to the campground my fifth-wheel hit the bed of my truck. No dump site available there, we were told to go to State Park about a mile or so away. Due to the entrance being so steep, I will not go back. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
The service from the staff was very low. Much less service than even a state campground. But, that's not the reason to come here. It is a wonderful location. And they do keep it clean. We happened to get a larger site right on the river. If I ever came again I would want the same spot!(sorry don't remember the site number) The river is so nice, and the sound of it is so soothing to sleep to. The kids had a great time and played in the river most of the time. The two worst things about this campground are; (1) There are no sewer hook ups, and no dump station. You have to go a few miles up the road and pay to dump at a state park. (2) When you enter (and leave) there is an extemly tight 'J' turn at the bottom of the hill into the park, with tall trees lining the turn. So if your trailer is over 27'....well it is very difficult! That said I loved the stay, but would only return in a smaller motorhome (NOT our 30' travel trailer!), and have a 100 gallon gray water tank. Improve the turn into the park, I'd give it a solid 8. Add sewer hook ups maybe a 9. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
The giant redwoods and their aroma make this a wonderful stop on your journey. The river babbles behind the campsites and it feels like Scout camp from days of old. The bathrooms remind you of Scout camp too! They are really primative with dirty concrete floors and showers that barely qualify. There is no dump station so we paid $8 to use the one at the near-by state park. However, about a mile up the road is the Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant. It is not to be missed. Wonderful decks made of native logs melt down the hill to the river below where bent-wood furniture sits in the water. Use the stepping stones and relax as the water ebbs around you. There is Wi-Fi hookup so you can sit and lunch and compute with no one to bother you. We paid $5 for our youngster to swim while we enjooyed the afternoon. Dogs on leashes are also welcome on the grounds. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Your in the Red Woods and the river runs thru the camp ground. There are approximately 35 electric and water sites. Roads are narrow but I managed to maneuver with my 32 foot Class A in the dark. Very few site would handle a big rig over 35 Ft. If your wanting to use your sat dish, pick sites 66 or 24 both give you a view of the southern sky. Lots of woods to tent camp in and some tent camp site along the river. They also offer tent cabins for rent. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This park (camping and day use) is closed and will be for a minimum of several more months due to a fire last year. Pfeiffer Falls and all hiking trails in the area are also closed. (I did not stay at the park since it is closed, and the 1 rating is only to alert you not to go to this park without confirming it is re-opened.) We camped here in a Motorhome.
I really liked this park and its easy to see why it is so popular. Seems really tight for larger rigs but for smaller units what a jewel. The wifi only works close to the concession store. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Paved interior roads. Each site has picnic table and fire ring. Water spigots throughout campground. Most spots in dense shade. Campground store with laundry facilities though now store open only on Friday and Saturday. Many spaces far apart allowing for lots of privacy. Only a few spaces have asphalt pads for parking rig and most spaces require some leveling. Interior roads good for hiking and bike riding. Wi-Fi available from AT&T at $7.99 day. Information says should be 150-200 feet from Visitor Center. I got Excellent signal morning after arriving and paid fee and logged on, though far away from Visitor Center. Log-on lasted for about six hours and could never reconnect. Some of smaller spaces designated for tents though tents are also allowed in spaces designated for motorhomes. Restrooms throughout campground ranging from fairly modern to rustic that appears to be a throwback to bygone years. When there about 50% occupied and very quite and peaceful. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The entrance can be a little intimidating if your not pre-prepared. It's a narrow, steep downhill, (but blessedly short) approach to an equally narrow causeway over the Big Sur River. I’d might hesitate booking if I were a really big Class A with tow-car. Once your breath returns, however, you’ll be happy you chose Riverside . Limited amenities but it has a real nice wilderness camping atmosphere. The shallow river provides unlimited play and tubing opportunities for kids of all ages. It’s a great place to come back to and soak your feet after a hard day of Big Sur hiking. Fuel and propane are close by. It’s also close enough to Carmel to make that area accessible. We would use again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Great location on the river and in the redwoods. Staff was very nice and helpful. The only negatives would be for no sewer hookups and no wifi. Otherwise I would give this site a 10. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Review Rating
[ 9 / 10 ]
April 2008
$45
Lovely park, very friendly staff, uncrowded in the spring. This park is adjacent to Big Sur Campground & Cabins and it's possible to walk from one park to another. We hated to leave. Would be a "10" if we'd had a a sewer hookup. Lack of cell phone and wifi was a plus for us, but if you have teenagers traveling with you, they might not agree. Drive time from here to the Monterey Bay Aquarium was 40 minutes, to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park 5 minutes. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Great family oriented campground! Kids were running all around the place. We had a river site, which gave us a nice view to wake up to in the morning. Sites were level enough that we didn't need blocks. Tons of shade. The managers were accommodating, and ensured the place was quiet in the evening. There's a gate between Riverside and the neighboring campground which has a nice playground and basketball court, so the kids were able to walk over and play with other kids. Aside from that, there's not a whole lot to do at the campground, but plenty of nice beaches and hiking trails within a 10 minute drive. The sites are all pretty tight, which made pulling in and out with a 28' trailer a bit difficult. So once you're in, it's probably not worth your effort to pull out until you leave. The electrical and bathrooms need to be updated, and they little store could make a bundle if they stocked it better. But aside from that, I'd say it's a nice place to visit. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
This campground was right out of the movie Robin Hood, as it reminded us of the treehouses and the bridges.You have to go down a hill, around a tree in the middle of the road, then cross a concrete ford and you're almost in. The next thing you do is back into your space between trees, at least at our site and backing our 30' was fun. Everyone was watching and surprise, I made it the first time. Had about two feet clearance on both sides and the trees were about 10' thru. Coming out we had to go back to Big Sur, so that we could turn around and head south. That trip is a different story, going south on Highway 1. Anyway, we would stay there again in a heartbeat as it was a nice retro campground and a wonderful area. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.