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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

97%

174 sites · RV, 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.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

Showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

Sewage hookups

No electric hookups

174 sites

RV, Tent

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97%

886 ratings · 61 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Had a great stay enjoyed campsite and short drive into town. Beach is a short walk and loved listening to the waves at night.

Jimmy T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Gorgeous campground in epic big sur

I last camped at Pfeiffer Big Sur on a Sunday in January of 2022 in my Tacoma w/ Rooftop tent (GFC). The campground is well maintained and most sites are nestled under a canopy of dense trees. With it being a Sunday night, the campground was relatively empty and very quiet at night.

Julian B.

122 reviews

Recommends

· January 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.

Joseph B.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2019

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

Verenice S.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2019

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

Judy H.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 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.

Eugene L.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2019

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

Caitlin O.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2018

Beware of poison oak.

Brittney R.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2018

Check for road closures before you set out.

Lisa M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2018

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

Nicole L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 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!

Kerisa K.

6 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· October 2018

No dogs allowed

James K.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2018

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

Patricia S.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2018

Great!

Maddi N.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2018

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

Aimee H.

6 years on Hipcamp

February 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.

Michael R.

7 years on Hipcamp

January 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.

Riley B.

6 reviews

Recommends

· January 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.

Ann N.

9 reviews

Recommends

· January 2018

So amazing. Can be very busy but

Zach M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 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!

Avery J.

7 years on Hipcamp

LocationPfeiffer Big Sur Campground, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California, United States

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What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

Showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

Sewage hookups

No electric hookups

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.