Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground California
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Overview
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is located on the banks of the Big Sur River and has 189 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs (maximum trailer length is 27′ and RV length is 32′). Most campsites are reservable, but some are held for first-come, first-serve campers. Two group campsites, five hike/bike campsites and one cabin are also available. Five of the campsites are accessible (ADA): 45, 101, 122, 125 and 147.
This is a very popular Big Sur campground and State Park – often referred to as a “mini-Yosemite”. The campground has drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, paved roads, camp store, laundromat, dump station and WiFi. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. You can have up to 2 vehicles and 6 people per campsite. Overflow parking is not available.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Group Camping
Two Group Campsites are available from mid-June through mid-October by reservation.These walk-to sites are for larger groups with tents only. Group campsites feature a large camping area, fire ring, potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets, and access to one small amphitheater (seats 50 people). There are no showers. Campers may use the pay showers in the main campground of the park. Minimum number of people is 9, maximum number of people is 35. There is no vehicle access to the group campsites. Campers park on the west side of Highway 1 and walk in to the campground (approximately 1/4 mile) across the Big Sur River on a seasonal wooden footbridge. No trailers or motorhomes can be used at this site. There are no dogs allowed at the campsite.
Check in is at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance kiosk. Both group camps are 1/4 mile north of the entrance of the park, west of Highway 1 and southwest of the Big Sur River. Parking is on the side of Highway 1. Each reservation includes parking passes for 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are charged per night at the park.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Area Recreation
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park features 1,006 acres of redwoods, conifers, oaks, maples, cottonwoods and alders, pretty open meadows, miles of scenic hiking trails and spectacular views of the Big Sur area. Outdoor recreation includes camping, hiking, biking, swimming, photography, picnicking and fishing. Wildlife viewing is also really nice here.
Keep in mind that there is no beach or ocean access from the Park. The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.
The Park is located about 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean which can be reached by car or by hiking a trail along the Big Sur River to the coast. And don’t forget to spend some time cruising Highway 1 and seeing the sites like Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, the Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point and the various little towns, spas and art galleries.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park also has a number of family picnic areas in the park, many next to the Big Sur River. Charcoal grills are available. The day use fee is $10 per car per day.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also another option. It’s located about 26 miles north via Highway 1. And you may also like Arroyo Seco campground to the east.
Make a Reservation for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Camp Store
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service Fair
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Laundromat
- Laundry
- Pets OK
- Rentals
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Showers
- Visitor Center
- Wifi (free)
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Ocean
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tide Pools
- Water Sports
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Big Sur, California 93920
831 667-1112
Lat / Long:
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Availability Alerts
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- Cabin
- Group
- Hike/Bike
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
189
Campsite Vehicle Size:
16 to 32 feet.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
247
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Comments & Reviews
Visited Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park 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 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park?
campsitephotos.com
rvshare.com
What are your favorite campsites?
Hi Jeannie,
Our favorite Pfeiffer Big Sur campsites are: 7, 10, 15, 17, 32, 35, 47, 51, 57, 75, 79, 89, 114, 122, 138, 141, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179
How’s the cell signal in the Pfeiffer Big Sur campgrounds?
Hi Karen,
Cell sign/coverage is spotty at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. You might be able to get a signal, but will need to find a good spot as it’ll be inconsistent or nonexistent in certain areas of the park.
If you drive out of the park and head north about a couple of miles, you will come to a library _- on the right hand side, right next to a small gas station. Really good internet and it is on 24/7 even when the library is closed.
Is max occupancy flexible for each camp spot if there are more kids around 2~3 years old?
Hi Kim,
The camp host/ranger makes the final call, but usually they are flexible if there are not more than a couple of 2-3 year old kids that put you over the limit.
Is there WiFi in the park, or somewhere nearby? Is it good enough to stream a zoom meeting or should I exit the park
Hi Xandria,
Wifi is available at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, but not sure how strong the connection/signal. You’ll probably have to search outside the park for a stronger connection for a Zoom meeting.
I have a reservation this weekend for site 135 however the park’s website and park campground does not show this site as available anymore. I have not been able to reach anyone to confirm my reservation and site.
