KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND
32
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND
Overview Kirk Creek Campground is an oceanside paradise, with each site overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It offers a variety of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The campground is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and is close to a variety of scenic trails that lead visitors into the Los Padres National Forest. Recreation There is short walk to a rocky beach from the campground. A five mile ride will take you to Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in Big Sur. It's a very popular spot for surfing, fishing, swimming, exploring, sunbathing and more. Fishing permits are required for anyone over age 16. Anglers can expect a catch of yellow perch and other coastal surf fish. The beach is dog-friendly, as long as dogs are leashed and waste is picked up. A variety of trails exist along the beach, which lead to the bluffs that overlook the beach and coves in the area. Additional hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed within a short drive of the campground, and offer scenic views of waterfalls, redwood groves and mountain meadows and streams. Directly across the highway from the campground is the Vicente Flats Trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness. Facilities There is short walk to a rocky beach from the campground. A five mile ride will take you to Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in Big Sur. It's a very popular spot for surfing, fishing, swimming, exploring, sunbathing and more. Fishing permits are required for anyone over age 16. Anglers can expect a catch of yellow perch and other coastal surf fish. The beach is dog-friendly, as long as dogs are leashed and waste is picked up. A variety of trails exist along the beach, which lead to the bluffs that overlook the beach and coves in the area. Additional hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed within a short drive of the campground, and offer scenic views of waterfalls, redwood groves and mountain meadows and streams. Directly across the highway from the campground is the Vicente Flats Trailhead, which leads into the Ventana Wilderness. Natural Features The campground is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, at an elevation of about 100 feet. It offers fantastic views of the Big Sur coastline. Campsites are spacious, open and grassy. Each site has a view of the ocean, where sunrises and sunsets are outstanding. Wildlife in the area includes fox, bobcat, deer and raccoon. Mountain lions and bears are occasionally seen, although they have never entered the campground. From November to February each year, whales migrate along the coast and can frequently be viewed from the campground. Nearby Attractions The Nacimiento Road, which offers a scenic drive on a paved road to an ocean overlook and picnic area, can be accessed across the road from the campground. The road climbs to the peak, 2,500 feet above sea level. Sand Dollar Beach is located 5 miles South of Kirk Creek. Sand Dollar Beach is the largest Sandy Beach in the Big Sur Area.
- 32 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (32).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND special
Kirk Creek Campground is one of California's most spectacular oceanside camping destinations, perched on a bluff high above the Pacific Ocean along the iconic Big Sur coast. Every single site in this campground offers sweeping views of the open ocean, making it the rare place where you can watch the sunset from your tent, your camp chair, or your picnic table. The setting is breathtaking: rugged cliffs drop away to crashing surf below, and the Santa Lucia Mountains rise steeply behind. The campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Los Padres National Forest and offers a relatively small number of sites, which adds to the intimate, unhurried atmosphere. A steep trail from camp descends to a sandy cove beach, perfect for exploring tide pools and beachcombing. The surrounding stretch of Highway 1 is legendary for its dramatic curves, ocean vistas, and access to trails like the Vicente Flat Trail into the Ventana Wilderness. Kirk Creek is open year-round, but spring and fall are the sweet spots, offering mild weather and thinner crowds. Summer weekends book up rapidly, so reservations made well in advance are essential. There are no hookups or dump stations, so come prepared for a more rustic experience. The nearest supplies are in the small communities along Highway 1, so stock up before arriving. For sheer coastal drama, few campgrounds anywhere in the country can match Kirk Creek.
Campsite Inventory
32 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway length (ft)
26, 28, 30, 31
Driveway surface
Gravel
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
26, 28, 29, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
Oceanfront
Shade
Full, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
805-434-1996 OR EMAIL CUSTOMERSERVICE@PMCPARKS.COM
customerservice@pmcparks.com
Getting There
Hwy 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED from the Monterey area From San Luis Obispo, take Highway 1 north for approximately 60 miles to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND?
KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (32).
Where is KIRK CREEK CAMPGROUND located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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