Highway 1: the Big Sur

April 1, 2022

Apparently over 5 million visitors visit the Big Sur every year (the same number of visitors to Yosemite National Park), yet there are only 16 public restrooms along the 71 mile scenic road. No problem for campervan exploration! Nimble enough to navigate the narrow, twisting 2-lane road, small enough to fit comfortably at any parking pull-out, and convenient enough to have its own personal traveling restroom.

The Big Sur is the dramatic section of coast in central California, which is most popularly enjoyed by driving along Highway 1 between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. The Pacific Ocean meets the Santa Lucia Mountains, which rise abruptly from the water, creating dramatic cliffs overlooking pounding surf. The views from pretty much any section of the road is epic. I’ve cycled this road too, and between the two, I much prefer driving. The road has very little shoulder, the speed limit is 45, and there are a multitude of hair pin turns. The west side of the road is often essentially a long, straight drop into the thundering ocean. I think I spent more time fighting to keep a bicycle upright than paying attention to the views. Although if they ever closed the road the traffic, I would ride it again in a heartbeat (maybe with an electric bike though).

Here are some my tips for enjoying the Big Sur in an RV:

• Travel in the shoulder season (April, late Sept/Oct) to avoid the summer crowds.

• Drive from north to south, so you are closer to the edge.

• Fill up the gas tank in Carmel.

• Take 2 days to slowly drive down to San Simeon, stopping often to enjoy the view.

• Stay at a campground off Highway 1. Plaskett Creek campground is clean (albeit crowded, which is probably unavoidable in the Big Sur). Next time, I will try to get reservations at Kirk Creek Campground, which is right on the cliff with spectacular coastal views. Or plan an overnight stay at the Ragged Point Inn in one of the rooms that faces the ocean.

• Do a hike off Highway 1.

• Have coffee or tea or lunch at a vista point pullout from Highway 1 (I recommend any of the ones just north of Ragged Point) with your RV angled so you can sit and stare at the sea.

• Watch the sunset with a glass of wine at your room at the Ragged Inn or from your campground.

April 6, 2022