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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve California (CA) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is an idyllic destination for RV camping, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Established in 1933, the park has a rich cultural heritage, with Ohlone Native Americans and Chinese fishermen once calling it home. Over time, the park’s unique geology has created breathtaking features, such as sea caves, tide pools, and kelp forests, which support a diverse array of marine life.

When planning an RV camping trip to Point Lobos, it’s essential to be aware of the park’s weather conditions. The park experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. While temperatures rarely drop below 40°F or exceed 70°F, it’s crucial to pack layers and prepare for foggy mornings. Additionally, RV renters should be cautious of narrow roads and sharp turns throughout the park.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

When visiting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve private vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The park has multiple entrances including the main entrance on Highway 1 and the South Entrance on Palo Colorado Road. It’s important to note that RVs and trailers are restricted to a maximum length of 20 feet due to the park’s narrow roads and tight turns. Additionally there are no RV hookups or dump stations within the park so visitors should plan accordingly. The park also offers limited parking so arriving early is recommended particularly during peak season.

  • Parking area

RV parking is limited within the park. While there are no designated RV parking areas RVs can park in regular parking lots on a first-come first-served basis. Overnight parking is not allowed outside of designated campsites. Camping with an RV is possible but using alternative transportation methods to explore the park is highly recommended.

  • Public Transportation

Public transportation options within the park include a seasonal shuttle bus service and multiple walking paths. The shuttle bus runs on weekends and holidays during peak season providing easy access to popular spots. The park’s extensive network of walking paths offers a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the area.

Top Campsites in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campsites and KOA near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are

Fernwood Resort and Campground

This campground is located just a few miles from Point Lobos and offers 67 sites for tents RVs and trailers. The resort is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as a general store laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Activities include hiking fishing and swimming in the nearby Big Sur River. The campground is open year-round.

Ventana Campground

Located in the heart of Big Sur Ventana Campground offers 60 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as hot showers a pool and a general store. Activities include hiking bird watching and stargazing. The campground is open from April to October.

Riverside Campground and Cabins

This campground is located on the Big Sur River and offers 24 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as hot showers a laundromat and a general store. Activities include fishing swimming and hiking. The campground is open year-round.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park this campground offers 189 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as hot showers a general store and laundry facilities. Activities include hiking bird watching and swimming in the nearby Big Sur River. The campground is open year-round.

  • First-come first-served

First-come-first-served campgrounds and campsites near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve include

Plaskett Creek Campground

This campground is located in the southern part of Big Sur and offers 44 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as hot showers and a dump station. Activities include hiking fishing and swimming at nearby Sand Dollar Beach. The campground is open year-round.

Kirk Creek Campground

Located on the Pacific Coast Highway this campground offers 34 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as hot showers and a dump station. Activities include hiking fishing and beachcombing. The campground is open year-round.

Nacimiento Road Campground

This campground is located in the Los Padres National Forest and offers 9 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as hot showers and a dump station. Activities include hiking fishing and swimming in nearby Nacimiento Lake. The campground is open from May to October.

  • Alternate camping

Alternative camping options near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve include

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds near Point Lobos including Treebones Resort and Big Sur Campground and Cabins. These campgrounds offer a range of accommodations including yurts cabins and RV sites. Amenities and activities vary by campground.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is available in the Ventana Wilderness which is located near Point Lobos. Permits are required for backcountry camping and can be obtained from the US Forest Service. Campers must be prepared for rugged terrain and pack in all necessary supplies.

RV Rentals

RV rentals are available from several companies in the area including Cruise America and El Monte RV. Renters can choose from a range of RV sizes from small campervans to large motorhomes. This can be a good option for campers who want more amenities and flexibility than traditional campgrounds offer.

  • General activities

Hiking Trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve attracting RV campers who love spending time in nature. The park has several scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean rugged cliffs and coastal forests. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Cypress Grove Trail which takes you through a grove of ancient cypress trees and the Bird Island Trail which offers stunning views of sea birds and seals. The hiking trails are easy to moderate in difficulty making them suitable for all skill levels.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve thanks to the abundant marine life that can be found in the area. The park is home to several dive sites including Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove which offer excellent opportunities to see sea otters harbor seals and a variety of fish species. Visitors can rent scuba and snorkeling gear from local dive shops or bring their own equipment.

Biking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Cycling is a great way to explore the scenic coastline of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The park has several bike-friendly trails including the North Shore Trail which takes you along the coast and offers stunning views of the ocean. Cyclists can also ride on the park’s roads which are relatively flat and offer easy access to the park’s various landmarks.

