4x4 Camping in Big Sur?

Girlfriends birthday is first week of October so we'll be driving up for a couple days. Mainly looking for hikes and views with some off the beaten path camping and wheeling. I also heard there are hot springs in the area?

Any advice appreciated. Can't find much solid info from my searches.

Thank you!

 

I'm curious as I want to plan a camping trip up there as well! I've camped at Pfeiffer and all I remember was that it was beautiful and want to go back!

 

Was looking for the same thing. Seems to be a couple roads off the beaten path with a nice view
http://www.totalescape.com/tripez/trips/bigsurbkrds.html#.V9GOjjVrsQk

 

Keep in mind, that fire has wiped out quite of bit of areas outside the Monterey area.

 

I have been up there a lot. Recently did a through trip with my girlfriend as neither of us had done any of the actual touristy things despite our many trips.

My recommendation, stay in the southern part and camp up Willow Creek Rd or along South Coast Ridge. Coming North on the 1 you'll get off the highway right after you pass Gorda Springs and the little gas station. That area is my favorite as there are lots of little off shoots with great lush camping spots. Alder Creek, Sycamore Flat or there is a cool spot below Sycamore where you can camp among redwoods or pack down the creek and spend the night at another site about a mile down on the river. You might get some bush rash on your truck getting there, though.

Everything you find in Big Sur is going to be pay to play (if there is even vacancy) and overrun with tourists almost all year. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Sure thing. This is pretty much the best method in my opinion. Then you can drive up and do all the Big Sur stuff and maybe camp at Botcher's Gap if it didn't burn down... Let us know how it goes!

Make sure you stop at the Big Sur River Inn and have a drink in one of the chairs in the water. It's pretty sweet.

 

I was just there and stayed at plaskett creek campground. I didn't get to do much exploring, but the fires man..90% of the forest is closed. You should look into when they plan on reopening.

 

The Old Coast Rd is a nice 1-2 hour drive through the woods end in a sweeping view at the south end. The trail starts on the north side of the Bixby Bridge and heads south ending near Andrew Molera State park. For camping- head up Nacimiento Road above the always booked Kirk Creek campground. The road goes back forever but there are plenty of places to pull off and camp.

 

Kirk Creek gets my vote!! right by Nacimiento Road like said above. Nothing like sleeping and hearing the seals, wales, and waves crashing on the rocks. Sand dollar beach is great beach and never crowded. Limekiln state park has a nice hike back through forest to the old limekilns, and Fern Canyon trail is nice also.