Kirk Creek Campground

Star4.44
407 reviews
Romantic GetawayScenic Views

Quick Facts

100 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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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
Kirk Creek Campground
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard sites cost $45 daily during peak season, with an additional $2 weekend or holiday fee. Fees do not include potential discounts, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$45.00
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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Provider
805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 407 reviews

361 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

unlevel

"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."

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Campground Map

Kirk Creek Campground

35.9917, -121.4942

Driving directionsHwy 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED from the Monterey area. From San Luis Obispo, take Highway 1 north for approximately 60 miles to the campground.
Highway 1 access is temporarily closed north of Monterey. Roads leading to the campground are paved but may experience closures due to weather or rockslides.
Nearby places
San Luis Obispo (approximately 60 miles), Big Sur (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Closest store with food, water, ice, and gas is in Gorda, which also offers hot showers for $15. Distance not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek's coastal climate offers a refreshing escape from inland heat, with temperatures remaining cool to moderate year-round. Morning fog often blankets the bluff, creating an ethereal atmosphere before burning off to reveal crystal-clear ocean views. Winter transforms the horizon into a whale-watching paradise as gray whales migrate past the coastline, their spouts visible from your campsite. Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable camping conditions, with mild temperatures and minimal fog, perfect for stargazing and sunset watching.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Cool coastal summers with morning fog; some complaints about dust but good ocean views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mild fall weather and continued access to trails/beaches make fall a very good season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers comfortable temps, trail access, and wildlife viewing; good camping season.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in US

Year-round open; winter whale watching is a major highlight in reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 annually. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round with peak season from January 1 through December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Hwy 1 is temporarily closed north of Monterey with seasonal rockslide risks.

About Kirk Creek Campground

Perched dramatically on a windswept bluff above the Pacific, Kirk Creek Campground offers one of California's most spectacular camping experiences. Here, where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the sea, campers wake to panoramic ocean vistas and fall asleep to the rhythmic crash of waves below. The campground welcomes both tent campers and RV travelers, with each site positioned to capture the mesmerizing coastal views. Just minutes away, the pristine Sand Dollar Beach beckons with its crescent of white sand, while the Vicente Flats Trailhead promises adventures into the rugged Big Sur backcountry.
The campground accommodates tent and RV camping but lacks utility hookups. Primitive camping is possible given the minimal facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations are limited to a maximum of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingA variety of trails are accessible from the campground, including the Vicente Flats Trailhead directly across the highway. Trails provide views of waterfalls, redwoods, and mountain meadows.
FishingFishing is permitted, with a required permit for individuals over the age of 16. Anglers can catch yellow perch and other coastal surf fish.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Sand Dollar Beach, located 5 miles south of the campground.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible within a short drive, featuring scenic views and varied terrain.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes foxes, bobcats, deer, raccoons, and occasionally mountain lions and bears. Seasonal whale migrations from November to February provide excellent viewing opportunities.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are popular at Sand Dollar Beach, including surfing, sunbathing, and exploring rocky shores.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoon infestations, poison oak, lack of potable water, and uneven campsite terrain are frequent concerns.
Active AlertsHwy 1 is temporarily closed north of Monterey with seasonal rockslide risks.
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.

Weather at Kirk Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4
407 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 407 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #8, #9, and #10 are recommended for their views and space. Site #1 is noted for its proximity to the highway. Site #12 is praised for its spaciousness and sunsets.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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