Camping in Big Sur, CA
Cool places to go, stay, eat!
Each year for our wedding anniversary, we take off for a getaway just me and him…. him and me! This year, we are celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary, so we decided to bring it back to where it all started, just with the RV this time. We had our very first overnight date back in 2007 at Lucia Lodge in Lucia, CA. Back then, we stayed at the lodge. We continued staying there for a few years, then, in 2009, Dennis proposed to me at the back of the lodges, up the hill, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. We spent the first few anniversaries there, then we decided to change it up. We would then typically pack up, jump in the car, and go. We would only decide north or south at home, then we end up where we end up. Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, one year, we rented a lake house at Lake Nacimiento, a little cottage up North in Bogaga Bay, and we camped at Limekiln in Big Sur when it was open for camping. We have been going to South Lake Tahoe a few times, and we love staying at Basecamp. Oh, the memories! Each year, we would also look up the traditional or modern gift and try to find something to bring home on the trip.
This year, we booked an RV space at Riverside Campground in Big Sur. Sunday- Tuesday. Check-in time is noon!
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From our house, we are lucky to have only a 40 min drive to Riverside Campgrounds. Once we got there, it didn’t take long to set up. We were lucky enough to get schooled by our parents, who all have RVs as well. As newbies, we had to start fresh because we only had wheel chalks. We have to get everything, like regulators and protectors, and down to ALL the different hoses you need to get, because God forbid you mix your fresh water with your black!! I never realized all the extra exterior stuff. If your site doesn't have this tip, or only has a certain plug-in. So, according to my Dad & Sandy, it's better to be safe than sorry and to get it all.
Each site comes with water hookups; don’t forget the water pressure regulator to protect your plumbing and appliances by reducing the water pressure and surge protectors, in case the power goes out at the campsite, your RV won’t blow up, something like that. (Thanks to our Dads) Also, a water filter was a must. We prefer to have a water filter for showering, brushing our teeth, and washing dishes. On Amazon, we subscribe and save, so we never run out. The stabilizers so you don’t get seasick inside, with your trailer rocking everywhere.
snack time!
Riverside Campground river
Dennis and I- Lucia Lodge-celebrating 17 years!
So, of course, we wanted to walk the new campsite and get familiar with where we would be staying for the next few days. It’s a very small campground; they have 7-8 RV sites right on the river. They also have a few sites for tents and cabins as well.
Connected to our campground is Riverside’s sister property, Big Sur Campground and Cabins. Driving south, once you hit Rivers Inn, Big Sur Campgrounds is right after, then Riverside Campgrounds. In my opinion, I like Riverside; there were fewer people, we were really close to the water, and it had more daylight, although Big Sur campgrounds is bigger, so there were more things to do, like a full playground for kids. We did swing on the swings, so fun! they had a laundromat as well as a store that has cute merch & cute postcards. If you bring your coffee mug up front, you can get coffee, Hot Coco, or tea complimentary .
This was a cute different type of cabin they had at Big Sur Campgrounds The roof is clear, it has a nice size porch and faces the river and a huge grassy area.
After our walk, Dennis unhooked the trailer, and just 5 minutes north of Riverside campgrounds is Rivers Inn, an inn to stay & an amazing restaurant. Rivers Inn is known for the Adirondack chairs in the water. Next to it is the Rivers Inn General Store. They have a burrito bar in the back, you fill out your own card of what you want by checking the boxes, and a few minutes later, our name was called, so we took a few tacos to go. They have a nice wine and beer section, anything you might have missed in the general grocery section, and, of course, a huge merchandise section where I got a mug, a sweater, and a fridge magnet.
This is what Dennis calls shit and crap! But I love my shit and crap. I got these cute enamel pins at Big Sur Deli-
Monday morning, after our morning coffee, we headed south to Lucia Lodge. On the way, just 10 mins south, we stopped at Big Sur Deli for a breakfast burrito. I found some enamel pins and a few stickers! From there, Lucia is about an hour drive on the beautiful Hwy 1. Behind Lucia Lodge is a trail to a view we used to sit at for hours. Almost every time we are in Big Sur, we try to hike the mountain. This time, it looked different, a bit overgrown. Some new wood rails, but other than that, the view was still the same! Spectator! The first thing I did was run over to the rail at the furthest point of the cliff, where Dennis carved our initials. Then each time we went out, he would add the date, no date this time, but he did fluff it up. The beginning of March is the very last week of the whales' migration. This time, we saw a ton of whale spouts. So crazy how from up top, something like a whale that is HUGE, the spout is so small.
After that beautiful view, we headed further south, not far, and checked out Kirk Creek campgrounds, which are very beautiful. You are oceanside, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and I feel I want to stay there once. It seems packed, very busy for a non-holiday weekday.
We then headed back to our home away from home. When we got back to the RV, Dennis took our chairs and put them in the river. He came in, made us nice, warm coffee, then we went out on the river to enjoy our coffee, the conversation, and, of course, the view. The water was cold but refreshing. I had my toes in while Dennis walked around. The water was flowing fast, but just up to his knees
Later, for dinner, we went to the Big Sur Taphouse. They have amazing local beers on tap as well as ciders. You can eat inside or head out back, up the stairs. There's a beautiful patio with outdoor seating, as well as a covered area with a TV. In the summers, there used to be live one-man bands that came out. I’m sure they still do. Kids and dogs are all welcome.
our view from the patio. I wish you can hear it
I have to say we will be back! I want to do that trip all over again. Thank for stopping my my Big Sur guide. I hope this blog helps your next trip to Big Sur. Are you planning your next trip now? Tell me in the comments when and where you are planning on going or if you have any spots you’d like to share with us!
xoxo
Tamara Lee
