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Kirk Creek Campground

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Perched on a grassy bluff above the Pacific Ocean in Los Padres National Forest, Kirk Creek Campground is where you go when you can’t stand driving past the incredible views of Big Sur any longer.

From the small, 33-site oceanside campground, you can gaze into the emerald waters and rolling mountains of this iconic coastline for days. Kirk Creek tent and RV sites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom access, but campers will have no access to hookups or water. A trail from the campground descends to a rocky beach 100 feet below the bluff, while sandy beaches and a variety of coast range hikes are just a few miles away.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

  • Of the 33 sites at Kirk Creek Campgrounds, 31 are reservable six months in advance and just two are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reservations can be made online or by calling (877) 444-6777.
  • Kirk Creek is extremely popular and often books out early. If Kirk Creek is full, try the nearby Limekiln Campground.
  • When to Go

    Kirk Creek Campground is open year-round. It is nearly always full during summer, as well as on spring and autumn weekends. Plan for cold nights and rain if you are making a winter visit, when you may be able to spot migrating whales in the waters below without even leaving your campsite. Spring visitors may encounter wildflowers.

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    Available campgrounds nearby

    Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Los Padres National Forest

    More to explore nearby

    98%
    129 ratings · 37 reviews
    Avatar
    Colette M.
    March 17, 2023
    Is anyone willing to sell me their spot for may 10-12 just two nights?
    Avatar
    Kimothy D.recommends
    July 2, 2019
    Magical. The views here require no phone filters. Walk up to the cliffs and water. Most popular sites are 8 and 9 that directly overlook the cliffs. 9 has its own path to the trail down towards the water. There's a bathroom but no running water here. Haven't ever experience any wild animals here. Some walk-in/bike-in sites. Otherwise, it's best to reserve the campsites far in advance. If you try to walk up during peak season, you'll be out of luck.
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    Starr S.recommends
    February 1, 2019
    Love, love, love waking up at the edge of the world!
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    Nick L.recommends
    December 18, 2018
    The raccoons in this campground are bold! They ate all of our food. Also be aware of the ticks out here in Big Sur. They are in every campground near the beach. Also has amazing views at sunset, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
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    Vincent S.recommends
    November 9, 2018
    Best time to go is Fall.
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    Spencer B.recommends
    September 18, 2018
    Beautiful views, right on the coastline. Being big sur there are no sandy beaches, but the coastline is stunning none the less. Well maintained when I was there, although raccoons are everywhere and if you do not use the provided food storage containers they will chew their way into your tent and eat your food (according to the camp host it has happened many times).
    Avatar
    Melissa K.
    June 4, 2018
    I've stayed at 3 different campgrounds in Big Sur and this is by far my favorite. Insane views, magical little paths down to the beach. You really can't beat waking up here. It was pouring rain during our last trip and and it was still beautiful! Definitely book in advance! I've also had luck arriving at 7am on a Friday and snagging a spot as people are waking up and packing up.
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    Nick C.
    May 16, 2018
    hey ... looking for advice on which sites would be large enough for a 30' Airstream? thanks :)
    Avatar
    Karen Q.recommends
    February 9, 2018
    Temperature can drop pretty low, especially the closer you are to the water. Also, toilet isn't the cleanest. But the views are amazing! And price is one of the most affordable I've found.
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    Avery J.recommends
    January 18, 2018
    Definitely worth booking faaaaar in advance. Beautiful and peaceful.
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    Patrick P.recommends
    December 17, 2017
    BIG views of the Pacific Ocean. This campground is located right on a shelf overlooking the waters edge. Clean sites and bathrooms. Will be going back
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    Neville H.recommends
    December 11, 2017
    Close spots, great coastal location - just don't camp downwind from the bathroom!
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    Pepper R.recommends
    August 7, 2017
    Sites on the far left of the campground border a small trail that takes you to the "secret" beach,
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    Tori S.recommends
    July 12, 2017
    no water but BEAUTIFUL
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    Kristin O.recommends
    July 8, 2017
    There is firewood near the entrance of the campground, so you don't have to stress too much about picking it up before you arrive. Just make sure you have cash to put in the wooden collection box for however many bundles of wood you take.
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    Margaret C.recommends
    June 22, 2017
    Must book way early! Beautiful campground, great for first-time campers. Love it here.
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    Whitney B.
    June 4, 2017
    My pup and I camped here in December -- it was so beautiful. The camp sites are close together but honestly, it doesn't matter, you're there for the views which are unforgettable! Coastline in every direction and mountains right behind you. The hosts are nice and accommodating as are the grounds. There's plenty to do and explore around camp -- including some great hikes -- but if you're looking to get out and explore, you'll be spoiled for choice. Highly recommended!
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    Renee W.recommends
    June 2, 2017
    You will need to reserve your spot here far in advance. Every campsite has an ocean view and grass, and is relatively secluded from one another considering how small the campground is. There is also access to a rocky beach with a natural arch. Beautiful.
    Avatar
    Abby G.recommends
    May 19, 2017
    No potable water at the camp sites, but if you hike the trail down to the ocean, there's a fresh water creek. Fill a bucket, bring it back to the site, boil it, and you're golden.
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    Pat S.recommends
    May 10, 2017
    Wonderful
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    Kenny G.
    March 15, 2017
    This place has bad views, don't camp here.
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    Shalaka G.recommends
    February 23, 2017
    AMAZING - book an off day/off season and you'll get lucky with the walk-on spots! We went Sunday/Monday/Tuesday in late Nov. and daytime weather was perfect and nighttime weather was manageable. Only way to get these if not booking months in advance.
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    Natasha S.
    August 24, 2016
    The hardest campground to get in Big Sur but definitely one of the best. Aim to reserve a campsite 6 months in advance. Best sites are along the buff (outter rim). There is a great mini hike to the beach between Site #10 and #11. Each site has a campring & table. There is a bathroom (not flush) and no running water. Campsites are on the smaller side, but views are worth it! Be sure to check out Esalen Institute for some late night hot springs and grab pastries from Big Sur Bakery. There aren't very many gas stations (there is two, 40 miles away from each other), so be sure to stay filled up. You wouldn't want to be stuck without gas, especially since there is no phone network.
    Avatar
    Ben S.
    April 25, 2016
    Great campground. Incredible views and sunsets. Very clean. No potable water onsite. Each site is a little different - some have more room for tents, others less. We had a group of 14 and booked several adjacent sites as there were no group sites available.
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    Brooke N.
    January 14, 2016
    As gorgeous as it looks, even in the winter. The sites are beautiful. We stayed at 017 and it had a FANTASTIC view! Had to make reservations nearly 6 months out and didn't meet any raccoons, but we had 2 dogs.
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    Aja P.
    November 29, 2015
    Listen raccoons. You think you're gonna sneak up up on me? This is not my first time at the rodeo. Don't look at me with your cute little faces and turn your heads to the side like we're friends. WE'RE NOT FRIENDS. I got lucky here once with a walk up site reserved for hikers/bikers, only to find the reason it was open was because of the furry little terrors who lived in the bushes behind it. JOKE WAS ON THEM because we wedged our cooler under the picnic table and then piled rocks on top of it. We still woke up to thieving little paw prints. I swear those stinkers would have climbed into our tent for the Bulleit if not for our dog, who is completely useless at only 3lbs soaking wet, but is a fairly effective coon alarm.
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    Khanh Dan T.
    August 20, 2015
    Amazing grounds with gorgeous views. We got site 12, which had a great view but wasn't private at all. Next time we'll definitely try to get one of the more secluded sites along the cliffs. Would love to bring my dog but I'm worried about the poison oak, which is abundant.
    Avatar
    Khanh Dan T.
    August 20, 2015
    Amazing grounds with gorgeous views. We got site 12, which had a great view but wasn't private at all. Next time we'll definitely try to get one of the more secluded sites along the cliffs. Would love to bring my dog but I'm worried about the poison oak, which is abundant.
    Avatar
    Khanh Dan T.
    August 20, 2015
    Amazing grounds with gorgeous views. We got site 12, which had a great view but wasn't private at all. Next time we'll definitely try to get one of the more secluded sites along the cliffs. Would love to bring my dog but I'm worried about the poison oak, which is abundant.
    Avatar
    Laura M.
    August 3, 2015
    Lovely place right on the ocean! We were able to get a walk-in site on Saturday morning. Just be aware of the campers that will show up throughout the day attempting to claim your spot next. The sites don't have much privacy and be aware of the poison oak!

