Riverside Campground & Cabins Introduce
For those seeking an unforgettable outdoor escape, Riverside Campground & Cabins, located at 47020 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA, is a premier destination. When searching for "Camping Near Me," this establishment stands out by offering a comprehensive range of accommodation options, from RV and tent sites to cozy cabins, all nestled in the breathtaking natural beauty of Big Sur. You can reach them at (831) 667-2414 or +1 831-667-2414.
Environment and Setting:
Riverside Campground & Cabins is truly an idyllic spot, situated on approximately ten acres along the enchanting Big Sur River. The environment is dominated by a rich, mixed forest featuring majestic Coastal Redwood, Maple, Oak, Laurel, and Poplar trees. This dense canopy provides ample shade, creating a cool and tranquil atmosphere even on warmer days, and imbues the air with a lovely "woodsy smell" as noted by guests. The presence of the Big Sur River is a defining characteristic, with many riverside sites offering direct access and the soothing sound of flowing water just "feet from the water," creating a profoundly peaceful ambiance.
The campground offers a serene retreat, allowing visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature. While sites, particularly for RVs, might be "close together," the overall feeling is one of being enveloped by the stunning natural surroundings. The beauty of Big Sur is on full display here, with opportunities to gaze in awe at the towering redwoods and enjoy the pristine natural landscape. The location on Highway 1 also provides convenient access to the wider Big Sur coastline, renowned for its dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and lush forests.
Services and Features:
Riverside Campground & Cabins excels in providing a comfortable and well-equipped camping experience, whether you're in an RV, a tent, or a cabin.
Accommodations: The campground offers a variety of choices. For RVs, there are level spots with water and 20-amp electric hookups, accommodating vehicles up to around 34-40 feet in length. Tent sites are also available, often with water hook-ups, fire pits, and picnic tables. The cabins are a significant draw, ranging from cozy one-room units to spacious two-bedroom options, some featuring kitchens, microwaves, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms with hot showers. These cabins boast "beautiful natural wood interiors" and are designed for comfort, with amenities like heat, comfortable beds, and patios. Specific cabins may also come with organic mattress pads, linens, and Pendleton sustainable wool blankets.
Clean Facilities: A consistent highlight in customer reviews is the cleanliness and quality of the communal facilities. The bathrooms are regularly cleaned, and showers are praised for "great water pressure and heat." Coin laundry facilities are also available on-site, adding convenience for longer stays.
Camp Store: The on-site camp store is "well stocked" and "has plenty of options," including "lots of firewood," snacks, beverages, groceries, and camping supplies. This means campers don't have to venture far for essentials, enhancing the convenience of their stay.
Complimentary Amenities: Guests frequently appreciate the thoughtful touches, such as "free coffee, tea, and oatmeal" available in the mornings. Some reviews also mention a welcome package that includes mugs, a flashlight, and a bundle of firewood, along with complimentary ice and hot chocolate, adding significant value to the stay.
Pet-Friendly: Riverside Campground & Cabins is notably "super pet-friendly," with staff who are happy to give "furry friend a treat" when visiting the camp store. This welcoming policy makes it an ideal destination for those traveling with their animal companions, with a maximum of two pets per site, cabin or room (with some exceptions). Additional pet fees apply.
Recreational Activities: The Big Sur River is central to many activities. Guests can enjoy "swimming in the river," and "inner tubing in the summertime," with tubes available for purchase at the camp store. Each site and cabin comes with a fire pit for relaxing around campfires and telling stories. There's also a playground for children, and a basketball court, ensuring entertainment for all ages. For those interested in culinary experiences, the presence of a "sushi truck on the weekends" adds a unique and delightful touch.
Connectivity: While Big Sur is known for minimal cell service, Riverside Campground & Cabins offers Wi-Fi access, particularly near the Camp Store and in cabins/rooms, which is a significant plus for guests who need to stay connected.
Promotional Information:
Riverside Campground & Cabins positions itself as a versatile and welcoming retreat for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. For those actively searching "Camping Near Me" in the Big Sur area, Riverside offers a compelling combination of stunning natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. It’s an ideal choice for:
Families: With a playground, river tubing, and a variety of accommodation options, it caters well to families seeking a memorable vacation.
