Environmental Group Campground
4.0012 reviewsJulia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highway 1 at mile marker 36, Big Sur, CA 93920
Environmental Group Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $30 per night. Discounts include Senior Citizen ($2 off), Disabled Discount Pass holders (50% off), and Distinguished Veterans Pass holders (free).
About this campground
Discover the ultimate coastal escape at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where two intimate environmental campsites await adventurous souls willing to hike in for an extraordinary experience. Perched along the dramatic edge of Highway 1, these secluded sites immerse you in Big Sur's raw beauty while providing essential comforts—crackling fire rings for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for sunset meals, and secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife.
The Environmental Group Campground exclusively offers primitive tent camping, with two hike-in campsites available year-round. No RV or cabin camping is provided.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history whispers through the redwoods—this sacred land once nurtured the Esselen Native People for thousands of years before pioneering homesteaders arrived to carve out lives along this rugged coast. The park honors Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a remarkable Big Sur pioneer whose legacy of land stewardship and community spirit lives on in every protected acre of this magnificent wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Big Sur's gentle Mediterranean climate year-round, where winter nights bring crisp 30-50°F temperatures perfect for cozy sleeping bags, warming to pleasant 50-70°F days ideal for coastal exploration. Summer transforms the landscape with balmy 50-70°F evenings and gloriously warm 70-80°F afternoons. Morning fog often drapes the coastline like a mystical veil, creating ethereal photography opportunities before dissolving into brilliant sunshine by midday.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain nature's secret, campers will experience the dramatic vertical landscape that defines Big Sur, from sea-level beaches to towering coastal ridges that kiss the sky.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare for sensory overload as ancient redwood giants tower overhead, their centuries-old trunks creating cathedral-like groves that filter sunlight into dancing patterns. Tan oaks and aromatic chaparral blanket the hillsides, while dramatic coastal cliffs plunge toward the Pacific's endless blue. The crown jewel awaits nearby—the iconic McWay Falls, where crystal waters plummet 80 feet directly onto a pristine beach, creating one of California's most photographed natural wonders.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains, this geological wonderland showcases nature's architectural prowess through steep-walled canyons carved by millennia of wind and water. Ancient redwood forests cling to misty slopes while sheer coastal cliffs stand sentinel against the relentless Pacific, creating a landscape where mountain meets sea in spectacular fashion.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible picnicking is available in McWay Canyon day-use area, but limited accessibility information for the Environmental Group Campground is provided.
Sites SizeEach campsite is designated for tent camping and accommodates up to four people.
Sites PrivacySites are walk-in and secluded from vehicle access, providing a quiet and private camping experience.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBoth campsites offer similar amenities, including ocean views, fire rings, and food lockers.
Best CampsitesSites #001 and #002 are the only available campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Campsites are limited to four people per site. Maximum stay information is not explicitly detailed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy at each site is four people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo hike-in sites located on the coastal side of Highway 1.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations are required and usually fill up six months in advance.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at https://www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are not available; reservations are mandatory.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are required and may be canceled through the ReserveCalifornia platform. Specific timelines for cancellation penalties are not stated.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities are limited due to the remote and primitive nature of the campground but include hiking, marine wildlife viewing, and educational programs in some seasons.
Hiking
Several trails are available within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, such as the Waterfall Overlook Trail (0.5 miles roundtrip) and Ewoldsen Trail (5 miles). However, some trails remain closed due to damage from fires and storms.Wildlife viewing
Marine wildlife viewing is excellent in December and January, when gray whales migrate south. Harbor seals, California sea lions, and shorebirds like cormorants and pelicans are also visible.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational and interpretive programs are typically offered during the summer season for school groups and the public.Winter Activities
Whale watching is available one mile north at Vista Point during January and February weekends.Water Sports
Scuba diving is permitted within the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area but requires permits and advanced expertise due to hazardous entry conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires only allowed in provided metal fire rings. Firewood cannot be gathered in the park but can be purchased 12 miles north.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCliffs are hazardous, and trespassing into closed areas may result in citations. Watch for poison oak and avoid feeding wildlife.
Active alertsSome trails remain closed due to fire and debris flow damage. Highway 1 closures occur frequently; check updates prior to arrival.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 87%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Big Sur, approximately 12 miles north.
Good to know
Peak season datesYear-round camping is popular, but no explicit peak season dates are listed.
Trash and recyclingRefuse, including garbage, cigarettes, paper boxes, bottles, and other rubbish, must be placed in the designated receptacles. Recycling bins are available for appropriate materials.
Proximity to water featuresNearby McWay Falls provides a waterfall view, and the coast is accessible but swimming is prohibited.
Common complaintsLimited parking and road closures are frequent complaints. The hike-in nature of the sites demands more preparation from visitors.
HostNo host information detailed for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Assistance may be available 12 miles north at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Campground Map
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highway 1 at mile marker 36, Big Sur, CA 93920
Driving directionsFrom Carmel, drive 37 miles south on Highway 1. From Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, drive 12 miles south on Highway 1.
Road access is via Highway 1, which is prone to closures due to landslides and repairs. Visitors should check CalTrans updates for current road conditions.Nearby places
Carmel (37 miles/approx. 45 minutes), Big Sur (12 miles/approx. 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, including firewood, are available at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, 12 miles north.
Camper Reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Environmental Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently praise the secluded and serene environment of the Environmental Group Campground but note its primitive facilities and lack of vehicle access.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
"Spectacular views of McWay Falls and the rugged coastline are unmatched." "The quiet and isolation make this a perfect getaway for those looking to unplug."
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Pit toilets are basic and not always clean." "Sites are hard to reserve, often fully booked six months in advance."
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Bring extra water and firewood, as the campground provides minimal amenities." "Reserve as early as possible to secure a spot."
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Whale watching is highly recommended during winter months, while summer mornings often bring fog that clears by midday.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The hike-in sites provide a sense of solitude and connection to nature that is hard to find elsewhere." "It’s incredible to wake up to views of the Pacific Ocean right from your tent."
Based on 12 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #001 and Site #002 are hike-in primitive campsites, both offering partial shade and food lockers. Users recommend arriving early to settle in before sunset.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited accessibility details are available, but the campground requires hikers to access the sites, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are strictly prohibited at the Environmental Group Campground and on park trails.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025