    Other campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest

    Your guide to camping in Kirk Creek Campground

    Overview

    Biking

    The Prewitt Ridge trail south of Kirk Creek near Plaskett is a popular single-track downhill mountain biking route. The 14-mile-long South Coast Road also gives gravel grinders a taste of the Big Sur backcountry. Experienced road cyclists can ride Highway 1, but be prepared for no shoulders and busy traffic. We also recommend the 10-mile Romero Loop for its killer descent and incredible mountain views.

    Fishing

    Near Kirk Creek are a variety of surf and rock fishing sites where licensed anglers can cast for perch and other surf fish. Sand Dollar Beach is especially popular for fishing too.

    Hiking

    Directly across Highway 1 from Kirk Creek is the Vicente Flat trailhead. This trail climbs the coastal foothills to epic ocean views, a redwood grove, and backcountry campsites. There is also a waterfall hike nearby at Limekiln State Park, and farther afield, Big Sur's Ventana Wilderness features 260 miles of hiking trails through steep ridges and low valleys.

    Horseback riding

    The Saint Lucia Mountains have been taken by horseback many a’ times, and the time you visit should be no exception. To truly feel “on top of the world,” we highly recommend connecting with a local ranch. These horseback rides offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in your surroundings while listening to some of the colorful tales that guides can share about the mountain life. Santa Barbara and Big Sur offer excellent guides and outfitters. You can’t go wrong wherever you take your horse!

    Paddling

    Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara region offers some of the best kayak fishing, especially with its location admist the mountains. The Ventana Wilderness is home to creeks and rivers that allow visitors to kayak and canoe to their hearts’ content. What better way to enjoy the fresh mountain water?

    Swimming

    You can’t go wrong at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, but it’s no match for the Seven Falls in Santa Barbara. This hike might not be in the forest itself, but it’s in the nearby area, and definitely worth checking out. The Ventana Wilderness is also home to some of the region’s best (and most elusive) swimming spots. The Arroyo Seco River Gorge is a collection of emerald green, totally mesmerizing swimming holes. Swimming here is a great midday break, or a good enough reason to visit the wilderness by itself. In the summer, you can find people jumping off rocks and even bringing their floaties to help them fully enjoy the river’s ambiance.

    Wildlife watching

    Keep an eye out for dolphins, elephant seals, and whales in the waters near Kirk Creek Campground. Land animals in this region include raccoons, deer, and bobcats.

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