Standard campsites are $50 per night, premium riverfront sites are $60 per night, hike/bike sites are $5 per night, and en route overnight parking is...
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Standard Site Fee$50.00
Premium Site Fee$60.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
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Big Sur (0 miles), Carmel (26 miles), Monterey (approximately 40 miles), San Simeon (approximately 50 miles)
Nearby supplies
Big Sur Lodge located within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers groceries, a cafe, and other supplies. Additional options are available in Big Sur proper, approximately 2 miles away.
Driving directionsThe park is located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. Visitors should check for road closures and conditions, especially regarding Highway 1, as closures due to emergency repairs or weather events are common. Rocky Creek and Regent’s Slide closures may affect access.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is accessible via Highway 1; however, closures and detours are frequent due to landslides or construction. The road is paved but may have seasonal closures. Visitors should check CalTrans updates for current conditions.
Weather at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
About Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground sits beneath ancient redwoods along the Big Sur River in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The park offers 189 sites for tent and RV campers, plus primitive and cabin options, with fees ranging from $5 to $60 per night. This is a high-demand spot. Reservations fill six months out during summer. Cell service is almost nonexistent.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles. Options include standard tent/RV sites, hike/bike sites, and one cabin. Two group campsites are seasonally available but currently closed.
Historical Significance
The Esselen and Rumsien peoples lived in these redwood groves for thousands of years before European contact. The Pfeiffer family homesteaded here in the 1860s. During the Great Depression, Civilian Conservation Corps crews built trails and bridges that modern visitors still use.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best weather: mornings start with coastal fog that burns off to sunny afternoons in the 70s and 80s, evenings cool to the 50s and 60s. The river warms enough for swimming, trails stay shady under the redwoods, and group sites open mid-June through mid-October. This is also the busiest season. Weekends fill fast. Winter sees crisp days from 30 to 50°F and nights that can dip into the 20s. Seasonal rains from December through March occasionally close portions of the campground but keep the forest lush and the river running strong.
ElevationTucked into the dramatic Big Sur Gorge at near sea level, the campground offers a rare opportunity to camp among coastal redwoods without the climb. This low elevation setting creates a unique microclimate where ocean fog mingles with mountain air, nurturing the lush forest ecosystem that makes this pocket of Big Sur so enchanting.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient coast redwoods, Douglas firs, and tanoak trees tower over the campground floor at 262 feet elevation, fed by coastal fog that drifts through the canyon. The Big Sur River runs through the grounds, carving pools where campers swim on warm afternoons. The campground occupies a sheltered canyon on the western slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, where the river has cut through coastal peaks over millennia. Deer browse in clearings. Bobcats slip through the underbrush at dawn. Poison oak and ticks are common. Watch where you step.
Geological RegionPerched on the western slopes of the ancient Santa Lucia Mountains, the campground occupies a spectacular setting where mountain meets sea. The Big Sur River has carved its gorge through these coastal mountains over millennia, creating a sheltered canyon where redwoods, Douglas firs, and tanoak trees thrive in the fog-fed environment. This unique geological position—caught between the vast Pacific and the rugged mountains—creates the perfect conditions for one of California's most magnificent forest ecosystems.
Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer views of the Big Sur River or are nestled among redwoods and other native trees. Riverfront sites provide relaxing sounds of rushing water.
Lodging & AccommodationsOne cabin is available for reservation at $75 per night. It sleeps four people and is nestled among the redwoods. The cabin is ADA accessible but does not include electricity, running water, bathroom, or kitchen. Bedding must be brought by occupants. An adjoining campsite (#144) can also be reserved for an additional six people.
Programs & ActivitiesThe Ewoldsen Nature Center features exhibits on local wildlife and plants and is open seasonally from May to September. Interpretive programs and guided walks are offered year-round during weekends.
River swimmers and trail hikers who plan far enough ahead will find their spot here. Riverfront sites like #57, #61, or #79 deliver the full experience: redwood shade, river sounds, easy access to Buzzard's Roost or the wheelchair-accessible Nature Trail. Book exactly six months
Skip if
Sites vary wildly in spacing, and the crowded end of the spectrum is genuinely crowded. Site #56 draws specific complaints about noise and poison oak. If bathroom cleanliness matters and you're arriving peak summer, reviews are inconsistent enough to lower expectations. Dogs can'
Campgrounds
Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
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Current alert: Highway 1 closures due to landslides or repairs are frequent. Visitors are advised to check road conditions before arrival.
Best Time to Camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground
Summer brings the best weather: mornings start with coastal fog that burns off to sunny afternoons in the 70s and 80s, evenings cool to the 50s and 60s. The river warms enough for swimming, trails stay shady under the redwoods, and group sites open mid-June through mid-October. This is also the busiest season. Weekends fill fast. Winter sees crisp days from 30 to 50°F and nights that can dip into the 20s. Seasonal rains from December through March occasionally close portions of the campground but keep the forest lush and the river running strong.
Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Spring offers good conditions and access; still popular but less crowded than peak summer.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Best weather; river warms for swimming but reservations fill months out and it's crowded.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Fall is quieter and pleasant; reviewers note acorns falling and milder crowds.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Open year-round and quieter in winter, but cooler temperatures limit swimming.
Planning Tips
Peak Season: Summer months; generally May through September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; group campsites are available mid-June to mid-October.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of six people per site
Groups
Two walk-in group campsites can accommodate 9-35 people but are currently closed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive camping is allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground divides into loops with riverfront sites, hillside locations, and tucked-away spots deeper in the trees. Site sizes vary. Some are large and level, others uneven. Most parking areas fit two vehicles. Spacing differs: some campers report plenty of buffer, others complain about hearing their neighbors clearly.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are occasionally available due to cancellations but are not guaranteed. Visitors must physically check at the entrance kiosk after 3 p.m. on the day of arrival.
