Ripplewood Resort: Cabins, Prices & Reviews

Written by Nimra Akram

Ripplewood Resort is a historic retreat located at 47047 Highway 1 in Big Sur, California, known for its rustic cabins, redwood surroundings and connection to the Big Sur River. Established in 1928, the property is among the area’s long-operating lodging destinations, with a history that began when this stretch of coast was developing as a travel route. Today, it offers an alternative to conventional hotels, combining individual cabin accommodation with practical on-site services in a forest setting.

Set across approximately 12 scenic acres, Ripplewood features 17 freestanding cabins, including riverside and hillside options. Cabins vary in layout, but the resort says every unit includes indoor plumbing, heating, bedding, towels, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. Selected cabins also have kitchens or kitchenettes, wood-burning fireplaces, decks, picnic tables and outdoor fire rings, giving guests different ways to enjoy the landscape. Rather than emphasizing luxury extras, the property focuses on simple comforts and time outdoors.

The resort also makes a Big Sur stay more convenient with its Ripplewood Café, general store and on-site Chevron gas station. The café serves breakfast and lunch, with garden-patio seating and vegan and gluten-free choices. Its Highway 1 location provides a base for exploring nearby redwood scenery, coastal viewpoints and regional attractions, while the river and trees remain central to the guest experience.

For travelers comparing Ripplewood Resort cabins, prices, dining and guest reviews, the key is understanding its rustic character: this is a small-scale retreat for visitors who value nature, history and a relaxed pace over extensive resort facilities. Cabin features, rates and availability vary, so checking official property information before booking is essential.

Table of Contents

Ripplewood Resort Overview and Location

Ripplewood Resort is a historic, nature-focused lodging property located at 47047 Highway 1, Big Sur, California 93920, where rustic cabins, towering redwood trees and the peaceful Big Sur River create a distinctive coastal retreat. Established in 1928, the property is among Big Sur’s long-running lodging destinations, welcoming travelers who prefer a quieter connection with nature rather than the atmosphere of a conventional luxury hotel. Set across approximately 12 scenic acres, Ripplewood combines traditional cabin accommodation with convenient on-site facilities, including a café, general store and Chevron gas station.The resort features approximately 17 freestanding cabins, including riverside and hillside accommodation options. Many cabins are surrounded by mature trees, while selected units offer views of the Big Sur River, outdoor seating areas and private fire rings. Its location along Highway 1 also makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider Big Sur region, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, nearby beaches and scenic coastal attractions.Unlike full-service luxury resorts, Ripplewood focuses on simplicity and outdoor living. Guests can enjoy practical comforts such as heating, indoor plumbing, refrigerators, coffee makers, fresh linens and daily housekeeping. Some accommodations also include kitchen facilities and wood-burning fireplaces.For travelers researching Ripplewood Resort Big Sur, the main attraction is its combination of historic character, riverside surroundings and convenient access to California’s Central Coast. It is particularly appealing to visitors who appreciate traditional cabins, peaceful natural scenery and a slower vacation experience.

Cabins, Rooms and Accommodation Options

Ripplewood Resort offers individual cabins rather than conventional hotel rooms. The accommodations are designed to complement their redwood surroundings while providing the essential comforts needed for a comfortable stay. The property features different cabin locations, including riverside, lower hillside and upper hillside options.

Redwood Riverside Cabins: These accommodations provide close access to the Big Sur River, with selected cabins featuring river-view decks, outdoor seating and fire rings. They are particularly appealing to guests who want to enjoy the sound of flowing water and the surrounding forest.
Lower Hillside Cabins: Positioned away from the immediate riverbank, these cabins offer a quieter woodland setting with convenient access to the property’s main facilities.
Upper Hillside Cabins: These accommodations provide another option for visitors seeking a peaceful setting among the trees, with individual layouts and features depending on the selected cabin.

Most cabins include electricity, indoor plumbing, heating, refrigerators, coffee makers, bedding and fresh towels. However, facilities vary between accommodation categories.Selected kitchen-equipped cabins provide cooking facilities, cookware and utensils, making them suitable for travelers who prefer preparing simple meals during their stay. Certain units also feature wood-burning fireplaces, while outdoor picnic tables and designated fire rings are available with selected accommodations.One important detail is that Ripplewood maintains a deliberately rustic atmosphere. Guests should not expect conventional hotel features such as televisions and in-room telephones. Instead, the experience focuses on privacy, natural surroundings and traditional cabin living.Travelers can explore the available accommodation categories and individual cabin details through the official Ripplewood Resort cabin guide.

Room Prices and Booking Information

The cost of staying at Ripplewood Resort depends on the selected cabin, travel dates, seasonal demand and reservation availability. Riverside accommodations and cabins with additional facilities may have different rates from simpler hillside options.Rather than presenting one fixed nightly price, travelers should check the official booking system for their preferred dates. This is particularly important during summer, weekends and holiday periods, when accommodation demand across Big Sur can increase.Before confirming a reservation, visitors should consider:

Cabin category: Riverside and kitchen-equipped accommodations may offer different pricing.
Travel season: Summer and holiday periods can influence availability and nightly rates.
Minimum stay: Some weekends and holiday dates require multiple nights.
Reservation deposit: The property’s booking policies explain the payment requirements.
Cancellation conditions: Deposits and cancellation fees depend on the notice period.
Additional guests: Each cabin has a maximum occupancy limit that guests must follow.