RV Enthusiasts: The level RV spots with hookups make it a convenient stop for those exploring Highway 1 in their recreational vehicles.
Tent Campers: Primitive camping without sacrificing access to clean restrooms and showers is a major advantage.
Those seeking comfort in nature: The cabins offer a "glamping" style experience, providing amenities while still being immersed in the redwood forest and by the river.
Pet Owners: The strong pet-friendly policy makes it easy to bring along beloved furry companions.
Beyond the immediate campground, its strategic location in Big Sur means "beach access and miles of spectacular hiking trails" are just a short drive away. Popular nearby attractions include Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, with its own array of hiking trails like Pfeiffer Falls, and the iconic coastal vistas that Big Sur is famous for. The proximity to local dining and shopping options, including the Big Sur River Inn (known for chairs in the river during summer!), also adds to the overall appeal. Riverside Campground & Cabins has earned accolades, including a 2025 Campspot Awards winner for "Top Tent Campgrounds," underscoring its quality and popularity. The staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. Whether you're looking for an active adventure or a peaceful retreat, Riverside Campground & Cabins provides an excellent base to experience the magic of Big Sur.
Riverside Campground & Cabins Photos










Riverside Campground & Cabins Location
Riverside Campground & Cabins
47020 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
Riverside Campground & Cabins47020 CA-1
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Santa Lucia Campground & Chapel46896 CA-1
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Main CampMonterey County
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Redwood CampBig Sur
Riverside Campground & Cabins Reviews
We stayed here in our Class C RV. The spot was level. The spots are close together but we didn’t mind. Staff is very friendly and the store has plenty of options and lots of firewood. Free coffee, tea, and oatmeal! The bathrooms were clean and showers had great water pressure and heat. Absolutely beautiful spot. Riverside sites are feet from the water!
Jan 02, 2025 · Morgan CampbellWe had such a great time staying in cabin 1! It was so peaceful with a lovely woodsy smell, a hot shower, and comfortable beds. We could even hear the soothing sound of the river from our cabin patio. Plus, we really enjoyed the fire pit and the super pet-friendly staff who always gave our furry friend a treat when we visited the camp store. And to top it all off, we loved having a sushi truck on the weekends!
Oct 18, 2024 · LT SariLoved my cabin Number One, it was a perfect way to end the day on my roadtrip. Thanks to a couple a met at Point Lobos for the tip!. The gal at check-in was very personable and fun to chat with - about all sorts of things. Nepenthe is just down the street for sunsets.
Oct 29, 2024 · Andree HurleyWe camped Sept 19-22nd This Campground was really nice and small!! The weather was good as well, it seemed kinda cold cause we had a bunch of trees around us(shade). Nights were cold but not bad and again reccomend you bring more blankets than usual.We all loved it! They offered complimentary coffee, Tea and oatmeal all day. They had full on restrooms and free warm showers. Laundry area and no out houses what so ever! The general store on site had everything you may need while camping. It was totally worth every penny spent! The kids and adults all had a great time. Water was cold but it really didn't stop the kids or some adults lol. I do recommend to bring Innertubes but if not, they do sell them. One of our lil campers caught a crawdad and ate it! Another lady who was also staying at another campsite caught a pretty big one! Now time to plan for next year! I think we had a total of 28 people with 6 sites so, we took up the whole back end of the campground which was great cause we pretty much had no one around to complain about noise! Also, not having to dodge spiders or anything was a plus!! The water was loud and soothing at night❤️ Danica was great! She answered a lot of questions we had and she was very easy to talk to. There was a sushi truck also on Friday and Saturday. We will DEFINETLEY be back!Thank you to Danica for making our trip worth it!Nicole Gabbard
Sep 24, 2024 · Nicole GabbardI think this campsite is under new ownership. Campsite is beautifully set along the river, and the redwoods. However, the changes: restrooms ran out of toilet paper, seat protection covers, and were not cleaned as often as before. The camp store closed by 8 pm or slightly earlier and was closed in the middle of the day for over 2 hours. It was also poorly stocked in comparison to before. We also missed that an employee would kindly get to all the campsites to announce "Quiet Time." The employees were ok but not as friendly and personable.
Jun 07, 2024 · Susan Miramontez
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