Sur Bet!

You can spend $1,000 a night for an ocean-view room in Big Sur. Or you can spend $45 and wake up to the sound of crashing waves and incredible views of Big Sur’s coastline when staying at Kirk Creek Campground. Located toward the southern end of Big Sur, an hour north of Hearst Castle, this Los Padres National Forest campground looks out on a gently curving bay from a beautiful bluff about 100 feet above the water. You can’t really go wrong with any of the 33 ocean-view campsites, but #22 and #23 feel especially secluded. A short trail leads to the beach where you can walk for a stretch (pay close attention to the tides to avoid getting stranded).

Just across Highway 1, the Vicente Flat Trail offers outstanding panoramas as it climbs and parallels the coast before heading into the backcountry.

About the only amount of roughing it you’ll encounter is no running water or showers. Oh, and no cell service: good for a digital detox.

There is a catch to getting a spot here: high demand. You'll have to plan and book ahead. First-come, first-served walk-ups are extremely difficult to get and can leave you frustrated and disappointed. We recommend making a reservation in advance, and it might have to be way in advance.

A coastal accommodation with one of the most premier views of Big Sur's coastline ... well, Kirk's a Sur thing!

Kirk Creek Campground. Dog-friendly!