1 / 55

Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

publicCampground.modules.title.recommendsPercentage

discover.modules.lands.sites.sitesWithCount · publicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.rv, publicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.tent

Take in the beautiful Big Sur coastal views at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

With ample shade provided by Redwood and Sycamore trees, an 80-foot waterfall that flows from granite cliffs into the ocean, and panoramic views of the coastline, this is definitely your spot for amazing Big Sur camping.
Despite the large campground (172 sites), there’s still room to find space for yourself. This campground is diverse with each loop providing a different landscape. If you want to be closest to the river, sites 171-189 are the best. If being shaded under big trees is more your thing, then check out sites 1-21. There are also 2 group sites if you’re with a big crew or maybe a family gathering. Regardless, you can’t really go wrong at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground.

discover.modules.lands.sites.sitesWithCountpublicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.rv, publicCampground.modules.title.accommodationTypes.tent

publicCampground.modules.alert.description

Available campgrounds nearby

More to explore nearby

97%

879 ratings · 59 reviews

Joseph B.recommends

January 28, 2020

Big Sur has some scenic views along the Vista Points on PCH. About 30 minutes in either direction of the park you'll find iconic locations such as the Big Sur Lighthouse and Bixby Bridge. In the park are dozens of scenic hikes alongside streams and creeks. The campground itself is well maintained and has a lot of amenities, including hot showers. Fishing is highly regulated in the area. If you do fish, there is little cellular signal in the area. Make sure you call ahead of time to get the rules on any body of water you plan on fishing in.

Verenice S.recommends

February 11, 2019

Nights can get chilly, even in the summer. Bring something cozy.

Judy H.recommends

February 6, 2019

check weather/road condition, especially since the fires and the rains! Beautiful area!

Eugene L.recommends

January 22, 2019

The coastline is rough & protected. McWay Falls is a must. IRS the only beach on California coastline with a huge waterfall that spills on the sandy beach. Try to avoid visiting on weekends or holidays as tourists flock to this spot. There is an easy trail with a comfy bench at end of your walk. You can sit and watch the beautiful sunset. The entire park is photographers paradise.

Caitlin O.recommends

January 20, 2019

Check the trail conditions before you go. Rain/mud slides often close off sections of trails.

Brittney R.recommends

December 19, 2018

Beware of poison oak.

Lisa M.recommends

November 23, 2018

Check for road closures before you set out.

Nicole L.recommends

November 4, 2018

The hot springs at Esalen are open to the public at 1am but require a reservation. They are absolutely amazing!

Kerisa K.recommends

October 19, 2018

Absolutely beautiful. Try and get a spot along the river, you can hear some road noise from the PCH if camped near the road. Book early! Tends to be booked for months i advance on weekends!

James K.

October 8, 2018

No dogs allowed

Patricia S.recommends

October 6, 2018

This may have changed, but you cannot randomly collect wood for a fire.

Maddi N.recommends

September 21, 2018

Great!

Aimee H.recommends

September 20, 2018

Plan ahead of time and be flexible with your plans. Never know what's going to happen along that coastline.

Michael R.

February 1, 2018

They need to change the reservation method. I was ready to book at 8:59 am. As soon as it turned 9am I was through and quickly went to book a site for August the second it became available. All booked. Clearly bots are being used to book everything. There is no way anyone could have gotten through any faster than I did....but for 170 people (or however many campsites there are) to get through before me is simply not possible. Such a shame as regular families who love the outdoors like mine can't book prime dates as bots will always beat them to it. It should be on a lottery basis or something. Where you have to have verified your home address so people can't manipulate the system. 1 lottery entry per family.

Riley B.

January 29, 2018

I stayed here over the weekend and absolutely loved it! Although it was a bit cold at night, I can't wait to come back during the summer and play in the river. There are gorgeous redwoods surrounding many of the sites that provide a lovely aroma. We stayed in site 177 which was a bit small, but close to the river.

Ann N.recommends

January 26, 2018

Go to natural doorway at sunset...it's spectacular! Also, continue to walk along the beach and you'll find many other hidden gems on this beautiful coast, including a live cove of stacking rocks.