Ripplewood recommends booking ahead, particularly during busy travel periods. Its official booking information also explains deposit and cancellation requirements, so travelers should review the applicable conditions before making payment.For the most accurate prices and current availability, visit the Ripplewood Resort official website.

Dining at Ripplewood Resort and Nearby Restaurants

Dining is one of the convenient aspects of staying at Ripplewood Resort. The property features the Ripplewood Café, an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in a relaxed setting surrounded by Big Sur’s natural landscape.The café offers a selection of familiar American-style meals, breakfast favorites, coffee and lunch options. Its menu includes dishes such as pancakes, huevos rancheros and burgers, providing convenient choices for guests before heading out to explore the coast.Dining facilities include:

Breakfast and lunch service.
Coffee and espresso drinks.
Vegetarian-friendly selections.
Vegan and gluten-free options.
Indoor dining and garden patio seating.
Convenient access from the cabins.

The café’s published operating hours are generally 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily, although visitors should confirm current hours before arrival.The property also includes a general store where guests can purchase snacks, groceries, beverages and basic travel supplies. Having these facilities on-site is especially useful in Big Sur, where restaurants and shopping options are spread across a relatively large coastal area.Travelers who want to explore additional dining options can also visit other restaurants throughout Big Sur. However, checking opening hours and availability ahead of time is recommended.For café information and current dining details, visit the Ripplewood Resort website.

Big Sur River Access and Outdoor Experience

The natural surroundings are among the strongest reasons travelers choose Ripplewood Resort. Unlike properties that focus primarily on indoor entertainment, Ripplewood offers an experience shaped by the Big Sur River, mature redwood trees and the surrounding coastal environment.Many cabins are positioned near the river, allowing guests to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of flowing water and forest scenery. Selected riverside units also feature decks and outdoor seating areas where visitors can spend time surrounded by nature.Outdoor experiences around the property include:

Enjoying the natural scenery along the Big Sur River.
Relaxing in outdoor seating areas.
Spending time beneath the surrounding redwood trees.
Exploring nearby hiking areas and state parks.
Enjoying designated outdoor fire-ring facilities where available.
Photographing the surrounding forest and landscape.

Guests should remember that access to the river does not mean every cabin has a private riverfront area. Cabin locations and outdoor facilities vary, so checking the individual accommodation description is important.For travelers interested in exploring beyond the property, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers redwood landscapes, river scenery and hiking opportunities. Pfeiffer Beach is another popular destination known for its distinctive coastal scenery.These nearby attractions make Ripplewood a practical accommodation choice for visitors planning a wider Big Sur sightseeing trip.

Amenities, Facilities and Guest Services

Ripplewood Resort combines traditional cabin accommodation with practical facilities that help visitors enjoy a comfortable stay in a relatively remote coastal destination.

Its amenities are designed around convenience rather than luxury hotel services.

Facility	What Guests Can Expect
Free Wi-Fi	Available around the café, store and cabin areas, with variable coverage
Free Parking	Parking available for resort guests
Heating	Available in the cabins
Indoor Plumbing	Included in cabin accommodation
Refrigerators	Available in the cabins
Coffee Makers	Provided in accommodation
Kitchen Facilities	Available in selected cabins
Fireplaces	Available in selected cabins
Daily Housekeeping	Provided according to resort policies
General Store	Groceries, snacks and travel essentials
Gas Station	On-site Chevron station
Café	Breakfast and lunch service

One important consideration is internet connectivity. Although Wi-Fi is available, the property explains that coverage can be limited and cabin connections may occasionally be interrupted. Cellular reception is also unavailable in much of the surrounding area.Ripplewood does not operate like a large full-service resort. It does not advertise a swimming pool, spa or fitness center. Its appeal comes from its outdoor setting, comfortable basic facilities and convenient services.Guests should also review the property’s policies regarding pets, smoking, occupancy and quiet hours before arrival. Pets are not permitted, apart from qualifying service animals.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Guest feedback provides useful insight into what visitors can expect from Ripplewood Resort. Reviews generally highlight its natural setting, riverside atmosphere, traditional cabins and convenient café.According to the available Google hotel listing, Ripplewood Resort has received approximately 4.4 out of 5 stars from 383 reviews in the surfaced listing. Review totals and scores can change over time.Tripadvisor also provides detailed guest feedback, including category scores:

Review Category	Tripadvisor Score
Location	4.7/5
Cleanliness	4.3/5
Sleep Quality	4.2/5
Service	4.0/5
Value	4.0/5
Rooms	3.9/5

These scores reflect the property’s published category ratings, rather than a calculated overall rating.

