About The Resort & Campground

About The Resort & Campground

Your next great adventure right at the heart of Big Sur!

Whether your family has different needs or you’re looking to explore Big Sur in different ways, Fernwood Resort has accommodations for every type of adventurer!

Flowing through Fernwood and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the Big Sur River is a clear, spring-fed river that winds beneath redwoods and along rocky banks on its way to the Pacific. Its cool, gentle waters invite guests to relax, float, and soak up the serenity of this coastal wilderness.

A favorite summer activity is a dip in the natural swimming hole just steps from camp. It’s a peaceful, refreshing way to cool down and enjoy the landscape.

 

Fishing in the Big Sur River vary based on local regulations. Visit the Big Sur Fish and Game site here. Typically, Big Sur River fishing is open November – February, catch and release, and no barbed hooks. People can fish in the ocean year round with a permit.

Insider Tip: The river is typically at its fullest from March to June, following seasonal rains. Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, so explore with care and respect for the ecosystem. Click here to check the current status of the river height.

Please note: In partnership with California Fish & Wildlife, we ask guests not to dam or divert the river. These actions can disturb sensitive habitat and interfere with the migration of threatened steelhead trout, which rely on clear, flowing waters to complete their life cycle.

This spot is perfect for sunbathing and stargazing! Find it down in the campground between Cabin C28 and Tent Camping Site 20.

Fernwood Campground borders the stunning Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, with a private entrance at the south end of the campground. Step straight from your site onto scenic trails, including the popular Buzzard’s Roost loop, where panoramic views of the coastline await after a peaceful climb through the redwoods.

Fernwood is home to coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), the tallest trees on Earth and living testaments to the wild spirit of Big Sur. These ancient giants thrive in the cool, misty air along California’s rugged coast, forming cathedral-like groves where light filters through in golden shafts.


We honor and protect these trees in partnership with the Save the Redwoods League, sharing in their mission to preserve and celebrate these living legends for generations to come. Learn more about their work at Save the Redwoods League.

Hidden within Fernwood’s redwood groves stands a rare and enigmatic presence: an albino redwood, often referred to as a “ghost tree.” Devoid of chlorophyll, its needles shimmer in white or pale yellow hues, a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery. Unlike typical trees, this albino redwood cannot photosynthesize; instead, it survives by connecting its roots to neighboring redwoods, drawing nutrients from them. ​Learn more here.

Recent studies suggest that these trees may play a unique role in the forest ecosystem. They appear to accumulate higher concentrations of heavy metals, potentially acting as natural detoxifiers for the soil. ​

With only about 400 known specimens in California, encountering an albino redwood is a rare and captivating experience. We invite you to visit Fernwood and witness the quiet mystery of this natural marvel. Read more on National Geographic​

Big Sur, California is a haven for nature lovers and Fernwood Resort is at the heart of it all!


We are surrounded by a wide range of outdoor activities set against one of the most breathtaking terrains in the world. We have direct access to redwood forests, dramatic coastlines, beautiful waterfalls, secluded beaches, and wonderful wildlife.

Whether you’re into hiking, photography, surfing, camping, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Big Sur offers something for every outdoor enthusiast!

See our EXPLORE page for our guide to Big Sur or ask anyone on our staff for their local recommendations during your stay!

A popular lunch and dinner location serving a diverse array of dishes and pizzas to compliment the variety of high-quality beer and mixed drinks. We want you to come in and make yourself at home! The back deck offers a comfortable setting to eat lunch and dinner or just hang out under the enormous redwood trees and relax. LEARN MORE

A popular local watering hole built in the traditional Big Sur style with redwood timbers. Fernwood’s homespun atmosphere and live entertainment attracts a variety of locals and tourists, making for some very entertaining evenings. LEARN MORE

From weekly entertainment to music festivals, Fernwood is a happening place year-round! See our Calendar of Events page for weekend music, festivals and events. Live entertainment is usually Saturday nights beginning from 9:30pm- 1am. We also host spring and fall music festivals in the campground. SEE THE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Find camping supplies, souvenirs, beer & wine and a little bit of just about anything you could think of. Come on in if you’re looking for a road snack, grocery essentials, ice cold beer, wood, ice or information on local hikes and sights. If you forgot something… We probably have it!

ESPRESSO: Featuring Carmel Valley Roasting Company coffee and espresso drinks.

ICE CREAM: Stop by the General Store for a scoop of delicious world famous Lappert’s Super Premium Ice Cream! Taste Hawaiian-inspired flavors or enjoy timeless classics. A scoop of joy in Big Sur!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GENERAL STORE

Fernwood is the ideal place for your large party event celebrating weddings, family reunions, birthday parties and more. Please email [email protected] for pricing and information. LEARN MORE HERE

Resort and Campground Map

Fernwood Resort was established in the 1930’s as the “Redwood Lodge” and has been the friendliest business in Big Sur ever since!

Old Redwood Lodge at Big Sur

Frequently Asked Questions

Location & Travel

This highway runs from San Juan Capistrano south of Los Angeles to Leggett south of Eureka, where it merges with Highway 101. The highway is considered one of the longest and most unique in the country, and much of it runs along the coast. It’s known for its views of the Pacific Ocean, redwood trees, and wildlife.

The Big Sur Chamber of Commerce posts Caltrans press releases and information about Highway 1 work and emergency closures in Big Sur that may be relevant to your travel plans. For the latest Highway 1 information see our resources on our EXPLORE page.

