Fernwood Resort

Loved this place while staying the night in one of their tent cabins. So much easier than setting up a tent and LOVED how the cabin was literally steps from the Big Sur River. It sounded like soft rain all night which drowned out any surrounding noise, so relaxing. The lady in the office was very regimented so told us everything we needed to know and would definitely stay there again. The layout of the beds in the tent cabin was a bit strange and could’ve been done differently but still loved it and liked how it included the sleeping mattresses. Also like how their firewood bundles came with a fire starter kit which was very handy.

Tent cabin was nice and roomy. We fit with 2 adults and 3 little kids. Bathroom and coin operated showers were clean. Good location in big sur.
But as other reviewers wrote the tent cabins (as well the rest of the campground sites) are super close to each other, which means you can easily hear your neighbors and, more problematic for me, the smoke from the fire pits is everywhere. Usually when the camp sites are more spread out the smoke moves but there the smoke gets stuck and the entire night the tent cabin, including all your cloths, sleeping bags, bags, smell like smoke.
Besides that, overall good experience.

the location is amazing! it’s hard to beat anyplace set inside the redwood forest. our room was ok, the big perk was the electric fireplace and comfy bed, but aside from that everything else was meh. the shower sucked, but it’s better than nothing, after a long days hike. the décor was a little lack luster… it looks like they were beginning to do something cute to justify the cost, but then gave up and figured they could still charge as much as they want for little to no effort with looks.
my only complaint is that the people in the office were kinda d*cks. both my boyfriend and i tried to engage them in convo, ask questions, or just be a little friendly and they were not having it at all. i mean we get it, it’s peaked season and they’ve probably dealt with more than their fair share of less than pleasant customers, but when i’m paying $ 200/​night for a room, it would be nice if the staff was at least half as nice as i am to them.
that being said, the waiters/​bartenders/​housekeeping crews were all super nice, and made up for it.
all and all, there are probably five exactly the same type resort/​loges along that span of hwy 1, so you have your pick. during peak season it really boils down to availability, and next time i would probably stay somewhere else with similar amenities but a friendlier staff if it were available.

If you like adventure then, you will like this amazing establishment.
Looking at the website and Unilocal… It doesn’t look that great but you would be as wrong as I was to think that.
It was New Year’s Eve. My girlfriend and I were sill driving along the mostly desolate Highway 1, coming from LA, when we found it. Fernwood.
Shining bright like a diamond in the rough, with the sound of a live band filling the canyon, hundreds of hipsters gathered inside of its restaurant turned concert stage.
We stayed in a Cabin Tent. No electricity, no running water, and NO heat. It was maybe 20 degrees INSIDE the cabin. And it was AMAZING.
Seriously. Yeah, we woke up freezing a few times however it gave her an excuse to cuddle me to death. It was everything we needed and completely worth it.
Looking up through the massive redwoods it was nothing but thousands of little dots. Stars I hadn’t seen in years.
When we woke up the next morning, groggy and sleep deprived, we opened the door to the astonishing view of a river 15 feet from our cabin.
We are coming back again soon with friends.
It’s a perfect romantic getaway or place to adventure with friends and it’s like 20 minutes from Big Sur.
Great staff, great place and great memories.

