FIRES; Our biggest concern during the dry season is wildfire. Please be extra careful, making sure that your fire is safe and legal. Be sure to extinguish your fire when you leave. Please do not throw cigarette butts along the roadside. Campfires and BBQ's are only allowed in designated campgrounds and always prohibited alongside Highway 1.
COLLECTING; Plants, animals, rocks, and artifacts of Big Sur's cultural and natural history are protected by law and should not be disturbed. Rockhounding and collection of driftwood and firewood may be allowed in certain designated areas. Collectors should contact the nearest ranger station for specific information.
LITTER; Please don't litter! Please treat Big Sur gently and with respect so that it will remain the beautiful place we all love. Micro trash discarded along the coast poses a great threat to the endangered California Condor. This includes cigarette butts, small pieces of plastic and bottle caps. The condors mistake them for food and it can cause death when ingested. Give a hoot, don't pollute!
PUBLIC RESTROOMS; Public restrooms are provided at all State Parks. Day use fees are waived for the short period of time it takes to use the restrooms. Public restroom locations along the Big Sur coast.
PRIVATE PROPERTY; Please be mindful and respectful of the property rights of others. Most of the land adjacent to the highway is posted private property, and trespassing laws are strictly enforced.
ROADSIDE CAMPING; Monterey County prohibits camping along Highway 1 from the Carmel River to the Monterey - San Luis Obispo County line. This does not apply to tired motorists stopping for a temporary rest. Campfires and BBQ's are not permitted alongside Highway 1 at any time.
No camping alongside Nacimiento-Fergusson Road except in established campgrounds.
PETS; Pets frighten wildlife and disturb visitors. On US Forest Service lands, pets must be leashed in developed campgrounds and picnic areas only. In the state parks, they must be on a leash at all times.
POISON OAK; This toxic plant is found in Big Sur in abundance. Exposure to the plant can be spread by hands, clothing, pets, or equipment which has come in contact with the plant or from the smoke generated when burning it. Much of the reactive substance can be removed by immediate washing with cool water and soap. Look for the triple leaf pattern, with prominent veins and a shiny surface. During the Summer and Fall, the leaves take on reddish hues. Try to avoid this plant.
DRIVING TIPS FOR HIGHWAY 1; State Highway 1 through the Big Sur area is recognized as one of most beautiful highways in the country and has many eye catching distractions. Highway 1 through Big Sur is a designated American National Scenic Byway & Californic Scenic Highway, an honor reserved for highways that are so distinctive they are destinations unto themselves. Please pull over into a safe turnout to enjoy the view.
