The most dramatic coastal drive in North America. Highway 1 along cliffs dropping to the Pacific, redwoods reaching toward fog, and camping under ancient trees above the ocean. From San Francisco south or LA north, both are the same iconic experience.
- Bixby Bridge alone makes the drive worth it. The most iconic vista in California
- McWay Falls drops onto an untouched beach that you can only view from above, exclusive by design
- Andrew Molera and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Parks have good campgrounds
- No need to hike far, the scenery is accessible from the road
- Can be done in 2 days as a loop from SF or as a point-to-point from SF to LA
Free camping near Big Sur
Los Padres NF: Nacimiento-Ferguson Road Dispersed
Los Padres National Forest (Monterey District)
Free dispersed camping along the dramatic Nacimiento-Ferguson Road, one of California's best scenic drives. Oak and madrone forest, ridgeline views to the ocean. Very few people know this exists.
How to get there
From Lucia on CA-1, turn inland on Nacimiento-Ferguson Road (G18). Dispersed camping begins within the national forest boundary (~3 miles in). Look for pullouts and NF signs.
California campfire permit required (free at CALFire.ca.gov)
Los Padres NF: Prewitt Ridge Dispersed
Los Padres National Forest
Ridgeline dispersed camping with some of the best ocean views in California. Requires a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle on the ridge road but total solitude with 180° Pacific views.
How to get there
From Pacific Valley on CA-1, take the rough road inland to Prewitt Ridge. High clearance required. About 7 miles of dirt road.
California campfire permit required (free)
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January: month to skip
- February
- March
- April: best month
- May: best month
- June
- July
- August
- September: best month
- October: best month
- November
- December: month to skip
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$30 to $85
per day (food + transit)
Campsites: $35/night
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 5
days · easy difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- Road closures: Highway 1 is frequently closed by landslides, always check Caltrans
- You need cell service, but most of Big Sur has zero signal
- Campsite flexibility: every campground books out months ahead in summer