DISCOVER THE ADVENTURE
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 to camping!

Big Sur Beach;
© Ellen Beckmann

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 and World Community atmosphere at the camp

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is the smallest of Big Sur state parks campgrounds - it has only has two campsites (not campgrounds) - both environmental, both tent only.

They're about one 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!

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

The draw at Julia Pfeiffer:

• No crowds
• Incredible views
• Partington Cove and 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;
© Igor Karon

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 and Lumber Company was extracting lime from the area, processing it in four large limekilns, and loading it on ships for transport, to be used in the making of concrete.

Although most of the surrounding Redwood forest was used to fuel the kilns, when the lime ran out after about three years, the forests were able to rejuvenate themselves to the extent shown in the picture here.

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.

The park is open all year, and reservations are recommended, although there are five 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 the fact that fog-loving Coastal Redwoods amazingly enough live side-by-side with drought-tolerant succulents like the yucca plant

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. Pfeiffer is open year-round for camping.

Don't feel like camping this trip? Try the Big Sur Lodge, which is located inside the park.

There are 204 camping sites for either tent or RV, but there are no hook-ups for RVs. The camps are scattered throughout the area, and each site has a picnic table.

You'll find restrooms, showers, food service, and supplies available - even WiFi. There are exhibits and programs, hiking loops, nature walks, and swimming availble if you want to do more than just veg out.

The draw at Pfeiffer State Park campground:

• There's a reason it's so popular - beautiful setting, lots to do, facilities like restrooms and 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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