r/BigSur

I received an e-mail today from CalTrans because I participated in a survey for their Big Sur management plan.

Seeing as there was some...erm...interest in a recent post on this sub about what is being done about the fustercluck around Bixby, I'm passing on their announcement that they are keeping the survey open through the 4^(th) of July holiday weekend. Those interested in sharing their views on tourist traffic in Big Sur can fill out the survey here: https://engage.dot.ca.gov/f70063#tab-75884

My input to County Commissioners, CalTrans et al has always been that enforcement needs to increase, and therefore funding for enforcement needs to increase; tax the tourists for more Sheriff funding because they'll pay for experiences no matter what, and tickets are revenue as well.

Share your constructive input and solutions here: https://engage.dot.ca.gov/f70063#tab-75884 .

[edit: formatt^(ing)]

A few weeks back we camped at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. Firstly, it was beautiful. 10/10 trip, will go back, highly recommend.

But I also wanted to make this post for any other families looking for info on the campground like I was and didn't really find much online! So here goes, in stream of consciousness order:

1. Most but not all the bathrooms have showers. But all have flush toilets, running water, hand soap, and mirrors. No paper towels or seat covers but honestly better bathrooms (and cleaned every other day) than 95% of other campgrounds we've stayed at!

2. Weyland Camp is the most exposed with the least trees and closest together sites. People on either side and you're staring at someone across from you by 10 feet. South Camp seemed to have the most redwood trees and the roomiest sites not too close to the neighbors, but the least river access. Also closest to the camp store. Main camp had lots of shade, best river access, but noisier and closer sites to each other. South camp was quietest. Camp Hosts were on it and anyone being loud was dealt with within 20-30 mins of quiet time. Also, people seem to sleep in. Even the others around us with kids weren't up before 8-8:30 most days.

3. BRING BIKES. I came across this info literally nowhere online. Kids were riding bikes ALL OVER the campground, up and down the road, and most sites are not on or super close to the river where you could actually wade/play so a lot of people biked over to the swimming holes and areas with more shore access and their gear. It's a far walk from majority of sites in South and def Weyland camp and some in Main camp to the water areas, especially with kids.

4. Big sur lodge has free wifi for those needing to check in with the outside world because the camp and anywhere without about 45 minutes north or south has no cell service (I expected this and was no issue just reaffirming for anyone who may ask). The lodge store also has more groceries than the camp store.

5. Surrounding area food: we loved Big Sur River inn for the Adirondack chairs, the kids wading, and THE DRINKS were amazing. Best spicy margarita of my life. Deetjens breakfast was stellar. The taphouse was fun, we caught some of a world cup game, kids liked the food and store, husband really enjoyed the local beers they had on tap. We didn't much care for the other resorts in the area. We did go to Nepenthe- it's cool, expensive, and only has a good view if the weather is JUST right and it never was when we were there.

6. Surrounding area hiking: loved Pfeiffer Falls trail, loved Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (we saw a sea otter! It was so cool!), and Limekiln was our favorite. Limekiln has the coolest beach I've ever seen, and the nature on the trail was breathtaking. The trail to the falls is closed but we saw people actively working on it so hopefully eventually. But Limekiln is a can't miss in my book.

Bonus: we visited Carmel and Mad Dogs and Englishmen coffee shop made amazing drinks and my husband (who is a coffee snob, truly I cannot underscore enough) said it was the best nitro cold brew he has EVER had. And we live in LA. There's a lot of fancy coffee here, folks.

Finally I got a picture of it.