Hikers seeking coastal access will find Andrew Molera State Park Campground offers direct trail connections to Big Sur's shoreline along with river crossing opportunities. The walk-in sites sit in an open grassy field about a quarter-mile from the parking area, requiring campers to carry their gear but keeping vehicle noise at a distance.
Most sites lack natural shade coverage, making the exposed layout better suited for cooler months or campers who bring their own shelter. The Big Sur River runs alongside the camping area, though water levels vary seasonally—some visitors report knee-deep crossings in early summer while others find the riverbed dry during certain periods. Wildlife sightings include quail and deer moving through the campground regularly.
Each site includes a fire pit, picnic table, and food storage box. Restrooms with soap, drinking water, and trash facilities serve the camping area. "Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river," notes sasha N., though she mentions road noise carries to the sites due to coastal winds.
The campground operates April through October with first-come, first-served availability. Nearby options include Fernwood and Big Sur Campground & Cabins for campers wanting more amenities. Trail access leads to a beach with distinctive purple sand, though some coastal paths may be seasonally impassable due to washouts.
Description
There is no access to the campgrounds, beach trail, or any trails on the South side of the Big Sur River due to storm and flood damage.
Andrew Molera Trail Camp is a hike-in campground. Campers park in the day use parking lot and hike about 1/4 mile to the campground. Trail Camp contains 22 standard tent sites and two (2) hike-and-bike campsites. The campground is situated in a meadow near the Big Sur River. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and food storage container. Trail Camp offers potable water and restrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers.
Standard campsites are available for reservation. Reservations fill up six months in advance.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAndrew Molera State Park Campground is located in California near Big Sur
Directions
Near mile marker 51.2 on Highway 1, the park is located 21 miles south of Carmel.
Coordinates
36.28719970740017 N
121.85037050848219 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 53 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 7 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 1 hr 27 min from San Jose, CA
- 2 hrs 36 min from San Luis Obispo, CA












