Kirk Creek Campground

We got lucky and just showed up, they had a sing thag said campground full but they do have a first come first serve sight We were able to get a canceled site right next to the water. It fills up fast so show up earlier in the morning to get a site. The campground is close to sand dollar beach and some other random pull offs etc with great views of the water. Campground doesnt have water so plan accordingly

A perfect place to just get away from society. Be prepared for no service but I didn’t see that as a problem.

USFS in California has contracted with a company called Parks Management Company for camp hosts, etc. We had a miserable experience with this company: Although we had a confirmed 2-day reservation through Recreation.gov and numerous emails to prove it, the host made us break down our camp site and leave our space after one night to move to a far inferior site because his management had double-booked the site on our second night with someone else. No apologies, no explanations, nothing from the camp host, just blaming the booking system. Moral of the story: Don’t count on a reservation with recreation.gov at this campground. Contact the contractor to confirm. 805-434-1196; email customer service@pmcparks.com.

Originally we planned on staying at a different park, but somehow there were people at our spot so we were left with finding a new place to stay last minute, which can be scary considering the highway was closed going up North, and had zero reception. We stumbled upon Kirk Creek, and let me tell you, HEAVEN ON EARTH. Not only was the camp host off duty, they still came out to greet us and let us know we were more than welcome to stay, find a spot we enjoyed and could take care of the finalizing of paperwork early the next day. As a mother traveling with her kid, father, and fur babies, you could imagine how grateful I was. We stayed at the most incredible spot, had amazing views, privacy, and just overall..we had the most incredible time. This is a location I plan on taking my family from now on, we are forever camping here. Thank you so much, we loved our stay.

small hill top campground with amazing sunrise and sunset view. There is a small trail to go down the beach right next to camp site #22 Avoid sites that close to the restroom as it can get very smelly. Site #7,8,9 are the best with open space for ocean views. Can get very windy at night (depending on on season) so secure down your tent tightly

Did not know you could see such beauty in a campsite. Absolutely heavenly views, staff was great, A+ experience

amazing place to stay! great few, access to the beach through a small path and friendly staff. 1 star less for crazy amount of racoons, who will steal your food as soon as the sun sets

Small campground, every spot is amazing. No cell service or showers. Pit toilets, clean campground. “Hiking” tent spots are a super close walk, not a hike but you cannot have a vehicle at all. 009 is the best view and a big plot. I personalized liked where I was better because I could just see everything :) you really can’t get a bad spot, obviously the closer to the beach side the better. Bring your own water and food etc, there are a few spots close but you’re not going to want to leave. Host and staff have been friendly every time I’ve gone here

This camp ground is epically beautiful. There are pit toilets and trash cans, but basically no other amenities. Not even drinking water. Make sure you have what you need.

We came down here on a van trip. It was first come first serve and we got here around 7:00 am. There were a few people waiting too, but we all got our own spot! We came with our dog and she had a fun time too, but be careful of poison ivy. The camp host let us know they have raccoons around but we didn’t see any. The view was awesome. You can see the mountains behind you and an awesome ocean view in front of you. There’s no cell service though so be aware of that before you come!

This campsite is one of my favorites! I've camped here two times and had a blast both times. The trails just off of the grounds take you down to a rock beach that is absolutely beautiful. 

We also used one of the walk in sites during one of our trips (just parked at the road and was allowed to use it as none of the other sites were available). There was a small trail heading north of those sites that we were able to do some night sky photography at. 

Can't wait to go back!

Upon arrival I was greeted by the campsite host whom informed me that that the campsite was full except for a single site. I understood that coming in the sites are first come first serve but online showed that there were a few sites available. He informed me that the site is late by an average of 24hrs and unreliable. The bathrooms were clean and there was a small trail leading down to a rocky shore beach. They had firewood/starters/water available for sale. The views of the coast are partially hidden from trees along the border of the campground. Also very important !!! The raccoons here are very stealthy and WILL steal your food. Overall , it was a place to sleep that wasn’t on the side of the road so a win.

Luckily got this camp site because of a cancellation, it was well kept, and had wonderful views. Would def visit again!

This campsite is right along the ocean on a cliff. It is a very popular campsite but they always have mandatory spots available for bike riders since it’s the halfway point between two cities. If you don’t have reservations they will let you camp there if there are open sites after 5PM, but you have to park and walk into the campsite. It’s really chilly at night and most of the day so be prepared with warm layers. If the campsite is full you can drive up the mountain on Nacimiento-Ferguson Rd and there are 2 campsites about 30min down the road where it’s warmer and beautiful as well next to a creek.

This is one of my favorite campsites due to iats relatively small size and gorgeous views of Big Sur. There is a cute, rocky private beach with access from the campground and a long hiking trail across the street that is dog friendly (just be aware of poison oak). 

