3+ Hours from Lincoln, CA
Pacific Coast Highway in a Camper Van
Why the PCH in a Camper Van?
The Pacific Coast Highway is the definitive California campervan itinerary. CA-1 hugs the coast from the Bay Area to Southern California, with the Big Sur stretch — roughly Carmel to San Simeon — delivering the most dramatic 90 miles of coastal driving anywhere in the world. Cliffs drop hundreds of feet to the Pacific. The road clings to the edge. Redwoods appear unexpectedly in canyon folds. Elephant seals haul out on the beaches.
In a camper van, you're not just driving the PCH — you're living on it. Pull off at a turnout at sunset. Wake up to the sound of surf at Kirk Creek Campground, where sites sit literally on the bluff above the ocean. Stop for as long as you want at Pfeiffer Beach's purple sand or McWay Falls.
Note: CA-1 through Big Sur has closed multiple times in recent years due to landslides. Check Caltrans QuickMap before your trip for current road closures. In closure years, the route must be detoured via US-101.
Getting There from Lincoln, CA
From Lincoln, head west on I-80 to San Francisco (about 2 hours), then south on CA-1 through Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz to Big Sur — the classic approach. Or take US-101 South to Salinas, then CA-68 West to CA-1 at Monterey for a faster highway approach.
The PCH trip works best as a loop: drive down CA-1 through Big Sur, detour to US-101 around the Cambria/Cayucos area (or continue south), and return via US-101 inland. A 5–7 night trip covers the essential PCH highlights comfortably.
Best Campgrounds on the PCH
Kirk Creek Campground — Big Sur (USFS)
Reservation required (recreation.gov)
The best campground on the Big Sur coast. Sites are on a bluff directly above the ocean, roughly 100 feet above the Pacific. Some sites have direct ocean views. Campervans fit most sites. The sound of the surf all night. Reserve on recreation.gov months in advance for summer; fall shoulder season is sometimes bookable 2–3 weeks out.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Reservation required (reservecalifornia.com)
In the Big Sur River canyon under towering redwoods — a completely different character from the cliff-side sites. Walking distance to the Valley View Trail and the Pfeiffer Beach access road. The campground accommodates campervans in most sites. The coastal sites at Kirk Creek are more dramatic, but Pfeiffer is better for families and those who prefer a sheltered forest setting.
Andrew Molera State Park — Walk-In Only
First-come-first-served (walk-in, park at trailhead)
A walk-in campground at Andrew Molera requires parking at the trailhead and carrying gear ~0.25 miles to sites. Not suitable for those who need the van close. But the beach at Molera — wide, driftwood-strewn, empty — is worth the stop even if you camp elsewhere.
Plaskett Creek Campground — Big Sur (USFS)
Reservation required (recreation.gov)
Adjacent to Kirk Creek, a mile south, and often available when Kirk Creek is full. Same dramatic Big Sur coastal setting. Campervans fit. Good fallback option when booking for the same general area.
Morro Bay State Park — Central Coast
Reservation required
For those extending south past Big Sur to the Central Coast. Morro Bay has a large state park campground near the estuary, with hookups available. The town of Morro Bay has great seafood and the iconic Morro Rock. Good stopping point for a PCH trip that continues to Pismo Beach or San Luis Obispo.
Best Time of Year
April – June
Wildflowers, green hills, and some of the clearest weather. Crowds are building. Spring is the best window for Pfeiffer Beach's purple sand phenomenon (clearest at low tide after rain).
July – August
Peak season. Marine fog can obscure views, particularly mornings. Campground competition is highest. The fog can be beautiful — Big Sur in morning mist is moody and cinematic.
September – November
The best overall season. Fog clears, the summer crowds leave, and the coastal light in October is exceptional. Kirk Creek in September is our top pick for the entire year.
December – March
Quieter, wetter, and occasionally spectacular. Whale migration peaks in January. Storm watching from the bluffs is dramatic. CA-1 is more prone to closure in winter — check Caltrans before traveling.
Van-Specific Tips
- ◆ CA-1 through Big Sur is narrow and winding with no guardrails in many sections. Both El Capitan and Denali handle it fine — they're far more maneuverable than large RVs.
- ◆ The Bixby Creek Bridge (the iconic PCH arch bridge) is a mandatory stop. Pull into the turnout on the north side for the classic photo.
- ◆ Pfeiffer Beach requires a short access road that some large RVs can't navigate. Our vans have no issues.
- ◆ The Big Sur coast has essentially no cell service. Download maps, restaurant information, and emergency contacts before leaving Carmel or Monterey.
- ◆ Gas stations on the Big Sur stretch are very limited and expensive. Fill up in Carmel or King City.
- ◆ Campfire restrictions apply most of the year at Big Sur campgrounds. Both vans cook fully without a campfire.
- ◆ Always check Caltrans QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) before the trip — CA-1 landslide closures are not uncommon and can require significant detours via US-101.
Ready for the PCH?
Rent a van for this trip.
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of those trips everyone should do at least once. In a 4WD campervan, you're doing it right. Book through Outdoorsy.
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