Highway 1CA (coast highway)

Driving a Pickup with a camper isn't a real big deal. I have driven to Hearst Castle from Monterey 5 times, all at night, once when it was very foggy.

Bob in Calif.

lhenry8113 wrote:
Take a look at highway #101-very pretty drive and larger road--have used it many times towing our 5'vr. If you are a KOA member there is a small KOA campground--N. of Monterey and S. of Santa Cruz on the coast called "Moss Landing"--one of our favorite spots right next to the ocean with a fisherman's village & Marina--also n. of Santa Barbara in Buelton, a campground called Flying Flags RV Resort, along the 101 just outside a quaint Danish village called "Solvang"--a must see. Santa Barbara has a great pier which you can drive your vehicle onto--park, and eat at a variety of restaurants and stroll thru the shops. If you have a chance-be sure to see the Mission of Santa Barbara. Lars

Taking 1 from Monterey is a personal decision. Suggest you go to Google Earth and "drive" the road from Monterey to San Simeon. You can get a pretty good idea of the cliff side and such.

If you decide to take the 1, there are dry State Park campgrounds in San Simeon and Morro Bay. Morro Strand State Park (right on the beach) just finished installing about 30 full hook up sites. Only drawback is they are NOT on the ocean side. Several private full hook up campgrounds.

How is south of Monterey for a pickup camper?

Not an issue. The road is a little narrow in places and has a few tight curves. Nothing a small C motorhome, B van, truck camper or even those towing relatively small trailers cannot accommodate in their travels. Highway 1 north of Fort Bragg (north of San Francisco) to Westport redefines narrow, steep, and very windy and I have seen fairly large fifth wheels on it with no apparent issues. Logging trucks ply this route many times a day. It is far more challenging than the segment Big Sur to San Simeon, the section you are asking about. Just be sure you know where your wheels are. You will be essentially on a cliff part of the route. It is all part of the adventure that you can tell your grandkids later on. Go for it!

Please do not go on this road with your rig!

-Ex Southern Californian

How is south of Monterey for a pickup camper?

SR 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) from a point just south of Monterey to just north of San Simeon is a great drive for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Not for big rv's.

By all means travel the Pacific Coast Highway - BUT - leave the 5er in Monterey! It is not safe, period. You could drive Monterey to Cambria which is the prettiest part. Double back on 101 to pick up the 5er and then use 101 to Santa Barbara.

Take a look at highway #101-very pretty drive and larger road--have used it many times towing our 5'vr. If you are a KOA member there is a small KOA campground--N. of Monterey and S. of Santa Cruz on the coast called "Moss Landing"--one of our favorite spots right next to the ocean with a fisherman's village & Marina--also n. of Santa Barbara in Buelton, a campground called Flying Flags RV Resort, along the 101 just outside a quaint Danish village called "Solvang"--a must see. Santa Barbara has a great pier which you can drive your vehicle onto--park, and eat at a variety of restaurants and stroll thru the shops. If you have a chance-be sure to see the Mission of Santa Barbara. Lars

You will not enjoy the experience, narrow, twisty and slow.

The road to south of Monterrey is rather twisty. I agree that planning a day trip on the very scenic section using your truck will offer the most serenity and the best views. Just plan a 100 miles or so from Monterrey to a return point.