Riverside Campground & Cabins

Jutarat Pagdeerugeerat

2024-04

Horrible service with scam on refund when you cancel the room. BECAREFUL when the reservation said refund in 7 days with no charge. When they fund you , they send the link that refund was before 14 days and they will not tell you. They do not return your money and you pay for free. Big scam the front desk person who we have to deal with was Horrible

Hana C

2023-12

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Jaded Jennifer

2023-08

I absolutely love this place. We are new visitors, and they were extremely flexible when we had issues due to life chaos. Pam was extremely accommodating and helpful, even remembered our doggies names and had treats for them. I would go back in a heartbeat. The little store on-site is well-stocked and we wanted for nothing. Riverside for the win!! we will be back!!

Julia T

2023-05

I wish I could give Riverside more than five stars. Our experience was excellent before we even arrived! My friend and I spoke to Will and Pam upon booking, and they kindly suggested we come one night later than we originally planned because of the weather, which was really good advice! We had great weather the whole way down and back to the Bay Area. We arrived just before dusk, and Will met us at the turn off, checked us in, and showed us where to go. Riverside is incredibly cozy, quiet, and surrounded by gorgeous redwoods. The cabins are also extremely comfy - luxurious! We had a wonderful night in cabin 2. Our trip was truly made by Pam: she saw us having some trouble starting our fire, and she came over with extra newspaper and took the time to show us how to get a big bonfire going. The next morning, we met her at the camp store with the unofficial Riverside mascot: Oatmeal the French Bulldog ❤️ needless to say, our trip couldn't have been more pleasant. Look no further for lovely accommodations on your trip to Big Sur! Riverside is the best!

Charlotte Olson

2023-08

I'm thinking they must be under new ownership because this year was not good. I've been going with my family for 18 years except the year my daughter was born and in 2020. I've always loved my experience there and my kids have made great memories... This time not so much. We were made to change cabins to a much smaller one with the front door having a window kicked in... They are charging $5 for a single match book... I seriously thought they were kidding... They used to give out matchbooks with their advertising now they're charging for a basic white one one matchbook... The prices went way up for the cabins themselves... It was interesting because many of the cabins were not filled and I've never been there (I go the same time every year) when they haven't been booked solid. I always felt like family... Not now... I've recommended it over and over and have had many friends stay there... Not anymoreRooms: Was made to switch from the cabin that we've booked for years... Had to go to a much smaller cabin that the front window was kicked out

Alyssa Rae

2023-10

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Cesar Castro

2023-05

Amazing spot to freshen up from the busy city days with the sound of the river on one side. This place has its own magic when it comes to scenery and hospitality.Campsites are clean, hot showers available and a camp store that has everything you might need for your stay, plus an amazing hosting staff with excellent customer service.If you are looking for a quiet-soul refreshing get away this is it.Nearby activities: from here you have pretty much the best of Big Sur within a 20 miles radious.

Fiona Moorhouse

2023-05

Pleasant stay at this campsite, and we got a free upgrade to have the ensuite bathroom thankfully as the price is fairly high for a cabin without. The location was great - among the trees, and facilities were clean. I do wish we had brought a picnic though as the shop is very limited and expensive and there’s not much else around. Nice walks a short drive up or down the road.

Joshua Morris

2023-06

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Bri Ludden

2023-08

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Tania Spink

2022-05

I spent an amazing couple of nights at Riverside as part of a group of ladies, all getting together after a number (a lot) of years. The venue was ideal for our reunion weekend. We were able to spend time together around the attractive grounds. Anthony lit amazing huge campfires for us on both nights in the charmingly illuminated old quarry. We were spread between our beautifully appointed cabins. They were all a little bit different and provided everything you would need for your stay … and more. It was delightful to wake up and hear nothing other than the sound of water in the river below my individual boutique cabin.I look forward to returning and showing my other half and four legged friend what a gorgeous place it is!

Google User

2023-05

Worst: Shower. Barely warm water. I was cold the whole time. The shower is together with the bathroom and there is only one toilet per gender. There is no door to the shower stall, just thin curtains. The door to the facility is open all the time. I tried to close it but the door is loose fit so it won't close. The water isn't warm enough to begin with plus cold air in the room made the shower very difficult. I've been to 3 different state park camp sites on this trip and their facilities looked run down but had much hotter water and better air seal.Worse: general aminities. Very low water pressure (one water faucet per campsite), one toilet per gender. Freezing cold water at the bathroom sinks. My fingers were in pain after rinsing the soap off. An except of campsite #11, the sun never hits. Everything is damp. Not much to explore within walking distance.Only plus: It's a short drive to Pfeiffer's and Point Lobos.