We stayed for the 1^st time in November and LOVED our stay at Fernwood Resort! My husband and I go to Big Sur every year and were disappointed to learn that the place we stayed at last year was closed for construction. In my search for a new spot, I found Fernwood Resort and very happy I did (it was way better)!! We stayed in an «adventure tent» which is the «glamping» version of camping as it has a real bed with pillows, plenty of blankets, electricity, a small space heater (which we used bc it got cold!) and a small side table with chairs. They had real showers, toilet and sinks that were separate just for the adventure tents which were large and just like you were in your own home… so that was great especially since I’m not a huge fan of dorm-​style bathroom facilities. The staff was super friendly and helpful.
The fact they have a convenience store (they had all the fixings for smores!), a restaurant AND a bar with Jameson (that stays open late) made it easy (and safe) to throw back a few drinks after a long day of hikes and make it back to our adventure tent easily. Gotta love that 3-​in-​1! The fact that they were a short walking distance to the start of the Pfeiffer Falls/​Valley View Trailhead made it THAT much better (though we got pretty lost trying to find it since it isn’t marked). In fact, Fernwood was in a very central area a short distance from many things we ended up checking out (Ewoldsen Trail/​McWay Falls, Partington Cove, Big Sur Taphouse, Big Sur Bakery, etc). They also had WiFi/​reception in some areas of the campsite which is rare to have throughout Big Sur in general (last time we came we had to keep driving to the little post office parking lot in order to get any sort of reception to find directions).
The only reason I didn’t give it 5-​stars is the website’s photos are a bit outdated… so we were surprised the «adventure tent» was actually different from what the online pictures depict. On the website, it shows a metal post frame with a zip-​up/​folding doorway/​entrance, but when we got there, they’ve since replaced this with actual wood framing throughout the unit (like a real house), put in real glass windows and had a real/​normal door with a knob. I guess this helps keep things more secure or warm), but I was really looking forward to the fold-​up canvas door being more «rugged» feeling than an everyday wooden one.
All in all, we had a GREAT stay and can’t wait to come back again next year :)

Fernwood Resort is a great place for camping when you’re in Big Sur! When we were there, we stayed at campsites 21, 22, and 23. What I liked about these campsites is that it’s right at the edge of the forest so it’s a lot more quiet. Also, it’s right where the entrance is for a few trails!
There’s a huge sundeck right across from these campsites but it was never used while we were there. We only put our clothes there to dry in the sun.
Also, the campsites we were at was a short walk to the showers and bathrooms but it’s far enough that you couldn’t smell all the nasty smells from the trash or people pooping. Also our campsite had an electric hookup so we were able to charge our phones or whatever else we needed charging.
And yes you read that right! Fernwood Resorts has showers and bathrooms! The showers were never super busy when I went to shower. The showers closest to our campsite had three stalls in it. Unfortunately, they don’t lock. It’s just a shower curtain in front of each stall so it could be kind of creepy if you’re showering there by yourself. Who knows! Someone could just walk into the women’s restroom and open the shower curtain! Probably not, but the thought ran through my head.
Our campsite, as well as a ton of others are right in front of the river. When we were there, the water was SUPER cold but it was nice being there. A few of my friends jumped into the river and just walked down it for as far as they could.
It is pretty quiet at Fernwood Resorts. I didn’t get to eat at the bar and grill there, but I checked out their general store. It’s small, but there’s a little bit of everything you could need in case you forgot something that was essential.
I would stay here again. Our campsite was great. It’s small but not too bad.

5 stars for the LODGING part.
The glamping cabin’s were so well put together and everything functioned properly.
The campgrounds were absolutely gorgeous!
I definitely recommend taking one of the many hikes surrounding the area.
2 stars for the Bar & Grill.

Stayed at Fernwood for five nights over Thanksgiving break. It is a beautiful campground. The showers were cleaned often and very nice. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were a little tight in the section we stayed in. My neighbor on one side shared power and on the other side we shared water. That was all ok. No problems. My issue with Fernwood is the high prices. $ 65 a night then you add a dog and two children and your at $ 80. Wow! No sewer hook ups and they still want $ 20 to dump after I spent over $ 500. The restaurant prices were terrible. A breakfast burrito was $ 15.25. It was strange the beer prices were around $ 5 a pint. The store had outdated items for about 2.5 times the normal. I suppose you can read this and say I’m cheap. Ok. I would prefer value oriented and don’t like to be gouged.

We were planning on staying at a different campground, but we arrived really late. It was dark and really cold. The other campgrounds were full. The stay was 65.00 a night, plus 12.00 for wood. (Very pricey) but the other campgrounds were about the same price. The site is pretty nice, most of them are along the river. It has a electric power, water, and a small fire pit with a table. The bathroom was pretty clean with warm showers. They have some nice hiking trails. Overall it was nice and peaceful.

