Kirk Creek Campground Los Padres National Forest California
Kirk Creek Overview
Kirk Creek Campground has 33 (mostly tent) campsites on the west side of Hwy. 1 offering fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coastline. Check in time is 3:00 pm and check out time is 12:00 pm.
Some campsites can accommodate trailers/RVs up to 56 feet, but there are no electrical hookups. Hike/bike campsites are also available. Campsites 2 and 3 are first-come, first-serve and the rest are reservable. Hike and bike camping is also available in sites 23a and 23b.
Each campsite also has a parking pad, table, fire ring and pedestal BBQ. Up to 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. The campground has paved roads and vault toilets. There is no potable (drinking) water so remember to bring your own. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. Dogs are allowed at campground, the beach and trails as long as they are on a leash and waste is picked up.
Kirk Creek Campground – Area Recreation
Kirk Creek is a close walk to rocky beach and it’s also close to many trails that lead into the Los Padres National Forest. Sand Dollar Beach is the largest sandy beach in Big Sur and it is about 5 miles down the highway. It’s a popular beach for surf fishing, swimming, beach combing and sunbathing. There’s also plenty of wildlife in the area including fox, bobcat, deer, raccoon and an occasional bear or mountain lion.
The Nacimiento Road, which offers a scenic drive on a paved road to an ocean overlook and picnic area, can be accessed across the road from the campground. The road climbs to the peak, 2,500 feet above sea level. Sand Dollar Beach is located 5 miles South of Kirk Creek. Sand Dollar Beach is the largest Sandy Beach in the Big Sur Area.
Limekiln State Park is just 3.3 miles to the north and Plaskett Creek campground is 6 miles to the south. Both are just off Highway 1. Ponderosa Campground is also nice (about 14 miles inland).
Make a Reservation for Kirk Creek
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service Poor
- Dumpsters
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
- Trash Collection
- Wood
Activities
- Backpacking
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Surf Fish
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Wildlife Viewing
Big Sur, California 93920
805 434-1996
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- Camper Van
- Hike/Bike
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
33
Campsite Vehicle Size:
From 28 to 56 feet.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
100
Kirk Creek Comments & Reviews
Visited Kirk Creek Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Kirk Creek?
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This is one of my most favorite campgrounds ever – right on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur. Amazing views in an uncrowded part of the amazing Big Sur coast.
I recently booked site 16 and it states that it can accommodate a trailer of 32’. But looking at the photos, it seems like it’s the combined length since it doesn’t seem like a tow vehicle can be parked beside it. My overall length would be about 50’. Would I be able to fit some how?
No. And 16 slopes horribly.
Hi, I noticed Site 23, the hiker/biker area has sub sites A-E. Does this mean Hikers/bikers will be turned away when the 5 sites are taken? I know Limekiln SP does not accommodate H/B’s. Is there another campground nearby that H/B’s should try?
Regards,
Keith
Hi Keith,
The hiker/biker campsites (A, B, C, D and E) are all first-come, first-serve. If they are all filled, then technically you won’t be able to camp there – unless one of the hiker/biker campers lets you stay in there space. Plaskett Creek has hiker/biker (first-come, first-serve) campsites. It’s about 6 miles south of Kirk Creek. And Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (29 miles north of Kirk Creek) has hiker/biker campsites.
Hello,
Is it allowed to use the fire rings at the sites?
Hi Ol,
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit fires including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas and propane are allowed at Kirk Creek campground.
hello! Is there a place on nearby that sells firewood?
thanks!
Yes there is! You can purchase firewood from the camp host at Kirk Creek.
I need to know the campsites closest to toilets. Are there campsites specific to disabled? I have a California State placard. I have not been able to find a campground map of Kirk Creek.
Hi Karen,
We have a Kirk Creek Campground map on the Kirk Creek webpage. It is below the Google Map. You can see which campsites are closest to the restrooms (12, 26, 27 and 28). They do have a few campsites (ADA) for disabled, but we’re not sure which ones.
Hi! We are wanting to reserve a campsite, but they are all booked. We want to try to get the campsites that are first-come, first-served. How early can we arrive to try to get one of those sites?
Hi Makenna,
Campsites 2 and 3 are first-come, first-serve throughout the year and a few others are first-come, first-serve in the off season. Kirk Creek is very popular, especially on weekends. If you’re shooting for a weekend, I recommend trying to get there by Thursday afternoon or by 7am on Friday. A Friday afternoon/evening arrival will be iffy. Best of luck and hope you get a site!
I assume i can sleep in my Sprinter van in site 14 even though it says Tent?
Hi Dan,
Yes – you can sleep in your Sprinter van tag site #14, as long as it fits in the parking spur.
