Accommodations in the region range considerably. The favorites mentioned here will be appreciated by most travelers for their value, location, or, in the case of the Big Sur tent cabin, for an experience in itself. Room rates fluctuate according to expected occupancy. During the most popular car and racing events, room rates become exorbitant, so plan the timing of your visit accordingly.
Big Sur River Inn – 46840 Highway 1
(831) 667-2700 $125 – $270
24.2 miles South of Rio Road
With no phone or television and modest appointments, the River Inn is simple and rustic. Rooms are located right across the street from the Inn’s more impressive riverside, indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar. Also clustered nearby is the Maiden, a “public house” with simple fare and an impressive beer selection, a general store and art gallery.
Fernwood Tent Cabins – 47200 Highway 1
(831) 667-2422 $60 – $180
The tent cabins at Fernwood allow visitors with limited camping supplies to sort of half camp in a more secure, comfortable structure while still experiencing the outdoor sounds, smells and temperature. Tent cabins essentially consist of a wooden frame covered with weatherproof canvas, a wooden door, and wooden floor. They include bunk beds and a queen bed with all-weather mattresses that you spread your own blankets or sleeping bags over. The tent cabins (or “yurts,” as they’re sometimes called) are perched riverside and share a typical campsite bathroom/ coin-op shower facility with the adjacent campsites. Tent cabins range from $60(basic, off season)-$100 (w/ electricity & indoor wood burning stove). While the campsites are offset from the highway down by the river, campers have the option of walking up to the Fernwood general store and restaurant. Fernwood also operates a dozen motel rooms that run from $89(off season)-$180. Regular tent camp sites run $30-$50 depending on season. Pets are allowed at the campsites but not at the motel.
Riverside Campground & Cabins – 47020 Highway 1
(831) 667-2414 $115-$205
24.6 miles South of Rio Road
Very close to the few conveniences to be found in Big Sur, a one lane, guardrail-less bridge crosses the Big Sur river to a midsize cluster of riverside campsites and hillside cabins. While a couple of the cabins have private baths, most share a few clean restroom facilities with coin-operated showers.
The cabins have comfortable beds complete with clean sheets and indoor lights. Outside each has a fire pit with a grill, picnic table and a potable water faucet. The onsite general store sells camping supplies, snacks and playing cards. Pets welcome with $20 / night fee.
Ventana Inn– 48123 Highway 1
(831) 667 2331
Post Ranch Inn– 47900 Highway 1
(831) 667-2200
nick's guide 