KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND
Los Padres National Forest, CAKirk Creek sits on a bluff 100 feet above the Pacific, where every one of its 40 sites faces the ocean. This is Big Sur camping at its most straightforward — grassy sites with fire rings, vault toilets, and unobstructed sunset views without the drama of backcountry access or the crowds of state park campgrounds.
Campground Details
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 40
- 💵Fee per Night
- $45
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 100 ft
- 📍GPS
- 35.99167, -121.49417
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 805-434-1996 OR EMAIL CUSTOMERSERVICE@PMCPARKS.COM
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The sites spread across open, grassy terrain with no trees to block ocean views or coastal wind. Each comes with a picnic table and fire ring with grill, plus parking on gravel and grass surfaces — no hookups, so plan accordingly for RV power needs. The spacing gives you room to spread out, though the exposed setting means weather protection comes down to what you bring.
Vault toilets serve the campground, and the bluff location puts you close enough to hear waves but high enough to avoid most coastal fog that can smother beach-level camps.
What to Know
Reservations are required for the $45 nightly sites. November through February brings migrating whales that you can spot directly from camp, making this prime season despite cooler temperatures. The combination of ocean views and Big Sur location keeps this place busy during peak months.
Nearby
A short walk down the bluff leads to a rocky beach for tide pooling and surf fishing — permits required for anyone over 16, with yellow perch and other surf fish common. Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy stretch in Big Sur, sits 5 miles south and draws surfers, swimmers, and beachgoers.
The Vicente Flats Trailhead sits directly across Highway 1, providing access into the Ventana Wilderness. Nacimiento Road climbs 2,500 feet from the campground to an overlook and picnic area, offering a scenic drive alternative to coastal trails.
Wildlife includes the usual coastal suspects — fox, bobcat, deer, and raccoons that will investigate poorly secured food. Mountain lions and bears appear occasionally in the area but have stayed out of the campground proper.