Environmental Group Campground

Star4.14
16 reviews
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highway 1 at mile marker 36, Big Sur, CA 93920
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

128 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Environmental Group Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $30 per night. Discounts include Senior Citizen ($2 off), Disabled Discount Pass holders (50% off), and Distinguished Veterans Pass...
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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

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Reserve California
Provider
(831) 649-2836null
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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 16 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"Users frequently praise the secluded and serene environment of the Environmental Group Campground but note its primitive facilities and lack of vehicle access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highway 1 at mile marker 36, Big Sur, CA 93920

Environmental Group Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Environmental Group Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer mornings often foggy but usually clear by midday; mild temps overall.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mediterranean climate suggests pleasant fall days and cool nights (limited data).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild spring weather and trail access likely good; fewer explicit reviews available.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Open year‑round; crisp winter nights (30–50°F) and prime whale watching season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Year-round camping is popular, but no explicit peak season dates are listed.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are required and usually fill up six months in advance.
  • Current Alerts: Some trails remain closed due to fire and debris flow damage. Highway 1 closures occur frequently; check updates prior to arrival.

About Environmental Group 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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

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.
HikingSeveral 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 viewingMarine 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 ProgramsEducational and interpretive programs are typically offered during the summer season for school groups and the public.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCliffs 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.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at each campsite to secure food and scented items from wildlife.

Weather at Environmental Group Campground

Reviews

4.1
16 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 16 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 16 reviews

Common Concerns

"Pit toilets are basic and not always clean." "Sites are hard to reserve, often fully booked six months in advance."
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring extra water and firewood, as the campground provides minimal amenities." "Reserve as early as possible to secure a spot."
Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Whale watching is highly recommended during winter months, while summer mornings often bring fog that clears by midday.
Based on 16 reviews

Camper 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 16 reviews

Site-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 16 reviews

Accessibility 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 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are strictly prohibited at the Environmental Group Campground and on park trails.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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