Zach M.recommends

January 19, 2018

So amazing. Can be very busy but

Avery J.recommends

January 18, 2018

This place fills up quick, but we got lucky with a walk-up campsite day-of. Even if the sign says "No Vacancy", it is always worth an ask. Awesome hiking all around!

Kimberly K.recommends

December 9, 2017

This is a large beautiful camp site that is great for both car camping and tent camping. If it's not busy, the rangers will let you scope out a spot first (not all the sites are flat for car camping). I've spent weeks at a time camping here, mostly off season. On holidays though, it's almost impossible to get any quietude. I went down for Thanksgiving solo retreat one year and it was a zoo. I have a favorite campsite, but I'm not going to tell you which one it is. There are washers and dryers and showers. Last time I went down there, the whole campground was closed because of the last run of fires and slides, so I camped across the road at Fernwood.

Patricia O.recommends

October 15, 2017

Beautiful camping amongst some ravishing giants. It gets pretty hot in the indian summers but other than that nice layers for morning to evening are great to put on and take off throughout the day.

Glenn R.recommends

October 11, 2017

It can become quite cool at night here. A sleeping mat is essential in this damp environment.

Jennifer J.

September 26, 2017

We got lucky on a last minute reservation and was able to book campsite #49. While Big Sur is amazing, it wasn't very private compared to other campgrounds I've visited before. I wasn't aware of how close the sites are in the South Camp area but there were a few in this area that seemed like it could be a bit more private. Bathrooms/Showers are very clean. Note: Cell phone signal/reception is low to non-existent once you drive deeper into the campgrounds. So if you have other parties following it can be difficult to coordinate and let them know where you are.

John H M.recommends

September 18, 2017

Don't make any more reservations! They take your money, and the reservation disappears into thin air!

Anna P.recommends

September 12, 2017

Crowded in the summer but beautiful spot.

Ali H.recommends

September 11, 2017

This place is beautiful and will always recommend for a classic campsite!

Brie L.recommends

September 6, 2017

Try to reserve a spot on the river if possible, totally worth it!

Amber B.recommends

September 1, 2017

it's unbelievably beautiful here.

Stephani M.recommends

August 25, 2017

hike up to the falls

Jake F.recommends

August 20, 2017

I recommend reserving a site beforehand. We got lucky and were able to snag one of the last sites without making plans ahead of time. I would definitely make a reservation in the future.

Sarah W.recommends

August 17, 2017

Very nice view

Your guide to camping in Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Overview

Biking

Biking at Pfeiffer Big Sur is an activity best left to expert bikers as the rides are difficult and you’ll have to pay close attention to your surroundings. However, if you can tough it out we will be eternally jealous of all the awesome scenic views you get to take in while pedaling your way.

Fishing

When hit at the right time, Pfeiffer Big Sur can be an awesome place for a little fly fishing west of Higway 1. Give the California Fish and Wildlife Organization a call (831-649-2886) to see when river conditions permit fishing. In deeper areas of the river, the trout population can be tremendous. Make sure to check in with a park ranger to stay up-to-date on current rules and regulations.

Hiking

They don’t call this place “mini Yosemite” for nothing! Take a hike through the massive oaks, conifers and redwoods or take your shoes off and let your feet touch the wet sand along the ocean shore. This is the place that you see on the postcards and now you’re here! If you’re up for the challenge, checkout the ten mile trek to Sykes Hot Springs. It does have a lot of ups and downs. It will be a challenge, but just imagine soaking your weary bones in a natural hot spring under the stars..If you’d like to do something a bit shorter, but equally as beautiful check out the Pfeiffer Fall and Valley View Trail.

Paddling

Kayaking close to Pfeiffer Big Sur park can be an exciting escapade for experienced kayakers. With the help of a guide, less experienced kayakers could also enjoy paddling around the area.

Swimming

Visitors can swim at the large beach, but if you want the more “local” experience, go check out The Gorge. It’s located about 0.6 miles from Lot #3. You can look up directions beforehand and just ask anyone working at the park and they’ll direct you!

Wildlife watching

Between open meadows and redwoods, it is no wonder why there is so much wildlife in Pfeiffer Big Sur. While on the trails, nature lovers can look out for wildlife such as black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, water ouzels and belted kingfishers.