Excellent if your a tent camper or class c motorhome traveler. Perfect stream in a perfect redwood forest. Campfires are okay here in the designated camp site fire pits. Price is regular at about $ 50 a night and worth it. Not sure if they are a part of a travel membership.
Stop at the store and dinner-​tavern off the 1 associated with the resort, its a great environment. Bring your bike or walking shoes for seeing the near by sights.

Camped here last weekend with my girlfriend and we had a great time. It’s a beautiful campground among the redwoods with plenty of sites along the big sur river.
The campsite is fairly large with sites among the redwoods and along the river. Our site (64) was quite large with plenty of room for parking and plenty of room for up to about 3 tents. The site includes a picnic table and fire pit (with bbq grates). There was also electric and water hookups. The area near the river was perfect for the tent. We fell asleep each night to the sound of the river.
The facilities include bathrooms, dish washing station, store, restaurant, and wifi (in motel and restaurant). The bathrooms were fairly clean with free hot showers. Nothing fancy but much better than most public campgrounds. The dishwashing station was a nice touch. They even had a dish rack to dry dishes. Having a full service restaurant/​motel/​store available is really great. They have anything you might need if you forgot something and if you don’t feel like cooking then they have a pretty good restaurant.
That being said there were a few complaints. Sites aren’t huge and there isn’t a ton of privacy. Our site (64) was actually pretty big and we got to set our tent along the river. However, the site was long an narrow so our neighbors were a bit closer than we would have liked. Also the staff was a bit rude. They were often dismissive and acted like any questions were a nuisance. The price of the campground is quite high at 65/​night for sites with electricity. Firewood was also pretty expensive. 12 bucks for about 6 – 7 good size logs. However, I found that most places in the area were similarly priced. Lastly, the noise level was higher than I expected. The campground is pretty compact and can get pretty loud when crowded (even after quiet hours). Also there is a bit of road noise. Is highly recommend some ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.
Overall, I really enjoyed this place and I would definitely return. I’d recommend it for people taking their first or second camping trip who really aren’t ready to «rough it» quite yet. If you looking for seclusion and privacy this place isn’t for you. If you are looking for a family friendly camp with some more amenities and a beautiful back drop check this place out.

I’m torn as well. We sort of winged it with our Big Sur trip. We considered booking Ventana from the car but at $ 55 we were hoping for a spot close to the water. (I know, that is what you get for waiting to book). We lost service by the time I could make a decision so after striking out showing up to the first few campsites, we wound up at Fernwood. There was a redhead woman and brunette boy working the desk. Redhead told us to go look at the only spot that was left (at $ 55…darn it, shoulda just booked Ventana!) — it was between the volleyball courts and bathroom. I came back to say we would take but I kindly/​jokingly tried to ask if there was a reason we shouldn’t take it bc she was totally underselling it. She was so unreasonably rude in response and the guy was no help either. Whatever, we decided to cut our losses and take what we could get. The customer ‘service’ that followed continued to disappoint — I asked to see something that was on the wall and she basically told me she didn’t want to take it down… it would have taken 2 seconds and it was a map showing how far various landmarks were from the site. So then they proceeded to give me a map that was not at all the same thing… –_​– Maybe this doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I was pretty shocked at how rude some campground folks could be — your job is pretty awesome, and we were killing them with kindness.
The site itself is just fine. Bathrooms are fine, I heard people complain about the showers though. You have access to a cool hike, though it’s not walking distance to the beach contrary to what the front desk dude told me. If you just need a place to lay your head it works! You can drive up to the big sur bakery, or check out the bar at this campground — we did not, but we bought smore ingredients from the store there. Oh and they sell firewood for $ 10 and have water on site.
Oh also, so funny– while reading reviews of campsites, I found a review from a woman talking about how she camped next to a family whose children kept saying stuff like ‘mommy mommy, i pooped” — lo and behold, we show up and this adorable child next to our site within the first 10 minutes starts squealing «you guys I farted ! omg you guys, I farted — eeew!» hahahah.

