Creek sounds and redwood shade define the camping experience at Limekiln State Park, where 24 sites spread across three distinct areas along the Big Sur coast. The campground divides into beach sites directly accessible to the ocean, redwood forest sites surrounded by towering trees, and lower creek sites where only three spots sit tucked away from larger groups.
The lower creek area draws campers seeking more seclusion, with sites nestled alongside flowing water that masks highway noise from above. Amanda M. notes the creek sites are "the most secluded area to camp in" with only small parties able to fit the compact spaces. Forest sites provide natural cooling under the redwood canopy, while beach sites offer ocean access but sit closer to Highway 1 traffic. Reviewers consistently mention the sound of running water creating a natural soundtrack for sleep.
Four moderate trails start from the campground, leading to a waterfall with stream crossings, historic lime kilns from the area's industrial past, and coastal viewpoints. The beach remains exclusive to registered campers, blocked from other Big Sur areas by surrounding cliffs. Wildlife activity includes evening bat flights visible from the bridge connecting different camping areas. Day hiking typically takes 1-2 hours to complete all trail options.
Sites fill up six months in advance during peak season, though cancellations sometimes open last-minute availability. The campground provides coin-operated showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. Cell service remains limited throughout the park. RVs face a 24-foot length restriction, and hookups include electric, water, and sewer connections at designated sites.
For campers wanting additional Big Sur options, Kirk Creek Campground sits less than two miles southeast with oceanfront sites and different terrain.
Description
UPDATE ( February 7, 2024 ) - Limekiln State Park is CLOSED until further notice due to storm damages and Highway 1 road conditions. Highway 1 remains a hard closure at Paul's Slide (Hwy. 1 PM 21.7) - meaning the highway is CLOSED to all public and emergency vehicles at that location with NO DETOUR. Crews continue to work 12-hour shifts and seven days a week to repair damages from the landslide. The current estimate from Caltrans for reopening Hwy. 1 at Paul's Slide is late Spring 2024.
The southern closure is located one half mile south of Paul's Slide. There is no parking in the turnaround area. Limekiln State Park remains CLOSED with entry into the park strictly prohibited. It is also illegal to camp in turnouts or anywhere on Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast unless in a designated campsite in a campground open to the public (Monterey County Code 14.18.020(a)). Travelers on Hwy. 1 north of Ragged Point will encounter multiple areas of intermittent traffic control as repairs to damage from winter storms continues at various locations.
Situated on California’s scenic Big Sur Coast, about 55 miles south of Monterey, Limekiln State Park has weathered its fair share of hardships. It began in the late 1800s, when the Rockland Lime and Lumber Co. began stripping the limestone out of the canyon for use as building materials for the burgeoning San Francisco area. At the time, the redwood forest covering these coastal slopes was almost entirely clearcut. Nearly a century later, after recovering, the area was almost clearcut again, but conservation groups intervened. It finally became a state park in 1995. Since then, a portion of the park burned in 2008, then it was threatened with closure in 2012, due to state budget shortfalls. The park was saved once again when the Save the Redwoods League stepped in to assist with funding and maintenance needs.
The small campground in Limekiln State Park offers 29 campsites in two areas along Limekiln Creek. About half are in an open area near the highway, with beach access; the other half are located upslope, under a canopy of shady redwoods. Sites are small and can only accommodate trailers up to 15 feet, and RVs up to 24 feet; each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Both upper and lower camp areas have drinking water, restrooms, showers and picnic areas. Firewood gathering is not permitted in the park, and dogs must remain leashed at all times. Visitors should keep in mind that this is a rugged coastal environment, and exercise caution around cliffs and near the ocean; climbing on the cliffs is not permitted. Campsite rates are $35/night.
The main attraction at Limekiln State Park is the old lime kilns that still sit at the base of the hillside, more than a century since their last use. These giant furnaces were used to purify the limestone being mined out of the canyon, before it was shipped north for construction uses. The kilns can be seen via a 0.5-mile trail from the upper camp area. A short side trail on the way to the kilns leads to 100-foot Limekiln Falls. Watch out for poison oak while hiking. The park is also a great place for wildlife watching. Keep your eyes peeled for bobcats, foxes and ringtails on shore, and otters and gray whales in the ocean. More than 200 species of birds are known to inhabit the area, including pelicans, peregrine falcons and California condors.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The entrance gate opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset. Campers arriving late should contact Limekiln kiosk at 831-667-2997.
Maximum Occupancy 6 people; applies to all sites. Sites 13-29 are Tent Only. NO RVS of any kind are allowed. Ocean Camp allows TWO VEHICLES. Redwood Camp allows ONE VEHICLE.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLimekiln State Park Campground — TEMPORARILY CLOSED is located in California
Address
63025 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Coordinates
36.010813 N
121.517351 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 2 hrs 46 min from Salinas, CA
- 3 hrs 24 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 3 hrs 32 min from San Jose, CA
