How much does camping cost at Limekiln State Park Campground?

Camping fees at Limekiln State Park Campground range from $5-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Limekiln State Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Limekiln State Park Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Limekiln State Park Campground before I book?

Yes! Limekiln State Park Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Limekiln State Park Campground?

Limekiln State Park Campground is open Peak season spans spring and summer. Specific dates are not provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Limekiln State Park Campground?

Yes, Limekiln State Park Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Limekiln State Park Campground have?

Limekiln State Park Campground has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Limekiln State Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Limekiln State Park Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Limekiln State Park Campground?

Limekiln State Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Limekiln State Park Campground?

Popular activities at Limekiln State Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Limekiln State Park Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Limekiln State Park Campground?

Fire policies at Limekiln State Park Campground: Fires are permitted only in metal fire rings. Firewood must be purchased onsite; gathering wood is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.54

111 reviews

63025 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Top 16% in CASummer

Romantic GetawayScenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Big Sur#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

167 ft

Price

$5 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

CAMPING UPDATE 4/1/2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks (operated in partnership with Parks Management Company)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

167 ft

Price

$5 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

CAMPING UPDATE 4/1/2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks (operated in partnership with Parks Management Company)Official Website

Get Directions

Limekiln State Park Campground

$5.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees include $35 per standard site and $5 per hike and bike site. Additional vehicle fees are $10 per night. Discounts include $2 off for...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Premium Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

(805) 434-1996BigSur@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Limekiln State Park Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

63025 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Limekiln State Park Campground

63025 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Nearby places

Lucia (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Cambria (43 miles, approximately 1.5 hours), Carmel (56 miles, approximately 1.5 hours), Monterey (57 miles, approximately 1.5 hours).

Nearby supplies

The nearest grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Cambria, 43 miles south. Limited essential goods can be purchased from camp hosts at Limekiln State Park, such as firewood and shower tokens.

Driving directionsLocated 56 miles south of Carmel at Highway 1 mile marker 20.95, 2 miles south of Lucia. Drivers can access the Limekiln State Park entrance from the Cambria/San Simeon area via Highway 1. Note that Highway 1 remains closed 4.4 miles north of the park due to a landslide. Park entrance road is at the south end of the bridge over Limekiln Creek.

The park can only be accessed from the south via Highway 1 (Cambria/San Simeon area). Highway 1 is closed north of Limekiln State Park due to multiple landslides, creating significant delays in repairs. Roads are paved but closures limit access.

Weather at Limekiln State Park Campground

Current alert: Current closures include all camping facilities due to storm damage and infrastructure repairs. Trails such as Hare Creek and Falls Trail remain closed.

Best Time to Camp at Limekiln State Park Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Mid-60s to low-70s during the day, 50s at night. Marine layer typically blankets mornings then burns off by midday, revealing clear ocean views. Spring and fall see more unpredictable shifts: sun to wind to fog within hours. Winter storms roll through but temperatures rarely drop below the 40s. Layer your clothing. The coast's mood changes fast, and that's part of the deal.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Most reliable weather (mid-60s/70s); clear views after marine layer burns off, but crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season spans spring and summer. Specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: CAMPING UPDATE 4/1/26 California State Parks is excited to announce that Limekiln State Park will reopen to camping beginning April 1, 2026. Limekiln State Park has been limited to day-use visitation for over a year due to multiple landslides along Highway 1, which restricted safe public access and limited the ability of park staff to fully operate the campground. Following the reopening of Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide in February 2026, Monterey District staff have been working diligently to rest With park facilities and utilities now back online and seasonal staffing in place, Limekiln State Park is ready to once again welcome overnight guests. The park will continue to be accessible from 8 a.m. to sunset daily, for Day Use visitors; however, be advised that Day-Use parking is extremely limited inside the park.

About Limekiln State Park Campground

Limekiln State Park's 29 campsites sit where ancient redwoods meet the Pacific along Big Sur's dramatic coast. Campers choose between ocean-facing sites with wave sounds and Highway 1 noise, or shaded redwood sites along Limekiln Creek with better privacy. Fees run $5-35 per night. Book six months ahead. This place fills fast.

