For the record, the areas l am going to share with you are not campgrounds. These areas are first come first serve dispersed locations in the Los Padres National Forest. Which means they have no amenities and can be a challenge to access. In return, you get the most epic and secluded views of the California Central Coast. Just off the scenic Highway 1 near Big Sur, these locations offer you some of the greatest off grid camping along the whole west coast. Here are some awesome spots to camp near Big Sur, for free!

Before I Share These Spots With You, Please Read The Following

• LEAVE NO TRACE This is extremely important to this fragile environment. If you are visiting this area after 2020, you will notice a significant increase in trash, including used toilet paper. GROSS! If you are reading this, you probably want to visit this area. Let’s keep it clean, let’s keep it open to the public. Don’t be trashy, be cool and pick up your trash.

• Stay on the Trail Again, please help preserve this area. If you drive or hike off trail, you are damaging it. The areas I am going to share with you require a high ground clearance vehicle and at times, 4WD/AWD is needed. If you think your car can’t make it, don’t dig up the land trying to make it out.

• Please Use Existing Sites These areas are clearly marked where previous people have made camp along the service road. USE THESE SPOTS, do not create another one. You can find more information on California’s public land use here.

• Check Road Closures and Fire Restrictions Check current conditions and closures in the Los Padres National Forest here before you go. Be mindful of warning signs, private property and other campers/drivers.

1. Plaskett Ridge Road

35.9324, -121.4320

Just outside the Plaskett Creek Campground, Plaskett Ridge Road takes you straight up the mountain side on a dirt road. This is a fairly popular spot for camping, so if you want to score a spot head out before the weekend. The drive up will take you through some epic scenery. Go slow to keep the dust down and enjoy the views. Once you reach the top, you will see multiple areas dedicated to disbursed campers, but since you are at the top you fill find there is not much for shade.

2. Prewitt Ridge Road

35.978, -121.4657

To get here, you will take Nacimiento Fergusson Road off Highway 1. This paved road will zig zag up the mountain until you come to a split. Turn right onto the Coast Ridge Trail, which is another awesome area to camp by the way. Continue to follow Coast Ridge and stay right at the next intersection, which is Prewitt Ridge. My favorite part is the evenings, watching the marine layer disappear over the ocean making for epic sunsets. This time of day can get quite windy, but night time calms down and makes for awesome star gazing.

3. Coast Ridge Trail

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Instead of turning right onto Prewitt Ridge, you can continue straight on Coast Ridge which will run along the scenic Highway 1 form above. If you turn Left on the Coast Ridge off of the paved Nacimiento, this will take you to Cone Peak.

Cone Peak is the second tallest mountain in the Santa Lucia Range and offers a spectacular hiking experience. Due to its remote location that is not easily accessible, you can often find yourself out here completely alone.

4. Alder Creek Camp

35.8789, -121.3860

Eight miles of dirt road from Highway 1 on Willow Creek Road, you will take a slight left at Los Burros Spur Road. You will find yourself some shaded, quiet, developed camping spots with a fire pit and tables. Plus side, you get to listen to the sound of the creek and enjoy miles and miles of hiking trails.

5. Explore and Find Your Own!

unlimited, – opportunities

One of the greatest parts about this large, beautiful chunk of public land is these service roads go everywhere. With a little bit of exploring, you will find areas to camp that are not listed online. I would highly recommend downloading maps from either onX Off Road or Gaia GPS to help you navigate and find camp in case you decide to explore vs stick to the plan, speaking from experience. Remember, there is private land out here as well and these maps will help you.

Be safe, have fun, leave no trace.

Cheers!