For the BBQ are we allowed to bring charcoal for the BBQ?
How much is a bundle of firewood from the host?
Hi Marty,
You can bring charcoal for the the campsite BBQs. I’m not sure what they charge for the firewood at the campground, but it is generally around $7-$8 per bundle.
Are dogs allowed on trails and beach?
Hi Emily,
Dogs are allowed at Kirk Creek Campground, the beach and trails as long as they are on a leash and waste is picked up.
Good day,
Are shower tents allowed? Thank you
Hi Jay, as far as I know shower-tents are okay to use at Kirk Creek campground. You may want to double check with camp host when you get there.
Hello,
I know that some spaces are first-come first-served. I am planning to arrive very early on a Sunday and staying only one night. Are the chances of getting a spot pretty low? At what time should you recommend I arrive?
Thank you!
Hi Gabby,
Kirk Creek is pretty popular, but you may get luck with a Sunday arrival (for a first-come, first-serve campsite). I recommend getting there no later than 9am to get in line for any site that may become available. The earlier the better.
Hi 👋
What spot would you recommend for 3 tents. 2 adults and 3 teenage kids. Would want with trees to hang hammocks and with great view. Is this campground with access to the beach? Trying to find something really special for husbands birthday, who loves camping 🏕 and never was in campground in big sur.
And thank you so much for your advice about sheep creek campground (in kings canyon)! That was amazing!!!!
Hi was wondering how many people I could realistically fit in site 26. Judging from the photos there isn’t much real estate to set up more than one or two tents. Hoping to bring a group of 8 with two cars. Is that unrealistic?
Hi Will,
Campsite #26 can have up to 2 vehicles and 8 people. The parking spur is listed as 36 feet long. With that said – I’m thinking if you push the table back closer to the bushes you can fit two (4 person) medium sized tents in the flat/dirt area. That doesn’t leave much room for bocce ball though 😉 It’ll be a little tight.
Will campsite 29 fit 2 tents in the space? Does this site have a nice view of the ocean? Will charcoal be allowed this coming August? Helane
Hi Helane,
Campsite #29 does have a nice view of the ocean (but not the beach/surf). It also has an area about 15 feed wide by 25 feet long (down by the BBQ) for tents. The area should fit two small tents and maybe medium sized tents depending on the tent dimensions. There is also some room for tents along the parking area but that does not look very level.
was only able to nab one campsite. Even though it says maximum 8 people and 2 vehicles, if we add a 3rd car and maybe 4 more people for a total of 12 people and 3 cars, would the camp host kick us out? Thanks
Hi Rinn,
I’d say chances are pretty good that the host would not allow the extra vehicle and/or people in your campsite 🙁
Just curious did having the extra people work ouT ?
Hello. I have site 20 booked and I am just wondering how level the ground is. Any information on this would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi David,
Kirk Creek campsite #20 is one of our favorites. It’s level and one of the larger sites in the campground. Have a great time!
Hello- thank you for providing such an awesome website! I have reserved sites 5, 29, and 31. I have 20 people coming in total and trying to figure out where people should set up their tents. How many tents do you think I can fit on each site? Most people have 2-person tents.
Hi Marissa,
Thanks so much for the kind words and glad you like our website. Also way to go on reserving three sites at Kirk Creek! Campsite #5 is one of our favorites in the campground. It has a great view, nice shade and lots of room for several small tents. It is also fairly level. Sites 29 and 31 are not as large and have less room for tents. The tent camping area(s) at both sites (29 and 31) are a bit uneven – more of a slope (but site 31 has a good level area behind the table). Site #29 has a little space for small tents along the parking spur and a small area (more level) near the fire ring. I’d recommend you put most of your tents in campsite #5. Keep in mind though that the maximum number of people allowed per site is 8 and the number of vehicles is 2.
Have a great time and hope you enjoy Kirk Creek!
I have site 13 booked. It looks like a pretty site but also looks like everything will be very close together. Any insight on this campsite?
Hi Alex,
Well done on reserving Kirk Creek campsite #13. It is one of our favorites. You’ll have incredible views and good privacy. Neighboring campsites are not close and you have some shrubs/bushes bordering your site as well. Hope you get sunny weather . . . have a great time!
I have site 7 booked, any overview or insight on this site? It looks somewhat private compared to some of the other sites but it seems middle of the road in that regard.
Site #7 isn’t too bad actually – borderline favorite. It does have some privacy (neighboring sites not to close, nobody behind you), and you have a decent view of the ocean. It’s on the smallish side, but not too bad.
How is campsite #11? I read some people saying it didn’t have that great of a view but it is quite private.
Hi Sandra,
We like Kirk Creek site #11 (one of our favorite/best). It’s private, fairly large, level and it does have a good view (although if sitting in chair on ground some business may get in the way).
