Andrew Molera State Park (Hwy. 1, 22 miles south of Carmel, 831/667-2315, www.parks.ca.gov [1], $10/night) offers 24 walk-in, tent-only campsites located 0.25–0.5 mile from the parking lot via a level, well-maintained trail. You’ll pitch your tent in a pretty meadow near the Big Sur River, in a site that includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
No reservations are taken, so come early in summertime to get one of the prime spots under a tree. While you’re camping, look out for bobcats, foxes, deer, raccoons (stow your food securely!), and any number of birds.
As of 2007, no potable water was available at Andrew Molera. Toilets sit a short walk from the camping area, but you cannot shower here.
Links:
[1] http://www.parks.ca.gov