Hi Linda,
Did you reserve the campsite through ReserveCalifornia.com? I see (as you pointed out), that it is not listed on ReserveCalifornia.com, but we know it does exist. There are a few others not listed on ReserveCalifornia.com as well, and they are most likely the first-come, first-serve campsites. If you have a reservation through ReserveCalifornia.com – I recommend calling them to confirm your site/reservation at: 1-800-444-7275
Is there day use picnic tables with charcoal grills if I drive there anytime during the week?
Hi Stan,
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a number of family picnic areas in the park, many next to the Big Sur River. Charcoal grills are available. The day use fee is $10 per car per day.
Hi! What do you think about spots 60, 61, 59, and 58?? They look close to the river? Thank you~!!!
Hi Hikari,
Yes, campsites 58-61 are a little closer to the river compared to other campsites in the campground. Our photographer listed #59 and #61 as some of the favorites. Looks like the sites have some pretty good privacy too.
Can you tell me which sites allow pop up campers
Hi Tomi,
Unfortunately we do not have that info. However, you can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button and search through the individual campsite info on ReserveCalifornia. It will give you the sizes of each site.
Do you have recommendations for campsites with less poison oak? I recently stayed in 124 and there was almost none, which we loved. I want to go back, but want to make sure I book a spot where my pup can sniff around the site without too much concern for the oak
Hi Kit,
Sorry – CampsitePhotos.com doesn’t have an employee on site at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park so we don’t know where the poison oak may be springing up this year.
Does anyone know how large the food storage bins are? And where are they located? I don’t see any in the photos.
The official website says “It is important that you use the provided metal storage bins for all food and scented items to avoid accidentally feeding or having any negative interactions with native park wildlife.”. But I can’t find any details. Wondering whether I would be able to fit a large cooler inside one of the bins.
Hi John,
We are not aware of any metal-food storage lockers/bins at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground. Perhaps someone with other info can comment here.
are bicycles allowed to explore the camp grounds?
Yes, you can ride your bike on the campground / park roads.
Are campfires allowed right now?
Yes, you can have campfires now.
Hello I want to reserve something for may 2022 we are 15 people (12 adults and 3 little children) I understand that 6 people maximum per site but we have 3 children 2 are only 2 years and one is 4. I really don’t want to reserve 3 site. can i just book 2 sites?
That would probably be okay, but final call comes from camp host.
so how would i get hold of camp host
Hi John,
You won’t be able to call the host, but can see the host at the campground. Generally there is not a problem if a few of the occupants are two and under. If a neighbor has an issue and complains – the camp host may not permit you having more than 6 people per site.
Does anyone know if there enough room at site 47 for a Subaru Outback and a camping van? Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Rebecca,
A Subaru Outback and camping van will both fit in campsite #47 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
we stayed at site 131 and i’m pretty sure it was the worst site at the park. small site with soft, dusty soil surrounding by poison oak, right next to the entrance road (which is not shown on the park map on reservecalifornia) so constant traffic and headlights, kids couldn’t bike in the road. overall, not impressed with the park. very few dog-friendly trails as well.
Hello! I have two sites reserved for the same week in June: Site 91 and Site 151. I will have an 9, 12, and 14 year old with me and a medium sized dog. Which site would you recommend? I can’t see site 91 well in the photos because of the van, but I love the tree at site 151.
Hi Briana,
I’d lean more toward campsite #151. Both 91 and 151 have a good amount of camping area, but #151 has a bit more and also has that tree! Site 91 is also fairly close to a restroom. Have a great time!
Thank you!
Is spot 60 big enough for a 19ft travel trailer?
Hi Christy,
Yes – a 19′ travel trailer and towing vehicle will work in campsite #60. The parking pad is 16′ wide x 32′ long.
Does anyone know when/if group campsites will be open any time this summer?
thanks!
Hi J. Morgan,
For some reason they are not releasing the group campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park this summer. Not sure why and/or if they will open them up. I’ll do some check and let you know if I find out anything.
Thank you so much for the response! Please contact me if you find out that they may open them up! Have a great day 🙂
Hi! We have campground 113 reserved. This is a riverfront spot but do you know if it has river access? And does it happen to have continuous shade or do we need to bring some sort of covering? Thank you!!
Hi Janice,
Yes, you can stroll right down to the river from campsite #113. There are areas in the campsite that will get some sun (depending on the day), but your picnic table should have shade most of the day. Have a great time – that’s a nice campsite!
You’re awesome, you so much!! We’re heading there at the end of May, and if it’s mainly shaded we won’t bring a canopy to sit under!