My parents and I spent only one night there but we loved it.
The tent cabin are nice ! We really enjoyed the river and the quiet time there.
We tried the pizza from the restaurant around a fire and we were not disappointed.
The only thing is they don’t have any lights in the tent so don’t forget to bring your own.

I didn’t even get a chance to stay here, as much as I wanted to, due to their AWFUL employee at the front desk. I called to reserve a room for the weekend, he put me on hold, then after waiting long enough, hung up on me! I called back thinking he probably just forgot he had put me on hold. He picked up the phone, then wouldn’t you believe it, he hung up on me again. I called a third time and miraculously enough he answered. I told him that I was the person who called two times who he hung up on both times. He responded with a «yeah.» The front desk employees are the gatekeepers to your business. If you don’t want people keeping the gates closed and shooing people away, hire someone else!

I’m torn. Although I loved the actual camping amenities, the water and the area for the kids to play (ride bikes, run around) I really struggle with the party all night atmosphere. We are not stuffy but in our group we had 13 adults & 10 kids and we definitely struggled with sleeping due to other people staying up all night having belligerent conversations. I mean super loud! The last night there was even a group that did a drum circle that started after 10 which is supposed to be quiet time. We complained the first night but it was pretty obvious no one was really concerned.
The other problem I had was that not once but twice in our four night stay our kids were booted off the volleyball courts for the maintenance man’s family to have a giant volley ball game-​like 20 people. Maybe if this is a regular or scheduled thing the campground could post a sign saying when the court is closed?
This same group then took over the free showers on both men’s & women’s sides & we could not get in for at least 30 mins for my 5 year old son to bathe because there were 8 little girls in the ladies showers in full clothes running shower to shower occupying the entire bathroom with only a couple of gossiping teenagers for their guardians. The bathroom was soaked top to bottom after that.
The place is beautiful and the water is wonderful for kids & parents alike. Having water & power at most spots was great. Walking to the hiking trail from the cabin area was fantastic. Loved the store & the bar/​restaurant.
We read all the rules before we arrived & were hesitant about it looking so strict. Don’t be-​no one follows the «rules» and no one regulates anyone else not following them. Hang your hammocks, party all night, put as many tents as you want anywhere you want, take over the volley ball courts with huge family reunions and let your dogs bark all night long!
Bring earplugs & you should be ok.

After being mistreated by another campground, my friends and I arrived at Fernwood really tired and frustrated from a long day. And Fernwood really hooked us up! They gave us an awesome campsite right on the river and it was seriously so nice! The river and entire campground area was clean and lovely. Showers and restrooms were also nice and clean. The people were great and when our car battery died, they had cables and were able to get us up and running in no time. The general store at the top of the grounds can really come in handy and they have everything available that you may have forgotten (like a jacket for me!) Close to Big Sur and a great location to camp after a day of exploring. Each site has their own fire pit and they sell fire wood at the front!

My husband, 11 month old son and I stayed here for two nights. We stayed in cabin 32. There is a cool trail up by cabin 31. The trail (that goes up) went on for a long time. It took us to an abandoned campground and the river, it kept going but it was a little too far for us. The cabin was nice. It’s pretty much a trailer home so you don’t get a rustic cabin vibe staying here. When we walked in the smell of dirty mildew sponge was overwhelming and nauseating. We couldn’t find where the smell was coming from, but figured it must have been the locked door which probably contained the water heater. There was everything u need in the cabin: pots, pans, dish soap, extra blankets etc. I didn’t like the fact that the cabins were not private. When sitting outside at the fire pit you’re looking directly into cabin 33’s window. Park the car in between to create more privacy.

