Take A Stunning Beachside Camping Adventure At This California Forest

Old-growth forests, stunning oceans, awe-striking arid lands, and breathtaking natural landmarks that can't be found anywhere else in the world are just a few reasons why California is a nature lover's paradise. If you're searching for a bucket list-worthy trip, cruise down California's famous coastal Highway 1 to Big Sur and take a stunning beachside camping adventure at Plaskett Creek Campground.

The camping area is located within Los Padres National Forest, which encompasses nearly 2 million acres of California's rugged wildlands. The forest is home to a wide variety of environments, including mountain ranges and semi-deserts towards the interior that transform into coastal habitats as the forest meets the Pacific Ocean. The Plaskett Creek Campground offers the best of both worlds: You get to sleep among the native flora and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Los Padres National Forest. In the morning, you wake up to the ocean breeze and find the untouched, sandy shores of Sand Dollar Beach just a skip away. If you're on a budget or simply find being surrounded by nature relaxing, Plaskett Creek Campground is a perfect accommodation for people visiting California's coast.

Plaskett Creek Campground is surrounded by towering Monterey pines that will make you feel lost in California's wooded wilderness. You're only .3 miles from Sand Dollar Beach, one of the largest beaches in the Big Sur area. There are 44 different campsites open year-round that can each accommodate six to eight people and are pet-friendly. Unlike traditional lodgings near Sand Dollar Beach, the campground is super affordable. Each normal site will run you $45.00 per night on average and only costs an extra $10.00 per night for any additional vehicles. 

Depending on the season, the two group sites cost anywhere between $150.00 to $250.00 per night. The camping areas are suitable for both tent and RV camping. Though they are by no means fancy, each site is equipped with amenities like a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Moreover, the campgrounds have a shared restroom and water spigots for visitors. The Campsite can be reserved directly online three days in advance.

Activities are abundant at this Big Sur gem. There are several hiking trails you can access near the campground. Set off on the Sand Dollar Jade Cove Trail, a 0.72-mile route that follows a beautiful coastal bluff blanketed by wildflowers, offering hikers scenic views and opportunities to view wildlife. This trail is one of several that have access points for both Jade Cove and Sand Dollar Beach. As its moniker suggests, Jade Cove is known for being a prime coastal spot that rock collectors visit in hopes of finding a piece of prized jade that naturally populates the beachfront. 

Campers can also make use of Sand Dollar Beach during the day. In addition to swimming, beach combing, sunbathing, and picnicking, surfers can be spotted riding the turquoise waves from the shores. Just 2 miles south of the campground is Willow Creek Beach, another scenic spot perfect for a tide-pooling adventure or a picnic. For an iconic and unforgettable Big Sur experience, pack your gear and make your way to Plaskett Creek Campground.