Just note that if planning to reserve a spot, you must come first thing Friday morning when they open. By lunchtime, all spots are usually gone. If you come mid-week, even better. Also important if you want a spot overlooking the ocean. 

Also, raccoons are intense here. They will go through your stuff if you leave anything out. My dog did have a good time patrolling the campground at night and scaring them all away though. 

The last time I was there there were massive motor homes parked in all the front facing spots which was kinda a bummer, so even more reason to get there early to strategically pick a spot if tent camping.

If you are driving up from the south and going to Big Sur this is a great place to camp for the night. It captures the beauty of the coastline and has some hiking trails down to the water. They had firewood for sale when we were there which was super convenient. There isn’t much more that needs to be said other than it is just absolutely beautiful. The site we were in was nice and level so it made set up easy.

Beautiful views with the majority having panoramic views of the coast. Camp hosts made it that much better!

$15 firewood so pick it up before hitting 1.

The views spectacular because you are on a cliff. Short brush so you see your neighbors. Highway one is right behind you if road noise bothers you. bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. Sunset was awesome. we got breakfast at Gorda (south of this campsite) the next morning, super delicious highly recommend, and hiked Salmon Creek Falls (south of this campsite). Not many people there so we had the whole waterfall to ourselves for an hour. The pictures I uploaded are of Salmon Creek Falls. I forgot to take pictures of the campsite.

No cell service, beautiful views. Personally I think it the best spot in Big Sur, over looking the ocean on once side and the Forrest on the other. Lots of hiking around the area, or just driving down PCH time feels like it’s stops! Definitely one of my top camping spots highly recomend!

Wonderful visit, best view!!! We happened to drive in at the right time, had one walk- in site available. Campsites, large, away from other campers and clean. Bathrooms were also clean, but vaulted..... and so worth it because the view was amazing. Beautiful hike down to the ocean, nice small area to tide pool and picnic. Good place to stay and enjoy the view and campground. Try and bring everything u need, little camp stores are located about 20 min away, both directions, and very expensive. Beware, do not leave any food or cooler out, raccoons come out at night and will slaughter ur food 😃

Also a good place for a base camp, centrally located, close to visit places in Big Sur, like Pfieffer state park and restaurants.

This campground is great because of its location and yes, you look out over a beautiful view.  I felt like it was a little too open for my liking because I prefer some privacy when I camp, but you can't be too picky in paradise.  Take advantage of all the amazing hikes - especially because most will lead you to a waterfall.  And walk down to the beach because you might find a jade stone or see an elephant walrus!

No fires allowed, spacious sites, must book in advance. Raccoons will come through at night, must make sure everything is put away and secure. Breathtaking views and hiking trails are challenging yet worth it!

Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever camped. The stars are out of this world, the Milky Way spans the entire sky.

We stayed 2 nights but could have stayed many more. We did have raccoon visitors each night but as long as you keep your belongings secure it’s no issue.

We went night bathing at the Esalen Institute which was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Highly recommend trying to coincide your trip with their night bathing they open to the public every so often. It’s from 1-3am and is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. It’s clothing optional. We saw a constant stream of shooting stars.

My favorite campground in America. Seriously. Nothing but wonderful memories here and friendly groundskeepers. If you show up late, all spots are taken and you have to take one of the walk-in sites, make sure to tip the managers! Amazing views of the ocean and a great beach to relax on and stare at the wild surf of Big Sur. Also INCREDIBLE star gazing when the moon is down. Lots of whale and seal sightings, especially Humpbacks. Great sunsets. Make sure to bring everything you need since all this place really has is outhouses.

Always booked up on recreation.gov but I was able to snag a single night in the middle of the week due to a cancellation. It was well worth the three hour drive one way even for a single night! Beautiful views, perfect weather, camp host was very friendly and helpful! Looking forward to being able to go back!

This is one of my all time favorite campsites - it's hard to beat the ocean view, easy access to Kirk Creek and the ocean (rocky water access only from campsite but Sand Dollar Beach is just down the road), hiking trails and the rest of Big Sur right at your fingertips. The sites are fairly small and close together - this campground is all about location and views not having the place to yourself.

We stayed here over Labor Day weekend 2017 and had record high temperatures, beautiful sunsets and lots of fun exploring the area. Big Sur is a great place to visit year round.

We stayed at Kirk Creek this weekend in one of the walk up tent sites. although we could not park by the spot, we arrived that day with no reservation and we’re happy to park across the street with how beautiful how surroundings were! From what I could tell, every site had a wonderful view of the ocean with how the campground is situated on the bluff. I will most definitely stay here again!

One of the few campgrounds in Big Sur with beach access. Very different than most campgrounds in the area. It sits right on the bluff with trees and tall grass. It's a beautiful campground.