Stealth / Dispersed Camping Big Sur?

seabright_sc · Samba Member Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 276

My wife and I have a quick over nighter trip planned for big sur this Friday. We're not interested in a formal campground for this trip as we'd like more mobility and adventure of stealth camping or dispersed camping somewhere between the Bakery to a bit south of Sanddollar Beach. We could pop the top, or not.... either way. One thought is Naciemento/ferguson road, but we don't want to drive too far off Hwy 1 as we have to meet family in Pismo the next morning. Not sure what the dispersed spots are like there. Any tips for favorite pullouts, spots or side roads, where we won't get hassled? Thanks!

PDXWesty · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 4:02 pm Post subject:

There's a little side road down to Pfeiffer beach that used to be a great spot. The locals were notorious for pulling the sign down as fast as the highway department put it up. It's a remote spot and they probably don't let you park overnight, but it's worth checking it out. I don't know if it's patrolled or not. It's been 10 years since I was there.

Note: Checked it out. The road is labeled Forrest Route 19S05 and Sycamore Canyon Rd on Google Maps. It looks quite a bit more developed than I remember. It looks paved and I remember that it was dirt. You might be able to find an off shoot road from the looks of the map and park for the night on the ridge or in the hills.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sycamore+Canyon+Rd+b...h&z=14
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Jon_slider · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:34 pm Post subject:

I think Nacimiento is a good choice, it is paved.

Even within the first quarter mile, parallel to and just above HWy1, there is plenty of space to pull over and pop your top. I often see RV's there.

Or you can drive a few turns up the road, and within the first mile or so you will see some other places to pull over and spend the night.

Ive never been hassled, its mellow, go for it!

and post pictures Smile

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skivan · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:00 pm Post subject:

I can't remember the name if the road (plasket?) but right by sandollar and above the pay campground is a great spot for stealth camping. Killer views and often above the fog. Lots of good memories there. enjoy!
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Jon_slider · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 11:22 am Post subject:

there is also a dirt road south of plaskett, called Los Burros. It is marked by a sign for Treebones Resort.

the first part is pretty steep, but 2wd vans can get up it.

There are beautiful spots to overnight within the first mile also.

Weve had several gatherings there.., pictures in this thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...;start=140
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seabright_sc · Samba Member Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 276

So Los Burros road looks pretty sweet! We have a 2wd 85 westy with good tires and good clearance.... but it will be just the wife and I and she may not want too try anything to sketchy.... I am a good driver, but limited off/rough road experience. Will it be mellow enough to go solo? If not we may just try Naciemento. Thanks for the tips!

Jon_slider · Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:52 am Post subject:

los burros road is not too sketchy unless it is muddy

the beginning of the road is the steepest, if you dont have a problem on the first climb, which overlooks hwy1, you wont have any trouble further up

I hope you post a photo or two of your adventure
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seabright_sc · Samba Member Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 276

Thanks for the tips on Los Burros Rd.! We had an incredible time in Big Sur. Our 5 mile trip up Los Burros proved to be adventurous, beautiful and quite romantic;). We found an incrdible overlook above the fog with only a few cars passing us throughout our stay! This road is completely possible in a 2wd westy with a little clearance. We even saw a bobcat run up the road! I tried to post photos but the image size was to large (even after resizing?).

Jon_slider · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:36 pm Post subject:

so glad you had a great time,

here are your photos

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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seabright_sc · Samba Member Joined: October 29, 2004 Posts: 276

Thank you for the killer tip and for help posting the photos! We passed a gentleman on our way down who asked about our trip. He owned a home/property back there and told us about a group of guys who takes there vanagons "back there." I know he was referring to fellow samba members;) Can't wait to head down again!

Californio · Samba Member Joined: May 17, 2007 Posts: 958

I have a funny story about that place. A couple years ago we were up on Plaskett Ridge, end of the day, just waiting to groove on the eternity and silence of the stars. Well, cars started pulling in, first one, then 10, then we were in the middle of a parking lot. They were commemorating a 29- year old DJ who had died, and scattered his ashes off the bluff at sunset. Then, in his honor, they put on an all night rave, complete with boom boom music impossible to ignore. But they were incredibly well-mannered, and instead of getting my grouch on, we went down and spent the night at this rave, complete with lights, stoned girls dancing, drinks aplenty. No stars and no silence, but we had a great time just going with the flow. Sometimes that's what it takes.

Careful going up when the roads are wet. Parts can be challenging even in a Syncro.

TheRealSean · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 10:29 am Post subject:


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