To find out if there are closures or travel alerts on your desired route visit: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Distance to Fernwood from:

  • Carmel; 26 miles (45 minutes)
  • San Francisco; 147 miles (3 hours)
  • San Jose; 87 miles (2 hours)
  • Los Angeles; 300 miles (6-8 hours)
  • San Diego; 428 miles (8-10 hours)
  • Yosemite National Park; 217 miles (4-5 hours)
  • Hearst Castle; 64 miles (1 1/2-2 hours)

For your convenience, we have created a THIS GOOGLE MAP that you can use to create directions to Fernwood Resort from your location.

Big Sur is a 90 mile stretch on Highway 1 from Carmel in the north and San Simeon to the south. Fernwood is located right in the middle of the Big Sur Valley where the majority of the shops, restaurants, galleries and resorts are located. For your convenience, we have created THIS GOOGLE MAP that you can use to create directions to Fernwood Resort from your location.

Fernwood borders Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, so you can hike right into the park from here. Ask your friendly campground or store clerk for directions into the park and to the Buzzards Roost Trail. See our EXPLORE page for hiking suggestions in the local State Parks.

You can access the beach about 3 miles north or south of us! See the full list on our EXPLORE page with details on how to get there and what to see.

Reservations

Yes, we are open all year. Big Sur is wonderful in every season.

  • Springtime brings rolling green hills and amazing wildflower blooms.
  • Summertime is for swimming in the river and hikes in the warm evenings.
  • Fall delivers crisp clean days and cool nights around the campfire.
  • Winter allows you to avoid the crowds and watch the whales migrating along the coast. It can be exciting and stormy or absolutely brilliant clear skies and warm in the sun.

We generally do not take reservations. However, if you are coming with a party of 8 or more, you can give us a call at (831) 667-2129 and give us a heads up!

You can book reservations up to one year in advance to the day.

For summer reservations, between May 15th and September 15th, the following policies apply:

  • To cancel a reservation, 14 days’ notice is required. You will receive a refund of your deposit minus the $25.00 cancellation fee, any change fees, and the $3.50 online booking fee (if applies). If we receive less than 14 days’ notice, your deposit is non-refundable.
  • To move a reservation to a new date, 14 days’ notice is required. If less than 14 days’ notice is given, it will be handled like a cancellation. Your deposit will be non-refundable and a new reservation for the new dates will need to be made.
  • To shorten the start date of a reservation, 14 days’ notice is required, and a single $25.00 change fee will be added to your invoice. With less than 14 days’ notice a $25.00 fee will be added for each day you shorten.

For reservations for all other dates the following policies apply:

  • To cancel a reservation, 3 days’ notice is required, and you will receive a refund of your deposit minus the $25.00 cancellation fee, any change fees, and the $3.50 online booking fee (if applies). If we receive less than 3 days’ notice, your deposit is non-refundable.

Property & Policies

Cell phone coverage is spotty in Big Sur but can be found at Fernwood Resort in parts of the campground, near the open meadow is best, and in the parking lot in front of the resort adjacent to Highway 1. Verizon & AT&T have cell phone towers in Big Sur. The towers are located south of us at the top of the grade leading out of the Big Sur valley. AT&T also has a cell phone tower at Point Sur which gives coverage in places with line of sight to the tower.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Bar & Grill and Restaurant Area as well as the Cabin Rentals and Hotel Room accommodations.

We ask all of our guests to respect the quiet hours from 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM. That means that we ask you to turn off any music and keep your voices low so that your neighbors can sleep.

Camping / RV-Camping:

  • Check in: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (quiet time starts at 10:00pm)
  • Check out: 11:00am

Motel:

  • Check in: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
  • Check out: 11:00am

Cabins:

  • Check in: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
  • Check out: 11:00am

Tent Cabins & Adventure Tents:

  • Check in: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
  • Check out: 11:00am

*All guests must check in before 10:00pm

When staying in the Motel, Cabins, and Adventure Tents, WE ASK THAT YOU LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME!

We allow pets in the Campground, RV camping, and the Tent Cabins. Please keep your pet on a leash at all times and your pet should not be left unattended. You can even bring your pet into the Tavern Bar & Grill, as long as you eat on the back deck.

ADA Accessibility

Committed to Accessibility: OUR STAYS ARE OPEN TO ALL

We strive to provide an accessible facility that allows all visitors to take part in everything our resort has to offer. Here are the details of our common areas and how they are accessible:

  • Restaurant: Our restaurant is accessible via a ramp that leads to the entrance. There is indoor seating accessible for wheelchairs.
  • General Store: The general store is wheelchair accessible via the ramp that leads to the restaurant.
  • Campground Public Restrooms: The main campground East Bath House has both men and women’s accessible toilets, along with an accessible unisex shower available as well.
  • Learn more about our ADA accessibility options.

We are committed to providing a website that can be accessed by all, including users with disabilities.

We strive to maintain compliance with the World Wide Web’s Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA (WCAG 2.0 AA) on our website, and:

  • We have built our website using standard compliant HTML and CSS
  • We have ensured that the website content is structured in a logical manner using informative headings and labels where relevant, and are usable by customers who use assistive technology/screen readers.
  • We have provided consistent navigation across the website
  • We have ensured that images have alternative texts and descriptive links.

Please be aware that WCAG 2.0 AA Guidelines are evolving and our efforts to comply with these guidelines are ongoing. If you would like to report any accessibility issues, please contact us at [email protected]. We will make all reasonable efforts in order to update the page(s) and ensure their accessibility.

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If you would like to apply for open positions at Fernwood, please click here to download an application and send the completed document to [email protected].