BIG SUR OCEANVIEW CAMPGROUNDS

If you like camping, I know you'll like camping along the ocean - whether it be on a beach, or high on a bluff overlooking the sea. And it certainly doesn't get any better than having the views from Big Sur oceanview campgrounds!

KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND

Kirk Creek Campground is situated on a bluff about 100 feet above the ocean, scattered with Monterey Pines - the views are spectacular!! It's open all year, and in fact, the best time to come is October to May: the weather is usually mild and there are fewer people. Reservations are still required, though.

You'll find 34 campsites at this Big Sur oceanview campground (RVs are allowed, but there are no hook-ups), and each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pedestal grill. There are water spigots, flush toilets, and sinks in the restrooms.

Why camp at Kirk Creek campground?

• Whale watching from November to February as the Gray Whales migrate south to Baja
• Spectacular coastal views
• A trail to the beach
• The Vicente Flats trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP only has 2 campsites - both environmental, both tent only. They're about 1 mile from the parking lot, but once you arrive you'll find yourself atop a forested bluff overlooking McWay Falls - the only U.S. waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (at high tide) - and the Pacific Ocean!

These are very popular sites and must be reserved in advance.

The draw:

• No crowds
• Incredible views
• Partington Cove & McWay Falls
• Pfeiffer Beach is nearby
• If you're an experienced diver, getting a permit to dive the Julie Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area

LIMEKILN STATE PARK

Limekiln State Park is one of the more interesting sites along the Big Sur coastline because of the cultural history of its limekilns. In 1887 the Rockland Lime & Lumber Company was extracting lime from the area, processing it in 4 large lime kilns, and loading it on ships for transport, to be used in the making of concrete.

This is also of note in light of the above Special Note: most of the surrounding Redwood forest was used to fuel the kilns, but when the lime ran out after about 3 years, the forests were able to rejuvenate themselves to this extent:

Okay, on to Limekiln State Park Campground. You'll find breathtaking views at Limekiln of both the Redwood forests, and the rugged Northern California coastline. It would normally be open all year, and reservations are recommended, although there are 5 campsites available for first-come, first served.

There are 33 developed campsites, 28 of which are reservable, set into the Redwood forest. Facilities include restrooms and showers. Vehicle size is limited to 24 feet (thus RV access is limited).

What's the draw at this Big Sur oceanview campground?

• Fewer people
• Beautiful setting amongst the Redwoods, and extraordinary views of the California coastline
• The history of the limekiln industry - you can still see what's left of the kilns along the West Fork of Limekiln Creek
• Pay witness to Coastal Redwoods (fog-loving trees) living nearly side-by-side with yucca (drought-tolerant suculants)

TREEBONES RESORT

Treebones Resort is a the truly unique Big Sur oceanview campgrounds experience! Positioned on a bluff overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, there's not a bad view in the place. Remember I mentioned camping in a yurt? Here's the place! In addition to the views and the yurts, there are campsites, a restaurant, and something new - a "human nest" created by Jayson Fann. Open all year and reservations are necessary.

You'll find 16 beautiful yurts - fabric walls & roof around a wood lattice frame - furnished & cozy; 5 campsites; a heated swimming pool & spa, a store, and a central Guest Services building for showers and laundry.

Why stay at Treebones?

• Bragging rights: "Oh, didn't I mention? We stayed in a yurt." (Spoken in a very casual tone, of course.)
• Spectacular views of the Pacific, especially sitting on the deck of your yurt with a cocktail in hand - they call them "Sundowners" in Africa - while, appropriately, the sun drops into the sea
• The warm & friendly ambience created by the owners and staff

Looking for a camping experience other than Big Sur oceanview campgrounds? Look no further . . .

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