Open Year-round
Yes
Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
No
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Perched on a bluff along Big Sur's south coast, Kirk Creek Campground is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal campgrounds in California. The campground sits 100 feet above the ocean, and this perspective offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia mountains as they run toward the Pacific.

All sites have scenic ocean views, and the sites nearer to the ocean offer a little extra buffer from Highway 1 and unobstructed vistas that are tough to beat. All sites are grassy and open, with limited natural shade available. Hiker and biker walk-in sites are provided adjacent to a eucalyptus grove, slightly removed from the rest of the campground. There are no RV hookups, but many sites can accommodate larger vehicles.

The campground is adjacent to Kirk Creek, which flows into the Pacific at a small rocky beach just a short walk down a trail. The beach is good for fishing. Five miles south is beautiful Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur’s largest stretch of sand, and one that is popular with beachcombers, surfers, and anglers. The mountains rising behind the campground offer additional hiking, biking and horseback riding options.

While Kirk Creek is a phenomenal coastal campground, there is a catch: the small number of sites make obtaining a reservation difficult. If you are interested in camping at Kirk Creek, plan early; reservations are accepted up to six months in advance. Also, note that there is no water at Kirk Creek Campground, so be sure to bring your own or fill your containers at nearby Limekiln State Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

One of coastal California's most scenic campgrounds. Ocean access.

Cons

Difficult to get a reservation. Noise from adjacent Highway 1. No water.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Parks Management Company

Reservation phone number

1 (877) 444-6777

Features

ADA accessible
Flushing toilets
Swimming holes

Recommended Campsites Without Photos

21, 22

Location

Comments

Great point, thank you Denis. The lack of water and the nearby opportunity at Limekiln are now noted in the adventure.
We stayed 10 days at Kirk Creek in October, 2014 and I would add a few things to Aron's great writeup above. First, there is absolutely no water at the campground--no showers or flush toilets, no water spigots to fill container or RV tanks. When we were there, the camp hosts were selling water for $5 a gallon! But there is good news. Just two miles North at Lime Kiln State Park, there are spigots to fill water containers, though probably not RV tanks, since you couldn't turn around!

The campground is as amazing as Aron says and I will add a couple of my pictures to this report. Another tip, just over the mountains to the east is the very interesting Mission San Antonio de Padua. It is an hour drive each way over one of the windiest roads you have ever seen!
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