Cancellation PolicyVisitors can cancel reservations due to road closures for a full refund by contacting Reserve California. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance but cannot be booked within 48 hours of arrival.
AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-accessible campsites, pathways, restrooms, and picnic areas. Assistive listening devices are available at the campfire center upon request.
Site SizeSite sizes vary; some are large and level while others can be uneven. Typical parking areas accommodate two vehicles.
PrivacyPrivacy levels differ across campsites; user reviews highlight some as spacious and secluded while others are closer together and less private.
Total Campsites189 campsites
Recommended SitesRiverfront sites (e.g., 7, 10, 15) are ideal for proximity to the water. Site 34 is large and secluded. South camp loop sites are recommended for quiet and shade.
Best CampsitesReviews highlight sites 7, 10, 15, 17, 32, 35, 47, 51, 57, 59, 61, 75, 79, 89, 93, 112, 114, 122, 138, 141, 143, 145, 150, 151, 174, 175, 176, 177, and 179. Riverfront spots are the most coveted. Privacy varies. Some sites feel spacious and secluded, others sit close together. Check site dimensions before booking if you're bringing a larger rig.
Need help booking Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground?
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is situated within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, offering a diverse array of amenities designed for campers ranging from tent users to RV enthusiasts. Official sources describe the campground as having over 150 sites along the Big Sur River, including tent/RV campsites, hike/bike sites, en route camping, and one cabin. Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, token-operated showers, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings. Accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible paths and restrooms are extensively provided. Firewood is sold onsite, and the camp store provides basic supplies and groceries. However, Wi-Fi and cell phone service are extremely limited, which is corroborated by user reviews.
Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Cabin Lodging
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground can enjoy numerous activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming in the Big Sur River, and exploring nearby attractions such as redwood forests and Pfeiffer Falls. Guided interpretive walks and evening campfire programs also enhance the camping experience.
Hiking
Numerous trails are available, catering to various difficulty levels. Notable trails include the Buzzard's Roost (3 miles roundtrip with 750 feet elevation gain) and the River Path (0.6 miles loop). Some trails are wheelchair-accessible, such as the Nature Trail and River Path. User reviews frequently highlight the scenic beauty of the hiking trails.
Swimming
Swimming in the Big Sur River is a popular activity. Diving and dam-building are prohibited to preserve the steelhead habitat. User reviews describe the river as cold, clear, and ideal for family play.
Biking
Bicycles are permitted on paved roads within the park but are not allowed on trails. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly observed includes bobcats, black-tail deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, and various bird species such as belted kingfishers. User reviews mention deer sightings near campsites.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The Ewoldsen Nature Center features exhibits on local wildlife and plants and is open seasonally from May to September. Interpretive programs and guided walks are offered year-round during weekends.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsCampers should watch for poison oak, ticks, and nocturnal wildlife like raccoons and skunks. Mountain lions have been reported in the region, though sightings are rare.
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.
Fire PolicyFires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood must be purchased onsite; collecting wood is prohibited.
Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Emergency ServicesBig Sur Health Center (approximately 2 miles north) for medical emergencies. Big Sur Fire Station and local ranger stations are available for other emergencies.
Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, and campers are reminded to store food and waste securely to deter wildlife such as raccoons and skunks.
Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the Big Sur River, providing swimming and scenic views. Visitors should avoid moving rocks in the water to protect steelhead trout habitats.
Camp HostCamp hosts are available onsite but have received mixed reviews regarding responsiveness to rule enforcement.
Cell CoverageCell phone reception is described as extremely limited within the campground. One user review stated, "There is no signal anywhere, so be prepared to be totally disconnected." Another user highlighted that Verizon worked in most areas for them.
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Reviews
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From Booking Sources
4.4
137 reviews
Recommended
Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground generally highlight its natural beauty, shady sites under redwoods, and proximity to the Big Sur River. However, complaints include limited privacy at some sites, strict enforcement of rules, and occasional cleanliness issues with bathrooms.
Review Summaries
Based on 137 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects commonly mentioned include the serene location, clean facilities, proximity to hiking trails, and scenic riverfront sites. One camper stated, "Such a pretty and peaceful place to...
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Based on 137 reviews
Common Concerns
Common complaints include lack of privacy at certain campsites, loud neighboring campers, and cleanliness issues with bathrooms. One user mentioned, "The campsites are pretty on top of each other....
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Based on 137 reviews
Site-Specific Reviews
Best sites include #7, #10, #15, #17, #32, #35, #47, #51, #57, #59, #61, #75, #79, #89, #93, #112, #114, #122, #138, #141, #143, #145, #150, #151, #174, #175, #176, #177, and #179. Site #56 received...
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Based on 137 reviews
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend reserving sites six months in advance due to high demand, checking site sizes before booking, and preparing for limited cell service. Advanced reservations and backup plans are...
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Based on 137 reviews
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often note crowded conditions and foggy mornings that clear by midday, while winter reviews describe quieter experiences with cooler temperatures. Fall reviews highlight acorns falling...
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Based on 137 reviews
Camper Quotes
"Large camp sites and easy access to trails. The river is lovely and has many places to sit and relax while the kids play." (Laurel Cocilo) "Bathrooms were clean and always had toilet paper. Showers...
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Based on 137 reviews
Accessibility Features
Accessible features are praised, including designated campsites, restrooms, and paths. The campfire center offers seating for wheelchair users. Assistive listening devices are available upon request.
Based on 137 reviews
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on paved roads and within campsites but are restricted from trails. Dog owners note the need for leashes at all times. "Camp site is dog-friendly but unfortunately not the trails,"...
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Based on 137 reviews
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