40
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND
Overview Plaskett Creek Campground offers a beautiful location just minutes from Sand Dollar Beach, one of the largest and most popular beaches in central California. The campground gives visitors access to a variety of outdoor activities, including water play and exploration of the surrounding hills and forests. The family-friendly campground offers comfortably equipped sites, allowing anyone to enjoy a relaxing stay in the Los Padres National Forest. Recreation A short walk leads to Sand Dollar Beach, 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 from the campground, and offer scenic views of waterfalls, redwood groves and mountain meadows and streams. Facilities A short walk leads to Sand Dollar Beach, 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 from the campground, and offer scenic views of waterfalls, redwood groves and mountain meadows and streams. Natural Features The campground is located in west-central California, on the east side of Highway 1. Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in the Big Sur area, is just south of the campground. The Pacific Ocean borders the campground to the west and the surf can be heard at many campsites. The campground has a park-like setting, under a scattered canopy of mature Monterey pine and cypress trees. Cedar trees provide a fragrant aroma. All sites are grassy. The campground is situated at an elevation of about 200 feet in the Los Padres National Forest. Wildlife in the area includes fox, bobcat, deer and raccoon. Mountain lions and bears are occasionally seen in the area, although they have never entered the campground.
- 40 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (40).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND special
Plaskett Creek Campground holds one of the most coveted positions on the California coast. Set just minutes from Sand Dollar Beach along the southern stretch of Big Sur, the campground places you within earshot of the Pacific and within walking distance of one of the longest sandy beaches on this famously rugged coastline. Forty sites are arranged beneath a canopy of Monterey pines and coastal live oaks, offering a welcome layer of shelter from the ocean wind and fog that can roll in without warning. The campground is one of the larger options along the Big Sur corridor, which means your odds of scoring a site are better here than at some of the smaller, perpetually booked alternatives farther north. The surrounding landscape is classic Big Sur: steep coastal bluffs dropping into turquoise water, redwood-filled canyons cutting inland, and Highway 1 winding along the cliffs like a ribbon. Sand Dollar Beach is the obvious first stop, with its crescent of sand framed by dramatic rock formations. Jade Cove, a short walk to the south, draws beachcombers hoping to find the green stones that wash ashore here. The campground is open year-round, though spring and fall offer the best weather and thinner crowds. Summer fog is common, and winter storms can temporarily close Highway 1. Reserve well ahead for any weekend visit between May and October. Bring layers regardless of season, as coastal conditions shift quickly.
Campsite Inventory
40 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway length (ft)
20, 24, 30, 33
Driveway surface
Paved
Max guests
25, 40, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
20, 30, 33, 34
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
Full, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
805-434-1996
parksman@fix.net
Getting There
Hwy 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED from the Monterey area From San Luis Obispo, travel north on Highway 1 for approximately 65 miles to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND?
PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (40).
Where is PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND located?
PLASKETT CREEK CAMPGROUND is in California near BIG SUR. Coordinates: 35.9172, -121.4650.
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