We booked site #4 for this Friday and Saturday, since there wasn’t an option to book just Saturday. If we arrive on Saturday, will our spot still be guaranteed even though we’re not camping on Friday?
Hi Rashmi,
That’s a good question and I’m unable to confirm the policy for a next day (late) arrival at Kirk Creek campground. I would try and contact the campground: 805-434-1996 or customerservicepmcparks.com, or you can call Rec.gov to try and confirm: 877-444-6777. Hope it works out!
Thank you for your quick response! I got this automated response via email:
Reservation Check in:
If you are running behind, check in time is at 3pm. we will hold your reservation for 24 hours from the date and time of your confirmed check in time to arrive at camp. If you do not meet the 24 hour rule, arriving after 3 PM the next day, you will unfortunately be forfeiting your reservation and will be a “no show”. You do not need to notify us if you are running late, but will arrive by 3PM the second day of your reservation.
Sweet – thanks for sharing and glad it’ll work out for you!
Hi, I reserved 1 night in October, but would like to chance nab one of the FF serve campsite for the 2nd night. Will I need to pack up my campsite, check out then get in line for any FF sites? Or can I just walk over to the camp host to be put on the FF list for that day? Thank you.
Hi Michelle,
Check in time is 3pm and check out time is 12pm. You’ll need to be out of your reserved site by 12pm. You can move in prior if one of the two first-come first-serve campsites (#2 or #3) is available. I’d check with the camp host when you arrive for your reserved site and ask him/her the process. I’d recommend taking one of the first-come, first-served sites (if available) once you get there; that way you’re assured of two nights. Best of luck!
I plan to visit April 2026. What sites have the best combination of views, privacy, and level ground (we’ll be staying in a tent). Thanks!
Hey Jake,
I’d lean toward these campsites: 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22
What site do you recommend to book with larger flat ground area and a stunning view of the ocean? Im also curious are there shower available near by the campsite?
Hey Man,
There are man nice sites with spectacular views of the ocean at Kirk Creek Campground. Here are a few campsite recommendations that have great views with a “larger/flat” ground area that may work for you: 5, 8, 9, and 22. Also 11 and 231, but the area may not be as big as you want. Also, the campground does not have water/showers – so remember to bring your own (water).
Have fun!
Hello, I reserved #21 and was wondering how many people/tents could comfortably fit on it? Is that site fairly level? Thanks!
Hey Stephan,
Campsite #21 is one of our favorites. It has spectacular views of the ocean and is a relatively flat site too. With that said, the tent pad area may be a little bumpy and it does have a slight slope on the RHS. I’d say the ‘level’ tent pad area is about 15-16 feet wide by 12-13 feet deep. This doesn’t could the sloped area. Not sure how big your tents are, but you can figure out how many can fit in that space. You can also have up to 8 people in that site. The parking spur is 39 feet long (2 vehicles max). Hope this helps!
I have site 13 reserved right now but I am looking for the most privacy I can get. I was also looking at 32 as it’s available for my dates and looks private? which site would you say have the best privacy out of these?
Hey Bobbie,
I’d say its a coin toss. Both sites have good privacy – nice space and vegetation between neighbors. Site #13 is one of our favorites. Have fun!
I booked Site 7 in July for two nights, with a listed max trailer length of 46ft. I know these numbers can sometimes be “optimistic.” Could I fit my 30’ Airstream in the spot and tuck my F250 in either across the front of the spot or next to the front of the trailer?
Hi Matt,
That’s a good question. I think you’re right that a maximum vehicle/driveway length of 46 feet is a bit generous for site #7 but not by much. You do have those big rocks in the rear to contend with but your 30′ Airstream will fit. I also think your F250 will fit as well – angled a bit across the front, especially if you can tuck the Airstream back to the side of the rocks (if needed). I don’t think both will work side-by-side. You should be good to go! Great views of that site – have fun.
I booked Site 30 in July – I have a 30ft Airstream (30’11” from ball to bumper) towed by an F250 Super Duty short bed. Does anyone have experience in that site and think I will have any fit issues?
Hi Matt,
The pad length for campsite #30 is listed as 38 feet. There are two large boulders in the rear of the parking spur so there isn’t any overhang. There does look like there is enough room in the front of the site to unhitch and park your truck at an angle (parallel to camp road).
Are they strict on the 8 person per site ?
Not sure how strict they are on the 8-person per site rule.
How good is site 21? I plan to go there for the new moon for stargazing. my main importance is privacy
Hi Dylan,
Campsite #21 is one of our favorites. It’s large, flat, overlooks ocean (great views), unobstructed night viewing, and it is private (good space between neighbors.