Guide: Camping at Dabudage Campground
90/100
💡 Dabudage Campground scored a 90/100 from our team. It’s quiet, well kept, and easy to settle into for a few days. Sites are spaced out enough that you’re not right on top of your neighbors, and the creek running through camp adds a nice touch. Good spot if you want something comfortable without a lot of noise or hassle.
Creekside Camping Under Coastal Redwoods in Big Sur
Big Sur, California. Dabudage Campground sits on Mill Creek, away from the crowds you’ll find at most other Big Sur spots. There are only a handful of sites here—three for tents and two simple cabins—so it stays quiet even in peak season. You won’t get cell service, power, or much in the way of modern amenities. Instead, you set up camp next to the creek, cook in a small shared kitchen, and handle basics like showers and compost toilets. The area is still recovering from past fire and flood damage, so you’ll see new growth alongside fallen redwoods and boulders. If you fish, you’ll find native rainbow trout in Mill Creek, though conditions can shift with rain and runoff. Overall, this is camping at its simplest—no distractions, just a quiet spot to sleep under the trees.
🏕 Best Campsites
There’s only one tent site at Dabudage, but that’s part of what makes it stand out. You get the full camping experience right along Mill Creek—no crowds, no distractions. If you’re after peace and a spot that actually feels like camping, this is it. The creek is close enough to hear at night, and the site itself is private, with plenty of space to spread out. Out of everything here, this is the spot we recommend.
Location
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📖 Some Quick History & Background
Years back, Dabudage Campground started as a family spot on Mill Creek, mostly known by locals who wanted to keep it quiet. The place took a real hit in 2020 when a big fire moved through, followed by a flood that sent down piles of redwoods and boulders, reshaping a lot of the campground and clearing out some of the old growth. Since then, it’s been a work in progress—still rustic, still simple, and always changing a little bit as the land settles and people keep rebuilding.
There’s no cell service, electricity, or anything fancy, which is why it draws folks who want to unplug and just be outside. The sites are spread along the creek or up the hillside, so you’re close to the water and the trees. Some people fish for wild rainbow trout when the water’s up, but a lot of the time, it’s just about having a quiet spot to camp and hike. The campground’s rules reflect the low-key vibe—no amplified music, no fires outside the pits, and pack out your own trash. Kids and dogs both have room to roam, and most people end up spending the evenings by the fire or listening to the creek run.
🧐 Tips for First-Time Campers
You’re going to want to pack light here, since you’ll carry your gear a short way from the car to your site. Bring your own tent, pads, and bedding—nothing’s provided, even in the cabins. The campground doesn’t have electricity or cell service, so plan for headlamps, extra batteries, and maybe a power bank if you use a camera. Nights get cool, especially with the creek nearby, so pack warm layers even in summer. Rain isn’t common from late spring through early fall, but the area can get muddy fast if the weather shifts.
Check your food storage—raccoons come through, and anything left out will disappear. There’s a small communal kitchen and fresh water on site, but it’s pretty bare-bones, so bring what you need and don’t count on anything extra. Fires are only allowed in designated pits and you’ll have to pack out your own trash. If you fish, you’ll see wild rainbow trout in the creek, but conditions depend on the season and rainfall. Most people stick to hiking and hanging out by the water, especially with Limekiln trails open again. The campground books up quick when the rest of Big Sur is full, so reserve early and keep your plans flexible.
🏇 Activities to Enjoy at Dabudage Campground
Trails around Dabudage Campground tend to stay quiet, even in the busy season. Limekiln State Park is close by, with hikes out to the old lime kilns, through redwoods, and down toward the coast. Most people come here for the walking—some trails are short and easy, while others climb higher and give you a good look at the canyon and ocean. Early mornings are best if you want to spot wildlife like deer, jays, or woodpeckers, or if you’re just after some quiet before things warm up.
Most days revolve around the creek—people wade in, cool off, or just stretch out by the water. Evenings are low-key, usually spent around the fire or the small communal kitchen. You’re off the grid here, so everything slows down. It’s the kind of place where you end up just enjoying the trees, the creek, and the downtime between hikes.
💡 Insider Tips & Recommendations
Getting there before dark makes a big difference, since finding your site and hauling gear in is easier when you can actually see where you’re going. The road in can get rough after rain, so double-check conditions if you’re coming early in the season. It’s walk-in camping for the tent sites, so a decent backpack or a tote you can carry a few hundred yards helps a lot. A small tarp comes in handy for extra ground cover—spots near the creek can get damp overnight.
Food storage is basic, so bring your own containers or a cooler with a tight lid—raccoons know their way around camp here. If you’re planning to hike, keep an eye out for poison oak off the trails, especially in spring when it blends in with everything else. Water is available, but it’s worth having a backup just in case they’re doing any work on the system. Bring layers, even in summer—temperatures drop fast after sunset. Finally, don’t count on a last-minute booking; with so few sites, things fill up quick when the rest of Big Sur is full.
🐕🧑 Pet-Friendly Guidelines at Dabudage Campground
Regulations can change at a moment's notice. Always check with campground, state, and local laws for up to date pet regulations.
Dogs are welcome at Dabudage Campground and you won’t need a leash, but you’ll want to keep an eye on them since there’s wildlife around and a creek running right by camp. It’s a good idea to bring your own waste bags and pick up after your dog—there’s no staff doing rounds here. Some areas have poison oak or steep drop-offs, so it’s smart to keep pets close when you’re moving around camp or out on the trails. If you’re staying in one of the cabins, bring a bed or blanket for your dog since nothing is provided.
🐾 Pets Allowed
📏 No Leash Required
🧹 Pick Up After Your Pet
🌲 Watch for Wildlife and Steep Areas
🏕️ Bring Bedding for Cabins
A trip you're going to remember
Some trips are about keeping things simple, and Dabudage Campground fits that. If you want a spot with just the basics, a bit of quiet, and room to spend time outside, this place is worth considering. It’s the kind of campground that rewards a little extra planning, since you’re not getting much in the way of frills or backup.
Before you go, double-check the latest rules and any updates from the campground. Conditions change here—roads, trails, and fire restrictions can all shift with the season. If you’re flexible and come prepared, you’ll have a good shot at the kind of camping people remember.