Ocean views through the trees and Sand Dollar Beach directly across Highway 1 define the experience at Plaskett Creek Campground, a US Forest Service site tucked into the southern stretch of Big Sur. The campground sits within Los Padres National Forest, where forested sites back up against open meadow terrain, and the sound of Plaskett Creek runs nearby. No showers are available on-site, so plan accordingly.
Sites vary in character. Reviewers consistently point to spots 12, 13, 22, 23, 32, and 33 along the back of the campground as the most desirable, surrounded by foliage and offering more separation from neighbors. Site 6 is the only one with a direct ocean view. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and charcoal grill, and water spigots are distributed throughout, though water quality issues have come up in past visits. As Sue B. notes, "Check before coming - you may need to bring your own potable water." Poison oak is present, so keep pets on leash and watch where kids wander.
The campground tends to fill fast. First-come, first-served sites can go by early afternoon on weekdays, and Highway 1 campgrounds in this corridor are notoriously hard to book. Reservations are available and recommended. Winter visits can mean having the campground nearly to yourself, with a few other sites occupied at most. The road access has been flagged as rough in sections, and RVs larger than 24 feet will find the loops difficult to navigate despite the listed 50-foot maximum. "Truck and small trailer," as one reviewer put it, is closer to the practical limit.
Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground sits about 1.7 miles to the east for campers wanting a more remote alternative, and Prewitt Ridge Campground is roughly 3.7 miles north along the forest. "With a view of the ocean through the trees," as Sue B. describes it, Plaskett Creek offers a rare combination of forested camping and immediate coastal access. Cell coverage is spotty with standard carriers, though at least one recent visitor confirmed Starlink worked reliably. Book early for summer weekends, and call ahead to confirm the water system is operational before leaving home.
Description
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
The campground offers single-family sites, as well as three group campsites, for tent and RV camping. Group sites can accommodate up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. Extra vehicles will be charged an additional fee. Utility hookups are not available. Individual campsites are each equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Flush toilets, sinks and drinking water are provided throughout the campground. An accessible flush toilet is located near Site 10. Group sites are equipped with several tables, grills and campfire circles. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided in the group area.
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.
Fee Info
6 PEOPLE, 1 VEHICLE
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
No flushing toilets available Portable toilets provided. NON-POTABLE WATER - Please plan accordingly.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPlaskett Creek Campground is located in California near Lucia
Directions
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.
Coordinates
35.9172222 N
121.465 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 49 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 2 hrs 38 min from Salinas, CA
- 3 hrs 16 min from Santa Cruz, CA



















