Oh, do you also know if we should be prepared for a lot of poison oak on this campsite?
Thanks again!
No problem Janice! You should really like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. But beware the Poison Oak – there is a lot of it in and around the park.
We booked both sites 186 and 174 and will be releasing one today. We have a 16′ pop up trailer. I noticed that 174 had better reviews but the pad seemed smaller and had a moderate incline versus a slight incline with 186. Would you recommend one over the other?
Hi Maria,
You have a few nice campsites. Both are next to the river and have nice shade. It’s a tough call but I think I’d lean toward #186.
Is site 130 riverfront and do you have the pad measurments.
Hi Benjamin,
Campsite #130 is riverfront, but you may have some brush in between the site and the river.
Hi,
Can you tell me about site 183. We have a reservation coming up there soon and not sure if we should keep it. We just had a bad spot at another campground and can really affect the trip. Is it a nice spot? Do you know if there is shade? Is it private at all? Can kids ride bikes around the loops easily?
Thank you!
Hi Amy,
Campsite #183 is a nice one. It is large, level and has good shade from trees. It also has a little room between neighbors. Riding bikes around the loops is easy too. Hope it all works out for you this time and your family has fun!
We reserved #113 and #79 with 9 people and 1 dog.
Now, 3 people cannot go, and we would like select only 1 site with 6 people and 1 dog.
Which site ( either #113 and #79 ) will be large enough to have 2 tents ( 6 people and 1 doge ) and which will be better site?
Thank you!!!
Hi Hyunseok,
Both campsites (#113 or #79) are large enough for tent tents / 6 people and 1 dog. I’d lean toward #113 though.
Thank you very much~!!!
Hi! Wondering your pick between #13 and #165. Thank you!! Kim
Hi Kimberley,
Site #13 is a little flatter and has more room for tents, etc. Both have decent privacy but I think the neighbors for #165 are a little closer.
What campsite would you stay at in a 24 ft trailer?
Does South Camp #44 have enough space for two tents? The site seems sitting in the corner of an angle formed by two roads. The picture doesn’t look spacious. Thanks!
Hi Ping,
Yes, you have room to left and/or right to fit two (medium sized) tents at campsite #44. FHI – the parking spur is 32 feet long and you can have up to 2 vehicles and 6 people in that site.
Will the group sites open up for summer 2023? Are there any photos of the group sites? Where are the group sites located exactly? I could not find them in any map. Thank you.
Hi Jason,
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has 2 Group Campsites are available from mid-June through mid-October by reservation. Unfortunately it is closed “until further notice”. We checked and the park isn’t sure if they will be open in 2023. We don’t have any photos, but hope to get some later this year.
These walk-to sites are for larger groups with tents only. Group campsites feature a large camping area, fire ring, potable water, picnic tables, flush toilets, and access to one small amphitheater (seats 50 people). There are no showers. Campers may use the pay showers in the main campground of the park. Minimum number of people is 9, maximum number of people is 35. There is no vehicle access to the group campsites. Campers park on the west side of Highway 1 and walk in to the campground (approximately 1/4 mile) across the Big Sur River on a seasonal wooden footbridge. No trailers or motorhomes can be used at this site. There are no dogs allowed at the campsite.
Check in is at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance kiosk. Both group camps are 1/4 mile north of the entrance of the park, west of Highway 1 and southwest of the Big Sur River. Parking is on the side of Highway 1. Each reservation includes parking passes for 10 vehicles. Additional vehicles are charged per night at the park.
Hi there,
I’m coming to Pfieffer (site 155) wit my 4 and 6 yr olds. Is biking around very early and worth packing their bikes or a scooter be just as good? Also we are just there 2 nights, should I pack all the swim gear? It’s our first time here!
Hi Andrea,
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a nice campground and the camp roads are good/fun for biking/scooter riding.
Keep in mind that there is no beach or ocean access from the Park. The turn-off for popular Pfeiffer Beach is located on Highway 1, approximately one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s entrance. Heading south from the State Park entrance, it is the second right turn. Pfeiffer Beach is not a California State Park and charges a separate entrance fee.
The Park is located about 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean which can be reached by car or by hiking a trail along the Big Sur River to the coast.
Hi! We reserved space 108. Do you think two 20ft Sprinter Vans would fit? Thank you!