Molly Daley

2024-01

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Isak Scheibe

2020-05

From first coming until leaving we loved this place. Beautiful drive in followed by a warm welcome from the nice lady in the office. The place is secluded in a valley by the river and it just feels so relaxing to light your campfire underneath the trees. We rented a cabin and everything we needed (firewood, beverages and light snacks) was available in the camp store which is open till 9pm! There’s also laundry facilities which was a huge plus point. Probably one of the top experiences of our highway one road trip this summer.

Rachel Sweeney

2021-05

Good campground! Stayed at #15 which I think is the best site as it doesn't have anyone next to it, however it did have a few people come through to take the unofficial trail. Area was flat and a good size. Views were gorgeous. Camp store was useful. Toilets were clean and flushing. Staff were really friendly and helpful.4 stars as price is on the expensive side, the fire pits are a bit of a weird design that isn't great for keeping warm, and the rest of the sites are v close together.

Nellie Luna

2021-05

My boyfriend and I took a trip down to Big Sur and I'm so happy we stayed at Riverside. I absolutely loved it and am already planning to return with friends and family. The camp was great, right by the river and surrounded by beautiful trees. We stayed in the Studio on the first night and in Cabin 7 on the second night. Both were clean and comfortable. I have to say that the staff make this place! Ernest and another women were so friendly, answered all of our questions and made us feel welcome. Fellow campers were also very friendly. We rented tubes at the campsite next door to float down the river! We grilled both nights and went down the road to the tap house. Great location, close to everything.

Gigi

2023-05

One of the cutest glamping camping I have stayed at the customer service here was amazing. Pam was great to work with the little market on site was a life saver. With great to get little snacks plus it was very close to 2 different restaurants that were very lovely to go to since our refrigerator never worked.

Sam Kim

2021-05

First time staying in a private campground.It is located in very nice area, that is about it.I understand they try to maximize the profit out of what they have but campsites are about 20 to 25 feet wide with a very minimal or no separations each other. I could hear what my neighbors saying even they use normal to lower volume. They have old bathrooms with basically no hot water. I had to waste about 5 minutes to have not freezing water. Also the entrance to the campground is kind of hidden so easy to miss at the first time and little dangerous to merge to hwy 1 from it. I booked here based on the very high review score but it should not have more than 4.0 stars out of 5.Will keep using public campsites only from now on.

Jay M

2022-05

Everyone is treated like a child here. Don't expect to stay up past bedtime. Doesn't matter how quiet you are. The fact you are out of your tents is a no-go past 10. The staff weren't mean, but they aren't nice at all, and have horrible energy. The main night lady with dreads who pretends to be blissed out and chill is anything but that. Pam was nicer, but you better butter her up. Didn't think camping in such a serene and peaceful place like Big Sur could feel so cold. Felt like walking on egg shells here the entire time. The campsites are wayyy close together, on flat ground-no deviation to the terrain between you and the next...like parking spots. And what divides most of the sites is hardly anything but the equivalent of a tape line. Unless you get site 15, this place is not worth it. Fernwood is 1000 times better. Those sites can be close, but at least you feel free there and in nature, with a warm environment. Also, visited April 2022, felt like April 2020---don't expect mask requirements to ever go away here.

Aidan Kelly

2020-05

I've been meaning to post a review ever since I stayed here in March. It was my first time camping alone and I planned on staying one night. Pam was working the office and she was INCREDIBLY hospitable. She went out of her way to help me with a couple things and made my stay better than it would have been if she wasn't there. The campgrounds are beautiful and clean. Warm showers (just bring quarters). The tree cover kind of blocks the sun when it's out so I made sure to hike so I could get some sun time. I stayed a 2nd night unexpectedly because I had such a relaxing time. Also, I'm pretty sure the firewood is one of the best prices in the area. Thanks Riverside!

Trevor Gerstenberg

2023-06

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Adam Kirk

2021-05

What a great experience we had at Riverside. Staff was extremely personable and helpful. The entire site was clean, including the bathrooms and you could tell they took pride in their campground. The camp store has everything you forgot and the hours are ideal. Location was perfect and close to parks, restaurants and coffee shops. Overall a great property that we will return to.