What Guests Appreciate

Several recurring positive themes appear in guest feedback:

The peaceful atmosphere around the Big Sur River.
The beautiful redwood surroundings.
The traditional character of the cabins.
Convenient access to the on-site café and general store.
The opportunity to disconnect from everyday distractions.

Areas Where Expectations Matter

Some visitors mention that the cabins feel older and more basic than conventional hotel accommodation. Room layouts, bathroom sizes and available facilities can vary. Limited cellular reception and inconsistent Wi-Fi may also be inconvenient for travelers who need constant connectivity.Overall, reviews suggest that Ripplewood is best appreciated as a rustic nature retreat rather than a modern luxury hotel.You can read more guest experiences through Ripplewood Resort on Tripadvisor and Google Hotels.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Ripplewood Resort

Understanding the advantages and limitations of Ripplewood Resort can help travelers decide whether the property matches their accommodation preferences.

Pros

Historic Big Sur lodging with a long-established identity.
Beautiful surroundings featuring redwood trees and the Big Sur River.
Different riverside and hillside cabin options.
Selected cabins with kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces.
On-site café serving breakfast and lunch.
General store and Chevron gas station on the property.
Convenient location along Highway 1.
Access to nearby Big Sur attractions.
A peaceful environment away from conventional hotel entertainment.

Cons

Cabins have a rustic rather than contemporary luxury design.
Facilities vary depending on the selected accommodation.
No swimming pool, spa or fitness center.
Limited cellular reception in the area.
Wi-Fi availability and reliability can vary.
Pets are generally not permitted.
Some cabins may be closer to Highway 1 and experience road noise.
Travelers looking for extensive resort services may find the facilities limited.

The best choice depends on what matters most during a Big Sur vacation. Guests seeking river views, traditional cabins and outdoor experiences may appreciate the property, while those expecting extensive luxury facilities may prefer a different type of accommodation.

Who Should Stay at Ripplewood Resort?

Ripplewood Resort is particularly suitable for travelers who value natural surroundings, simple accommodation and convenient access to Big Sur’s outdoor attractions.

Nature Lovers: The redwood setting and proximity to the Big Sur River make the property appealing to visitors who enjoy forest scenery, fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

Couples: Selected riverside cabins, outdoor seating and the quiet atmosphere provide an appealing setting for couples planning a relaxed coastal getaway.

Families: The resort offers individual cabins and a natural environment that can suit families looking for a traditional outdoor-oriented vacation. Parents should check cabin occupancy limits and available facilities before booking.

Road-Trip Travelers: Its location along Highway 1, combined with an on-site gas station, café and general store, makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring California’s coastal route.

Hiking and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Travelers interested in exploring Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, nearby beaches and the surrounding natural landscape can use the property as a convenient accommodation base.

However, Ripplewood may not be the right choice for travelers who prioritize extensive spa facilities, swimming pools, luxury dining or uninterrupted mobile connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ripplewood Resort

Q1. Where is Ripplewood Resort located?

Ripplewood Resort is located at 47047 Highway 1, Big Sur, California 93920, United States. It sits among redwood trees near the Big Sur River.

Q2. How many cabins does Ripplewood Resort have?

The property is listed as having approximately 17 freestanding cabins, including different riverside and hillside accommodation options.

Q3. Does Ripplewood Resort have river-view cabins?

Yes. Selected riverside cabins feature views of the Big Sur River, with some offering outdoor decks and seating areas.

Q4. Does Ripplewood Resort have a restaurant?

Yes. Ripplewood Café serves breakfast and lunch, with indoor dining and outdoor garden patio seating.

Q5. Does Ripplewood Resort have a swimming pool or spa?

No. The property does not advertise a swimming pool, spa or fitness center. Its main attraction is its natural riverside setting.

Q6. Is Wi-Fi available at Ripplewood Resort?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available around the property, including the café and store areas. However, coverage can vary, and cellular reception is limited in the area.

Q7. Are pets allowed at Ripplewood Resort?

No. Pets are generally not permitted. Qualifying service animals are accepted under applicable requirements.

Q8. What time are check-in and check-out at Ripplewood Resort?

The published check-in time is 3:30 PM, and check-out is 11:00 AM. Guests should confirm these details with the property before arrival.

Q9. Does Ripplewood Resort have kitchen-equipped cabins?

Yes. Selected cabins include kitchens or kitchenettes with cooking facilities and basic cookware. Availability depends on the cabin category.

Q10. How can visitors book Ripplewood Resort?

Visitors can check cabin options, current rates and reservation availability through the official Ripplewood Resort website or contact the property directly at (831) 667-2242.

Final Thoughts

Ripplewood Resort offers a distinctive Big Sur lodging experience built around traditional cabins, redwood surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere of the Big Sur River. Its combination of riverside accommodation, an on-site café, general store and gas station makes it a practical option for visitors exploring California’s scenic Highway 1.Although the property does not offer the extensive facilities of a modern luxury resort, its historic character and connection with the surrounding landscape give it a different kind of appeal. For travelers who value nature, simplicity and a quieter coastal getaway, Ripplewood Resort is worth considering when planning a visit to Big Sur.

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