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Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp

Andrew Molera State Park Campground, near Big Sur, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the stunning coastal views. This campground offers a unique experience with its hike-in sites, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle and truly connect with the outdoors.

The campground features picnic tables, firepits, and food storage boxes at each site, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your meals under the stars. Visitors have noted the breathtaking night skies, perfect for stargazing, especially when the clouds clear. One camper mentioned, “A great view of the sky and stars if it's not cloudy,” which captures the magic of camping here.

For those eager to explore, there are trails leading to the beach, where you can find a secluded cove and even a unique purple sand. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek, as the hike in is about a mile, but it’s mostly flat and manageable. Campers have shared that the area is home to wildlife, with sightings of quails and deer adding to the charm of your stay.

While the campground can get busy, especially on nice days, the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to meet fellow campers. Just remember to arrive early to snag a spot, as it fills up quickly. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer adventure, Andrew Molera State Park Campground offers a memorable escape into the beauty of California's coastline.

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Location

Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Near mile marker 51.2 on Highway 1, the park is located 21 miles south of Carmel.

Coordinates

36.28722657 N
121.84371675 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2021

Good for the skys

Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year. Most sites are very exposed, I would bring extra shade for your site if you'll be here in the summer. But a great view of the sky and stars if it's not cloudy. Saw quails and deer around the campground.

Firepits, picnic tables, and food storage boxes at all sites. Bathrooms (with soap!), drinking water, trash and recycling available.

The trail leading out to the coast from the beach was washed out and currently dead ends at the river not too far from the camp site, but you can take the trail out to the beach from the parking area. The purple sand was really cool.

The site has a lot of road noise which was my one complaint. Site was quite windy due to being on the coast.

Site22
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by sasha N., November 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by sasha N., November 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by sasha N., November 5, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2021

Cold NorCal Beach

The beach is socked in with mist even on sunny days most of the year. Little ones might not like the 1 mile flat hike in, but it’s easy and feels very short on the way out. There is a fee but it’s waived if you are staying at pfieffer state park. You do need to cross a small river (knee deep in Early June). No RV’s or Motor homes are allowed in the small parking lot. The lot fills up early on nice days.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by Alma L., June 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by Alma L., June 4, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Great Beach Spot

Check before you go as when I was there in the spring it was closed...  They were doing some upgrade work.

These are walk in sites - not far to walk.  All in an open grassy area.  Not much shade coverage or privacy so be prepared.

But there is a sweet hike to what I call the secret beach.  Wonderful private cove with a river emptying into the Sea. Once i had to wade across the river to get to the beach...other times flow was low and you could rock hop across.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by MarinMaverick , August 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by MarinMaverick , August 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp by MarinMaverick , August 17, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Fills up quick

This is a great stop along highway 1 with trails to the ocean. The tent sites are in a nice open field so you see the other campers but most are quiet and respectful. it is possible to share a campsite with others if it's full and you are willing to make friends.

Reviewed May. 24, 2017

Amazing place to stay

I stayed here a couple times over the past couple of years and every time I absolutely love it. Big Sur is one of my favorite CA stops and this campsite is a perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the scenery.

It's a little bit of a walk to the campsite, but there's lots of wind open space and a neighboring trail that leads to the beach. You feel a little more secluded at this campground because it's further from the road as less crowded than others.

I don't remember there being a lot of tree coverage to protect from the sun, but there's some nice spaces to pitch your tent under shade if its hot out.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2016

Amazing!

My wife and I camped here over Memorial Day weekend a few years ago. Weather is great, absolutely amazing hiking along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, great horseback riding tours, and a beautiful little beach! If you're in the area, this is a GREAT campground.

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2015

Big Sur Beauty

This was once a frequent spot for me. There's a short hike in to the campground and a shorter hike to the beach where you can find a pealing right-hand cobblestone point break. On the right days this wave is epic, but usually it's more of a novelty wave that you'll have all to yourself. But that's not all, comb the beach, fish the rocks, hike the hills, whatever you fancy. First Come, First Serve... get there early.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp?

    Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp is located at 37 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Andrew Molera State Park Trail Camp?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.