Hi MJ,
The pad length for site #108 is listed at 18 feet, but I believe that is the left parking area (where white truck is). With that said, I’m pretty sure your 20 foot Sprinter Van will fit in the right-side parking area (it is a little longer), but maybe even where the white truck is parked.
Hi there! I through a miracle got a site last min end of September – sites 64 for two nights and a premium site 112 for one night. First, what are your thoughts on both? I know both are by river – I’m hoping the noise level isn’t too great? And is 112 near a lot of foot traffic since gorge entrance is near?
Question #2 For future reference, what sites do you recommend to between the biggest redwoods? They seem quite secluded and lovely.
Way to go Grace!
Glad you were able to get a couple of campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. As for your two sites – #112 is closer (next to) the river, whereas #64 is across the camp road. Campsite #64 has a campsite behind it and to left/right but there is a little space and trees that offer privacy. #112 has the trail next to it, but there is some decent space between the site and trail. Still, you’ll have some hikers strolling by your campsite to get to the trailhead and/or down to the river. With that said – I’m not really sure which site would be more private/less noise. Probably #64, but #112 is pretty sweet next to the river.
It’s been a little while since we’ve had a photographer in the area so I can’t answer your question about which sites have the biggest redwoods. We may reshoot the campground this fall and take some notes on that. Have a great time!
Thank you so much! Such helpful advice 🙂
We are camping at site 110 next weekend, and wondering if it’s big enough for a large 16×16 ft tent and two SUVS? Anything else you could tell us about the site that can be helpful to know in advance?
Hi Enver,
You’re allowed up to 2 vehicles and 6 people. The parking spur is 18 feet long and probably have about 12 feet of width to work with. There’s a little overhang out the back of the parking spur. There’s also a pretty good size area for the tent and your 16×16 should fit, but may be a little uneven around the edges. Hope this yelps!
Hi. Trying to decide between Campsite #8 or Campsite #129?
#8 says its fully shaded and looks like its up against the hill.
#129 says its by the river but partially shaded.
We like shade and privacy, but also might like the river but from the pictures it looks like its blocked by the shrubs. But which one of those site do you think is overall better??? 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Robert,
You’ll have a bit more privacy with campsite #8 as the camping area is a little larger and there’s more room between neighbors. Site #8 also doesn’t have anyone (site) behind it – just the hill (as you pointed out). Campsite #129 is along the Big Sur River but has some brush growing along the banks. That brush may be different from our photo (taken a few years ago). You’d be able to see and hear the water from site #129. Campsite #129 is closer to neighboring campsites. Both have good shade. It’s a toss up on what to pick – depending whether you want a little more privacy or being next to the river. Hope this helps some!
Hello! We just booked site 47 and wanted to take two cars and share it. Does that site have lots of shade or privacy? Is it fairly large? I also saw poison oak was around. Is this site pretty clear of that? We’d love to get your general thoughts about this site. Thanks so much!
Hi Charisse,
You can have up to two vehicles and 6 people in campsite #47. The parking pad is 32 feet long. You’ll also have some decent shade at the campsite. It is one of our favorites in the campground – large, level/flat and some decent room/privacy between neighbors. We don’t have anyone at the site so I can’t comment on the amount of poison oak there.
Hello! I’m looking to book 2 campsites for a group of 8 adults celebrating a 30th birthday in August. We’d like sites that are private, have shade, and are ideally on the river, but that’s less important than privacy and shade. Also the sites should be next to each other. Do you have any site recommendations?
Hi Ashley,
I’d lean toward campsites 174, 175, 177 and 179. They are all next to the river and have nice shade/privacy. Site pairings 174/175, 175/177, and 177/179 are also next to each other. Have a great time!
Wondering how closely the camp hosts check the number of people in each site. I want to book for two families – 8 total. Do the hosts come round and check or are we likely to slide under the radar?
Hi Antonia,
Generally the camp hosts do a good job at monitoring the campground including if more than 6 people are in a site. With that said, the hosts usually give a pass if the extra people are smaller children.
Staying on site 156 with 4 adults and 2 children and 2 dogs we have 2 cars and a 5×8 uhaul trailer. Will there be enough space for a 10×20 tent and also another tent and the trailer and cars? Should we bring the Ez up or is it pretty shaded?
Hi Summer,
Campsite #156 does have room for a 10×20 foot tent and a smaller tent. You’ll also have some decent shade from the trees. Not sure if there will be room your two tents and an EZup but you could bring it along just in case. The parking spur is a good size but you’re only allowed 2 vehicles at the site. Overflow parking for camping is not available.