Erin E

2016-05

We stopped here on our way up to San Francisco and were so pleased with our stay! We were last minute campers (as in making a reservation 2 hours prior to arrival) and they were all so accommodating and helpful! We were right next to the river, which made for a peaceful setting.I was hesitant to shower because it was freezing outside, but the water warmed up quick! They were nice showers for being at a campground, too! Overall, it was a wonderful experience! We're already planning a trip back up here to camp when it warms up!

christine chris

2023-05

A beautiful place simple quiet and calm sometimes that is all we need. Thank you Pam for making my 50th bday extra special. You work hard and it shows. Thank you for the firewood and stopping in to chat with us. Sometimes it’s the little things that make us smile the most.

Brett P

2022-05

We stayed here two nights in a campervan at site 14. Overall it was a great stay. We had a site right on the river which was cool but also tricky at times with small kids, just had to keep a close eye on them. The sites are relatively closer together but we still felt like we had our own space and honestly we chatted with several other campers anyway so it was nice to visit with others. They have a camp store that has some foods, camping supplies, and even a small toy selection our toddler loved. There are coin operated showers in the bathroom, although only one shower in the men's bathroom so you do have to time your shower right. They had laundry there which was very helpful for our road trip. We walked around the campsite a bit and across the river over to the cabins area, and from that side of the river you can actually walk up to some cafe's/restaurant on Rt 1. Staff were friendly throughout our stay. It is definitely a pricier campground compared to state parks but does have a few more amenities. There were no state parks in Big Sur available for our time period. The bathrooms were ok, for the price maybe expected a little more but they had hot water and were relatively clean which are most important. We would stay there again but would also consider other options, mostly just due to price.

Ayami Y

2020-05

Riverside campground is a very nice place.There is a shallow beautiful river that flows right beside our tent.I put my chair in the middle of the river and sat down and relaxed. It was so nice especially when the fallen leaves blew past us in the cooling breeze.There is a playground in the Big Sur Campground next door, for your children.A bunch of firewood is available for $13.If you drive about 20 minutes away from the campground there is a superb view of the mountains and sea.

Apeksha Desai

2023-05

We booked cabin number 10 for two nights. Our stay was comfortable. The cabin was cozy and had a small kitchenette with 2 induction cooktop. There were a few cooking utensils provided including cutlery, teapot,serving plates and bowls too. There was a heater,humidifier a small dinner table for two in the room too. Showers had hot running water. On the outdoors there was a small deck with a gas grill and a table with few chairs to enjoy the natural surroundings. Although you could hear the big sur river water flowing but there was no direct access to the river from this cabin as there are campgrounds setup around the river. Cabin 10 had a ADA accessible entrance too. There is a small shop on the campground which was handy to get basic supplies. 'Pam' who was managing the campground , helped us checkin was very helpful. She checked with us 1-2 times if we needed any help. Good hospitality. We enjoyed the serene outside , sat around the river ,enjoyed the chirping birds. We loved our stay and will visit again.

Colby Sellman Hodosy

2021-05

Best trip ever. Beautifully located on the Big Sur River. We had a cabin (#11) & a tent site (#10). The cabin was a perfect retreat when you needed a warm shower, & comfy bed. The kitchenette/bbq was exactly what we needed to prepare/cook good food. The tent site was magical. Being able to hang out right on the river felt so peaceful, & the layout was spacious enough to have privacy. The staff (Pam & Pete) were super friendly. I would definitely stay here again.

Anna Firsova

2023-05

We've been coming to this campground a few times a year for years. Wanted to book our trip for this year and was absolutely shocked to see 120$ a night price tag for a tent campsite.. we were unpleasantly surprised when the price got up to 95$ last year, ( from like 70$), but, honestly, 120$ is just ridiculous.. I guess it's time to move on and find another happy place. Thank you for the great memories.

Harry Maemura

2022-05

Overall the Elderly Lady in the black Subaru Forester that works there completely ruined our experience, I'm assuming she's Sarah based on past negative reviews. She went on a total power trip over " staying too close" to a car trailering even though I was giving it at least 2 car lengths behind. This was while she was blocking the exit and having a conversation with this trailered vehicle ahead of me. Nice area, but hope you won't have to deal with this individual during your stay if you do end up going here.