Limekiln State Park Campground offers campsites for tent camping, RV camping, and hike-and-bike camping. No group sites, cabins, or glamping accommodations are available.

Historical Significance

The Salinan, Esselen, and Ohlone peoples lived here long before industry arrived. In the 1880s, workers built four massive lime kilns to extract limestone for California's construction boom, heating rock to create lime for mortar and plaster. The moss-covered stone kilns still stand along the creek trail. They're quiet now, but they once ran hot enough to light up the canyon at night.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Mid-60s to low-70s during the day, 50s at night. Marine layer typically blankets mornings then burns off by midday, revealing clear ocean views. Spring and fall see more unpredictable shifts: sun to wind to fog within hours. Winter storms roll through but temperatures rarely drop below the 40s. Layer your clothing. The coast's mood changes fast, and that's part of the deal.

ElevationFrom sea level to soaring canopy, Limekiln State Park's varied elevations create distinct worlds within walking distance of each other. Beach campsites sit practically at ocean's edge, where salt spray mingles with morning coffee, while creek-side sites nestle into gentle ravines carved by centuries of flowing water. This interplay of coastal and riparian habitats creates microenvironments that shift dramatically within just a few footsteps, offering campers an intimate exploration of California's ecological diversity without strenuous climbs.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground straddles two worlds at 167 feet elevation. On one side, the Pacific crashes against cliffs within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. On the other, coast redwoods. At their southernmost coastal range. Tower above Limekiln Creek as it winds through fern grottos toward the ocean. The Santa Lucia Range rises sharply inland, its chaparral slopes meeting the fog-loving redwood groves. Steelhead trout navigate the creek during spawning season. Condors and hawks ride thermals overhead. The geology tells an old story: limestone deposits from prehistoric seas now exposed where sedimentary rock meets granite, the visible edge of plate collision.

Geological RegionPerched within the dramatic Santa Lucia Range, Limekiln State Park showcases millions of years of geological drama where the North American plate meets the Pacific. This dynamic coastline, protected as part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, reveals ancient limestone deposits that tell stories of prehistoric seas, while chaparral-covered slopes speak to Mediterranean climates and fire-adapted ecosystems. The park sits at a remarkable geological crossroads where sedimentary rocks meet granite peaks, where redwood forests find their southernmost coastal stronghold, and where the raw power of plate tectonics continues to shape one of the world's most spectacular meeting places of land and sea.

Scenic ViewsOcean sites offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, while redwood sites feature serene creekside and forested environments.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within Limekiln State Park Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

12 Noon

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to eight persons per site, including children.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground splits into two sections: ocean-facing sites and redwood forest sites. Both areas are compact. Privacy depends on which section you're in and how full the campground runs. Redwood sites have more space and natural screening. Ocean sites pack closer together.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are reservation-based, but canceled reservations may open up and can be obtained in person at the kiosk after 3 PM on the day of camping.

Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled in accordance with California State Parks policies. Specific cancellation deadlines are not provided.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, requiring a DMV Disabled Placard or similar credential. Accessibility improvements are ongoing, and campers should confirm with the park for updates.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size; ocean sites are known to fit smaller tents, whereas redwood sites provide more shade with decent separation.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Redwood sites offer more shade and separation, while ocean sites are closer together, with minimal privacy.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesRedwood sites are recommended for those seeking privacy and shade. Ocean-facing sites are ideal for enjoying ocean views and beach access.

Best CampsitesRedwood sites along Limekiln Creek offer shade, creek sounds, and better separation between neighbors. Ocean sites put you closer to beach access and sunset views, but they're tighter together and catch Highway 1 traffic noise. Lower sites near the creek have rodent issues. Reviewers consistently mention raccoons. Use the bear lockers.

