Globetrotting Blonde

I recently spent a few days camping at the beautiful Ventana Campground in Big Sur, California. By far one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever camped, Ventana is located in a 40 acre Redwood canyon right off the A1 highway. The campground is centrally located and one of the most affordable places to stay at in all of Big Sur.

It’s a tent-only campground, so no RVs, motor homes or trailers of any kind are allowed. Ventana Campground is owned by Hyatt and can be booked with reward points.

As I researched the campground (which fills up quickly, so book in advance), I had a hard time finding visuals of the individual camping sites. Here, I’ve put together a quick visual guide of as many sites as I could snap a picture of, along with the sites map Ventana Campground provides.

My favorite camping sites are #23, #24, #28, #29 and #50. I personally prefer a spot that’s a little more secluded/private with lots of surrounding nature. If you don’t mind a longer walk to the car or restrooms, I think you’d prefer these as well.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, I’ve also made a note of the sites that can better accommodate bigger groups. I highly recommend this place!

Campground Map provided by Ventana Campground

#1 - Great site if you don’t mind the stairs. Secluded and up high. Not surprisingly, it’s at the front of the campground.

#2 - Worst site in the entire campground, in my opinion. Lots of traffic coming in and out all day as it’s on the main road right next to the entrance.

#5 - Shady. On the main road so expect some traffic.

#6 and 7 - Great for a bigger group. Not great for individual groups as they’re very close together.

#8 - I wasn’t able to snap a picture of site 8. Pretty good spot right in the middle of the campground. On the main road.

#9, 10, 11 - Great for bigger groups wanting to camp together. These sites are pushed back behind some trees so they’re a little more private.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Parking for Sites #9, #10 and #11

#13, 14, 15 - Great for bigger groups but could also work for individuals if you don’t mind nearby neighbors. I’d say #13 is the best one.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Parking for Sites #13, #14 and #15

#16, 17 - Closest to the restrooms.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Sites #16 and #17

#19, 20 - Very cool spots. Secluded from the rest, but right next to each other. They’re on a big incline so keep that in mind if you have lots of equipment to carry up.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Sites #19 and #20

#21, 22- Right up against the glamping tents. Close to the Airstream that sells snacks and the seasonal bathrooms that are open for part of the day. #21 is on a little hill by itself and fairly secluded.

#24 - I think this one is one of the most unique spots and probably the one I would book next. If you don’t mind the hill, this spot is high up and secluded with lots of nature around.

#26, 27, 28 - On a stacked hill. I would personally love to stay on #28, located all the way in the back. #27 is in the middle. #26 is in the front.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Site #28 (all the way in the back)

#29 - The site we stayed on. Lots of beautiful Redwoods. Secluded and next to a creek. There’s a place to hang a hammock. This spot is on a pretty steep hill so keep that in mind if you have lots of equipment. Doesn’t get much sun in the morning so it can be a bit chilly. Great afternoon sun.

30’s: Centrally located, right next to parking sites. Less trafficked than the 40’s.

#30, 32 - Right next to each other. They’d be good for 2 parties wanting to camp together. They back up against the Airstream snack bar so the staff gets pretty close when they service/restock that and the seasonal bathrooms.

#31 - Doesn’t exist. I think they placed their seasonal Airstream snack bar on what would be site 31.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Sites #30 and #32

#33, 34 - Right in the median of 2 roads so you’ll have cars driving by in front and behind your tent.

#35 - One of the better sites on the main road. It’s centrally located but far away enough to be semi-private.

Ventana Big Sur Camping Sites #35 and #36

40’s: Right in the middle of the campground, on the main road. High activity and close to the restrooms, but also heavily trafficked. Nearby parking spots with easy access. Lots of people around.

#40 - I didn’t get a shot of this one. Medium sized spot in the middle of the campground.

#41 - Big open space right in the middle of campground.