Hi, we are looking for an ADA site that will accommodate a 170 Sprinter (almost 23′). #122 pad length is 18′, but do you know if that is also the max length vehicle that is allowed? Can one vehicle park semi diagonally? Thanks!
Hi DC,
There are 5 accessible (ADA) campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: #45 (30 foot pad), #101 (22 foot pad), #122 (18 foot pad), #125 (16 foot pad) and #147 (16 foot pad). You can park diagonally in site #122 to try and fit your 23′ Sprinter. Looks like there will be enough room (diagonally).
Thank you! I had tried to call but no answer at the number on the state site. Will try that!
Hello, how is campsite #85? We have 6 adults & 3* 8×7 tents. Should that fit comfortably? Also what are your general thoughts on this sit? Thanks!
Hi Mikalah,
Campsite #85 is nice – fairly large and flat. It can accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 6 people. You’ll have room for three 8×7 tents. You should also have some nice shade from the trees. Privacy will be okay as you have some nice space between neighbors. Have a great time!
Which would you recommend #35 or #85? For rent camping. Again, 6 adults with 3 tents. Is #35 more for RV? & how close are each site to swimming holes? Thank you!
Hi Campsitephotos! Thank you for all the great information you provide. My family has an extra car (we booked 3 sites but we have vehicles as 2 are converted vans that only legally drive 2 people each). Is there over flow parking right out side of the park (along highway 1). I understand there is no overflow parking within the campground. Thank you!!
You’re welcome Niki and thanks for your support!
I’ve heard that people do park along Highway 1 (next to a trailhead) and have leaved their cars overnight while backpacking, but not sure what trailhead.
When calling the park all you get is a message telling you the mailbox is full. I had to call the Big Sur Station to get information. The web site for reservations tells you to call the park if you’re going to be late checking in otherwise you may loose your site. Is there a real phone number that works? The (831) 667-112 number is the one with the problem. Please advise – Thank you
Hi Frank,
The phone # we have for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is the same (831) 667-1112. As you pointed out it has a recording saying the mail box is full. Unfortunately we don’t know of another number to try and call.
Hi i’ll be heading up there next week for 4 days and am wondering where to park a third car since there is no overflow parking
Hello! I am debating between sites 175 and 179. We have 3 kids and dog. Probably just one 6 person tent and our RPOD. We want to be close to the river which looks like both are, but do you prefer one over the other? Thank you!
Hi Lauren,
Both sites 175 and 179 are nice ones (among our favorites), and both are next to the river. Your 6-person tent, vehicle and crew will fit nicely in either but I’d probably lean more towards #179 (a little more room and space/privacy between neighbors). Have a great time!
Hi! Do you know if site 171 is a good one? It’s hard to tell by the photos. Thank you!
It is pretty good. It’s next to the river and has nice shade and flat areas for tent camping. It is a little close to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the river so you may have some hikers cruising by during the day.
I’m trying to find some campsite pairings for a large group of 16 (8 adults/8 young kids) with 8 tents. Any recommendations?
Hi Ben,
Sorry for the delayed response. I’d look at 150/151, 141-144, 114/116, 113/114 and 53/55 as options. Some of these are quite large and a few are our favorite/best sites.
Thank you! What do you think of 61/60/59/58 – It looks like you would have your own cul-de-sac.
I thought those might be good as well. As you mentioned – you’d be in your own cul-de-sac. A few notes/comments:
Site 58 – a little on the small side and a bit brushy
Site 59 – also on the small side, but it’s a river site
Site 60 – decent size, river site, camping area has about a 60′ walk from parking area
Site 61 – nice size for camping area
Have fun with your group!
We’re camping with friends who have #7 reserved. We’ll have a pop up and looking to be close to them but also not too hard to back in to the spot. Looking at #48 to be “back yard” neighbors but the pics make it look like a very narrow back in between trees. We could also choose #44, #13, #15 or #51. Thanks for any advice!
Hey Bethany,
Good call on site #48. You may have some issues with the trees. Your popup would work fine in the others you listed. Sites #15 and #51 are among our favorites.
planning a trip for 5 families, ( 16adults, 5 teens and 3 kids ) found 163, 166, 167, 168 and 169 what do you think ? or should we go with 165 instead of 163 ?