Fishing at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Fishing is another popular activity at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve thanks to the abundance of fish species in the area. The park is home to several fishing spots including China Cove and Whalers Cove which offer opportunities to catch rockfish lingcod and other species. Visitors are required to have a valid fishing license and must follow all state fishing regulations.

Whale Watching at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Whale watching is a must-do activity for RV campers visiting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The park is located along the migration route of gray whales and visitors can often see these magnificent creatures from the shore or from a boat tour. The best time to go whale watching is from December to April when the whales are migrating to and from their breeding grounds in Mexico.

  • Alternative activities

Alternative Activities for RV Campers at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Sightseeing at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Sightseeing is a popular activity for RV campers who prefer a more leisurely pace. The park has several scenic overlooks and viewpoints that offer stunning views of the coastline including the famous Sea Lion Point and Gibson Beach. Visitors can take a drive along the park’s scenic roads or take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s history and ecology.

Nature Watching at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Nature watching is another popular activity at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve thanks to the abundance of wildlife in the area. The park is home to several species of birds including cormorants pelicans and herons as well as sea otters harbor seals and sea lions. Visitors can take a guided nature walk or explore the park’s trails on their own to see these amazing creatures up close.

Photography at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a photographer’s paradise thanks to the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. The park offers several instagram-worthy photo opportunities including the iconic China Cove and the picturesque Cypress Grove. Visitors can bring their cameras and take advantage of the park’s many scenic vistas and wildlife sightings.

Picnicking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The park has several picnic areas including Whalers Cove and Sea Lion Point which offer stunning views of the ocean and coastline. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks or purchase snacks from the park’s snack bar.

Art Classes at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

For RV campers who are interested in art Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers several art classes and workshops. The park’s stunning scenery and wildlife provide inspiration for painting drawing and photography. Visitors can sign up for classes at the park’s visitor center or online.

Season-specific experiences in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

  • Spring activities

Spring at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers a variety of recreational activities landmarks and famous spots for RV campers. One popular springtime activity is whale watching which can be enjoyed from various locations within the reserve including Whalers Cove and the Sea Lion Point Trail. Another must-see landmark is China Cove known for its turquoise waters hidden beach and unique geological formations. Birdwatching is also a popular activity in the spring with many species of birds migrating through the area. The Cypress Grove Trail offers a scenic hike through a grove of ancient Monterey cypress trees while the historic Whalers Cabin Museum provides a glimpse into the area’s rich maritime history.

  • Summer activities

Summer at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a time for outdoor adventure and exploration. One popular summer activity is kayaking which allows visitors to explore the reserve’s coastline and marine life up close. Another must-see spot is the tide pools at Weston Beach which offer a unique glimpse into the underwater world. Hiking is also a popular summer activity with trails such as the North Shore Trail providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The reserve is also home to many species of wildlife including sea otters seals and sea lions which can often be spotted basking in the sun along the coast.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. One popular activity is hiking the many trails that crisscross the reserve. The Cypress Grove Trail is a must-see with its ancient Monterey cypress trees and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Another popular activity is kayaking in the protected coves and bays where you can spot sea otters seals and a variety of bird species.

For history buffs the Whalers Cabin Museum is a must-visit. The museum is located in an old whaling station and features exhibits on the history of whaling in the area. Visitors can also see a replica of a whaleboat and try their hand at rowing.

Wildlife watching is another popular activity in the fall as the reserve is home to a variety of animals including deer foxes and coyotes. The best place to spot wildlife is along the Bird Island Trail which offers views of the reserve’s many bird species.

Finally RV campers can enjoy the fall colors at the reserve’s campground which is located near the entrance and offers easy access to all of the reserve’s amenities.

  • Winter activities

Winter is a quieter time of year at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve but there are still plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. One popular activity is tidepooling as the lower tides in the winter months reveal a variety of sea creatures including starfish anemones and crabs. The best place to go tidepooling is at China Cove which is located near the reserve’s entrance.

Another popular activity in the winter is whale watching. The reserve is located along the migration route for gray whales and visitors can often spot them from the many viewpoints along the coast. The best time to see the whales is from December to February.

For those looking for a more active winter activity hiking is still a popular option with many of the reserve’s trails offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding landscape. The South Shore Trail is a particularly popular option as it offers views of the reserve’s sea lions seals and other marine life.

Bird watching is also a popular activity in the winter as the reserve is home to a variety of bird species including loons grebes and cormorants. The best place to go bird watching is at the reserve’s many viewpoints which offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Finally RV campers can enjoy the winter weather at the reserve’s campground which is located near the entrance and offers easy access to all of the reserve’s amenities.

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