We stayed here in a cabin even though I really wanted the Adventure Tent but they were sold out even a month in advance. We found out later that there was only 3 Adventure Tent in the Resort.
The resort /​campground is nothing fancy. When we first arrived, we were a little confused as to where to check in or park. We discovered that we need to go down a narrow steep hill to get to the bottom of the hill and there’s an old schoolhouse where they use for check-​ins. Staff was pretty helpful. What sucks is that they make you pay $ 2 for the map to the hiking grounds and such.
It was useful that they had a bar, restaurant, and a convenient store although the prices were crazy but who can blame them? You’re very far from any superstore.
The grounds itself is very beautiful and I loved walking around and just looking at everything. There was a nice little river flowing nearby. The hiking trails are pretty good but not great.
The cabin was pretty pricey for 2 people but it would seem great or crowded for a family of 4 since there’s only 1 bathroom. Fully stocked kitchen with cheap utensils. Bathroom is well stocked. AC is included. TV did not work however. It was a very nice cozy cabin. We also got our own little meadow, picnic table and a fire pit.
Overall, it was a pretty good experience. I would totally come back here but I want an Adventure Tent or go with a big group of people to share the experience.

We came up for a friends wedding and spent an amazing weekend here.
Due to work I only had two nights here, would have loved to have had a few more.
They do a really good job of making it comfortable and convenient for everyone.
They have a bar, a restaurant, a deli, a store… all your needs are met.
We stayed up in the Motel part of the resort, nice sized room and solid shower.
Many of our friends camped down by the river among the redwood trees which had showers and restrooms as well.
The scenery is awesome. So peaceful .
I wouldnt mind making this a yearly trip/​vacation spot.

CAMPSITE #22, 23, 24 (Mostly review for 24)
Holy kittens, I booked this a year ago but I wanted site #53. I couldn’t believe it was already taken. That how fast things get booked. Of course the friend that laughed at me for booking it a year early was not invited, hahahaha!
The only time we interacted with the staff was at check in. I got the stern «QUIET TIME’ talk. I must look like a party animal or the ring leader, LOL! ;) or cuz I told here there were 18 of us.
I booked this cuz I wanted to be by the river except I didn’t even think that the highway noise would be a bother. Well, you can hear the traffic so Labor Day weekend was very busy. BRING EARPLUGS!
The great thing about getting campsite 24 is that you can put your tent way way far away from the site. I wish I did that since I had no idea some of the campers that came with us were inconsiderate with their laughing and loud talking till 5:30am! None of the camp staff shushed us which was surprising. I think it’s because the campsite is lower by the river so the noise did not travel. Plus with all the parked cars we had blocked our noise in. Most of the 3 sites had large ostrich sized rocks. Too many to move but luckily, we were glamping and brought our air mattress. There are sandy spots closer to the river and way past site 24. We had a total of 18 folks and had plenty of space. We even brought our 8 man tent! #23 and 24 had power outlets to charge our gadgets! That was a plus.
Also if you have campsite 24, you can head up the river, keep heading away from the bridge and you’ll eventually find a spot big enough to lay out with a few friends for a picnic. WATCH OUT for poison ivy or oak, can’t remember which one. There’s a trail that you can follow. You might need to zig zag and use part of the river.
Bathrooms and showers aren’t that far. 3 stalls of toilet and 3 stalls of shower. Our showers were free but very low water pressure. Lots of hooks to use but only by the wall so grab the shower closest to it if you bring too much girlie crap to use. The toilet papers are replaced well except they use rolls that are way too big for the holder so if you get a new roll, it’s so hard to get any paper out. If your camp is nearby, you’ll hear the loud squeaking when the roll is about halfway used.
Right next to the toilets is a dish washing station. So so nice of them to provide this. There’s hot water to get rid of the grease. Yay! I snuck in a facewash when the toilets were full. There’s a motion sensor light so as long as you do a couple of jumping jacks, you got light;) Save your headlamp for the walk back.
There are no bear boxes.
Right across us were the cabins with absent parents. The kids were hitting a baseball, A BASEBALL and almost hit our cars.
Bring your own fire wood cuz at the general store that is open till 10pm will sell you 6 puny logs for $ 12. A 7 pound ice was $ 3.50. OUCH!
This place is way, way, way better than the Big Sur campgrounds. I hated that place. See my review for that.
I still love this spot cuz you can bring your chairs and sit in the river to chill. So relaxing…