Need help booking Limekiln State Park Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Limekiln State Park Campground provides a mix of natural beauty and essential amenities that enhance the camping experience. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, token-operated hot showers, and drinking water. Showers are available to registered campers only, operating with tokens that cost $1.00 for 5 minutes of shower time. No RV hookups, Wi-Fi, or dump stations are available. Firewood can be purchased at the entrance kiosk, and campers can enjoy scenic ocean views and proximity to redwoods.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Limekiln State Park Campground can enjoy hiking, beach activities, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Trails offer unique views of redwoods, waterfalls, and historic lime kilns, though some trails remain closed due to past fire and weather damage. Beach activities, such as picnicking and exploring the shore where a creek meets the ocean, are popular. Fishing is permitted with valid licenses, though stream fishing is restricted most of the year.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCoastal cliffs and canyon walls are steep and unstable; climbing is prohibited. Poison oak is abundant on trails. Wildlife such as raccoons and rodents are common; proper food storage is essential.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each site to store food and scented items securely to prevent wildlife interaction.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in metal fire rings. Firewood must be purchased onsite; gathering wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Cambria, approximately 43 miles south of the park, with hospitals and police stations available. Emergency contact within the park is 911.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Campers should use provided food storage bins to avoid attracting wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels.

Water FeaturesLimekiln Creek flows through the park, and ocean sites are directly adjacent to the Pacific coastline. Freshwater runs into the creek and beach.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as helpful and friendly. Hosts sell firewood and shower tokens onsite.

Cell CoverageCell phone service coverage is not explicitly mentioned, though some reviews indicate limited availability of nearby Wi-Fi at external locations like the taphouse/shell gas area.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Limekiln State Park Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

111 reviews

Top-Rated

Limekiln State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight Limekiln State Park Campground as a uniquely beautiful destination combining redwoods and ocean scenery. While the facilities like showers and toilets are appreciated, some reviews note maintenance issues. Privacy and proximity to scenic features like waterfalls and Limekilns are recurring praises.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 111 reviews.

Site #11 (Ocean)Mentioned
Site #11 (Ocean): Beautiful ocean views but traffic noise and generator sounds detract from the experience.
Site #15 (Creekside)Issues noted
Site #15 (Creekside): Tight spacing but worth it for proximity to the creek.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, proximity to ocean and redwoods, availability of showers and flush toilets, and helpful camp hosts. Many reviewers enjoyed the trails leading to falls...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with campsite size and privacy, occasional unclean bathrooms, noisy generators near ocean sites, and rodent problems. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the...

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking reservations six months in advance, staying in redwood sites for shade and privacy, and securing food and trash to deter raccoons.

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campground experiences vary seasonally, with summer offering mild temperatures but crowded campsites. Winter campers praised solitude but noted limited trail access due to closures.

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place was absolutely amazing! We played on the shore for about 2 hours. Really awesome how the fresh water creek runs right into the ocean." (User: Ariel Valenzuela) "Stayed in the upper...

Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites are praised for providing equal camping opportunities, though the specific sites are not detailed.

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policy allows dogs but restricts them to parking and camping areas, not trails. Some campers appreciated the enforcement while others noted policy leniency during their stay.

Based on 111 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Redwood-section campers, especially site 15 area, get creek sounds, shade, and real separation from neighbors. Hike to the 100-foot waterfall or the historic lime kilns, lock your food against raccoons, and book the full six months out because this fills immediately.

Skip if

Ocean sites like #11 get Highway 1 traffic noise and neighbor generators after dark, and the cramped spacing makes privacy minimal. Rodent problems hit the lower sites hard, and at 43 miles from the nearest grocery store, you're arriving fully stocked or paying camp-host prices f

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.4

(407)

Kirk Creek Campground

Los Padres National Forest

Kirk Creek Campground sits on a bluff above the Pacific in Los Padres National Forest, operated by PMC Parks with tent, RV, and primitive sites. The location delivers direct ocean views and trail access along the Big Sur coast, drawing visitors for whale-watching, storm-watching, and shoreline exploration. Reviewers praise the spacious sites and helpful hosts but note raccoon activity and the absence of running water.