BIG SUR STATE PARKS CAMPGROUNDS

Camping in Big Sur State Parks Campgrounds is a good way to go, whether you're an experienced camper or a newbie camper!

You've probably been reading about California's budget woes and the Governor's plan to close State Parks as a cost cutting measure. We can show him that would be a mistake by using them! Let's explore the State Parks campgrounds in Big Sur . . .

ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS

Andrew Molera is a primitive walk-in campground used mostly by young folk - backpackers, surfers, bicyclists, and such. If you camp here, you'll park in a central lot, then schlepp your gear in about 1/2 mile to a large meadow setting. No reservations - it's first-come, first served only.

You'll find 24 open campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are miles of hiking trails that traverse grassy meadows, beaches with tide pools, and hilltops with majestic views.

What might bring you to Molera campground:

• Miles of Big Sur hiking trails
• Surfing at Andrew Molera State Beach
• Horseback riding on the beach
• The World Music & World Community atmosphere at the camp

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP is the smallest of all the Big Sur State Parks campgrounds - it has only has 2 campsites (not campgrounds - 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 the Pacific Ocean and McWay Falls - the only U.S. waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (at high tide)!

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 of the Big Sur State Parks campgrounds 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 limekilns, and loading it on ships for transport, to be used in the making of concrete.

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 Limekiln?

• 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)

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK

Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is one of the most popular of the Big Sur State Parks campgrounds - people come here to enjoy the beautiful forests, the flower-filled meadows, the streams and rivers, the hiking and nature study that everyone finds so spectacular in Big Sur. The Big Sur River runs through and some of the campsites run along the river. Don't feel like camping this trip? Try the Big Sur Lodge, located in the park. Usually Pfeiffer is open year-round for camping (see Special Note above), and reservations are recommended.

There are 204 camping sites for either tent or RV (no hook-ups for RVs) scattered throughout the camp area, and each site has a picnic table. You'll find restrooms, showers, food service, and supplies available - even WiFi. There are exhibits & programs, hiking loops, nature walks, and swimming availble if you want to do more than just veg out.

The draw to Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground:

• There's a reason it's so popular - beautiful setting, lots to do, facilities like restrooms & showers
• Forests, waterways, hiking loops
• Proximity to all the other activities in Big Sur - beaches, shops, restaurants, taverns, etc.

Interested in other Big Sur campgrounds?

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