How much does camping cost at Kirk Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Kirk Creek Campground range from $45-$47/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kirk Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kirk Creek 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 Kirk Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Kirk Creek Campground has 14 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 Kirk Creek Campground?

Kirk Creek Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Kirk Creek Campground?

Kirk Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kirk Creek Campground have?

Kirk Creek Campground has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kirk Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kirk Creek 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 Kirk Creek Campground?

Kirk Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kirk Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Kirk Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kirk Creek Campground

4.42

407 reviews

Top 2%Winter

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Big Sur#3 Northern California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

100 ft

Price

$45 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

100 ft

Price

$45 - $47/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Kirk Creek Campground

$45.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $45.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$45.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

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Plan a trip to Kirk Creek Campground

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Campground Map

Kirk Creek Campground

35.9917, -121.4942

Nearby places

San Luis Obispo (approximately 60 miles), Big Sur (distance not specified)

Weather at Kirk Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kirk Creek Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the clearest benefit here: dramatic storm- and whale-watching, fewer crowds, and mild coastal temperatures (typically 50–65°F / 10–18°C). Gray whale migration peaks from about December through March, making shoreline watches and short coastal hikes especially rewarding, and winter storms create spectacular surf and photography opportunities. Expect lower occupancy on weekdays and more solitude, but be prepared for high winds, fog, and occasional Highway 1 closures or muddy access/ Peak months: February, March, January, October

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in US

Winter offers clear payoff: gray whale migration, dramatic storm surf and fewer crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Kirk Creek Campground

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.

The campground accommodates tent and RV camping but lacks utility hookups. Primitive camping is possible given the minimal facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the clearest benefit here: dramatic storm- and whale-watching, fewer crowds, and mild coastal temperatures (typically 50–65°F / 10–18°C). Gray whale migration peaks from about December through March, making shoreline watches and short coastal hikes especially rewarding, and winter storms create spectacular surf and photography opportunities. Expect lower occupancy on weekdays and more solitude, but be prepared for high winds, fog, and occasional Highway 1 closures or muddy access/ Peak months: February, March, January, October

Elevation100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a grassy bluff with minimal tree cover, so every site gets unobstructed ocean views. Below, waves carve at the base of cliffs where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop into the sea. Gray foxes and black-tailed deer move through camp regularly, and raccoons are a persistent problem. During winter months, gray whales migrate past close enough to spot from your tent. Sand Dollar Beach curves white below the bluff a few minutes south, and the Vicente Flats Trail climbs into the backcountry from nearby.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations are not available; visitors must rely on tent or RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Reservations are limited to a maximum of 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site, with $10 extra per person for up to 8 total.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets, accessible grills, and scenic overlooks are available.

Site SizeSites are spacious, open, and grassy, offering ocean views. Some sites are large enough for multiple tents.

PrivacySites are slightly tiered, ensuring ocean views and reasonable privacy. However, proximity to neighboring sites varies, with some being more private than others.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 8 is noted for its spaciousness, privacy, and proximity to a trail leading to a waterfall and beach. Site 24 offers tiered views and quiet ambiance.

Best CampsitesSites 8, 18, 21, and 24 get frequent mentions in reviews for views and privacy. All sites face the ocean, but spacing and levelness vary throughout the campground.

Need help booking Kirk Creek Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water is available at the campground.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kirk Creek Campground offers numerous recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and access to nearby beaches. The campground features a short walk to a rocky beach and is close to Sand Dollar Beach, which is popular for surfing, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. Trails nearby lead to waterfalls, redwood groves, and mountain meadows, offering a mix of scenic views and physical challenges.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

From Booking Sources

4.4

407 reviews

Recommended

Kirk Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Kirk Creek Campground is highly praised for its stunning ocean views, spacious sites, and proximity to trails and beaches. However, it faces criticism for its lack of basic amenities like potable water, running water, and raccoon-proof trash bins. Seasonal whale watching is a major highlight.

Review Summaries

Based on 407 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 407 reviews.

Site #12Loved
Site #12 is praised for its spaciousness and sunsets.
Site #1Mentioned
Site #1 is noted for its proximity to the highway.

What Campers Love

Beautiful ocean views, spacious campsites, proximity to hiking trails and beaches, attentive and helpful camp hosts, clean vault toilets.

Based on 407 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent raccoon activity, lack of potable water, no running water, high prices for firewood, uneven site surfaces, and occasional poor management.

Based on 407 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and firewood. Secure all food items and trash to prevent raccoon problems. Leveling blocks are recommended for uneven sites. Visit during whale migration season for a chance to...

Based on 407 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight whale watching as a standout seasonal activity. Fog and moisture are common in summer, with some complaints about dusty conditions. Wildlife challenges, particularly...

Based on 407 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Possibly the best campsite in all of California." – Ry Bacorn "Campground is amazing. Site #8 has perfect views, privacy, tons of space." – Kelsie C "Raccoons tried to snatch things right from...

Based on 407 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features such as scenic overlooks and pit toilets are appreciated. However, the lack of additional amenities may limit accessibility for some visitors.

Based on 407 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but raccoons pose challenges for pet owners. Poison oak in some areas may also be a concern for pets.

Based on 407 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and don't mind vault toilets or seasonal raccoon visitors.

Skip if

You need running water, level pull-throughs, or prefer inland forest shade over exposed oceanfront sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(111)

Limekiln State Park Campground

63025 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

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.